Dear Obama/Biden Supporters:
Just a note to say Happy Thanksgiving and wishing you all a wonderful holiday. I am off to Florida to spend the holiday with my sister-in -law Nancy. I am very thankful this Thanksgiving for my family, friends, my President, and all of you wonderful people who continue to care and work for sanity in politics. I am also thankful for all those voters who overcame the onslaught of tea party people to help Jennifer Gray win Dancing with the Stars. Somehow it turned into a contest of wills of us against them, and we won out(Ruthie you don't have to leave the country). I am also thankful for our NY state Senator Kirsten Gillibrand who continues to fight the good fight for us all. We had some good wins and some terrible defeats, but our group just keeps on going. It is abundantly clear to me that the key to political success is effective coalition-building and this group of 900 strong from 22 states and five continents is the best example I could find of that strength. We will not allow the GOP to roll back the clock to the horrible policies of W where there was ungoverned financial over sight , wars of choice were approved,and there was tax relief for the very richest of us. It is now apparent to us all that the Big Lie can only be defeated by constant proclamation of the Big Truth from journalists, to TV commentators -we have to fight back when lies are spread. We will not give any journalists a pass who don't fact check the information of guests appearing on their shows,like Anderson Cooper so appropriately did to Michelle Bachmann and her lies. Just because a person/commentator/actor/tea party leader yells loudly doesn't mean it is the truth . We can fight back armed with truth and in the American way(sounds like Superman,right?). We cannot sit back idly while Fox purports to bring the news, we have to write those letters to the editor, get our message out loud and clear. I could go on and on but you know better than me that we have to gear up big time in 2011 for 2012!!!!
I am also thankful for the efforts of David Brock and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend who are setting up what they hope will become a permanent liberal counterweight over the airwaves to the Republican -leaning outside groups that spent so heavily on this year's midterm elections. This organization will be called American Bridge which will be an independent-expenditure-only political action committee,meaning it will be able to take in contributions of unlimited size from individuals and corporations but must regularly disclose its donors. Unlike the GOP who don't disclose their donors such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and American Crossroads who significantly outspent Democratic -leaning outside groups. This action network, which tracks conservative politicians and advocacy organizations is organized as a 501(c) 4 nonprofit group and is set to take on an expanded role in the 2012 election . More about this later but just know that we are all getting ready to gear up for the election of a life time. We have to combat the party of NO and the tea party insanity. It won't be easy but you all give me so much hope. In the words of our beloved President, " leadership isn't just legislation but it is a matter of persuading people, setting a tone, giving them confidence and bringing them together". Lets start laying down a new foundation built on truth and justice for all. David Brooks(conservative republican with a brain) stated in his op-ed piece,"This can happen when talented people get together ,when idea systems and mentalities merge. This happens within networks." I thank you all for caring enough to writing your ideas,keeping our strong groups together, and most of all for attempting to get the message out. If we can do this we can thrive in 2012 against any opponent(especially Palin ). I am thankful for our network this Thanksgiving!!!
Love,Sunny
A Mama 4 Obama
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/ 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.
From Marceline in NYC:
Before I read your communication just in. I have been wanting for
weeks to tell you that your post-election message was wonderful and so
well written. It was heartbreaking, it was sad, it was poignant. It
was intelligent and it was emotionally intelligent, and I sent it out
far and wide.
I had thought of you in the run up to the election and all the way
through it, and I knew that as bad as I was feeling, you would only be
hurting worse. I had no words to console.
From Pat and Phil in PA:
I concur with Mary in KCMO. This says it all and inspires me, too:
"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."
Ted Kennedy, 1980
Here's some comic relief -- Talkin' Sandwich. It's Jimmy Fallon's answer to Sarah Palin on TV. Jake Gyllenhaal joins him.
http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2010/11/the-sarah-palin-blt-sandwich-song-with-jake-gyllenhaal-the-banana-boyz/
From Ashley in Chicago:
Agreed on all fronts - we need to get mobilized now and educate folks on how the republicans have no interest in helping the masses. Just in enriching their friends.
From Letty P in NYC:
I love your enthusiasm and I'm grateful for all that you do to keep your friends motivated!
From Robin in North Salem:
I'm really so furious with the Sarah Palin book thing - that she grabs so much oxygen. She's a nasty bitch who doesn't have an iddea in her head. Sick of her negativity on everything. Why don't people see her for who she is and is not!!!! Presidential? I think not!
From Ruthie in AZ:
If Bristol Palin wins DWTS that means the country is truly lost. If you haven't seen the movies Fair Game or Inside Job - find time to see them. I don't know how W sleeps at night.
From Kevin in NYC:
Oops, I thought I sent this to you yesterday!
you've probably already seen this VERY FRIGHTENING STORY:
"Could She Reach the Top in 2012? You Betcha"
By FRANK RICH http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/21/opinion/21rich.html?src=me&ref=general
From Sheila in Larchmont:
With lots of gratitude for the good things and the will to change the not-good things, happiest of Thanksgivings to all of you.
From Val in Ohio:
Subject: News from Canada re U.S. liberals
From The Manitoba Herald
by Clive Runnels
Canadians: Build a Damn Fence!"
The flood of American liberals sneaking across the border into Canada has intensified in the past week, sparking calls for increased patrols to stop the illegal immigration.
The recent actions of the Tea Party are prompting an exodus among left-leaning citizens who fear they'll soon be required to hunt, pray, and to agree with Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck.
Canadian border farmers say it's not uncommon to see dozens of sociology professors, animal-rights activists and Unitarians crossing their fields at night.
"I went out to milk the cows the other day, and there was a Hollywood producer huddled in the barn,"said Manitoba farmer Red Greenfield, whose acreage borders North Dakota. The producer was cold, exhausted and hungry. He asked me if I could spare a latte and some free-range chicken. When I said I didn't have any, he left before I even got a chance to show him my screenplay, eh?
In an effort to stop the illegal aliens, Greenfield erected higher fences, but the liberals scaled them. He then installed loudspeakers that blared Rush Limbaugh across the fields. "Not real effective," he said."The liberals still got through and Rush annoyed the cows so much that they wouldn't give any milk.
Officials are particularly concerned about smugglers who meet liberals near the Canadian border, pack them into Volvo station wagons and drive them across the border where they are simply left to fend for themselves." A lot of these people are not prepared for our rugged conditions," an Ontario border patrolman said. "I found one carload without a single bottle of imported drinking water. They did have a nice little Napa Valley Cabernet, though."
When liberals are caught, they're sent back across the border, often wailing loudly that they fear retribution from conservatives. Rumors have been circulating about plans being made to build re-education camps where liberals will be forced to drink domestic beer and watch NASCAR races.
In recent days, liberals have turned to ingenious ways of crossing the border. Some have been disguised as senior citizens taking a bus trip to buy cheap Canadian prescription drugs. After catching a half-dozen young vegans in powdered wig disguises, Canadian immigration authorities began stopping buses and quizzing the supposed senior citizens about Perry Como and Rosemary Clooney to prove that they were alive in the '50s. "If they can't identify the accordion player on The Lawrence Welk Show, we become very suspicious about their age" an official said.
Canadian citizens have complained that the illegal immigrants are creating an organic-broccoli shortage and are renting all the Michael Moore movies. "I really feel sorry for American liberals, but the Canadian economy just can't support them." an Ottawa resident said. "How many art-history majors does one country need?"
From Grandma Jane in Larchmont: ****Congratulations from all of us!!!!
I have been seriously out of touch and owe you more than one message! they have been written in my head. Here is one major reason why.
Quote from Samantha:
Indira Miri born at 2:25 PM on Friday, November 19, in a house by the sea. She is so loved!!!
And love to you all,
the Grandma
From Dani in Brooklyn:
This is democracy in action. Stop the plutocrats from running elections. As Benjamin Franklin said, "do not buy something just because it is cheap. It will be dear to thee." It's hard to resist a Target bargain, but the long-term outcome will cost us all dearly.
Subject: Take the Target boycott to Congress
Can you call Sens. Gillibrand and Schumer? Tell them: "Will you ask Majority Leader Reid to bring up the DISCLOSE Act for a vote before the end of the year—and vote yes on it?"
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Phone: 202-224-4451
Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: 202-224-6542
Report your call
Dear MoveOn member,When Target tried to buy the Minnesota governor's race for a far-right Republican, customers everywhere—including you—responded with outrage and ultimately a nationwide boycott.
And it didn't just impact Target. According to the Wall Street Journal, the boycott kept other corporations from throwing even more money into the election and opened up a national debate.1
Today we're taking the next step.
The only reason we even knew about Target's contribution was because Minnesota has strong campaign finance laws that force front-groups to disclose the identities of their corporate backers.
But at the federal level corporations are still allowed to make unlimited donations in secret—and we have exactly 62 days to do something about it.
A bill in the Senate would force the high rollers behind the millions in attack ads to come out of the shadows. Earlier this year the bill—the DISCLOSE Act—came up one vote short. Several Republicans have said they support the principle of transparency but didn't want it to take effect until after the election.
That means right now we have an opportunity to get that final vote—but we need to convince the Democrats to bring up the bill before the end of the year and put pressure on the potential Republican supporters to stand by their claims. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid makes that decision, and since you're not a Nevada resident he may not listen to you, but he definitely picks up the phone when other Senate Democrats call him.
So can you call Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer and say:
"Will you ask Majority Leader Reid to bring up the DISCLOSE Act for a vote before the end of the year—and vote yes on it?"
Ruthie in AZ:
Not to ruin your Thanksgiving. BUT Sarah Palin is in PHoenix tonight kicking off her "book tour" (that should tell you something about Phoenix and where their politics are) So, I'm watching various newscasts and all I can think is WHY THE F--K don't the democrats just stomp on her and her friggin stupidity? Is it because she's a woman? Well, Karl Rove had no problem with Valerie Pflame or Hilary. What is with us?
Maybe we're taking our "nice guy" image too far. Maybe we need to get down and dirty. Someone has to tell the world that SP is totally unacceptable - not only as a presidential nominee but really as a representative of the American people and certainly the American women. The democrats need to shed all the intellectuals that surround Obama and bring on a few people who aren't afraid to really say "mean things". It's OK to say mean things if they're true and are helpful to the people.
The only thing that will allow me to have peaceful sleep tonight is that FINALLY that PIG Bristol the Pistol lost and is not the STAR of Dancing with the stars. I understand that it's just a dancing show but I just did NOT want the tea party to win this, too.
HELP
From Robin in NOrth Salem:
Oh this from Ruthie in AZ so captures my feeling - I personally would like to go toe to toe with SP - I'd let her know a thing or two!!! Lemme at her!!! Enjoy the holiday. And say thanks for Barack!!! I know I will.
From Bev in Mamroneck:
There is so much important work to do and I, too, am torn this way and that. I, like so many, poured my heart into the Paycheck Fairness Act...and my time...and was so very disappointed by the Maine ladies and Brown in Mass. They sold out to their party. Disgusting. Reid, the Prez, and the Dems came through expect Nelson. Obama met with advocates the next day and promised to continue the fight. That makes me feel a little better. That work is part the Equal Pay Coalition NYC...and then there is NYWA which sponsors it. 2 overlapping coalitions....which I am nurturing and moving to the next level. I love it, but it's a lot plus my consulting gigs. Still, I am thankful for each day of time spent in a meaningful way. I know you and Brad feel the same. We are all lucky, privileged people. Excited about a richer future (ours with a grandchild in Dec!) That is a lot to be thankful for! Enjoy your holiday!
From Mira in NYC:
In Memoriam: Rozsika Parker, Feminist Art Historian and activist
The sad news of the death of British psychotherapist and feminist art historian Rozsika Parker provides the opportunity to bring her work to the attention of anyone interested in feminism, art, and women artists. Parker was a pioneer feminist art theorist and activist from the early 70s to the 90s, often collaborating with the art historian Griselda Pollock.
I consider Old Mistresses: Women, Art and Ideology, which Parker and Pollock co-authored, one of the most important books of feminist art theory and history that I ever read: Parker and Pollock examined how art history as a discipline had misogyny at its core, almost as one of its foundational purposes, with all its terms of value strongly gendered to condemn anything that smacked of the so-called feminine, although of course behind the naturalized frame of universalist neutrality... (Read rest on line http://ayearofpositivethinking.com/)
From Judy in Mamaroneck and Sharon in Scarsdale:
Alan Dershowitz: Ex-President for Sale http://bogieworks.blogs.com/treppenwitz/2008/04/ex-president-fo.html
Carter is making more money selling integrity than peanuts. I have
known Jimmy Carter for more than 30 years. I first met him in the
spring of 1976 when, as a relatively unknown candidate for
president,he sent me a handwritten letter asking for my help in his
campaign on issues of crime and justice. I had just published an
article in The New York Times Magazine on sentencing reform, and he
expressed interest in my ideas and asked me to come up with additional
ones for his campaign.
Shortly thereafter, my former student Stuart Eisenstadt, brought
Carter to Harvard to meet with some faculty members, me among them. I
immediately liked Jimmy Carter and saw him as a man of integrity and
principle. I signed on to his campaign and worked very hard for his
election. When Newsweek magazine asked his campaign for the names of
people on whom Carter relied for advice, my name was among those given
out. I continued to work for Carter over the years, most recently I
met him in Jerusalem a year ago, and we briefly discussed the
Mid-East.Though I disagreed with some of his points, I continued to
believe that he was making them out of a deep commitment to principle
and to human rights.
> Recent disclosures of Carter's extensive financial connections to Arab oil
money, particularly from Saudi Arabia, had deeply shaken my belief in his
integrity. When I was first told that he received a monetary reward in the
name of Shiekh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, and kept the money, even after
Harvard returned money from the same source because of its anti-Semitic
history, I simply did not believe it. How could a man of such apparent
integrity enrich himself with dirty money from so dirty a source?
And let there be no mistake about how dirty the Zayed Foundation is. I
know because I was involved, in a small way, in helping to persuade
Harvard University to return more than $2 million that the financially
strappedDivinity School received from this source. Initially I was
reluctant to put pressure on Harvard to turn back money for the
DivinitySchool, but then a student at the DivinitySchool -- Rachael
Lea Fish -- showed me the facts...(Read rest on line)
From Betty in Scarsdale:
Please find below today's Wall Street Journal piece about No Labels. Although it does not capture our message or goals accurately -- it is a start. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
The Wall Street Journal
Aiming for the Political Middle
By Monica Langley
An alliance of centrist Republicans and Democrats is seeking to organize a grass-roots movement targeting the middle of American politics, a political sphere depopulated by the midterm elections and a vital tool for any potential third-party presidential candidate.
The group, called "No Labels," has drawn support from supporters and advisers of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the country's most powerful independent politician, raising questions about his national political ambitions. Mr. Bloomberg has been invited to attend the group's Dec. 13 launch.
Political analysts see a potential Bloomberg bid if Washington's divided government turns into gridlock, if the economy doesn't improve, and if former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and President Obama are the likely nominees. Mr. Bloomberg said he wouldn't consider running in 2012. "I have the best job in the world," he said...(
Read rest on line http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704369304575632903048810256.html)
From Westchester for Change:
We take this time to appreciate friends, family and feasting, as well as the benefits of living in our democracy. While we enjoy our celebrations, we also thank you for your past (and future) work to help ensure that the benefits of this country -- good food, clean water, affordable health care, decent wages, and fair taxes -- are available to everyone in our country.
MOVING FORWARD
As we enter the holiday season, come share a glass of wine and help plan our next steps after the mid-term elections.
WHAT: We invite everyone to gather to socialize, discuss the implications of the mid-term elections, and most importantly plan next steps. In addition to the necessary griping, we will be talking about what progressives did well, what we did not do well, and how we should proceed. At this gathering, we will be accepting small voluntary contributions to help defray our organizational expenses.
WHEN: Saturday, December 4th 2pm
WHERE: Home of Rachel Estroff, 7 Davenport St. Harrison, NY 10528
RSVP or QUESTIONS: Rachel Estroff 914-525-1940, westchester4change@gmail.com, or Meetup
From Tommy Sowers who ran for Congress in MO,and fought the good fight I might add!!
While this journey began with me alone in a room calling and asking for your help, it grew to 20 staff and 400 volunteers. I spent the last couple of weeks winding that organization back down to one, and the final days calling and emailing thousands of you to simply say, "thank you." If we didn't connect yet, please know how deeply thankful I am for your support of me, my staff, and our campaign.
My main mission between now and the end of the year is to make sure that the incredibly hard working, bright, and motivated staff transition to a great next job. If you are in need of a hard working employee, please let me know.
As for me, after 18 months without a vacation, I'm on an extended one, practicing my Spanish and my fishing technique, reading and writing. There seems to be much interest in my next step and I'm humbled by the suggestions to run for office again in Missouri. Well, if you ever lost your first love, and felt then that you'd never love again, you know where I am with politics right now. But I also know from experience that being in love is better than not, and that with space and time, it happens again.
Your support and what we built together have afforded me a myriad of opportunities to serve yet again in a meaningful way. For that, I am truly thankful. So, stay tuned; I'll keep you all posted. The best email going forward is tommy@sowersforcongress.com and I enjoy hearing from you, so please, stay in touch.
Regardless of my decision, from time to time, I'd like to introduce you to another candidate or cause that could use your help. What we built on this campaign was truly special -- a network of people around the nation who believe we need veterans and new blood from my generation in DC.
My best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving.
Hasta luego,
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