Summer great for getting ready for November and getting Democratic agenda out!

Dear All,



Just a note, before I sound off about politics, that I am trying to move into the new social networking world. My friend Gerald helped me(really did it) to set up a Facebook page and revitalize my past blog spot.

Please join me at both of these sites where you can make statements and they will reach many more people than in the past. In order to get to the blog please go to http://progressivegovernment.blogspot.com/ and read my updates and make comments

You can also find me on Facebook at "The Sunny Side - Political news for the Friends of Progressive Government" at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/The-Sunny-Side-Political-news-for-the-Friends-of-Progressive-Government/141511589209655.

Sunny
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Dear Obama/Biden Supporters:

All we hear is whining and negative talk about the Obama administration and it being a "socialist state" or that "his Afghanistan war" is escalating. This is the same administration that has passed health care, financial regulations, and is proposing a climate control bill as we speak. The "party of no" continues to scream and yet has no suggestions for an alternative plan. Why aren't we shouting that we want to see what they would do other than to fight against eliminating the tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. There is an enormous disconnect between the president's achievements and his popularity numbers. You have to wonder what is holding his numbers down, too liberal or too intellectual or just losing the daily reporting news cycle contest! Paul Krugman said in his column last week, "Objective economic conditions-not clever television ads,debate performances, or the other ephemera of day-to-day campaigning-are the single most important influence on an incumbent president's prospects for re-election".

Issues don't seem to matter because voters are often so ill informed. This is where we come in and our voices must be heard. The GOP had engaged in obstructionism since Obama took office. They are united against him getting anything through Congress. They are united and don't seemt worried about how their non actions will look. They are blocking Democratic efforts to alleviate the economics woes (just barely got unemployment insurance passed with help of three "moderate" Republicans last week). If the GOP can stop the economy from growing they may win a huge victory in November! The one thing this group can do to stop this negative trend is to motivate Democrats to come out and vote! If we don't work the phones and our grassroots connections all the pundits will say, well Obama was too liberal and this is why we lost the midterm elections. I would venture to say that if we lose our majority in the House, it is because we lost the enthusiasm race to the tea party crazies. We have to use this summer to organize, register voters, and bring back that magic of 2008! Tom Toles ,prize winning cartoonist from the Washington Post said last Sunday of the GOP, "We're not going to help the unemployed because you don't reward people for nothing..except in NOVEMBER. The elephant is wearing a button that says vote GOP, Obstruction'10"! I think that about says it all and if we don't get to work we will be rewarding a party that has done nothing but vote against the agenda for the American people from Barack Obama .

It seems to me that the size of the responsibility taken on by Barack Obama as he came into office was unreal, and that he has MLK,FDR and Thurgood Marshall on his back watching him. The difficulties of this country after eight years of W is a heavy load.One can't imagine it going to a more intelligent, caring person than Obama. Once Justice Marshall was asked if he had served the black and brown Americans well with his stint on the court. His answer was, he believed he served all Americans well from his time on the Supreme Court! I believe we will look back on these difficult times and see that Barack Obama also served all Americans well.His agenda is one of bilateral talks within a framework for dealing with a nuclear program including our many allies,exploring the best avenues for economic recovery and to increase jobs, passing health care reform and continually refining it, as well as supporting innovative ways to better our education system, and pushing for a clean energy reform bill. Susan from rye sent a terrific article about nine key issues for midterm elections and getting Dems elected(http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-creamer/nine-keys-to-democratic-s_b_671547.html)!

Please don't waste the rest of the summer and do reach out to those you know will start phone banking and reconnecting with independent voters who may be totally misinformed by the conservative press. This group has relentlessly tried to fool them by separating the GOP from the excesses of Palin-Fox-Beck nuts and the Tea Party candidates like Sharron Angle of Nevada. As Frank Rich said in his op ed piece Sunday,"To hear most non-Fox conservative pundits tell it on Sunday talk shows or op-ed pages,these unruly radicals are just a passing craze. However, take Paul Ryan (who would be elevated to chairman of the powerful budget committee in a "Republican House") His much publicized "Roadmap for America's Future"-not only revives the failed Bush proposal of partially privatizing social Security but tops him by replacing Medicare with a voucher system that, like Ryan's skewed tax cuts, would benefit the super rick while raising taxes and medical costs for everyone else" .So you can see what we are up against, but why doesn't everyone see this? It goes back to what I mentioned in the beginning of this note which is we have got to get the facts out. We have to show people what a GOP win means to the constituents personally.We need to give them specifics about how their life and their benefits will change under the GOP if they don't get out and vote. This is too important to back off now, we wanted change and we got it. We wanted hope and we still need it . Lets go get em team, so not only can we keep our majority but fight on for an agenda that makes sense for all of us!

Love,Sunny

A Mama 4 Obama


From Elizabeth in Mamaroneck:

Terrific job with the blog, Sunny! I'll never know how in the world you manage all this, but Wow!


From Val in OHIO (after I asked about Justin Coussoule's(www.coussouleforcongress.com) chances to take out Boehner:

It's a well known fact that Boehner's district is gerrymandered. The area where his office is located is West Chester, an affluent suburb outside of Cincinnati (very conservative). The district meanders up into part of a northern suburb of Dayton called Huber Heights. That's a middle class to low middle class area with conservative whites and some African-Americans who probably support Obama. I have done some canvassing in that area during the presidential campaign.

Someone from the regional OFA called yesterday to get me to volunteer NOW. I think they know we can't wait until the fall.

#2

Friends and colleagues:


This past month we had the First Anniversary of the formation of Doctors for America (drsforamerica.org). Dayton was one of the many cities nationwide where such celebration of a grassroots organization occurred, an organization of a unique kind of physicians and medical students with a common vision and voice of patient care advocacy, of better health, of health care for all, and of a more intelligent and cost conscious health delivery system. The event was highlighted by the main speaker, Dr. Zee Beams, a pediatrician from Maryland and Director of Advocacy for Doctors for America, and local physicians who reflected on their experiences and actions over the last year in the fight for health care reform. Thanks to New Left Media (newleftmedia.com), here is the link to a video of the event : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2gaMH5D0fM



From Judy in Mamaroneck:

Subj: Check out YouTube - Am Funniest Home Video-Kid and President's Legacy.mpg

You will love this.... (***and I did!!! SYG)



Click here: YouTube - Am Funniest Home Video-Kid and President's Legacy.mpg



From Gwynneth in White Plains:

Thank you, Sunny. So many articles I missed while on vacation. Just so you know it is more critical than ever to keep up our good work. We recently returned from a 2900 mile driving vacation to the South--North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia are chock full of many many talk-radio stations so Conservative and just full of the Tea Party rhetoric. So we cannot underestimate the challenges ahead of us for the Fall.

Thanks for all you do!


From Donna in NYC:

love obama but what a struggle...repubs are such onerous

ox...weighting everything down but truthfully, i am SICK of

politicians...


From Fritzie in NYC:

Yesterday evening, the U.S. House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which sets the initial funding level for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), approved a $2.5 million increase for the NEA in its FY 2011 spending bill. Chairman Jim Moran (D-VA), a longtime champion of arts and culture, presided over his first Interior spending bill as chairman of the subcommittee. It is significant that Chairman Moran has proposed an increase for the agency in light of a spending freeze on federal discretionary funds and a lower budget request by the administration. Please send a message to your members of Congress telling them to support this funding increase that Chairman Moran made in subcommittee!


Currently funded at $167.5 million, this increase would bring the NEA's budget to $170 million. In his statement, Chairman Moran acknowledged that, "the increase recognizes the value we place, as a nation, on our artistic and cultural heritage."

On Arts Advocacy Day 2010, Americans for the Arts presented a panel of witnesses before Chairman Moran's Appropriations Subcommittee calling for a significant increase in funding for the NEA. This diverse group of witnesses included Terri Aldrich, Executive Director, Minot Area Council of the Arts; Brig. Gen. Nolen V. Bivens, U.S. Army (ret.); Jeff Daniels, Golden Globe-nominated film and stage actor; Kyle MacLachlan, Emmy-nominated TV, film, and stage actor; Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter; Charles Segars, CEO, Ovation; and Robert L. Lynch, President and CEO, Americans for the Arts. Video from the hearing and further details, including the witnesses' testimony, are available Thanks to all of our grassroots advocates for your letters and calls to Congress and for attending Arts Advocacy Day this year. We're seeing the results of your participation!


Next Steps:


The FY 2011 Interior Appropriations bill will next go to full committee and then to the full House of Representatives for consideration. Both the House and Senate have been slow to proceed on funding measures this year, and it's possible that many of the final appropriations decisions will take place after the elections and conducted in a "lame duck" session in November and December. Nonetheless, we must continue to put pressure on the Senate to match this funding level. Please take two minutes to visit the Americans for the Arts E-Advocacy Center to send a letter to your members of Congress letting them know that the arts are important to you! Help us continue this important work by becoming an official member of the Arts Action Fund. If you are not already a member play your part by joining the Arts Action Fund today--it's free and simple.

From Ruthie in AZ/CO:

We're in Colorado for the summer - the dogs LOVE the cooler temps. We're really lucky to be here. Lots of liberals here so it's refreshing after Arizona's ridiculousness.


From Judy in Mamaroneck:

LOVE in ISRAEL'S SHOPPING MALL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2qT5OGY0Wo&feature=player_embedded#!


From Val in Ohio:

Just read this in the Post. I knew you would appreciate it.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/25/AR2010072502756.html?referrer=emailarticle


Enough right-wing propaganda »


By E.J. Dionne Jr.

Monday, July 26, 2010


The smearing of Shirley Sherrod ought to be a turning point in American politics. This is not, as the now-trivialized phrase has it, a "teachable moment." It is a time for action...(Read rest on line)


From Jackie at Points of Light:


For more than two decades, Points of Light Institute has equipped nonprofit organizations to celebrate National Volunteer Week, providing visibility, thematic focus and resources to enable them to commemorate this signature week of volunteer recognition.

In recent weeks, we have received significant feedback about the official dates for 2011. As a result, we have changed the dates: National Volunteer Week 2011 will take place April 10 - 16, 2011, in order to avoid conflicts with religious holidays.

Through programs such as the President's Volunteer Service Award, Daily Point of Light Award and the Extra Mile - Points of Light Volunteer Pathway, Points of Light Institute recognizes volunteers and the tremendous impact they are making on our country's most critical challenges year-round.

To learn more about these recognition programs and how to nominate volunteers for awards, click here.

To tell us about the impact volunteers are having in your community or through your organization, click here.

We will continue producing resource guides for recognizing volunteers and equipping organizations with the valuable tools they need to make their work successful. To access resources and more information about National Volunteer Week, click here.

If you have any questions about National Volunteer Week, please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer Geckler at (404) 979-2941 or JGeckler@PointsOfLight.org.


From Joyce Johnson in NYC:

Being elected is not a right. It's an honor and a privilege bestowed by the people.

Over the last few months, the people of the 15th Congressional District stepped forward in support of my candidacy to bring change to Northern Manhattan and Congress. I am proud to announce that we collected and submitted nearly 10,000 nominating petition signatures! We went door to door, greeted people during their morning commutes, and took our cause to the streets in order to launch a tremendous grassroots effort…. and the work paid off. Thanks to my campaign workers and contributors, my place on the ballot is now secure, and I am completely invigorated to forge ahead toward victory. Financial support is crucial for our continued success. To make a contribution today, please visit http://donations.joyceforcongress2010.com/

You are probably going to hear a great deal of negativity in the press over the next few weeks about how this district is currently represented in Washington. But from the bottom of my heart I implore you, please do not get distracted by media stories that take the attention away from the real, urgent concerns of the people of Northern Manhattan. Much like anywhere else in America, people here want resolutions to many pressing, critical issues such as:

— How can better prepare our children for the future?

— How we can ease the economic burdens for struggling, working families?

— What can we do to ensure equality for women in the workplace, especially since the survival of many families and communities depend on the wages that women bring home?

My plea today extends beyond my asking you to support “Joyce Johnson for Congress”. I am asking you to stepping forward and help the people of the 15th congressional district claim a seat that belongs to them---- a seat that should be reserved only for those who want to represent the constituency in spirit and in truth of action.

In this political landscape, financial viability is now the most influential factor in attracting the most voters to a candidate. You can make a significant and immediate impact on this race today by making a financial contribution to my campaign.

We must act swiftly and together to implement real change. We need to keep on pace to raise $20,000 a week. Please support us today.

Go to http://donations.joyceforcongress2010.com and contribute as much as you can, knowing that every single dollar will go toward realizing a worthy, and necessary objective. If you prefer to make an offline contribution, you will find the link below to download a contribution form for you to complete and mail in with your check or credit card information.

With your support, I will move forward ardently towards success in this election, and the results for the people in Congress.

From Gerald in New Rochelle:

Think the group would like this and the more people who know about it ,the better it is!

Man running 100 marathons in 140 days for mentally ill daughter - News - on MSN http://www.facebook.com/afathersjourney
RUN FOR A LIFE:

A FATHER'S JOURNEY

http://www.afathersjourney.org/


From Senator Gillibrand:


When the radical, right-wing fringe launches its attacks against Democrats, there's only one good way to respond - FIGHT BACK.


I've proven that I'll always fight for Democratic values. When health care reform was on the ropes, I was at the forefront of the fight for the public option. When BP tried to duck responsibility for the oil spill, I helped lead the effort to guarantee a thorough investigation to hold them accountable. I'm doing everything I can to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

But taking on the usual right-wing bullies means they will surely come after me. I need help from 500 donors before July 31 to make sure I can fight back. Click here to make a contribution today of just $5 to my campaign. Even a small contribution from you helps show the extreme right wing that we'll never back down.The reason these national Republicans spend all their time attacking us is obvious. They don't have a real plan for getting Americans back to work and moving this country forward.

Their only response to any problem is to figure out what Democrats are for, and then rant and rave about repealing it. That's not leadership. That's just flat-out obstruction.So instead of real ideas for creating jobs or finally doing something about climate change, we get the right-wing media running sideshow stories 24/7. Their only interest is making Democrats look bad and scaring us into backing down from the values we hold dear.They don't scare me, and I'll never give up our core principles. I need your help before the end of the month to show them once and for all: we're sick of their scare tactics, and we're fighting back.

I know politics is a tough business. But the truth is that hearing the radical right say some nasty words about me is nothing compared to the struggles New Yorkers face every day trying to put food on the table and to give their kids a better life.

That's who I'm fighting for. I know I can count on you to stand with me every step of the way.


From Danielle:

FYI – Below is a joint statement by Secretaries Clinton and Geithner on European and Canadian Iran Sanctions. It is also available online here: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2010/07/145147.htm

European and Canadian Iran Sanctions

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of the Treasury Timothy F. Geithner

Washington, DC July 26, 2010


The following is the text of a joint statement by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Secretary of the Treasury Timothy F. Geithner.

The United States welcomes the strong steps taken by our European and Canadian partners to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1929. Consistent with the Security Council’s mandate, these measures impose additional sanctions against Iran’s financial, insurance, transportation, trade and energy sectors, as well as the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, significantly increasing Iran’s isolation. These steps underscore the steadfast European and Canadian leadership to hold Iran accountable for its failure to meet its international obligations and set a high standard for global implementation of sanctions.

The new measures contain important restrictions on Iran's ability to use its transportation infrastructure and energy proceeds to support its nuclear and missile programs. The strong restrictions and prohibitions on Iran’s ability to access the Canadian and European commercial and banking systems will further protect the international financial system from abuse by Iran.

These measures, combined with the new and existing U.S. sanctions, underscore the international community’s deepening concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and refusal to live up to its international responsibilities. We have already begun to see the impact of these sanctions, as companies around the world refuse to do business with Iran rather than risk becoming involved in Iran’s nuclear program and other illicit activities.

Moving forward, the United States will continue to work with the European Union, Canada, and our allies and partners around the world to put additional pressure on Iran and ensure that existing sanctions are vigorously enforced. The message to Iran’s leaders is clear: Meet your responsibilities or face increasing isolation and consequences.

We applaud the EU and Canada for these decisive actions, but regret their necessity. The United States remains committed to a diplomatic solution that resolves the international community’s concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program. We will continue to work with the European Union, Canada, the P5+1 and all of our partners to pursue our dual track approach of engagement and pressure to achieve this objective and await Iran’s official reply to the P5+1’s outstanding offer of talks. We once again urge Iran’s leaders to pursue a path of cooperation and responsibility rather than confrontation and further isolation.



From Tim of NY for Change:

From 2008 to 2010, you took to the streets, called your members of Congress, emailed your friends, rallied in Times Square or Washington DC, and simply would not give up until health care reform was the law of the land. This spring and summer, you took to your phones again and made sure the Wall Street reform bill that became law last week wouldn't get watered down any further by many of the same corporate lobbyists and interest groups that put health care reform in peril for so long.


You've done great work -- but now, one political party is explicitly running on a repeal of both health care reform and Wall Street reform. In short, they're promising to undo everything you've helped to win.


************From Susan in Rye: Wonderful article for discussing Midterm elections and issues!!!!

If you missed this piece, it's a good manual for the midterms. Time for us to go on the offensive!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-creamer/nine-keys-to-democratic-s_b_671547.html


From Joe in Ohio:

I am SICK about how Americans, the American news media, etc are discussing the illegal’s issue. How cruel, aggressive and selfish has our nation become? Have we all been brainwashed in the BUSH AGENDA of aggression?


These are humans which we are talking about, humans who all Americans have benefited from their hard (cheap) labor. It is a disgrace how American is discussing this issue as if these people are an OBJECT.

Arizona is the same S--- HOLE it has always been, run by wealthy rednecks, “STUPID DONE GOOD” These same people will gather in December to celebrate their savior’s birth and yet show NO compassion for these people…..SHAME ON AMERICA


#2
At this point the TV advertisements are all attacking Strickland of the loss of jobs……..they are running them continually. Strickland has pulled the advertisements about the GOP and the employment with Wall Street and the financial gains. The GOP advertisements state that Strickland does not address his accomplishments, because under his leadership Ohio has lost so many jobs. It does concern me……..between you and I …….please do not share……Strickland has also appointed a large amount of African Americans to key positions and the rural crowd is eyeing this issue (white farmers) and then add to the equation that Strickland’s attn. general running mate is a black female…….Ohio is not as diverse as the east coast or west coast The rural is the land of Mom and Pop………this is starting to be a concern of some of the loyal city Dems. There is nothing wrong with these appointments, but Kevin Boyce – state treasure, black male has been criticized because he has hire many of his church friends…….this has been noted in the media and sadly the information is true. Ohio is sensitive to this type of an issue, especially with the high unemployment rate.
#3

America’s news media will in sight fear and railroad our nation’s recovery all for ratings and greed.

America must be reminded that the GOP invested in 2 wars and has spent BILLIONS of dollars on these wars and where is Bin Laden ??? What are the results of all this war spending???

SO after a 1.5 years and the stimulus spending by DEMS………..We as a nation continue to wait 8+ years for our victory in the 2 Wars, but now due to the Media in sighting FEAR and GREED……..some of our nation is ready to head back to those who created this situation to begin with.


From Marceline in NY:

Unfortunately, I was unaware of Obama on The View. Am getting increasingly frustrated at the communications side of things. They should be hammering home every single day the mess he inherited and all the wonderful things he has done. And ignore the noise. Of course, the leaks thing, oil spill, Sherrod, all didn't help.

#2

Obama on Iraq

Posted by Joe Klein Monday, August 2, 2010

Well, at least he didn't announce the end of major combat operations

in Iraq under a banner that said "Mission Accomplished." He did it in

front of the Disabled American Veterans, the most grave and sober

audience imaginable. And appropriately so, after a war that should

never have been fought, a war that by some estimates will cost $3

trillion before it's done (including the health care services rendered

to those represented by the DAV), a war whose casualties number in the

100s of thousands. The war in Iraq hasn't been much in the news over

the past year, but this is an important moment, a moment for

reflection, for humility in the face of a national disaster.

There is no "victory" in Iraq, nor will there be. There is something

resembling stability, but that might not last, either. There is a

semblance of democracy, but that may dissolve over time, or in the

next few months, into a Shi'ite dictatorship--which, if not well-run,

will yield to the near-inevitable military coup. Yes, Saddam is

gone--and that is a good thing. The Kurds have a greater measure of

independence and don't have to live in fear of mass murder, which is a

good thing, too. But Iran has been aggrandized. Its Iraqi allies,

especially Muqtada Sadr's populist movement, remain a force that will

play a major role--arguably one more central than ours--in shaping the

future of the country. This attempt by western neo-colonialists--that

is, the Bush Administration--to construct an amenable Iraq will most

likely end no better than previous western attempts have. Certainly,

even if something resembling democracy prevails, the U.S. invasion and

occupation--the carnage an d tragedy it wrought--will not be

remembered fondly by Iraqis anytime soon. We will own the destruction

in perpetuity; if the Iraqis manage to cobble themselves a decent

society, they will see it, correctly, as an achievement of their own.


There are other consequences of this profound misadventure. The return

of the Taliban in Afghanistan is certainly one; if U.S. attention, and

special forces, hadn't been diverted from that primary conflict, the

story in the Pashtun borderlands might be very different now. The

credibility of the United States--slowly recovering due to the efforts

of Barack Obama--is another, after a war promulgated by a gale of

ignorance at best and chicanery at worst. The sense of the United

States as a nation of tempered, honorable actions may never recover

from the images of the past decade, especially the photographs from

Abu Ghraib prison...(read rest on line http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/08/02/obama-on-iraq/




From Joyce Johnson in Harlem:

JOYCE JOHNSON SPEAKS ON ALLEGATIONS FACING CHARLES RANGEL


Candidate Expresses Concern over “Mudslinging, Without Answers”

Joyce Johnson, Candidate for Congress in New York's 15th Congressional District, made a statement today regarding the ethics charges brought by a Congressional investigative panel, alleging that Representative Charles B. Rangel had violated House rules over the past several years. The investigative panel did not disclose specific details on the nature of the violations.

Speaking to a group of supporters at her campaign headquarters, Ms. Johnson remarked, "These allegations are of a grave and serious nature, and I am sure the panel will work to expose the truth, whatever it may be. But more serious are the urgent and critical issues our community faces every day. Our neighborhoods are being ignored while politicians engage in a circus of punditry and prediction. This is why I am going to continue to focus on mobilizing support to create jobs, clean up our environment, ensure equal pay for women, and fix our ailing economy. There is too much at stake to engage in mudslinging without answers to our most urgent problems. This very unfortunate time has only strengthened my resolve to see that real change comes to Northern Manhattan.”


While Johnson maintained Mr. Rangel is innocent until proven guilty, what disturbs her most about the matter is that “since Thursday, none of the insider chatter has increased the number available jobs for his constituents, eased local parents’ anxiety over the upcoming school year, or dealt with our senior citizens’ fright over the proposed closing of senior centers throughout our community.” She continued, “If found guilty, I will be the first to call for Mr. Rangel’s accountability in his violation of the public trust. Until then, I will concentrate on proving to voters that solving the problems facing our District is what’s important to me as a leader.”


Johnson also expressed concern over a lack of affordable housing in the District, “Housing is a need shared by all of us, by people of different ethnic and economic circumstances, and an affordable place to live is a necessity in maintaining a healthy life.” She continued, “As someone who has vigorously lobbied her city and state elected officials to preserve existing, and create new, affordable housing, it saddens me to hear the charges that Mr. Rangel may have abused the system.


A mother and grandmother, Joyce Johnson has devoted her life to her community. For 17 years, she rose through the ranks of Joseph Seagrams and Sons, Inc., a fortune 500 Company. After pioneering as a woman in production management, she broke through the glass ceiling by becoming National Director of Equal Employment Opportunity. Since leaving the corporate sector, Joyce has diligently served in several public service and community activist roles. Most recently, Joyce became a part of history as Barack Obama's New York State Field Director. She resides on the Upper West Side.


From Barbara in KS:


Can the Republican tide be stopped?--this week in the ObserverWill either strategy work?--please do not circulate until Tuesday--don


Breaking the Wave? By Don Rose


Early warning signals from both parties hint the November mid-term elections might turn into a Republican “wave,” much as in 1994 when they won more than 50 seats, taking over the House of Representatives for the first time in decades. Or like 2006 when Democrats not only won the House but the Senate.

The conundrum is that the Obama Administration has had an amazingly productive 18 months, passing more major legislation than any Democrat since Lyndon Johnson—including a very unpopular stimulus that merely rescued the economy from a sharp plunge into oblivion.

Of course no good deed goes unpunished, so landmark benefits such as the health-care program and the new Wall Street financial reforms—while imperfect in the eyes of progressives—will be further demonized as electoral targets by an energized Republican Party.

Tragically, the rising economy has not yet lifted the most important boat of all—jobs. Employment is a lagging indicator of the nation’s financial health and it lags farther behind the Dow than it should. Everybody knows someone who is unemployed. That’s nerve wracking—overshadowing the beneficial legislation one normally would cheer in a better economic environment.

The Republicans, meanwhile, continue to offer little more than criticism—both valid and hypocritical—with no programs of their own. Nothing new, that is, except the perennial elixir of tax cuts and damnation of the deficits. Some believe that is all they need to ride the wave.

In a wave election, emotions, not programs, ride the crest, sweeping all before it.

But this is still mighty early to forecast a wave, despite all the harbingers. The election is more than three months away and that, in this incessant 24-hour news cycle, is more than one political lifetime.

The White House is strategizing how to reduce the wave to the point where some seats will be lost in both houses, but the Democratic majorities maintained—especially in the House.

The two options at hand—to oversimplify, as I am prone to do—is whether to localize or nationalize the election. (Likely some admixture of both will be done.)

By localizing, one takes the lead from the special election in Pennsylvania to replace the late Rep. Jack Murtha. The unexpected winning Democrat ran more like an alderman than a congressman, pounding away at local unemployment and promising a fix while ignoring or even attacking national Democratic programs.

Expanding this to a full-scale program means minimal use of the president, but powerful thrusts from Bill Clinton and even Joe Biden criss-crossing the country and shoring up each and every one of the 50-plus House seats that appear to be at risk. Obama of course would be utilized strategically in the places he still polls well.

Nationalizing the election, however, would base the strategy on the highly salient fact that while all politicians are unpopular, and no matter how much blame is put on Democrats, the GOP in congress is held in even lower esteem.Out of this would emerge a tidal wave of TV and other media playing up the worst of the worst from Republican candidates—especially the maddest of the mad tea partiers.

How about Sharon Angle, the senate candidate from Nevada becoming the face of the GOP calling for an end to Social Security and Medicare?

How about a barrage of “no” votes for things even most Republicans believe in—such as extension of unemployment benefits?

How about offering to reduce the deficits by ending George W. Bush’s tax cuts for zillionaires?

In fact, why not a complete resuscitation of W—showing how he got us into a war everybody hates and turned a huge surplus into the economic deficit that set the stage for our recent economic catastrophe?

Current Obama speeches use the line that the Republicans drove us into this ditch, so why hand them back the keys just when we’re inching our way out of it?

Democrats ran successfully against Herbert Hoover for nearly two decades. It’s been less than two years since we bid bye-bye to W. It shouldn’t take much to remind people of what he brought in his eight years.

It is likely, too, that health-care will continue to grow in popularity in the next 90 days—and though jobs will not become plentiful, there may develop a sense that the economy has really turned for the better.

That’s the hope of the “nationalization” approach. If it is adopted and works the way its advocates hope, November’s wave could be reduced to a big splash.



From Susan W in NYC:

This is a video by a British stand-up comedian, who is making a very common sense statement about the plan to build a mosque at “Ground Zero” in New York. Where is similar, cogent outrage from anyone in our media or government?


http://www.jihadwatch.org/2010/06/pat-condell-on-ground-zero-mosque-is-it-possible-to-be-astonished-but-not-surprised.html

Condell is a British stand-up comedian, but this video isn't comic, it's pure truth, and utterly brilliant


From Assemblyperson Judy in Westchester:

July 27, 2010


Dear Neighbors,

Even as we move closer to those (hopefully) lazy days of late summer, it has been anything but quiet here on the County Board of Legislators, where I have spent the last six months working toward achieving very clear goals – cutting costs while preserving our quality of life.

Meeting that challenge has not necessarily been easy. In these tough times, my Democratic colleagues and I have been forced to fight to implement the means and measures I believe are necessary to maintain community services while reducing expenditures that have, simply, created too big a burden on local residents. I am happy to report, though, that we have indeed made progress on issues that matter – and that Larchmont, Mamaroneck and Rye residents will soon start seeing the benefits.

One particularly good piece of news is that, after more than a decade, the Westchester Children’s Museum is close to having a home – and it couldn’t be in a better place: the south bathhouse at Playland. After spending $7 million renovating this historic building, my colleagues and I are developing a lease for the museum, a step that is now working its way through the final process. To me, it is very exciting that we are on the brink of having this asset – and in our district to boot!

I also have been very focused on cutting current County spending, and have taken steps to do so. Approving a plan under which County employees will now pay a portion of their health care costs was one particularly large step. Under the plan, approved in May, County workers will now pay between 10 and 20 percent of their health care costs depending on their salary. I also supported a measure aimed at reducing the county workforce through “early separation” incentives, an initiative that will save taxpayers about $7 million.

In doing so, though, I remain committed to maintaining county services and programs aimed at helping hard working residents house and raise their families in these particularly hard times. That is why I am fighting the unauthorized elimination of two child care subsidy programs – a move that would make it virtually unaffordable for countless Westchester County parents to continue to work. I also stand by my support of the landmark anti-housing bias law my colleagues and I approved in June, which makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants who rely on Section 8, Social Security or government subsidies like disability to pay for rent. Unfortunately, the County Executive vetoed this measure in mid-July.

With some of these issues still on the table, I will continue to pursue them and keep you up-to-date in the process. I know fully well, though, that there is still much to be done in the months ahead as issues of import to both you and me continue to unfold.

My door, phone and email are always open to you, and I hope that you will share with me what your concerns and needs are moving ahead. If you are around on Saturday Aug. 7, Assemblyman George Latimer and I will host another “Coffee With George and Judy” from 10:30 a.m.-noon at Ruby’s in Rye and from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Nautilus Diner in Larchmont/Mamaroneck.


From Elizabeth in Mamaroneck:

Apple Ad Spoof Reveals Dirty Secret Shared by Mac and PC

New video reveals the connection between our consumer products and war in Congo

Here’s what Apple’s classic “Get a Mac” ads don’t tell you: both Macs and PCs help fuel war in the Congo – the deadliest war in the world. Actress/director Brooke Smith and cinematographer Steven Lubensky created a new version of the ad for the Enough Project to show how both Macs and PCs help fuel war in the Congo. They teamed up with actors Joshua Malina and John Lehr to create a version that wittily explains how.

Because consumer demand to buy conflict-free products will help create a market for them, the Enough Project invites people to share the one-minute spoof video with friends, in hopes it will go viral. And it’s off to a roaring start.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof premiered the video in his op-ed column for the Sunday, June 27 edition of The New York Times. “Electronics manufacturers have tried to hush all this up. They want you to look at a gadget and think ‘sleek,’ not ‘blood,’” writes Kristof.

On Monday, The Huffington Post spotlighted the video on its homepage, with a link to an op-ed by Brooke Smith and Enough Project Co-founder John Prendergast, “Hello, I’m a Mac, and Here’s How I Help Fuel the World’s Deadliest Conflict.”

High-tech tastemakers Gizmodo, ComputerWorld, GottaBeMobile, and Fast Company have featured the video, too. And in its daily Idea Feed for June 28, Big Think asks, “Are Phones the New Blood Diamonds?”



From Judy R in Mamaroneck:

Click here: Op-Ed Columnist - How to Lose an Election Without Really Trying - NYTimes.com

From NY Senator Kirsten Gillibrand:


Last night, the House of Representatives voted 255 to 159 in favor of legislation to give September 11th survivors and first responders the health care they deserve. However, the bill failed to get the two-thirds majority it needed to pass. It is simply outrageous that anyone - Democrat or Republican - would prevent these American heroes from receiving the health care they deserve.


While we are all too aware of the damage that was done on September 11th, 2001, what is less well known is the long-lasting harm that has been done to the health and well-being of the thousands of first responders who were on the scene that day as well as all the men, women, and children who were exposed to the toxic debris that was spread all throughout Lower Manhattan after the towers fell.

We have an undeniable moral obligation to provide them the help and treatment they deserve.

Working closely with the people that are suffering and the doctors that are providing care, I authored legislation in the Senate to provide permanent health care services to these American heroes.

As we approach 9 years since the attack, nearly 20,000 responders and innocent residents of New York have fallen ill due to the harmful toxins released at Ground Zero - some have even died because of these illnesses. New York firefighters, EMTs, police, construction workers, clean-up workers, and innocent men, women, and children who lived and worked in the area are suffering.

I am hopeful that as members of Congress return home in August they will hear from all of you - hear from your families, friends and neighbors - that this kind of charade is unacceptable. And when Congress returns in the fall, we can pass this legislation and fulfill our moral obligation to the heroes and survivors of September 11th.


From Westchester Congresswoman Nita Lowey:



Care for September 11 Responders


Last week the House of Representatives failed to pass legislation that would provide medical care and monitoring for those who responded to the September 11th attacks at the World Trade Center. This failure is unacceptable, and I will continue working to pass this critical legislation.

Click here to watch my remarks during debate of this bill.

Opportunity for Americans With Disabilities

Last week was the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law that prohibits discrimination of persons with disabilities and ensures equal access to education, employment, buildings, transportation, and other services. For more information and opportunities for persons with disabilities, please click here.


Job Training for Young Veterans

Helping veterans who have left the Armed Forces prepare for successful careers is a critical part of our obligation to those who served our country. The federal Job Corps is conducting an expenses-paid demonstration project to provide career development services to veterans age 20-24. The program includes transportation, housing, meals, academic and career training, job placement, and more.

To sign up for the demonstration project, please call (800) 733-JOBS (5627) or visit http://www.recruiting.jobcorps.gov/



From Lee in OFA/DNC NYC/ DC:

The White House Blog

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/08/02/ensuring-women-get-care-they-need-and-deserve

Ensuring Women Get the Care They Need and Deserve

Posted by Tina Tchen on August 02, 2010 at 1:30 PM EDT

No matter who you are, the Affordable Care Act will help make your health care better. The reforms in the law will help bring costs down and will improve the quality of care for all Americans.

But we know that women in particular suffered under the old health care system and will especially benefit from the important changes in the new law. This was confirmed last week, with the release of a new report from the Commonwealth Fund highlighting how important the new law is for women across the country. The report notes:

Up to 15 million women who now are uninsured could gain subsidized coverage under the law. In addition, 14.5 million insured women will benefit from provisions that improve coverage or reduce premiums. Women who have coverage through the individual insurance market and are charged higher premiums than men, who have been unable to secure cover-age for the cost of pregnancy, or who have a preexisting health condition excluded from their benefits will ultimately find themselves on a level playing field with men, enjoying a full range of comprehensive benefits.

Under the old health care system, a healthy 22-year-old woman could be charged premiums 150 percent higher than a 22-year-old man and many insurance companies treated simply being a woman as a “pre-existing condition.” Many individual market health insurance policies didn’t include maternity care and some states even made it legal for insurers to reject applicants who are survivors of domestic violence.

The new law makes important changes that will help ensure all women get the care they need and deserve. The Affordable Care Act prohibits insurance companies from denying any woman coverage because of a pre-existing condition, excluding coverage of that condition, or charging more because of health status or gender. Being a woman will no longer be a pre-existing condition.

The law will also help ensure women have access to a host of preventive benefits including mammograms and pap smears. If you purchase a new insurance policy after September 23, insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you a deductible, co-payment or co-insurance for these and other preventive services. You can learn more about these new preventive services, and get information about your health care choices at HealthCare.gov.

And beginning in 2014, Americans will have access to a new competitive insurance marketplace. The new marketplace will include health insurance exchanges where millions of Americans and small businesses will be able to purchase affordable coverage, and have the same choices of insurance that Members of Congress will have.

To learn more, read about the benefits of the new law for women.

Tina Tchen is Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and Executive Director of the Council on Women and Girls

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/07/29/insurance-americans-with-pre-existing-conditions
The White House Blog

Insurance for Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions


For too long, too many Americans with pre-existing conditions were left out of the health insurance marketplace. Health insurance companies could charge these Americans more or simply refuse to cover them. But thanks to the Affordable Care Act, the health care system will no longer leave out the people who need care the most.

Starting September 23, the new law makes it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against children under 19 with preexisting conditions. In 2014, discriminating against anyone with a pre-existing condition will be illegal, but we know Americans need relief now. That’s why the new law created the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. This plan offers coverage to uninsured Americans who have been uninsured for at least six months and unable to obtain health coverage because of a pre-existing health condition like cancer, diabetes or lupus.

Coverage will be available at the same rate as it is for an average person who does not have such a condition and the program is entirely funded by the federal government. The program is temporary and will last until 2014 when discriminating against anyone with a pre-existing condition will be illegal. If you’re interested in joining the program, you can click here to learn more about the program in your state.

Today, HHS issued an interim final regulation laying out the rules for the PCIP program. The regulation describes the options for determining who has a pre-existing condition, how to verify citizenship, and how an individual can appeal a PCIP decision. It also details how Federal funding will be allocated, ways to prevent “dumping” of already-insured people into the program, and strategies for preventing fraud.

The regulation also lists the benefits that can and can’t be covered under this temporary federal program. Covered benefits include hospitalization, outpatient care, maternity care, and, hospice, and home health care.

The list of services not covered parallels that of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan (FEHBP), which serves government workers and their families, including Members of Congress. And like this program, PCIP prohibits the use of federal funds for abortion services, except in cases of rape or incest, or where the life of the woman would be endangered. This policy meets the President’s commitment throughout the health reform debate to neither expand nor scale back current restrictions on federal funding for abortion and ensures that no federal funds will be used to cover abortion services other than the exceptions mentioned above

Much has been made of this policy by both sides of the debate. But, in reality, no new ground has been broken. The program’s restriction on abortion coverage is not a precedent for other programs or policies given the unique, temporary nature of the program and the population it serves. It does not restrict private insurance choices and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act will continue to be guided by the law and the President’s Executive Order.


What is new is the benefits from this program detailed in the regulation. Studies have estimated that 200,000 to 400,000 uninsured people with pre-existing conditions could be helped, doubling the number of Americans insured through existing high risk pools. And this new coverage will help all of us by reducing medical debt, improving health and worker productivity and reducing the amount of uncompensated care provided to the uninsured, potentially by billions of dollars.


Every day, the Affordable Care Act is making it easier for Americans to take control of their health care by giving them easier access to better health coverage choices. The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan helps meet that goal.

This post is from the White House blog.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/07/29/insurance-americans-with-pre-existing-conditions




From Jen in Tommy Sowers MO Campaign and tommy's response:

Wow...Jen, what a touching email.

I want you to know it's an honor to work with a talented, dedicated group of people--which is rare in life. To work on a cause that is just and needed. To see every day the fruits of hard labor. That this time, these next 92 days should be enjoyed and relished.

Tommy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


To: Tommy Sowers ts@sowersforcongress.com

One year ago this week, at the funeral of a dear friend's father in Rolla, MO, I met the guy she grew up across the street from, Tommy Sowers. He told me he was leaving the Army to run for Congress.


I'd finished the presidential campaign in Missouri several months before and was close to receiving an appointment in DC. I wanted to serve my country in a meaningful way.

I promised my husband no more campaigns. The last one was difficult; 16-20 hour days, weekends away from home, birthdays missed, friendships lost, little pay.

So when Tommy asked me to be his Finance Director, a position I did not want and never held before, I said no. But then I thought about the district, incredibly poor and suffering from an absentee representative. I thought about the military career Tommy was leaving to save his home. And I thought about the people whose lives would benefit from a Congressman who would fight for them as hard as he did for his country in Iraq.

There are moments in life to lead, to sacrifice, take a chance and make a difference in the lives of others. So, I called Tommy and said yes. And I called the White House and said no. And I've never looked back. Today, I'm making a donation to the hardest working, noblest candidate I know.

I hope you'll sacrifice something too.

Jennifer Haro

Finance Director

Tommy Sowers for Congress



From Fran in Larchmont:

Dear Pro-Choice Larchmont/Mamaroneck Friends!

Here in southern Westchester County we are blessed with several excellent support programs for people who have been diagnosed with cancer and are just getting into treatment, as well as for those whose cancer has relapsed or have advanced cancer. But until recently those in the middle -- people who have been treated and are essentially free of their cancer -- found little available to them by way of support services. In "Surviving Cancer -- Charting the Course to Renewed Strength," which is airing through Labor Day a nurse practitioner, an internist and a cancer survivor join in dynamic dialogue to reveal the strengths and benefits of the new Cancer Survivorship Program at Lawrence Hospital Center in Bronxville.


Future Choices is brought to your home either on Channel 75 (Cablevision) or Channel 36 (Verizon). The show airs Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm with repeats 3 am, 9 am, 3 pm and 9 pm the following day. See full schedule:


http://www.lmc-tv.org/programs_schedule.html#71



N.B. Future Choices shows can usually be viewed anytime online as well — see hotlink at http://futurechoices.net/


From Lee in NYC/DC-OFA,DNC:

Dear WLF Supporters and Friends,

Happy 45th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Please see this special video message from John Lewis which has just been released.

http://my.democrats.org/page/content/votingrightshistory?source=DNCfeature

The DNC Weekly Report is attached. You may forward it to anyone who would benefit from it.


Talking Points: July Jobs Numbers

· The July jobs numbers illustrate the work we still have to do. Although some parts of the economy have improved, others are still struggling, and millions of hard-working Americans remain unable to find jobs.

· After 22 consecutive months of job losses, the American economy has now added private sector jobs for seven months in a row. But as President Obama noted when he first took office, the road to recovery is not a straight one or a smooth one.

· In early 2009, the economy was shedding an average of 750,000 jobs every month. This year, private sector employers have added 630,000 jobs over seven straight months of private sector gains. Manufacturers alone have added 183,000 jobs so far this year.

· In July, private sector employers added 71,000 jobs. But with the Census concluding, 143,000 Census jobs were lost. Although the Census helped put Americans to work, those jobs were explicitly temporary. And the Administration continues to focus on creating permanent job growth.

· The bold steps the President took to rebuild our economy with the Recovery Act and other recovery legislation – from tax cuts to investments in America’s infrastructure – pulled the American economy back from the brink of depression, and they are putting Americans back to work. To that end, this summer is to be the most active Recovery season to date.
· But we still have a ways to go to achieve full recovery. It is simply not possible to reverse overnight the devastation caused by a decade of failed Republican economic policies and the resulting economic crisis. It is going to take time to create jobs to replace the 8 million that have been lost.

 However, our country is heading in the right direction. Private sector employers added more jobs in the most recent quarter than in the one before it. But the President knows that we can’t move fast enough for the millions of Americans still looking for work. That’s why he’s doing everything in his power to fight for additional recovery measures that will keep the economy growing. And, as it has been from the beginning, job creation remains his top priority.

 That’s why the Democrats in the Senate overcame Republican obstruction to approve a bill authorizing aid to cash-strapped states to help them keep at least 160,000 teachers in classrooms across the country – teachers who would otherwise be out of a job as a result of painful state budget cuts and resulting layoffs. That’s why President Obama and Democrats in Congress have cut taxes to enable small businesses to hire more workers. And that’s why it is so critical that Republicans in the Senate stop blocking a jobs bill that will enable more small businesses to get the credit they need to expand, grow, and hire.

· Republican delays pushed that bill into the August Congressional recess. As a result, small businesses will have to wait even longer before they can get the loans they need to grow and take on new workers. There is no reason that politics should stand in the way of their doing so when everyone agrees that is what is required for Americans to get back to work.


Talking Points: Elena Kagan’s Senate Confirmation


· Today, the Senate voted to confirm Elena Kagan as the next Supreme Court Justice. The confirmation vote affirmed her incredible brilliance, her character, her fair-minded temperament, and her thorough understanding and respect for our nation’s Constitution and laws.
· During her confirmation process, the Senate had the opportunity to take a good look at Elena Kagan, and having done so they came to understand the qualities that throughout her career have garnered respect from individuals of both political parties. That bipartisan respect was reflected in today’s bipartisan confirmation vote.
· Elena Kagan is one of America’s top legal minds. She has demonstrated that she will be a fair and impartial Justice on the Supreme Court, and that she understands how the Court’s decisions impact the lives of everyday Americans. Her legal career has been defined by her fair-minded approach to the law and an insistence that all Americans receive a fair hearing under the law. Because of those qualities, President Obama believes that she will make an excellent Supreme Court Justice.
· It is important to remember that Elena Kagan’s confirmation to the Supreme Court brings the total number of women serving on the bench at one time to an historic three – more than at any one time in American history. The Supreme Court is now more inclusive and representative of our country as a whole – an important step forward that all Americans can appreciate.

From Doni in New Jersey:

We're writing today to urge you, as an American who cares deeply for Israel, to join with many Israelis, both Jewish and Arab, in raising our voices in protest at the destruction of the Bedouin village of Al-Arakib in the Negev and the forcible removal by some 1,500 Israeli police of over 300 Bedouin Israeli citizens - mostly children - leaving them homeless, expelled from their land, and bereft of their possessions.

On July 27, bulldozers from the Israel Lands Administration (ILA) demolished their homes, sheep pens, fruit orchards and olive tree groves, so that the Jewish National Fund, which is leasing the land from the ILA, can plant a forest on their land near Beersheva.

Over 1,000 Israelis have already signed a Hebrew petition, to be delivered to Prime Minister Netanyahu's office on August 10, calling for an end to the destruction of Bedouin villages in Israel and a just and comprehensive solution to the plight of Israel's Bedouin Palestinian Arab citizens in the Negev.

Join them, and a growing list of prominent American Jews including Leonard Fein, Michael Walzer, Mandy Patinkin, Jeremy Ben-Ami, Peter Beinert, Daniel Sokatch, Deborah Dash Moore, Debra DeLee, MJ Rosenberg, Steven M. Cohen, Theodore Bikel, Rabbi Rebecca Alpert, Rabbi Sharon Brous, Rabbi Laura Geller, Rabbi Ellen W. Dreyfus, Rabbi Marc Gopin, Rabbi Arthur Green and many others, in a petition of solidarity.

Click here or on the image below to watch the video and send a protest email right now to Prime Minister Netanyahu

From Sunny for all you people from MO!: Take action and vote!!!

KC Star editorial: "Missouri's puppy-breeding industry needs a dose of accountability"

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/07/2135603/missouris-puppy-breeding-industry.html

Missouri's puppy-breeding industry needs a dose of accountability

Spread out across Missouri’s farmland and tucked into its rural hollows are at least a third of the nation’s dog breeders.

And those are the ones with licenses. Officials believe hundreds of other breeders are operating outside the state’s licensing and inspection system.

A massive signature-gathering effort financed by animal rights groups has succeeded in placing a proposed constitutional amendment on the Nov. 2 statewide ballot. It seeks to toughen Missouri’s regulations and enforcement of businesses that keep 10 or more female dogs at a time for breeding.

Among other things, the ballot measure would:

•Limit commercial breeders to 50 adult breeding dogs.

•Require that cages be large enough to permit adequate movement and not be stacked.

•Ensure that dogs get regular exercise and not be subjected to extreme heat or cold.

•Require an examination by a veterinarian at least once a year.

The proposed amendment will almost certainly kick off a vigorous debate about standards for the 1,483 licensed Missouri breeders who are estimated to supply four of every 10 puppies sold at pet stores around the nation.

Such a debate would be more appropriate for the Missouri legislature. But lawmakers in tune with rural and agricultural interests won’t cooperate in any effort to further regulate animal industries.

In fact, rural legislators this year tried to head off a statewide vote on puppy-breeding operations by pushing for a constitutional amendment that would require a two-thirds majority to pass any petition issue dealing with animal agriculture. A simple majority vote is currently required for all constitutional amendments. Happily, the outrageous maneuver was eventually set aside.

The Humane Society and other groups say Missouri’s current standards for commercial breeding operations are outdated and inadequate.

Animal agricultural groups counter that the problem is insufficient enforcement.

That’s a worthwhile debate. But what’s unquestionable is that Missouri’s dog-breeding industry is riddled with abuses.

The Department of Agriculture and law enforcement agencies frequently raid dog-breeding operations, usually unlicensed, and report horrific conditions — dogs coated with feces, infested with fleas, sometimes half starved.

Three Missouri audits over the last 10 years have noted problems with breeding operations and observed that commercial breeders have little incentive to comply with state laws. Inspectors almost never meet their goal of visiting every licensed facility annually. Fines for violations are rarely levied, and even notorious breeders are seldom forced out of business.

Missouri’s booming puppy-breeding industry is badly in need of stricter standards and better enforcement. The state’s leaders shouldn’t require a public vote to do the right thing, but that’s where we are.


From Westchester 4 Change:

THIS WEEKEND'S CANVASSES:

Sat. Aug. 14, Mt. Kisco

Two shifts:12:00 PM, 3:00 PM (arrive 15 min. early to receive instructions)

Join our friends with Tribeca for Change (Alan Howard:alanhny@aol.com) in helping Congressman John Hall win re-election. The canvass will begin at John Hall's Mt. Kisco campaign office: 293 Lexington Ave. Mt. Kisco 10549, but when you sign up, someone will get back to you with more details about the canvass: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/vote2010event/gpfpq5

Email or Call with Questions: Alan Howard, alanhny@aol.com or 917-328-0531


Sun. Aug. 15, Croton

Two shifts:12:00 PM, 3:00 PM (arrive 15 min. early to receive instructions)

Join one of our northern Westchester organizers, Justin Wagner:justinwagner1@gmail.com in supporting both Congressman Hall's re-election and Mike Kaplowitz's election to the State Senate. The canvass will begin at the Croton-Harmon train station. NOTE: the link says Mt. Kisco, but Sunday's canvass begins in Croton. When you sign up, someone will get back to you with details:http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/vote2010event/gpfpq5

Email or Call with Questions: Justin Wagner, justinwagner1@gmail.com or

646-283-3784

UPCOMING CANVASS:

Sun. Aug. 29th

Sunday, August 29th 12:00-3:00pm (arrive at least 15 min. early to receive instructions)

Join your friends and neighbors from Westchester for Change in canvassing for John Hall. We will leave from Harrison at 11:00 or you can meet us at the Mt. Kisco Campaign office: 293 Lexington Ave. Mt. Kisco 10549 at 11:30am. Either way, join us!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/ofacanvass/gpflvf

Email or call with questions: Rachel Estroff, rachel.estroff@gmail.com or 914-525-1940.


From Dani in Brooklyn:

Stop the Stealth Attack on Social Security

Tell your representatives not to reduce Social Security benefits

After taking action, please support our work!

The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform is moving under cover of darkness to recover the billions spent on Wall Street bailouts, tax breaks for the wealthiest and unfunded wars. How? By cutting benefits under the Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid programs. President Obama created the commission to review the country's budget deficit but recklessly also gave the body authority to consider Social Security and other entitlement programs.

The commission is stacked with people who are hostile to Social Security and/or indifferent to the devastating effect cuts would have on millions of middle-class people, especially women. Congress can stop this runaway train, but only if there is the political will to do it. During this August break, we need to demand promises from every member of the House and Senate that they will do whatever it takes to prevent any cuts to Social Security -- including raising the retirement age and privatization.

Action Needed

Call, email and visit your representative and both senators. They are home for the August recess, so you can meet with them in their district offices. Urge them to personally promise you they will do everything in their power to prevent cuts to Social Security -- no direct benefit cuts, no raising the retirement age (which is approximately an eight percent cut for every year the retirement age goes up) and no privatization. Even if you are in a Republican district, make that call or visit. Polls show huge majorities of Republicans, Independents, even self-styled Tea Partiers, as well as Democrats, are opposed to cuts in Social Security. Every representative who is not retiring is up for re-election this year, as are 37 senators. Let them know they need to stand with the people of this country and against the secretive Fiscal Commission's assault on Social Security...(see rest at site)


From Brad in NY:

http://www.gustavoforstatesenate.com/

Who Is Gustavo Rivera

I am running for State Senate because my neighbors deserve a passionate and proven advocate in Albany with the experience to get things done and the integrity to do things right.

I learned government from some of the best people in New York, Albany and Washington, leaders like State Senators Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Jose Serrano, Councilmember Annabel Palma, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and President Barack Obama. I’ve worked all over our city, state and country to bring about change where it is needed, yet always come home to the Bronx. I am a native of Puerto Rico but the Bronx has been my home for a decade. Like my neighbors, I know the challenges of paying rent, keeping the lights on, and trying to earn a living. Our State Senator personifies everything wrong about government and doesn’t even live in the Bronx. My entire career has been about serving people. Not lobbyists, not special interests, not my bank account. It is time for our State Senator to put our community and our people first.



Democrat Gustavo Rivera Endorsed By Bill Samuels and New Roosevelt Initiative

NEW YORK – Bill Samuels and the New Roosevelt Initiative (NRI) today threw their full support behind the Democrat Gustavo Rivera in the 33rd State Senate district against disgraced State Senator Pedro Espada. Samuels cited Rivera’s integrity, backgrou...

Published: Friday, July 16, 2010

The New York Times

Espada Faces a Well-Financed Opponent

The left-leaning Working Families Party has decided to focus its considerable organizational resources on ousting Mr. Espada and electing a candidate who is running his first race - Jose Gustavo Rivera, 34, a former aide to Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand.

Published: Monday, July 19, 2010

City Hall News





From Lee in NYC/DC, OFA/DNC:



To help you when speaking with others about the important choice this election. Democrats are fighting to repair a decade of damage and grow an economy based on the values of hard work and responsibility that strengthens our country and middle class families for the long run.

Talking Points: President Obama’s Speech on Higher Education

 If our country is serious about creating a stronger American economy and guaranteeing American success in the 21st century, it is absolutely critical that we ensure American children receive the best possible education.


· Education is simply an economic issue – and quite possibly the most important economic issue of our time. If other countries are able to out-educate America today, they will out-compete America in the future. We have long acknowledged education to be a prerequisite to prosperity, because an individual’s success is becoming more dependent on higher education – from a college degree to workforce training.

· But unfortunately, we have allowed America to fall behind other countries in terms of educational achievement – falling from first in the world to twelfth in terms of college education in just one generation. The current educational status quo is unacceptable, but we can change it. To that end, President Obama has set a goal to recapture America’s global leadership by educating the highest proportion of college graduates by 2020.
· The President wants to make sure that America not only leads the world in college graduation rates, but also that American graduates emerge from school ready to work and compete in the modern economy.
· One of the ways the President hopes to accomplish that goal is by increasing the affordability of college – so that higher education becomes an option for more Americans. Rather than offering big banks and other lenders $60 billion worth of subsidies to administer student loans for the next ten years, this Administration is using that money to make college more affordable for almost 8 million students and to improve our country’s community colleges.
· The President is tripling funding for the biggest tax credit available to middle class families for college; stabilizing funding for Pell Grants by increasing how much Pell Grants are worth and working to ensure that the value of Pell Grants keeps pace with inflation; making loan repayments easier for more than one million student in coming years; and making financial aid forms simpler.
· This Administration is also working to ensure that a college education prepares students for a career. To that end, the Administration is working to help community colleges teach students the skills demanded by local businesses and growing industries.
· And this Administration has taken on the challenge of increasing college completion rates. Right now, more than one-third of all American college students and more than half of minority students don’t finish college. So the Administration is taking a hard look at college programs that are increasing achievement and graduation rates and is working to help other colleges implement similar programs.
· Those are the efforts the Administration has undertaken to help more Americans earn a college degree. That is how they plan to increase America’s share of college graduates and to make America a world leader by 2010. And this is how they plan to boost opportunity and bolster the American economy.