Monday, July 26, 2010

Press out of control, oh to have Tim Russert Daniel Schorr when you need them

Dear Obama/Biden Supporters:

I ran into an amazing group of youngsters from District 9 in the Bronx on the train the other day. They were all wearing shirts that said,"If it is to be,it is up to me". Beneath that phrase was Love and Respect, and I thought wow that is what it is all about. If only Fox news could meet these kids. Here was President Obama standing at a podium talking about having gotten financial regulations reform passed with three Republicans coming on board, and Fox said another victory for his Socialist agenda. I was so taken aback that they reported this signing that way, and so wish they would have shown respect for the President and a long fought battle to try to avoid financial melt downs like under the past Bush administration. "There will be no more tax payer bailouts , said President Obama! Consumer protections are in this bill and this should encourage trust and confidence, and most of all 3 Republicans helped stop the filibuster and did the right thing!" St Augustine said, 'we deserve no praise when we do what we should do, and in this case I wasn't asking for praise for Obama, just fair reporting.

My disbelief rose again since right after my being upset over the terrible coverage of the passage of regulatory measures, along comes the Shirley Sherrod fiasco. After seeing the full video where she states that she had learned from working with the farmer(who spoke up for her) that all people must over come their prejudices, I about blew my stack. I mean Fox and Breitbart led us to believe Sherrod had acted with bias by doctoring the video, and she was fired on the basis of a conservative blogger's word!!! I got an e-mail from Amy in Westchester (in our blog) who stated perfectly how I felt. I am going to enclose the entire note because she not only said it so perfectly but also because she took the time to care enough to do something about her concerns!

If you have followed the unfortunate case of Shirley Sherrod, the Agriculture official who lost her job when an intentionally edited clip of her speech to the NAACP was aired as if it was 'racist', then you know that the media is now focused on holding the White House accountable for the sorry consequences of the event, rather than the original perpetrator,Andrew Breitbart and his company. I am appalled about the one sided coverage of the Sherrod matter, where even CNN is focusing exclusively on the White House as if it were a 'cover up' of national security issues. But, none of the reporters have followed the man/company that launched this deception intentionally, a conservative blogger.- Important questions need to be asked, such as: When did Breitbart know the tape was edited? How did he get the tape- did he pay for it? Why did he run it? And, where is his apology??? These are examples of what the press could ask. It is important for the press to uncover how and why this happened in the first place if we are to create a more civil nonpartisans discussion of issues and also make the internet a more responsible vehicle for information.

While this is a minor issue compared to all that is on our national plate, this seems to me to be one that is easy to challenge as a matter of fairness and presents an opportunity for conservatives to be held accountable for once. I have already sent an email to CNN critical of their coverage as described above. I will similarly send one to Fox. I encourage you to consider doing the same- it takes virtually no time and may have an impact in expanding the discussion appropriately. And, of course, feel free to send this request to others who might care. Thanks for your indulgence. ( Are you sorry I have more time on my hands now??)

Bobby Kennedy, on the night of Martin Luther King's assassination said to all those devastated people in the audience, "You can be filled with bitterness or hatred and a desire for revenge. Or, he said, we can make an effort, as Martin Luther King did , to understand and to comprehend, and replace that violence, that stain of bloodshed that has spread across our land, with an effort to understand with compassion and love". He closed that night with, "Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago to tame the savageness of man and to make gentle the life of this world . Let us dedicate ourselves to that and say a prayer for our country and our people." I would add one more thought to his beautiful ending and that is to dedicate ourselves to keeping the press honest. Journalists like Daniel Schorr and Tim Russert would have made mincemeat of this distorted lying " reporting". It is our job to respond to ludicrous comments and lying bloggers who make consistent outrageous statements. Breitbart is not a journalist but a czar of misinformation who has not acknowledged any guilt for distorting the video or offered an apology to Ms Sherrod. Instead, he has blamed the incident on President Obama and his administration for firing her. It would be laughable is it wasn't so frightening because so many people listen to these angry ,misleading voices and act upon them by voting for people who espouse the same lies. "It is a good time to have a President like Obama, who's just steady", says conservative writer David Brooks. I agree with him but we can't rely simply on the White house and the press core to keep us honest, it is up to us and as I said in the beginning of this note: If it is to be it is up to us, so lets keep our spirits up, support our candidates running for office, and not allow the lies to go unanswered!

Love, Sunny
A Mama 4 Obama





NOTES of events in NY this week:


Monday, July 26, 2010, 11:30-1:00 PM
Sheraton NewYork, Riverside Suite 811
7th Avenue, NYC!
$2400 Patron ~ $1000 Sponsor~ $500 Guest
Please RSVP elizabeth@chetedwards.com or call Elizabeth 254-­‐776-­‐6100.

From DNC (only 5 places left) Amazing opportunity!
I am honored to invite you to join us for a small dinner and discussion with our President, Barack Obama, on Wednesday, July 28th at the Four Seasons Restaurant (99 East 52nd Street) in New York. This dinner will be no more than 50 guests and will be for the Democratic National Committee. The evening's menu will be prepared by renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson, who among his many accomplishments prepared the state dinner for India at the White House last year. I hope you can join us in showing your support for the President. To RSVP and for more details please click here - https://my.democrats.org/NYCDinner, OR contact James Pepper at PepperJ@dnc.org, 202.572-5451

The Democratic National Committee invites you to join
President Barack Obama for a small dinner and discussion
Wednesday July 28, 2010 at 5:00PM
The Four Seasons Restaurant
99 East 52nd Street | New York, NY
Please respond to James Pepper at PepperJ@dnc.org or (202)572-5451**
Space is limited – only 5 spaces left!
https://my.democrats.org/NYCDinner


From DNC: Reception with David Plouffe
Reception with David Plouffe
Thursday, July 29th
6:30 – 8:30 pm
At the home of Mark Gallogly
300 Central Park West
New York, NY
$1,000 – guest
RSVP: https://my.democrats.org/page/contribute/July29NYC
OR to James Pepper; PepperJ@dnc.org, (202) 572-5451

This will be an intimate reception and discussion with David Plouffe, President Obama’s campaign manager and author or Audacity to Win. As a member of Obama for America’s inner circle, his insight and expertise is unmatched. David will update us on the current legislative initiatives of the Administration, give a snap shot of the political landscape in the run up to the midterm elections, and take your questions
From Joe in Ohio:
I agree…….I just wish Obama could light a fire under the Senate with the unemployment extension. The good thing for the DEMS about the unemployment extension is that it is making the GOP look like CRUEL, EVIL, HEARTLESS souls……..which is TRUE and a good thing.

I am so happy for all the unemployed people that I have met……the extension is well needed, for the basic’s of survival…….if congress only knew how much this means to the unemployed. I hope all will find employment so they do not need these benefits, but until then this is AWESOME !!! All of America should be HOPEFUL and HAPPY, we have a President who is gifted, skilled and creative. Someone who cares for our nation and the world. Whenever I feel down (recently many times being unemployed) I just think “what would our life be if McCain and Palin were in control” really……just take a minute and think. IT IS sooooooooooo SCARY……talk about a horror film. LOL J I am HAPPY AS HELL……you can’t correct 8 years of BAD, with 1.5 years of GOOD and everything be ok at once. IT WILL TAKE TIME. OUR TASK………is to stay positive, ignore all the bad and SPREAD THE POSITIVE OF OUR PRESIDENT OBAMA, we must start this NOW, preparing for 2012. If we can do this and stay the course…….THEY CAN”T TOUCH US !!! OBAMA 2012…….!!!!!!!!!

From Susan in Harrison:

Last night was so terrific, I just LOVE Stef (from Senator Gillibrand's office). I'm excited that so many people showed up and that she did such a great job with her facts and information. She and Geri are a great team. I also want to thank you so much for the publicity for Westchester for Change in your blog and for all of our events. Please let people know about this:

Westchester for Change announces a screening of the HBO documentary, “GasLand” directed by Josh Fox on Wednesday, August 4th from 6:15 – 8:45 at the Harrison Library, 2 Bruce Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528. The film is a compelling look at the issue of hydrofracking and the detrimental effects it has had on communities across the country: http://gaslandthemovie.com/whats-fracking.

This issue is of particular interest to Westchester residents due to serious concerns about the potential initiation of hydrofracking by gas companies in upstate New York. Assemblyman Bob Castelli, through whose offices a pre-release copy of the film was obtained, will introduce the film. An environmental expert will clarify technical issues raised by the film and will field questions from the floor. To attend, please RSVP to Westchester4Change@gmail.com or call Susan Van Dolsen at 914-921-3526.


“Who could have anticipated that one of the most effective and expressive environmental films of recent years would be the work of a Gotham theater director who’s never before made a doc? Nobody, perhaps least writer-director Josh Fox, whose “Gasland” may become to the dangers of natural gas drilling what “Silent Spring” was to DDT. The rare example of cinema art that is also an organizing tool, the pic has a level of research, gutsiness and energy that should generate sensational response everywhere it plays.” by Robert Koehler of “Variety” review from Sundance Festival

www.Meetup.com/Westchester-for-Change www.facebook.com/home.php?#!group.php?gid+132597116767296&ref=tg


From Val in OHIO:
This should be our battle cry!!Give up the funk, Democrats By Eugene Robinson. The Democrats need to get over themselves, and get to work.To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/15/AR2010071504745.html?referrer=emailarticle

Washington Post.Newsweek Interactive or E-mail Customer Care
1515 N. Courthouse Road Arlington, VA 22201

Saw Ben Jealous on Morning Joe trying to defend the NAACP. There's nothing to defend because we all know who most of the Tea Bag nuts are out to get. Jealous did a not so good job on Morning Joe. He's generally much more persuasive.Sarah Palin defends the tea party http://voices.washingtonpost.com/anntelnaes/2010/07/sarah_palin_explains_the_tea_p.html?

From Lee WLF/OFA/DNC:

Deepwater BP Oil Spill

http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/energy-and-environment/deepwater-bp-oil-spill

What YOU Can Do

Request volunteer information and register to volunteer: (866)-448-5816

Submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system or submit alternative response technology, services or products:(281) 366-5511

Report oiled or injured wildlife: 1-866-557-1401

Report oil on land: 1-866-448-5816

State specific volunteer opportunities:

Louisiana

Mississippi

Florida

Alabama

The President Commends Congress for Finalizing Wall Street Reform

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/06/25/president-commends-congress-finalizing-wall-street-reform

Remarks by the President on Wall Street Reform

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-wall-street-reform-1

INSIDE THE DNC

Here Comes the new iPad/iPod App - Check it Out!

http://my.democrats.org/page/content/iphone2010/

Raise Your Vote! – Find the races that matter most to you!

https://www.raiseyourvote.com/content/DC

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Highlight's from Elena Kagan's Confirmation Hearings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsBDGvTF-mc

Rachel Maddow on President Obama’s accomplishments: http://www.youtube.com/ofaclips#p/u/0/7Oxy1Ap07rM

"When you need something done and you ask women to do it it gets done, end of story.

We're going to need you to get out there and get it done."

- - First Lady Michelle Obama at the 16th Annual WLF National Issues Conference

From Betty in Scarsdale:

Good one!!!

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/7/20/885570/-Reforming-The-Way-Washington-Works-Senator%20Kirsten-Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

From Elizabeth in Mamaroneck:

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2010/07/bunker-mentality-at-1600-pennsylvania.html


From Congresswoman Nita in Westchester:

I hope you can join me in supporting my dear friend and colleague Congressman Chet Edwards at a lunch in Manhattan next Monday, July 26th. Chet is a fellow member of the House Appropriations Committee and although he survived Tom DeLay’s mid-decade redistricting scheme in 2004, he has another tough re-election this year and is expected to be one of the top five NRCC targets.

Since becoming Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee in 2007, Chet has authored an historic $16.3 billion increase in funding for veterans health care and benefits, the largest increase in veterans funding in the history of the Veterans Administration. Last year, he wrote the law that provides full college scholarships to every American child who has lost a parent in military service since September 11, 2001.

I would be so appreciative if you could help support Chet’s campaign.

I hope to see you next Monday.

Congressman Chet Edwards
Texas 17th Congressional District
House Committee on Appropriations
Chairman, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee
Vice-Chair, Energy & Water Development Subcommittee
Member, Agriculture and Rural Development Subcommittee
House Committee on the Budget
Monday, July 26,2010, 11:30-1:00 PM
Sheraton NewYork, Riverside Suite
811 7th Avenue, NYC
$2400 Patron ~ $1000 Sponsor~ $500 Guest
Please RSVP elizabeth@chetedwards.comor call Elizabeth 254-­‐776-­‐6100.

From Betty in Scarsdale and Jill in Larchmont:

The associate rabbi at WJC had sent this to me and I think it made a big impression on him. I've also sent it to a few people. Thanks!!


Subject: Obama Answers Your Israel Questions



Dear Betty,

Following the "excellent" meeting at the White House last week between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Barack Obama, the President sat down for an extended interview with Israel's Channel 2 to discuss the U.S.-Israel relationship, Iran and much more. A picture -- in this case a video -- truly is worth a thousand words. Watch it now:



In this interview, the President directly addresses a range of questions that have been asked about his policies by some in the Jewish community; please take a moment right now to watch this interview, and get the answers for yourself... straight from the mouth of the President. Please also take a moment to forward this e-mail to five friends or family members who may have questions about President Obama's strong pro-Israel policies, so they can get the information they need.

Sincerely,


David A. Harris
President and CEO

From Virginia in NYC:
TELL THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION: UNDO THE ABORTION COVERAGE BAN The Obama administration has decided that no woman in the new high-risk insurance pools will be allowed to obtain abortion coverage beyond limited cases (rape, incest, endangering the life of the woman). The high-risk insurance pools are for some of the most medically vulnerable women in the country — those with pre-existing conditions such as breast and ovarian cancer, AIDS, diabetes, and other conditions that may make pregnancy extraordinarily dangerous. These women will be locked out from abortion coverage, even if they pay for it out of their own pockets. We need to make sure the Obama administration knows this is unacceptable. Fill out the form below to do your part — and tell the Obama administration to reverse this decision.

Talking Points

Dear Obama Administration,White House Abortion Coverage Ban

Send this message to:

President Barack Obama Subject:

(Along with countless other women and men, I worked hard to help you pass a health care reform bill that would provide comprehensive coverage for everyone who needs it. Today, I am outraged and extremely disappointed that you have decided to place new burdens on medically vulnerable women seeking abortion coverage, particularly women with pre-existing conditions, who are more likely to be ill and have complicated pregnancies.

By banning abortion coverage from high-risk pools, you are effectively denying some of the most medically vulnerable women in America access to desperately needed coverage. These new restrictions are severely damaging for women.

Please reverse this decision.

Thank you,


From Ross in Senator Gillibrand's office:

Kirsten will be in the Hamptons, Fire Island, and Saratoga this summer. Can you join her for a little sun, a cocktail on the beach, or a day at the racetrack? Here's her schedule with full details below:East Hampton--, August 1st, and August 22ndSaratoga Racetrack--August 13th and 14thFire Island--August 28thWe're excited to announce that House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer will be in the Hamptons for our August 1st event and Senator Charles Schumer will be joining us in Fire Island. I hope you'll be able to fit Kirsten into your summer plans!

Brunch in East Hampton at the home of Ronald Perelman with Special Guest House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer
Sunday, August 1st11:30am - 1:00pm
The Creeks: 291 Montauk Highway
East Hampton, New York
Maximum Contribution: $4,800 | Primary Max: $2,400 | Minimum Contribution: $1,000
To RSVP online: http://www.democratsenators.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=6ek1K6NDUrFinfKZbX39M1aVPWOvQ8ig

Kirsten Gillibrand at the Saratoga Racetrack
Friday, August 13th and Saturday, August 14th
Friday: Welcome dinner at 7:00pm
Saturday: Day at the races beginning at noon in the Whitney Suite (on the course's first turn)
Suggested contribution: $2,500/PAC or $2,000/individual
To RSVP please contact Jennifer Frost at 202.285.0966 or jennifer@kirstengillibrand.com

Reception in East Hampton at the home of Bonnie and Rick Reiss
Sunday, August 22nd
5:00pm - 7:00pm88 Apaquogue Road
East Hampton, New York
Per Individual: $1000 | Per Couple: $1,500
To RSVP online: http://www.democratsenators.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=fwIWSOWmOZsB5Y5MyRBuv1aVPWOvQ8ig

Joint Fundraising Reception on Fire Island with Senator Gillibrand and Senator Schumer
Saturday, August 28
5:00pm - 7:00pm
The home of Ellen Werther & Bruce Ressler, co-hosted by Elissa Wernick and Great Neck Richman
201 Pennant Walk
Saltaire, New York
Guest: $500 | Patron: $1,000 | Host: $2,400 | Chair: $4,800
To RSVP please contact Emily Berman at 212.481.2010 or emily@kirstengillibrand.com

From Jim 21st Century Dems:

When you have Fox News pounding on Democrats every day, the Tea-Party and right-wingers hyperventilating over every word spoken and bill passed, it's no surprise that all their work has finally paid off.

In a poll just released by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner - 55% of likely voters believe that the word "socialist" describes President Obama and his policies as "well" or "very well" - which you and I know is not the case.If they think passing health care, creating jobs, and pushing financial reform is part of a socialist agenda - then they don't understand the meaning of progress in our country!

We can't allow the American people to be misled by far-right extremists - especially as we head into the critical 2010 mid-terms elections.President Obama and progressive Democrats are slowly but surely getting this country back on track. Change doesn't happen overnight - and we can't let a group of extremists stand in the way of real progress.

So please send 21st Century Democrats the most generous gift that you can afford so we can help fund critical races all across the country, and make sure blue seats stay blue and change more red seats to blue! Act today - we can't allow Americans to be deceived any longer. We need to fight back and fight back today! http://www.actblue.com/page/21stdemsprogressivevictoryfund?refcode=soc


From Pam in Larchmont:

Omg I'm watching Glen Beck for the first time....scary. I feel like I'm back in 1960...very interesting biblical crap..with dr.Alveda King . Mmmmm what a world haha!


From Dani in Brooklyn:

Please make sure no one attends to this tea party style legislation... and this from me, a tea drinker (maybe I have to switch to coffee, like in the Revolution).


Thank you for all that you do!


Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 12:16 PM

Subject: Don't let the White House and HHS limit abortion access for women with pre-existing conditions!



About | Donate | Members

Tell the White House and HHS we won't accept their rules sharply limiting abortion coverage for women with pre-existing conditions!

Yesterday, the Obama administration shocked women's health organizations by announcing it had decided to sharply restrict abortion coverage in the new federally-subsidized "high-risk pool" insurance plans that will be offered to people with pre-existing conditions, such as breast cancer and diabetes. The coverage will only be allowed in cases of rape, incest or danger to the woman's life, according to a press statement from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The administration's decision will mean thousands of women with serious medical conditions will lack coverage for abortions they may need because of risks to their health -- or the health of a developing fetus - from medical complications or treatments such as chemotherapy. These women will not even be permitted to use their own premium dollars to buy this coverage through the new federal and state high-risk pool plans.

Contact the White House and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius NOW to say this decision is unacceptable! Tell the administration that women with pre-existing medical conditions need abortion coverage!

To reach the White House:Call: (202) 456-1111Email: public@who.eop.gov

To reach the Department of Health and Human Services:Call: (877) 696-6775Email: http://www.hhs.gov/feedback.html

But don't the restrictions on use of federal dollars for abortion coverage apply here? No. Even though federal dollars are being used to subsidize these new high-risk pool insurance plans, there is no requirement that abortion coverage be restricted. That is because the Hyde Amendment restrictions on use of Labor-HHS appropriations for abortion coverage do not apply to this new appropriation. Moreover, the Nelson amendment abortion restrictions that were included in the health reform law do not apply to the high-risk pool plan section of the law.

What this means is that the administration has voluntarily adopted these new abortion restrictions, going beyond what the health reform law required.

The White House has imposed what amounts to the egregious Stupak abortion ban on the high-risk pool insurance plans. Like the Stupak ban, the new administration decision will bar women with pre-existing conditions from using their own funds to buy abortion coverage through the high-risk pools.

Tell the White House we defeated Stupak in Congress and won't accept it from HHS! The abortion restrictions in the high-risk pools must be lifted!

To reach the White House:Call: (202) 456-1111Email: public@who.eop.gov

To reach the Department of Health and Human Services:Call: (877) 696-6775Email: http://www.hhs.gov/feedback.html


From Elizabeth in Mamaroneck:

BREAKING NEWS: Huffington Post reports that on the very day the Senate passed Wall Street reform and created a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Treasury Sec. Tim Geithner is urging President Obama NOT to appoint the most credible person as its leader: Elizabeth Warren.

Sign our emergency petition to the President today -- telling him to appoint Elizabeth Warren. Then, pass this email to your friends.

Elizabeth Warren is feared by Wall Street.

As chair of the bailout oversight panel, she held Wall Street executives' feet to the fire and was not afraid to speak out.

As a Harvard professor, her credentials are impeccable. And she was the one who came up with the idea for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau -- perhaps the best piece of this bill -- in the first place.

In short, Warren is perfect for the position and most financial insiders have just assumed she would get it. That's why it's so outrageous that Geithner -- a longtime Wall Street insider -- would attempt to sabotage her appointment.

Sign our petition to President Obama in support of Elizabeth Warren today. Click here -- then tell your friends.If we can get thousands of petition signatures today, the media will take notice and we can publicly shame Geithner. This is a moment that requires good people to fight back.

From Congresswoman Nita:

This week I wrote to the President urging him to nominate Dr. Elizabeth Warren as Director of the newly established Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB will be the first agency devoted to protecting consumers from abuse of financial products, such as mortgages, credit cards, private student loans and pay-day lenders.

After a decade of a hands-off regulatory approach that facilitated the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, Americans deserve a CFPB director who understands the burdens and risks of these financial services and will be a strong advocate for consumers.

As Chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel and the architect of the CFPB, Dr. Warren has been a leading advocate for understanding the financial crisis and its impact on middle-class families while providing solutions to put an end to predatory financial practices. I will continue fighting for tough consumer protections against predatory financial practices and urging the President to nominate Dr. Warren to lead the CFPB.


From Fran in Larchmont:

I can't believe it. The Obama administration just announced anew ban on abortion coverage. What is he thinking. He promised us he was pro-choice. How can he do this to desperate women?!!!Thousands of women with pre-existing conditions -- some with conditions that make pregnancy very dangerous -- will be blocked from abortion coverage. This isn't the health care reform we fought for, and we need the Obama administration to reverse this decision.Click here to take action with Planned Parenthood: http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/hcrnwwff?rk=k7aLTfYqgmt_W

From Joe in Ohio:

WE MUST ALL FIGHT…….No the Dems are not perfect, and as you know I have said this before and I myself am FAR from perfect. BUT just think what the other side is like……..if we think things get rough now, take a minute and think about what our world would be with the GOP in total control.

WE MUST FIGHT to get the DEMS out to vote in 2010 like they did in 2008……..if we don’t the GOP will start to gain control.

The GOP is such a cruel, greedy, mean group ALL OF THEM, and if they don’t present themselves that in public it is only because they are polished enough to know to hide reality for the gain of their agenda.

Please keep cool……..I was outside all day Thursday and Friday ……..I need to clean up my act……I’m sure that was a hint of what HELL is like……LOL

From Jeff in Scarsdale:

Dear Obama Lawyers Committee Member,


Please come to an intimate reception and discussion with David Plouffe, President Obama’s campaign manager, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on July 29. As a member of Obama for America’s inner circle, David's insight and expertise are unmatched. David will update us on the current legislative initiatives of the Administration, give us a snap shot of the political landscape in the run up to the midterm elections, and take your questions.


This is a key event for us as New York lawyers to show our support for President Obama and Democrats this year. The funds raised will be used by the Democratic National Committee to help elect Democratic candidates across the country and to get as many Democratic voters as possible to the polls and support election protection activities for this year's midterm elections.

The reception will be at the home of Mark Gallogly, 300 Central Park West. The requested contribution is $1,000 per guest. You can RSVP at https://my.democrats.org/page/contribute/July29NYC or by emailing James Pepper of the DNC at PepperJ@dnc.org or calling him at (202) 572-5451. You can also RSVP by filling out the attached invitation and sending it in as directed on it.

Please come yourself to this important reception and invite your colleagues and friends to come as well. We hope to see you at the July 29 reception.

From Volunteer in Gillibrand's Office:

Hi All! My name is Margie Truwit and I am a Westchester resident and summer organizing fellow with the Gillibrand for Senate Campaign! With campaign season well underway, we've been working hard to get the word out about the Senator and sign up volunteers around the state! If you can't come to our sign up on Saturday ,here is way to get involved: margie@kirstengillibrand.com

From Judy R in Mamaroneck:

Click here: Op-Ed Columnist - Shirley Sherrod, Thrown to the Wolves - NYTimes.com -Bob Herbert!


Click here: Op-Ed Columnist - You’ll Never Believe What This White House Is Missing - NYTimes.com



Click here: Op-Ed Columnist - There’s a Battle Outside and It Is Still Ragin’ - NYTimes.com


From Nita in Westchester:

Reforming Wall Street

The financial services industry plays a critical role in New York's economy, and the financial crisis affected the jobs of many of our neighbors. This week President Obama will sign into law Wall Street reform that will both protect the savings and investments of families and individuals and set rules and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the financial services industry remains a strong and secure employer for our region.

Accountability in Foreign Aid

News reports allege U.S. assistance to Afghanistan has been diverted to enrich corrupt elites, and Afghan government officials have impeded corruption prosecutions. Congresswoman Lowey put a hold on nearly $4 billion requested for Afghanistan assistance and is holding hearings to investigate these allegations. At a time of budget deficits and great domestic needs, we must be sure taxpayer funding is spent appropriately.

From Judy in Mamaroneck:

Click here: The Other Congressional Spending: How the House Spent $1 Billion on Itself



From Joyce J in NYC:

Thank you for your contribution to my campaign to become the next Congressperson, 15th C.D. New York!I am both humbled with gratitude, and exhilarated by the outpouring of generosity, to meet our June 30 fund raising goals.Your contributions allow me to press forth for real change in our district, and throughout the nation. Given these tough and uncertain economic times, I know what a sacrifice it was to give. Fund raising is ongoing, and with less than eight weeks to go before the September 14, 2010 Democratic Primary, a significant part of my job as a candidate will be to raise more. The old addage that money is the Mother's milk of politics remains true. I decided to run for Congressional office after twenty five years of grassroots community leadership and coalition building, because I know the very best ideas do not begin in the halls of Congress. The seeds of change come instead from the people who entrust their resources and votes to the elected representatives. Some officials forget, often when they have been in office too long, that the price of this trust is a true and faithful voice for the people’s concerns. Many have shared experiences with me on the streets of Upper Manhattan since I began my campaign. And while each story is as unique as the individual, the message is the same: It is time for a change in our communities…we can not tolerate the status quo any longer. In answer to this plea, I fully commit my passion and the leadership skills I honed in business, public service and political organizing. I look forward to hearing more of your input on the issues that concern you, wherever you live. After all, we are one nation!. When I take office, we will work together to deliver what I know to be true - that the best for our communities and our nation is yet to come. Please visit my website to keep abreast of the campaign and learn how you can keep our efforts going with your support. Thanks again for your continued support. Contribute Online: http://images.myngp.com/LinkTracker.aspx?crypt=IVi0ax2%2b6UBSinc%2fCPYaKSl%2bNEx37qZhEeUqLYvVoy2UKSif5TDr9YW56DBkR23xN8pMy75pXGEh8m%2b1ShI05GbzljZ8B2GchtWXyJdL7%2bNKB%2fO4Fg%2b%2f6Vx1XaEzG7O%2f

Putting Americans Back to Work

Last week the U.S. Treasury Department released a new report showing that from February to May 2010, American businesses have hired an estimated 4.5 million new workers — each of whom had been unemployed for eight weeks or longer – and are eligible for tax exemptions and credits Congress approved earlier this year to put Americans back to work. Those businesses are now eligible to receive up to $8.5 billion in tax exemptions and credits created by the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act.

Info From DNC:

Voter Support for Democrats Exceeds Support for Party in Power in 1994 and 2006

While history would suggest that the 2010 elections stand to be challenging for Democrats, a variety of recent polls suggest that the barriers to success for Democratic candidates this year may not be as high as some have suggested. While pundits are now commonly comparing this year’s elections to those of 1994 and 2006, years in which the minority party took control of Congress, voters today express greater support for Democratic leaders and more trust in Democratic leadership than for the political party in power in either of those election cycles. In fact, an analysis of the relative strength of the party in power, the temperature readings of the incumbent president and the approval ratings and generic ballot tests for the party out of power for 1994, 2006 and 2010 proves that comparisons between those previous election cycles and today are at best poor.

President Obama is much more popular than President Bush was in 2006 or President Clinton was in 1994.

According to a Washington Post/ABC Poll: President Obama’s approval rating is 50%-47% [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10], while a Bloomberg poll measured President Obama’s approval at 52%-44% [Bloomberg Poll, 7/14/10].

In comparison, a November 2006 Washington Post/ABC poll measured President Bush’s approval at 40%-57% [ABC/WP Poll, 10/13/08] and, according to an October 1994 Gallup poll, President Clinton’s approval rating that fall was 41%-52% [Gallup President Approval Rating Index]. Considering the current state of the economy, a country engaged in two wars, the oil spill in the Gulf and united and politically motivated Republican obstruction in Congress, President Obama’s job approval ratings remain relatively strong and are much stronger than either those of President Clinton or President Bush when their party’s lost control of Congress.

Similarly, more voters trust the President and Congressional Democrats to lead the country than trust Republicans to do so.

According to a recent Washington Post/ABC poll, 43% of voters have confidence in the President and 32% have confidence in Congressional Democrats to make the right decisions for the country’s future. In comparison, only 26% have confidence in Republicans in Congress to make the right decisions for the country’s future. [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10] While much has been made of the result on this question for the President, politics is a comparative exercise and President Obama and Congressional Democrats remain in a stronger position with the public and are held in higher esteem than are Republicans.

In fact, on what may be the most important issue of this election – the economy – Democrats lead Republicans in voter trust, and do so by a similar margin to Democrats in 2006 and a larger margin than Republicans in 1994.

According to a Washington Post/ABC poll, registered voters trust Democrats over Republicans 42% to 34% to do a better job handling the economy, an 8 point margin [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10].

In October 2006, when the Washington Post/ABC asked the same question, registered voters picked Democrats over Republicans by 50%-41% [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10], a nine point margin. And when they asked the same question in 1994, registered voters picked Republicans over Democrats 43%-38% [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10], a five point margin. So, in the two most recent elections where control of Congress flipped from one party to the other the party out of power held the advantage on the economy while the party in power holds that advantage today.

And voters don’t just trust Democrats on the economy; they support Democrats’ legislative efforts to improve the American economy and to move our country forward in other ways. And voters are more likely to support candidates who back the Democratic agenda.

A recent Washington Post/ABC poll found that 39% of voters are more likely to support a candidate who supports the Recovery Act, compared to 37% who are more likely to support a candidate who opposes the Recovery Act [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10]. Similarly, a recent Bloomberg poll found that 58% of voters are more likely to support a Congressional candidate that “supports spending government money to create jobs and stimulate employment,” while just 24% said they would be less likely to support that candidate [Bloomberg Poll, 7/14/10].

According to NBC/WSJ, 51% are more likely to vote for a Democratic candidate who says they will give health care a chance while only 44% say they would be more likely to vote for a Republican candidate who says it should be repealed. (NBC/WSJ, 6/21)

And a recent Bloomberg poll found that 45% of voters say they are more likely to support a Congressional candidate who supports “tougher regulations on Wall Street firms,” while only 15% would be less likely to support such a candidate.

Polls Indicating Republican Electoral Potential Fail to Make the Case for a Major Republican Victory

Despite voter support for Democrats on key issue tests like the economy, some polls do show narrow support for Republicans over Democrats on the generic congressional ballot. However, Republicans hold only a tenuous lead in such polls, with generic support for Republicans this year nowhere near that of Democrats in 2006.

In the latest Washington Post/ABC poll, Republicans led Democrats on a generic congressional ballot by 47%-46%, a one-point margin with little statistical significance [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10]. In contrast, in an October 2006 Washington Post/ABC poll, voters preferred Democrats over Republicans on a generic Congressional ballot by 54%-41% – a much larger 13 point gap [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10]

Similarly, Republican cheerleaders have cited polling showing support for GOP control of Congress as an electoral boon; however, such polling has proven an unreliable indicator of electoral results.

In the current Washington Post/ABC poll, voters by 51%-43% say it’s important for the GOP to control Congress as a check on President Obama’s policies. But although a September 2002 Washington Post/ABC poll found that voters supported Democratic control of Congress “as a check” on Bush’s policies by 56%-34%, more than 20 points, Democrats in that election actually lost seats [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10].

Conclusion

While many Democratic candidates this year may face tough races, polling suggests that this election is shaping up to be different in many respects than either 1994 or 2006, with Democrats in position to win close races across the country and to maintain strong majorities in both the House and Senate. In fact, Democrats today are in a greater position of strength than Democrats in 1994 or Republicans in 2006. Democrats have real accomplishments that benefit middle class families and small businesses to campaign on, an economy that is once again growing and creating jobs and a public that still remembers the disastrous consequences of failed Republican policies that cut taxes for the wealthy, cut rules for big corporations and cut the middle class loose to fend for themselves.

So after 18 months of Democrats governing while Republicans in Congress have stood on the sideline and rooted for failure, Democrats are in a strong position to begin the campaign season and present voters with a clear choice: keep America moving forward or going back to the same polices that created the worst economy since the Great Depression.

It's the long shadow of the failed Bush economic policies that is keeping support for Republicans at a near record lows and why support for Republicans falls short of support for the minority party in either 1994 or 2006.

Thus, Republicans’ continued weaknesses and low approval ratings are helping Democrats turn this election into a choice between the two parties rather than just a referendum on the party in power. Despite the downcast assessments of Democratic political fortunes, we believe that this election stands to be different than so-called “wave” elections of the past and that Democrats have every reason to be hopeful that we can weather a treacherous political climate and maintain strong majorities in the House and Senate.

From Mira in NY:
A Year of positive Thinking:

Thinking about Daniel Schorr

Posted: 23 Jul 2010 02:03 PM PDT

The journalist Daniel Schorr died today at age 93. I wish I could claim him as a landsman — the Yiddish term for someone from your hometown or shtetl — and it is within the realm of possibility that there is some distant genotypic relation since my family name was sometimes spelled the same way back in the same general geographical area (Belarus in his case, Galicia/now the Ukraine, in mine). But I note his death on A Year of Positive Thinking because my work as a painter and a writer is not only marked by various art influences but also by the models for political courage that I witnessed and heard about over the years (I do not place myself in the league of such figures but that such models existed helped form my political focus just as such figures today help me get through moments of political despair).

The presence of principled journalists is a necessity for the survival of a democracy. The transmission of political memory through the living presence of such individuals as they remain percipient in our time is a great resource and thus it is sad to lose this particular individual’s political memory and conscience. That all sounds pompous, so let’s just say how interesting it could be to watch TV network news when a certain weight and trustworthiness attached to TV anchors and reporters in a smaller, more centralized but less polarized media environment (the past). It was fun to watch as some mainstream reporters got a kick out of engaging with political outrage: I think of seeing Dan Rather being assaulted on the floor of the Democratic Convention in Chicago in 1968 by Mayor Richard Daley’s thugs during CBS News’s live, gavel to gavel, coverage. Despite what was taking place it was a treat, even a moment of a kind of sheer political joy, let me tell you!

So I enjoyed Schorr’s pride at being on Nixon’s enemies list (here’s a link to Nixon and Colson talking about “putting the screws” to CBS and asking for the network to put pro-Nixon commentators on in order to have a more “balanced” point of view, in December, 1972) and admired his courage at risking various jobs on principle as well as his good-natured sense of humor about political ignominy and folly. There was a certain buoyancy to his view of the world that was great to hear. Today we do have people with a passion for justice who take great risks to expose uncomfortable truths that threaten power, and likely such people have always been rare. However, thinking of a recent example of the leaking of key information relevant to recent American history — Julian Assange of Wikileaks– it would seem this is a function of our society that has been globalized but, speaking as a citizen of the United States, one could also say that it appears to have been outsourced.

When I heard today that Schorr had died, the first thing I thought of was a fairly recent broadcast on NPR where he recalled the Great Depression as he has experienced it as a young man. The end of that broadcast, in July 6, 2008, when Schorr was 91 years old, was deeply touching. Asked if he remembered any songs from the period, he sang, a capella, the first few verses of “Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime.” I hope you will listen.

From Val in Ohio:

At Netroots Nation, voices from the top By Philip RuckerLAS VEGAS -- President Obama and other Democratic leaders appealed to a gathering of prominent liberal activists Saturday, seeking to win back a disenchanted constituency that appears uninterested in helping the party avoid large losses in November's midterm elections.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/24/AR2010072402498.html?referrer=emailarticlehttp://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/emailafriend?ontentId=AR2010072402498&sent=no&referrer=emailarticlehttp://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?node=admin/email&referrer=emailarticle

From J-Street:

The hard right is running an attack ad in Pennsylvania against Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA) for his pro-Israel, pro-peace views on Israel.

The ad is meant to scare Members of Congress into holding hard right views on Israel -- no matter what the cost to the two-state solution, Israel's future as a Jewish, democratic homeland, and American interests in the region. We can't let this scurrilous ad go unanswered.

That's why, this week, J Street launched a new television ad airing in major media markets in Pennsylvania. The New York Times called the ad J Street's "counter-punch" defending the Congressman's record on Israel. After you've watched the ad, please forward this message to your friends and family so they can get the truth, too.The ad got picked up by a number of publications in addition to The New York Times. I've pasted a list of articles below.We also developed an extensive fact sheet that clarifies the truth about Congressman Sestak's sensibly pro-Israel record.

This is one of the battles that we started J Street to fight -- and to win.

We'll certainly be in touch,

Isaac LuriaV.P., Communications and New MediaJ StreetJuly 22, 2010

P.S. Here's a list of the publications where the ad appeared:

"A Punch and Counterpunch in Pennsylvania Senate Race," by Katherine Seeyle. The New York Times, July 20, 2010.

"J Street defends Sestak," by Ben Smith. Politico, July 20, 2010. "Israel Groups Fight It Out in Pennsylvania," by Chris Good. The Atlantic, July 20, 2010. "Pa. Senate race turning into Israel proxy fight," by Ron Kampeas. Jewish Telegraph Agency, July 20, 2010. "Swing State Project: Daily Digest: 7/20 (Afternoon Edition)," by Chrisitunity. Swing State Project, July 20, 2010."Pro-Sestak ad hits back on Israel," by Tim McNaulty. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 20, 2010."Group launches ads defending Sestak's Israel record (VIDEO)," PoliticsPA, July 20, 2010."Pro-Israel group buys airtime to defend Sestak on Israel," by Colby Itkowitz, Allentown Morning Call, July 20, 2010.

"J Street goes to bat for Sestak," PA Politic, July 20, 2010.

P.P.S. Click here to watch the ad on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZV1fu73F2Y-J Street is the political home of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement. From Letty P in NYC:

The question is, has he changed his views in nine years or is this what he truly believes? Letty


Netanyahu's Never-Never Plan?, Nonviolence Not Rewarded, Grocery Growing Boycott

The IMEU is pleased to share the following email, which we sent today to our hand-tailored list of 2,400 journalists with the American media. Warm regards, Andrew


Andrew KadiNew Media SpecialistInstitute for Middle East UnderstandingT: (718) 514-9662 http://www.imeu.net/

Friday, July 23 2010

Leaked Netanyahu Plans to Scuttle Peace Process Manifest in 2010

Israel’s Channel 10 recently aired video of Benjamin Netanyahu explaining in 2001 to West Bank settlers how as prime minister he had exploited “defined military zones” particularly in the Jordan Valley to keep occupied Palestinian territory under Israeli control. He has yet to repudiate the remarks. Apparently unaware that he was being recorded, Netanyahu dismissed the U.S. as “a thing you can move very easily, move it in the right direction.” He boasted that he “stopped” the Oslo peace process and suggested that he would do the same in future if provided again with the opportunity to be prime minister. Once again in that post, Netanyahu seems to be carrying through with promises he made that day. As reported by Ha’aretz’s Amira Hass, the “IDF's Civil Administration destroyed a Palestinian village Monday” (July 19) in the Jordan Valley. Declaring the village of Farasiya – home to 120 Palestinian farmers, workers and their families – a “military zone,” Israeli authorities cut off the village’s water supply and later destroyed all structures. Another village, Bardala, was given a demolition warning the previous day. Meanwhile as U.S. officials push for a resumption of direct peace talks, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas asserts his readiness for peace talks after a settlement freeze and assurances are provided on the borders of a Palestinian state. In the context of the 2001 video exchange with settlers, Palestinian analysts and civil society leaders warn that the destruction of Palestinian villages in the Jordan Valley and the approval of large expansion projects in East Jerusalem and West Bank settlements indicate that Netanyahu’s intentions to derail the peace process are as alive in 2010 as the day he revealed them in 2001.

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