Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Get out the vote,GET OUT THE VOTE, Tell them and Tell them again---Fire UP!

Dear Obama/BidenSupporters:


I hate to beat a dead horse but what the hell is up with this election? Christine O'Donnell doesn't understand why monkeys can't turn into people right before her eyes. Bill Maher released another old clip of her on his HBO show where she argues that "Evolution is a myth." He can't believe that she is stupid enough to think primate evolution could happen fast enough to observe it. This is truly scary stuff(much more than her high school witch beliefs) since she could be in a position to make decisions about scientific issues,like global warming and stem cells. This is a woman who thinks primate evolution can happen in a week. We are in serious trouble here, not just the Dems but more importantly our country!! Look at the buffoon running for Governor of the great state of NY who declaring himself mad as hell and is being supported by the tea party movement. How better to dwarf the issues than personally attack your opponent to drown out any debates over policy? This Paladino is sending out e-mail jokes about Obama being an African-tribesman. He has also sent out mailings of a doctored photo of our President and Mrs Obama showing the president in a stereotypical pimp's costume holding the hands of the first lady,who is dressed as a prostitute in a grotesquely revealing outfit. Another example of this fine upstanding fellow is his e-mail showing a woman performing a sexual act on a horse. There are many more and he has acknowledged forwarding them,but now says he showed poor judgement in doing this. I believe these e-mails raise legitimate questions about the capability of this man to govern and more importantly that he is really not well.

This election is about values and we can't let our progressive values to be taken away from us. I understand the anger over jobs and the economy , but this all this shouting isn't going to solve problems. Problems also aren't being addressed in the "Pledge to America" released last week by the GOP that outlined their policy agenda. All it seemed to say was deficit are a bad thing and lets make them bigger. There was no information on the cuts they would be making but this document condemned federal debt 16 times. However, it also had as its main proposal to make the Bush tax cuts permanent, which independent estimates say would add about 3.7 trillion to the debt over the next decade-about 700 million moire than Obama administrations tax proposals. All the rest of the "Pledge" seems to be about the need to cut spending but there is only one specific cut proposed,canceling the rest of the TARP. So where do we cut, well they don't talk about this in the Pledge to America, lets leave it fuzzy(like fuzzy math). What are we doing wrong that we are not getting this message out. My friend Kathleen told me that you have to tell them what you want to say, tell them and then tell them again. I think this is very good advice. We need to get the message out there short ,sweet, but to the point. All I know is that with all its problems government is not evil, it is cures to diseases, roads,schools, police, firemen, and safety from terrorism.The institution of government is the glue that holds societies together, When it weakens,things come unstuck.

Our task is clear we have got to wake up and smell the roses. Apathy is going to be our downfall. If we don't get everyone out to vote, young ,old,and those who helped us win in 08 we are going to turn our government over to very scary unqualified people. I don't know what more it would take than to get onto Christine O'Donnell's web site, or listen to Palladino, Joe DioGuardi or Sharon Angle and their anti- choice anti- everything ranting. If you do that and can sleep at night without getting out the vote, than I give up. Remember what happens once these people take over and turn their real, not-so -secret agenda into reality which mainly involves privatizing and dismantling Medicare and Social Security. The scariest thing of all , according to Paul Krugman of the NY Times , is "the clear and present danger isn't that the GOP will be able to achieve its long-run goals. It is rather,that Republicans will gain just enough power to make the country ungovernable,unable to address its fiscal problems or any thing else in a serious way." This leaves Barack Obama with his hands tied and unable to do anything about the problems facing this country.

I think Tom Friedman's article on the Tea Kettle Movement was quite effective and really said most of what the movement is based on. HE calls it the Tea Kettle movement -because most of what it is doing is letting off steam. This movement has no plan to restore America to greatness,says Friedman. He feels the movement can't have a positive impact since it has misdiagnosed the main problem and has no credible solutions for the problem it has identified. "How can you take a movement seriously that says it want to cut government spending by billions of dollars but won't identify the specific defense programs,Social Security, Medicare or other services it's ready to cut-let alone explain how this will make us more competitive and grow the economy.?" How can we take this movement seriously when it was silent while W launched two wars and a new Medicare prescription drug program while cutting taxes? Now all of a sudden they are mad and screaming at Obama and Friedman wants to know where these people were for those eight years. It all makes sense to us, but they are still yelling about government bloat and socialist spending, and have been able to take control of the dialogue. How come we have let their voices be heard and not ours? I know that steam from a tea kettle can burn, but you can get over it by pointing out the facts. make those calls, write those postcards, reach out to get voters registered in these last few days, and don't give up hope. Tell them what you want to say, tell them and tell them again. We can win if we show how extreme these people are and that they have no solutions to any of these problems. Ask those screaming and yelling what they would do,and how they would make things better. Do they not appreciate the small business support they are getting from Obama's small business bill that has just passed,health care bill, appointments on supreme court supporting a woman's right to choose, and most of all his dismantling of Iraq war mess from W. I could go on and on, but we have to get to work and understand we are up against an extreme group of wealthy individuals and corporations like Fox News,Newcorp,Koch Industires and those Koch brothers,etc.) who really work to invoke fear in voters and don't pay any attention to the facts. It is our job to get the vote out and the truth out to these voters!!!

Love,Sunny

A mama 4 Obama
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From Betty in Scarsdale:

You are the BEST!!!! Wonderful message to cling to during this craziness!!!

#2

You gotta have heart, President Obama says at $1.4M Manhattan fund-raiser

From Fritzie in NYC:

The Jen in Soho? Kapular? She's amazing. I didn't know that's where you

went! I need it too! WAAAAY too much going on!

ahhh. My Jen is fabulous as well. And we need it in this rising tide of stupidity. Thank you so much for being the force you are! Brava!

From Caren in NYC:

Hi Sweet Sunny,

Unfortunately I am with you. I can hardly stand reading the newspaper or watching the news. My blood boils with the manipulation of untruths that are passed off as news today. It makes me SICK!!

From Jane in Larchmont:

Great news!!

http://www.lohud.com/article/20109220350

Westchester GOP drops candidate over inflammatory essay

Westchester County Republicans dropped their twice-chosen candidate, Jim Russell, as a challenger to Rep. Nita Lowey on Tuesday after the surfacing of a 2001 essay in which he embraces eugenics, cites anti-Semitic commentary and warns against interracial marriage.


The 16-page essay titled "The Western Contribution to World History" combines scholarly language with racist theories. It accuses Jews of stealing "Western" inventions, and — citing research on goslings and finches — warns against racial mingling.

The article ran in The Occidental Quarterly, a journal classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. It surfaced Monday on the Politico website.

Russell is a perennial candidate from Hawthorne and a longtime activist for immigration enforcement. He was endorsed by the GOP for the second time this year to run against Democrat Lowey.

#2

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2010/senate/ny/new_york_senate_dioguardi_vs_gillibrand-1469.html

From Tina in CO:

We have to ignite our friends, the party base and moderate independents and Repubs. I just hope we can do it in time for this election.

From Dale in MA:

HI Sunny - I loved reading this!! I recently heard Barack say something to this effect -- when you voted for me you voted to change the old guard, and now we have to vote to guard the change!

I also loved reading Eleanor Roosevelt's quote.

Keep these coming!


From Nancy P in NYC:

That Tea Party movement is so very disturbing to me. I think that

Obama has to put the creation of jobs before any other policies.

People are just suffering from poverty so badly, they just want things

to resemble the past 50 years where there was growth and jobs more

relevant to creating things, not just services: eg: homeland security.


From Sharon in Scarsdale: (While you are at in MO people,don't forget to vote for Robin Carnahan who backs Prop B 100%!)

The attacks have started.

This November, voters in Missouri -- the nation’s number-one puppy mill state -- will vote on a measure that will stop puppy mill abuses. It’s called Proposition B, and it would establish common sense standards for the care of dogs.

But last week, the puppy mill industry launched its campaign against Prop B with robo-calls to households across the state spreading lies about this measure. We can’t let those attacks go unanswered.

Missouri is home to approximately 3,000 puppy mills, about 30 percent of all the puppy mills in the country. And this massive industry is going to fight to keep business as usual, so they can continue to cram dogs into small and filthy cages, deny them veterinary care, expose them to extremes of heat and cold, and give them no exercise or human affection.

These puppy mills are cruel and the way these dogs are treated is wrong. And this dirty business affects all of us, because Missouri’s puppy mill dogs are shipped all over the country, sold to pet stores and directly to consumers over the Internet! In fact, as you read this, there is very likely a puppy from a Missouri mill staring out from a cage at a pet store near you.

Please help us with a special donation today to counter the false claims of the puppy millers -- and urge Missouri citizens to vote YES! on Prop B this November.

We can’t let voters be fooled by the falsehoods of the puppy mill industry and their paid consultants who are willing to say whatever it takes to maintain their cruel abuse of animals in the name of profit. If our opponents have their say, tens of thousands of dogs will continue to suffer.

We need to fight back, and set the record straight. With your support today, we can communicate our positive message of the humane treatment of dogs to voters all across Missouri between now and Election Day, through TV ads and other efforts. Please make a special donation now to the campaign to pass Proposition B.

Thousands of dogs suffering in Missouri are counting on you. Thank you so much for your help today.

Wayne Pacelle

President & CEO

The Humane Society of the United States

Congresswoman Nita's office:

Thanks...

I know...What a scary thing....And thank God the GOP dropped him...We just want to make sure that as many people as possible have seen this because not everyone reads the local papers and watches local news! Thanks Sunny...

Have sent it out and so thrilled he is being dropped by GOP. Sent to Nita last night following:

http://www.lohud.com/article/20109220350

Westchester GOP drops candidate over inflammatory essay

Westchester County Republicans dropped their twice-chosen candidate, Jim Russell, as a challenger to Rep. Nita Lowey on Tuesday after the surfacing of a 2001 essay in which he embraces eugenics, cites anti-Semitic commentary and warns against interracial marriage.

The 16-page essay titled "The Western Contribution to World History" combines scholarly language with racist theories. It accuses Jews of stealing "Western" inventions, and — citing research on goslings and finches — warns against racial mingling.

The article ran in The Occidental Quarterly, a journal classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. It surfaced Monday on the Politico website.

Russell is a perennial candidate from Hawthorne and a longtime activist for immigration enforcement. He was endorsed by the GOP for the second time this year to run against Democrat Lowey.

From Helen in NYC:

Two places for people to get talking points on the changes in our health care system put in place last week. Some very good news for a lot of folks who have been kicked around by what we've had.

People can also go to the website Consumers Union set up on just this subject, www.prescriptionforchange.org

Can you get these on your blog? Website?

From Andy T NYC/DNC:

Team! In the first place it’s worth noting the extraordinary successes achieved in the face of the most partisan obstructionism in our history. A Washington Post report makes that case here.

(It’s of particular relevance if you happen to know anyone who has a pre-existing condition or a job that would have been lost or a stock portfolio that would have been decimated in a depression.)In the second place, we may do better November 2 than some expect.

The President and Vice President have now switched from “governing mode” to campaign mode, with much the same team that charted a path to success in 2008. And OFA’s tools have now grown even more sophisticated. For example, click here for a demo of the amazing new iPhone app. Once you sign up, it knows where you are . . . gives you specific doors to knock on . . . coaches you on how to conduct your visits . . . then uploads your results to enrich our database (and keep any one door from being over-knocked).

We are not perfect -- nor would we be even if we DIDN’T face an opposition that cheers when our Olympics bid fails and prays (literally: prays!) for the failure of universal health coverage and filibusters their own Bipartisan Deficit Commission legislation once the President signs on to it.

But as Joe Biden is fond of quoting former Boston Mayor Kevin White: “Don’t compare me with the Almighty. Compare me with the alternative.”

The choice is clear. We would be insane to hand the keys back to the team that drove us into the ditch, and who have now explicitly pledged to drive the same way they did before (see Jon Stewart, here).

Because this election will be determined by turn-out . . . and because the sweet spot are the 15 million unlikely voters who came out for the first time in their lives to vote for President Obama . . . whom we are asking, door to door, face to face, to come out to help him again . . . and because almost the entire effort is volunteer (imagine the competitive advantage of a business where only the supervisors had to be paid!) . . . I hope you will chip in, here. If you do, you’ll have reason to feel proud no matter how we do November 2. Many of you have already been magnificent, and it is deeply appreciated. Help again if you can.Thanks, as always, for your support.

From Debbie in NYC working for CARE: Job opportunity for part time lead advocacy volunteer in Congresswoman Nita Lowey's district!

CARE USA, the humanitarian and development organization focusing on global poverty reduction and women’s empowerment, has an opportunity for a part-time lead advocacy volunteer in Congresswoman Nita Lowey's district. The role of the District Chair is to develop opportunities to build awareness of the issues and legislation on which CARE works, recruit other volunteers, and engage Rep. Lowey and her staff. This would include organizing a few small events, recruiting and leading a delegation to our advocacy conference in Washington, DC (March 8-10, 2011) and outreach to Rep. Lowey’s district office. We train volunteers in advocacy and the issues, and provide all materials and information. Availability and interest of the volunteer will further determine the scope of the position.


Mrs. Lowey is a great supporter of the issues on which CARE works – which include maternal health, girls’ education, food security, microfinance, gender-based violence, and climate change –and we want her to know of her constituents’ support. E-mail Debbie Cooper if interested:E-mail: dcooper@care.org

From Congresswoman Nita Lowey:

Yesterday, Congress passed and sent to the President's desk legislation I introduced that will help small businesses gain access to the capital they need to grow our economy and create jobs.

Small businesses are the engine of economic growth in our region, creating 64 percent of new jobs. Unfortunately as credit lines have dried up, it has become more difficult for them expand inventory, find new customers, and grow.

My bill – passed in a larger measure to help small businesses – will increase the maximum size of federal small business loans from $2 million to $5 million. It will also increase the maximum size of micro-loans from $35,000 to $50,000. This is especially critical for small businesses in our high-cost region where it is more expensive to own and operate a business.

Please click here to read my statement from the Congressional Record detailing additional benefits this legislation provides for small businesses.

From Robin in NOrth Salem:

Thought you might enjoy this one….Found this on a blog…

http://www.r8ny.com/blog/gatemouth/karas_daddy.html

Today, to my utter shock, the Republicans nominated instead former Westchester Congressman Joe DioGuardi, who lost his seat in 1988.

And no, I do not regard his daughter being on "American Idol" as the same sort of street cred.

In this day of oversensitivity about the use of words like “Negro,” I think it is useful to understand that it is not the lyrics themselves which are important, but the tune they signify.

Here is the most famous thing Joe DioGuardi has ever said--a quote explaining why he opposed Medicaid abortions:

''You've got to look at the facts. The facts are that the minority groups in this country enjoy having children. It's their only joy, their only hope. It gets them another check. They're not going to have abortions.''

I should note that not so long ago, a Democratic candidate was forced from the same Senate race, after she was caught using the word “Nigger” to a reporter.

Though tonite that candidate is doing somewhat better, it should be noted that her use back then of the N-word indicated absolutely no bigoted intent. In fact, as the link shows, it was used pretty much in the context of showing empathy with the concerns of people of color.

By contrast, while DioGuardi’s quote is totally devoid of ethnic pejoratives, everything about it implies unspeakable contempt for people of color.

Quite clearly, there is more than one way to say NIGGER.

Joe DioGuardi is in every way the perfect running mate for Carl Paladino.

Truly, DioGuardi should be enough to make Republican nostalgic for Howard Mills.


From Jen in Tommy Sowers MO campaign:

I really enjoy your posts and send them on to others on the campaign and my friends who are Obama supporters. Thanks for sending along.

I thought I'd let you know, Russ Carnahan is also up against someone on Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics list, Ed Martin. He's terrible and unfortunately, a very viable candidate. I live just outside Russ' district in St. Louis but ask my friends to support him too, if they can.

http://www.citizensforethics.org/crookedcandidates2010

Be well and hope to meet you someday.

From Pam in CO:

I've been thinking of you too and sorry not to reply sooner. Just came in from yoga and thinking of you're trying to calm and center yourself! me too. But it makes my blood boil when I know what's going on with barack and the Republicans. Especially the idea of that f....in karl Rove coming into it now. He is the epitome of all things evil and corrupt! But let us not go there.!!!!! *****Note from Sunny:Pam is a wonderful artist with new webstie: please check out this fellow blogger's site! www.pamelajoseph.com

From Lee in NYC/DC and DNC:

“a startlingly strong month of fundraising”
“DNC Shatters Fundraising Record”
“best fundraising month in a congressional election cycle”
“DNC Has Its Biggest Month in Nearly a Decade”

Just one week after the RNC canceled a long-standing field deployment program due to a lack of funds, the Democratic National Committee reported a record-breaking fundraising month in September, hauling in over $16 million. Please see below for coverage of the DNC’s impressive fundraising announcement.

USA Today “DNC collects more than $16 million in September”: The Democratic National Committee had its best fundraising month of the election cycle, raising more than $16 million in September in what has been a tough political environment for the party. The announcement comes as Democrats try to counter that notion that Republicans are more energized a month before the crucial midterm election for Congress. DNC spokesman Brad Woodhouse said the haul is "more confirmation that there's some movement in our direction." As further evidence of Democratic enthusiasm, Woodhouse said more than 80% of the money came from online donors who contributed in small amounts instead of contributors writing big checks. "We've found that our supporters are now focused on the election ... and understand the stakes," Woodhouse said in an e-mail. LINK

From Move On and Susan G-NYC:

On October 2nd, exactly one month before Election Day, hundreds of thousands of people are gathering in Washington, D.C. for "One Nation," a huge march for jobs, equality, and progress. Can you join us?

At the historic Lincoln Memorial, progressives from coast to coast will join human and civil rights leaders, labor leaders, faith leaders, celebrities and more to rally for bold action to protect our economy and jobs—and to move our country forward.

With Republicans and their corporate allies determined to take back Congress in November, we'll join together to show the strength and unity of the progressive movement.

Rides are available on buses and in carpools from all over the East Coast, but they're filling up fast—so RSVP soon!

Can you join us in D.C. on October 2nd?

Yes, tell me more and sign me up

Sorry, I can't make it

We're joining dozens of progressive organizations involved in One Nation, including the NAACP, USAction, Win Without War, the Service Employees International Union, and so many more. And in addition to joining the march, MoveOn members are holding "Stop the Takeover" house parties nationwide that weekend, mobilizing get-out-the-vote volunteers in critical congressional races.

The One Nation march will demonstrate that progressives are united to fight—to fight for Congress, and for good jobs, true economic progress, social justice, and equality for all. And it'll also be a lot of fun, gathering with progressives from all over the country on the historic National Mall.

We've got 38 days until the election—can you join us in Washington, D.C. for the "One Nation" march?

Click here to find out more and RSVP:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=90373&id=23651-4046455-Chld_.x&t=5


And if you can't make it to D.C., click here to find a "Stop the Takeover" house party near you (or sign up to host one if there's not one already!):

http://pol.moveon.org/event/stopthetakeover/?id=23651-4046455-Chld_.x&t=6

Thanks for all you do.

From Judy in Mamaroneck:

Extravagant promises and bluster are the stuff of campaign rhetoric, but the House Republicans’ “Pledge to America” goes far beyond the norm. Its breathless mimicry of the Declaration of Independence — the “governed do not consent,” it declares, while vowing to rein in “an arrogant and out-of-touch government of self-appointed elites” — would be ludicrous, if these were not destructively polarized times.

While it promises to create jobs, control deficit spending and restore Americans’ trust in government, it is devoid of tough policy choices. This new “governing agenda” does not say how the Republicans would replace revenue that would be lost from permanently extending all of the Bush tax cuts, or how they would manage Medicare and Social Security, or even which discretionary programs would go when they slash $100 billion in spending. Their record at all of these things is dismal. Read rest on line(Click here: Editorial - The G.O.P.’s ‘Pledge’ - NYTimes.com )

#2

Barbarism continues! Subj: Stoning to death in Pakistan

Not for the faint of heart...circulate so others can see

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=f7f_1285099569

From Betty and Amy in Westchester:

Subject: Tea Party - 60% of the crowd is women

Wow –

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703384204575510283851292698.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEADTop

Second is the rise of women as a force. They "are the drivers in this election cycle," Ms. Blackburn says. "Something is going on." At tea party events the past 18 months, she started to notice "60% of the crowd is women."

She tells of a political rally that drew thousands in Nashville, at the State Capitol plaza. She had brought her year-old grandson. When the mic was handed to her, she was holding him. "I said, 'How many of you are grandmothers?' The hands! That was the moment I realized that the majority of the people at the political events now are women. I saw this in town halls in '09—it was women showing up at my listening events, it was women talking about health care."

Why would more women be focusing more intently on politics this year than before?

Ms. Blackburn hypothesizes: "Women are always focusing on a generation or two down the road. Women make the education and health-care decisions for their families, for their kids, their spouse, their parents. And so they have become more politically involved. They are worried about will people have enough money, how are they going to pay the bills, the tuition, get the kids through school and college."

From Betty in Scarsdale:

Amy Siskind fires back at Rush Limbaugh: “Ignorant!”

Last week, The New Agenda spoke out in The Daily Caller demanding an apology from Sen Majority Leader Harry Reid for his reference to Senator Gillibrand as the “hottest” member in the senate. The New Agenda » Blog Archive » Amy Siskind fires back at Rush Limbaugh: “Ignorant!”

#2

Democrats Losing Support of White Women: Gallup Poll Data - The Daily Beast
I think NO ONE knows what is going on!!

From Chris in MO:

I hope all is well with you, sorry it's been so long since we last talked. I wanted to let you know I finally have a new article up on the examiner. http://www.examiner.com/democrat-in-panama-city/what-democrats-stand-for Let me know what you think. My re-posted piece is something I'm really proud of, even if it's from last year. I wrote it during a time of frustration with public political discourse (just like now). I'm hoping to write another article soon on the Democratic spirit and all the successes we've had since FDR, but especially recently thanks to our wonderful President. I really feel like people have forgotton all the progress that was driven by Democrats, progress that created our modern world. I'm shocked that when a new Democratic President tries to rekindle that spirit he gets shot down and people don't recognize his amazing achievements. I worry about November, but I know we're doing our best! Thanks, as always, for being a beacon in the struggle. I'll try to link my article to your facebook page tomorrow after work. Take care!

From Westchester4Change:

Phonebank

Click here for all phonebanks in New York City!

The O.F.A. campaign office is now open every afternoon until Election Day!

Monday - Friday, 1 - 5 PM at 25 East 21st Street, 4th floor (map)

Do you have a spare computer to donate? They're needed for data entry! Email Kate at DoehringK@dnc.org. Thanks for all you do!

From Judy in Mamaroneck:

Click here: Op-Ed Columnist - The Tea Kettle Movement - NYTimes.com

There are actually two Tea Party movements in America today: one you’ve read about that is not that important and one you’ve not read about that could become really important if the right politician understood how to tap into it. The Tea Party that has gotten all the attention, the amorphous, self-generated protest against the growth in government and the deficit, is what I’d actually call the “Tea Kettle movement” — because all it’s doing is letting off steam.

That is not to say that the energy behind it is not authentic (it clearly is) or that it won’t be electorally impactful (it clearly might be). But affecting elections and affecting America’s future are two different things. Based on all I’ve heard from this movement, it feels to me like it’s all steam and no engine. It has no plan to restore America to greatness.
The Tea Kettle movement can’t have a positive impact on the country because it has both misdiagnosed America’s main problem and hasn’t even offered a credible solution for the problem it has identified. How can you take a movement seriously that says it wants to cut government spending by billions of dollars but won’t identify the specific defense programs, Social Security, Medicare or other services it’s ready to cut — let alone explain how this will make us more competitive and grow the economy?

And how can you take seriously a movement that sat largely silent while the Bush administration launched two wars and a new entitlement, Medicare prescription drugs — while cutting taxes — but is now, suddenly, mad as hell about the deficit and won’t take it anymore from President Obama? Say what? Where were you folks for eight years?

The issues that upset the Tea Kettle movement — debt and bloated government — are actually symptoms of our real problem, not causes. They are symptoms of a country in a state of incremental decline and losing its competitive edge, because our politics has become just another form of sports entertainment, our Congress a forum for legalized bribery and our main lawmaking institutions divided by toxic partisanship to the point of paralysis...

#2

Click here: Op-Ed Columnist - What Is Paladino About? - NYTimes.com by Bob Herbert

Is the Republican candidate for governor of New York a racist, sexist, pornography-loving creep? Or are there other, more benign, explanations for the stomach-turning e-mails distributed by Carl Paladino?

One of the things that can happen in the news business is that some portion of a story becomes so vile, so offensive, it is virtually impossible to effectively recount or describe. Reporters keep their distance. Editors lunge for the delete button.

Such is the case with the images and videos forwarded by Mr. Paladino to a wide variety of people. The public should know about these mailings, and Mr. Paladino should give a full, thoughtful explanation of why he trafficked in such filth.

Example: A photo showing a group of black men trying to get out of the way of an airplane that is apparently moving across a field. The caption reads: “Run niggers, run.” ...(Read rest on line http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/28/opinion/28herbert.html)


From Letty P in NYC:

Subj: Short film about women in firefighting

A short film about women in firefighting made by high school students who participated in the summer Tribeca Film Institute. They've done an amazing job (in under 8 minutes!) exploring the invisibility of women in this traditionally male job and why, despite the obstacles, the women love this work. Check it out and please circulate it widely to your friends and colleagues.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid331422615001?bctid=602073068001

From Betty in Scarsdale:

Abortion Issue Re-Emerges In Kirsten Gillibrand-Joe DioGuardi Battle: Update

Using NARAL Pro-Choice New York's attack ad on anti-abortion GOP gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino as a springboard, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's campaign is out with a slap at Republican rival Joe DioGuardi on the same topic.

"As NARAL Pro-Choice New York speaks out resolutely against Carl Paladino’s anti-choice positions, New Yorkers should know that former Congressman turned lobbyist Joe DioGuardi also opposes reproductive rights even in cases of rape and incest. In fact, Joe DioGuardi voted to ban funding for reproductive care even when a mother’s life is in danger," emailed Team Gillibrand.

"Right to Life groups have enthusiastically endorsed DioGuardi and testified to the fact that he does not support any exceptions for reproductive rights - even cases of rape and incest. Note this endorsement from Right to Life Party - 9th Judicial District, which specifies certain candidates that do support exception. According to the Right to Life Party, DioGuardi does not support exceptions."

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/09/abortion-issues-emerge-in-kirs.html#ixzz112Bt7YUC...(Read the rest on line)

From Mike in Gillibrand's office:

Wonderful! Stef was telling me you're doing a postcard party! Thanks so much!! You've got it. Can't win without everyone we know voting for Kirsten!


From tommy Sowers in MO:

Our new ad, "Horse Manure" has been on the air for less than 24 hours (have you seen it?) and everyone we talk to is already raving about it. Voters agree with Tommy and are tired of Jo Ann Emerson's lies.

Clearly, this ad is resonating with voters (and the national press)...we need to keep it on the air, but we need your help!With 36 hours until the end of the fundraising quarter, please help us finish the quarter strong and dump the manure! This is a very critical week: Today we are airing our newest TV ad and right now we are less than three days away from the third quarter fundraising deadline!

I'm tired of Jo Ann Emerson airing false ads about me because she doesn't want to talk about voting for bad trade deals and bank bailouts. And she's spent this year collecting money from special interests and lobbyists, then using that money to spread lies. While Emerson has dumped a ton of horse manure on my district, our television ad will remind her that she cannot bury the truth.

Check out the ad for yourself here. Then please, chip in to help us keep it on the air.

With less than 72 hours until the end of quarter fundraising deadline, we need your help now so we can come out of this quarter strong and with the resources to deliver the truth.

Jo Ann Emerson's lies, however, and nothing new -- it's the same sort of manure spewed by incumbents devoid of ideas everywhere, desperate to hold on to their seats. She's not just dumping on me -- but on all of us. I appreciate your support,Tommy

From Dani in Brooklyn:

With only five weeks to Election Day, I need your help to make sure Barbara Boxer is re-elected to the U.S. Senate. Recent polling shows Barbara Boxer in a virtual dead heat with challenger Carly Fiorina -- an extreme abortion opponent -- with neither candidate reaching the magic 50%.

A champion of women's rights, abortion rights and the environment, Boxer never backs down from a fight when our rights and lives are at stake. And now she needs us more than ever.

As you read this, Feminist Majority's Independent Expenditure campaign to re-elect Barbara Boxer is sending organizers to key college campuses throughout California. Right now polling shows young people comprise the largest segment of undecided voters. With a race this close, even modest movement in this key group of voters -- especially young women -- could be the difference between winning and losing.

The Feminist Majority has just the right experience to inform, organize and turn out younger women at the polls -- but we need your help. Please take a minute now to contribute generously to our Independent Expenditure Campaign to re-elect Barbara Boxer.

Carly Fiorina is so extreme on abortion, she has said "I absolutely would vote to overturn Roe v. Wade if the opportunity presented itself," and has been endorsed by every major right-to-life organization. But polls show most voters -- especially young women -- don't know how extreme and out of step with Californians she is .

We must ensure that college students -- particularly young women -- understand what is at stake, particularly for abortion rights - and then we must make sure they vote.

Even in a big money race like this one, election day Get-Out-The-Vote still counts big time, especially in inspiring young people to get to the polls on November 2.

We MUST act now to send a clear message to Carly Fiorina that a woman's right to choose is not for sale. Click here to learn more about how you can help.

For Equality,Eleanor Smeal President Feminist Majority

P.S. We need money for campus organizers, travel, printed materials, and phone-banks. We can reach literally hundreds of thousands of students with our Campaign. But to win this - we need your help. Please act today.

From Dani in Brooklyn:



A useful, if simplified, reality check geared to the "numbers don't lie" crowd. Is is possible that Finland is doing something we aren't - like supporting teachers and helping enrich communities...? Gee.

"But there’s no evidence that teachers’ unions are holding our schools back. Finland, which is currently cleaning our clock in education scores, has teachers who are almost totally unionized. The states with the best student performance on standardized tests tend to be the ones with the strongest teachers’ unions."


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/opinion/30collins.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

Your imagination is the preview to life's coming attractions.
#2

Bad teachers should be removed from the classroom, if not the profession - and fast. Tenure rules should be changed, as they are corrupt and ineffective. There is to my mind, however, a way that unions can be part of the solution, rather than demonized as the root of the problem. Without teacher's unions in the picture, under the current regime, teacher's voices "from the front lines" are being erased, while bureaucrats with zero years in the classroom make all the judgment calls. It's humiliating as a professional to be muzzled, intimidated and passed over. It breeds resentment and hampers teachers' efforts to grow so they can do the best job in the classroom. Study after study has shown that teachers who feel empowered in decision-making for their schools are more effective for their students, no matter which assessment tool is used to measure student progress. Moreover, they enforce higher standards for themselves.

From Michelle in CT:

I certainly do not have the inside track on that question but it largely relates to people being largely unhappy with the current “establishment”. Unfortunately, I think that blumenthal represents the establishment. Also, we have a lot of independents in our state and they seem to be moving towards the mcmahon since the whole thing came out about his war service record.

It will be interesting as we get closer to the election and he gets more tv ads out there to see if the tide turns. As I am sure you are aware, we tend to believe everything that we see on tv and she has been bombarding us!!!!!

You wonder if the political process was a little less invasive then we might get some good people to actually run. Now we seem to get the bottle of the barrel. Sad state of affairs for our country!!!! Pretty depressing!!!!!


From Erik in Brooklyn:

busy as u are, ck out this article in the recent new yorker about what

kind of community organizing really works by malcolm gladwell.

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/10/04/101004fa_fact_gladwell


From Brad in NYC/DNC:

We are very excited to announce Mrs. Obama’s first political trip since the campaign on Monday, October 18th! She will kick off her first trip in New York with 2 events – an intimate reception at the home of Donna Karan and a concert on Broadway. Both will be terrific events and great opportunities to show your support! Here are the details for the reception:

Cocktail Reception and Discussion with Mrs. Obama at the home of Donna Karan

Monday, October 18th at 4:30PM (includes photo with Mrs. Obama)Location: Donna Karan's home (address upon RSVP)
New York City

To RSVP, click http://my.democrats.org/NYOct18Dinner

Or contact Brad Thompson at ThompsonB@dnc.org or (202) 479-5171

If you cannot make the reception, the First Lady will also headline a concert later in the evening at the St. James theater in New York. Details below:

Concert with Mrs. Obama and Sarah Jessica Parker and Patti LaBelle ,Monday, October 18th

Location: St. James Theater on Broadway (246 W.44th Street)

Guest Call Time: 4:30PM

To RSVP, click https://my.democrats.org/page/contribute/NYOct18

Or contact James Pepper at PepperJ@dnc.org or (202) 572-5451

Concert with Mrs. Obama and Sarah Jessica Parker and Patti LaBelle

Monday, October 18th


Location: St. James Theater on Broadway (246 W.44th Street)

Guest Call Time: 4:30PM

To RSVP, click https://my.democrats.org/page/contribute/NYOct18

Or contact James Pepper at PepperJ@dnc.org or (202) 572-5451

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