Home » Campaigns » Obama for America » Blog
Democracy for America campaign blog for Obama for America
Now is the Time
Linked to groups: DFA~ Rural NW Washington
Linked to campaigns: Obama for America
Folks,
There is no time to sit back on our laurels and wait for renewal. Staying involved and engaged is the key to a sustainable future for our communities and our state. Lots of folks are having a rough go of it lately and some say it will only get worse before it gets better. These times are hitting our rural and low-income communities the worst. They were already in dire straights before this recession hit our state. Now the threat to basic needs are even greater. More and more are lining up at, already stretched thin, food banks and shelters. The harsh winter storms had a vast impact on local farms.
We can revive and thrive anew, through the short and longterm vision and help from you,our local and state representatives. Though the key here is running, electing and keeping progressive visionaries in those positions. If we do not, then we shall get what we've always gotten. And our rural communities will continue to suffer, in some cases even disappear.
Let us look to the future and begin the task of ensuring better and sustainable horizons. Join us in “standing-up” this community action committee (CAC). The journey of enlisting and grooming progressive visionary candidates can't start too soon and must begin with a first step. The time is now, take that first step with us and join this DFA group today.
Share this link with your network: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/groups/2886-dfa-rural-nw-washington
Thank You!
Could common sense become more common?
Linked to groups: Lincoln DFA Meetup
Linked to campaigns: Obama for America
If it’s up to President Obama, the answer is a resounding, “YES.” Today, the President effectively ended the days of ridiculous spending practices held by the Federal Government as regards awarding contracts. The days of no-bid and cost-plus contracts are over and the President says that he will open up the bidding to small businesses as well. Obama said “the days of giving government contractors a blank check are over” and said changes could save up to $40 billion a year. Well, that’s a step in the right direction!
Yes, folks, Democrats like to cut spending too. We just like to cut wasteful spending and not parts of the budget that actually do our people and our country some good. Shh, don’t let this get out, but we are also against raising taxes. The difference is, we understand that if the country is in a mess, WE ALL have to help to fix it.
The Republican theory of, “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” and, “making your own way,” is really just a camouflaged, “every man for himself” philosophy. That’s not what America is about. Did our forefathers take that approach, or did they all work together to “form a more perfect union” in their time? If we spent more time thinking, “every man for each other,” we’d move out of this economic debacle much sooner and would probably end up being better people for the effort.
Originally posted on Matthew Dodd's personal blog http://matthewdodd2010.wordpress.com/
Matthew Dodd for United States Congress 2010
The gloves are off...
Linked to groups: Lincoln DFA Meetup
Linked to campaigns: Obama for America
Today, President Obama took a firm stand against those that criticized his new budget, claiming that those detractors were keener to the needs of special interests and lobbyists than to those of the American people. Bravo! Well said, sir.
Unfortunately, the culture in Washington has become one of tacking-on, adding-on, spending more, and getting less; all for control of the all-mighty buck and all for the sway of political influence. Those days, it would seem, may be coming to a close; or at least are in the process of being curtailed somewhat. Any step in that direction is a welcome one, in my opinion.
The budget of this country, and by extension the American taxpayer, should not be linked to what it may be able to garner for individual politicians and the big money interests of both local and national lobbyists. These concessions in exchange for political influence have become an epidemic recently and it is time to stop them in their tracks.
For many years, the budget has included items that have absolutely no bearing on the “general welfare” or offer any benefit to more than a few, select recipients who would try and corrupt our political system for personal and professional gain. As a candidate for Nebraska’s first district, I am against the policy that only provides and open ear when it is attached to an open palm. As your Representative in Washington, I will fight for you, for your family, and for what is best for Nebraska; regardless of political pressure to leave your concerns here and take up those of lobbyists and special interests in Washington.
I am a Nebraskan and it is Nebraskans that I seek to represent, not lobbyists.
Originally posted on Matthew Dodd's personal blog http://matthewdodd2010.wordpress.com/
Matthew Dodd for United States Congress 2010
"All we are saying...is give us a choice"
Linked to groups: Lincoln DFA Meetup
Linked to campaigns: Obama for America
A little something for the workers of the world, eh? That’s a refreshing change. The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) is a piece of legislation that will soon be taken up again after passing in the House of Representatives in 2007, but stalling in the Senate.
As a blue-collar worker, I am all for the EFCA. If employees are interested in organizing and having union representation, why should they be the ones to jump through all of the hoops? It seems that current laws do not go as far to offer the worker a true voice in the process. I completely understand the reasoning of opponents who say that this removes the worker’s privacy. Unfortunately, that simply isn’t true.
With the current law, at least 30% of workers must “show their hand” to even get the opportunity for a “secret ballot.” Where is the privacy in that? All this new legislation does is cut through several yards of red tape and opens the process up to let workers become a part of the decision as to whether or not to organize in the first place. Businesses that oppose the legislation do so primarily on the concerns for the privacy of their employees. The fact is that, under the new legislation, workers can still opt for a secret ballot. No rights for the employees are being removed at all. The legislation simply does what its name implies; gives workers a free choice in the matter.
Why don’t the business interests that oppose this legislation step up and actually say why they oppose it, rather than try to feed the public the pabulum of employee privacy. The simple truth is that employers fear that their employees might actually decide on fair treatment, if given the choice. As a candidate for Nebraska’s first district in 2010, a husband, a father, and a blue-collar worker I support The Employee Free Choice Act and urge those who read this to do the same. Please feel free to click on the links below to send Senator Ben Nelson and Senator Mike Johanns an email. Let them know that you support The Employee Free Choice Act. Let them know that, as a Nebraskan, you expect their “Yes” vote on the legislation.
Originally posted on Matthew Dodd's personal blog http://matthewdodd2010.wordpress.com/
Matthew Dodd for United States Congress 2010
Now is the winter of our discontent...
Linked to groups: Lincoln DFA Meetup
Linked to campaigns: Obama for America
March is nearly upon
us and soon, we will begin to feel the warmth of the sun on our faces
here in Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District. I wonder though, if
that warmth will also include the light of reason. In the Fall of 2008,
I began considering a run at our district’s seat, currently held by
Jeff Fortenberry. As the last few months have passed, the economic
crisis has worsened, and Representative Fortenberry stood fast with his
party members in a united show of childish, partisan politics-as-usual.
During this time, I have realized that the people of our district
really need someone that will actually represent their interests in
Washington.
In beginning to consider this overwhelming endeavor, I have had to make several considerations.
First and foremost, I am not a lawyer or politician. I am not a banker or business owner. I am a regular, 40-hour-a-week, blue-collar guy with a wife and three kids. I am as affected by this economic down-turn as many of the people I would be seeking to represent. My lack of experience in politics will be a constant point of attack for my opponent. He will say that it takes more than common sense to represent a constituency in Washington. I will ask him where he has hidden his. He will say that now is the time when experience matters most.
I disagree. I think that common sense is precisely what we need. I think that the people of this district run their lives on common sense and don’t really see much of that in Washington. Certainly, they’ve not seen it in the actions of their current representative; standing against their better interests in deference to being “in good” with his party. I would never sacrifice the best interests of my constituency for anyone, party included.
It’s time to put and end to the, “take your ball and go home” mentality in Washington. And by the way, I understand that the Democrats do it too, and I don’t like that either. We need to start looking at legislation for what it is and not based on who wrote it. We need to stop the, “I’ll vote for your bill if you vote for mine,” shenanigans in Washington. Maybe we have too many lawyers and bankers running things. Maybe we need a few “real people” in the mix to bring them back down to earth once in awhile.
Originally posted in Matthew Dodd's personal blog http://matthewdodd2010.wordpress.com/
Matthew Dodd for United States Congress 2010
Ammunition
Linked to groups: Democracy for Florida, DFA at Netroots Nation (formerly YearlyKos) July 17-20, Florida DFA, DFA Tallahassee, DFA Campaign Academy Alumni
Linked to campaigns: Obama for America
The latest links to the information you need to counter right-wing spin...
The Myth of Republican Job Creation
New GOP Lie: Regulations are the Problem
Five States Whose GOP Govs May Refuse Stimulus Are Among Most Dependent on Federal Dole
WSJ uncritically quoted former CEO of scandal-plagued hospital firm attacking Obama on health care
Job Openings: State Democratic Parties that are now hiring Staff
Linked to groups: DFA Job Board, Blog For America, DFA Night School, DFA Blog Network, DFA Campaign Academy Alumni
Linked to campaigns: Obama for America
Iowa Democratic Party
The Iowa Democratic Party is accepting applications for the positions of Press Secretary and Finance Assistant. For more information or to apply contact the Iowa Democratic Party at 515-244-7292 and ask for Norm Sterzenbach, Executive Director. Applicants may also email resumes to nsterzenbach[at]iowademocrats[dot]org. Resumes must be received by COB Tuesday, March 3, 2009 for Press Secretary and COB Tuesday, March 10, 2009 for Finance Assistant.
Minnesota Democratic Party
The Minnesota DFL Party is now accepting applications for the following jobs: Communications Director and Deputy Communications Director. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and list of references by postal or electronic mail to: Andrew J. O’Leary, Executive Director, Minnesota DFL Party, 255 East Plato Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55107-1623 or aoleary[at]dfl[dot]org. The deadline for applications is Monday 16 March 2009. Some applicants will be contacted for an interview in late March, after the deadline for applications has passed.
North Carolina Democratic Party
The North Carolina Democratic Party is seeking applicants for communications and field organizing positions. The North Carolina Democratic Party is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation. Please apply online at www.ncdp.org/jobs.
Vermont Democratic Party
The Executive Director of the Vermont Democratic Party is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Party Headquarters including its effective administration, fundraising, 21st century communications, grassroots organizing, secure files and party assets and political operations. Please address your application to: Judy Bevans, Acting Chair and email to jbevans[at]vtdemocrats[dot]org. Applications will be accepted until March 15, and a final decision will be made by March 31.
Action Alerts
Linked to groups: DFA Campaign Academy Alumni, Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM), DFA at Netroots Nation (formerly YearlyKos) July 17-20, Florida DFA, DFA Tallahassee
Linked to campaigns: Obama for America
Send an e-mail: Tell your senators to reverse Bush administration attacks on endangered species (NRDC)
Send an e-mail: We Don't Want Breed-Specific Legislation in Florida (ASPCA)
Send an e-mail: Tell Governor Crist: No More Money for Ineffective Abstinence-Only Programs (PP)
Donate money: Help Earthjustice stop Mountaintop Removal! (EJ)
Sign the letter: Help! Sign ORI's Save the Wolffish Letter (ORI)
FL-Sen: Dan Gelber is the Man
Linked to groups: Training Academy Alumni, Class of 2007, DFA Campaign Academy Alumni, Florida DFA, DFA at Netroots Nation (formerly YearlyKos) July 17-20, Democracy for Florida
Linked to campaigns: Obama for America
Florida currently is in the early stages of a U.S. Senate race to replace congressional waste of space Mel Martinez. Provided that Governor Charlie Crist doesn't jump in the race, the seat should be a solid pick-up opportunity for the Democrats. But we certainly don't want just any Democrat replacing Martinez, we want a progressive Democrat who will fight for our values and will work his or her ass off to make America a better place. That's why I'm personally endorsing Dan Gelber and will do what I can to help him win the primary.
Why Gelber? The reasons are many, but let's start with a big first one -- he's as progressive as legislators come. Dan is a thoughtful man who actually takes the time to understand the issues and how government actions affect people in the real world. And he's a big fan of things like logic, reason and evidence. Combining these things, he comes down on the right side of the issues about as often as anyone I can think of, particularly in the Florida legislature. Take a look at his voting record and you'll be pleased to see such a principled, liberal record from a member of the Florida legislature. And when people hit him with the same old, tired conservative Rush Limbaugh-style attacking points, he's prepared for them and can counter them as good, if not better, than the best pundits and bloggers out there.
We know how Dan thinks and feels on the issues because he doesn't shy away from taking a stand and he comes right to the people and tells us what he's doing and why. A simple look at his blog (http://www.dangelber.com/blog/blog_archive.php) will show you that he's not afraid to take his case to the people. And that use of the blog is another big reason why I support Gelber -- he's on the cutting edge of online technology. As I mentioned, he's a blogger, but he's not just any blogger. Take a look at the average blog from a politician and you'll quickly be asleep. Most of them tend to be boring -- lacking in any passion or anything that might give us some insight into what the politician is thinking or feeling. There isn't anything dangerous on the average politician's blog -- nothing that could get them in trouble. Gelber, on the other hand, is a real blogger. He writes like a blogger who happens to be a politician, not the other way around. We know what he thinks and he doesn't hold back when he goes after the other side. And he does it with a personal touch -- we actually get to know Dan. The Netroots activists of Florida recognized the quality of his blog last year at our statewide awards ceremony by voting him the winner in four categories in our Annual Netroots Awards. That made him the top winner. Bloggers and online activists recognized him as one of us.
With the legislative session that starts today, Gelber is going even further with the use of new media, by livetweeting the Florida legislative session that will meet over the next 60 days. This isn't unprecedented at the national level and I some legislators in other states have done similar things, but Dan is breaking new ground here in Florida. And with the decline of our state and local media, we'll actually know more about what's going on in the capitol by reading Gelber's tweets than we will from reading our newspapers or watching the local news. Gelber has also been a repeat guest on our Florida Progressive Radio show on BlogTalkRadio and has made public appearances at our Netroots events. The point is he's a big supporter of the Netroots and shows that by participating in the things we do even more than many of our bloggers.
Maybe the biggest reason I want Dan Gelber representing me in Washington, though, is that he is a fighter. I've alluded to this a couple of times in terms of his blogging and things like that, but he doesn't just sit behind a computer and throw darts at the opposition, he gets out in the real world and mixes it up with Republicans as often as he can. He knows the legislative rules better than they do and despite being in a steep minority in the House, he was able to slow down Republican activity with procedural moves when they decided to ignore even basic rules of decorum and professionalism and prevent Democrats from even exercising their rights to free speech on the legislative floor. Gelber outmaneuvered Republican "star" Marco Rubio and forced the Republicans to back down and do the right thing. And he has a long track record of fighting the excesses of Florida Republicans, something that will serve him well when fighting Washington Republicans, who are mild compared to the subspecies we face here in Tallahassee. And it isn't just on the floor of the legislature, either, when election time comes around, we know which side Gelber is on and we don't have to worry about him using his position to help Republicans get elected.
None of this is to say that I would have any problem working to make sure that Kendrick Meek or Kevin Burns (or a number of other Democrats if they jumped into the race) won in the general election. Meek has a great voting record and it would be great to have more African-Americans in the Senate. Similarly, Burns would be the first openly-gay member of the Senate and that would be a significant step forward for America. I do question Meek's priorities, though, and I'm unconvinced that Burns could win the general election at this point. I want a proven fighter representing me. I want someone who is on the right side of the issues, knows how the system works and who believes in expanding the tools we use to change our country. I think that candidate is Dan Gelber.
Des Moines Urban DMACC - DFA Academy Training Welcome
Linked to groups: DFIA, Des Moines DFA, DFA Campaign Academy Alumni, DFA Night School
Linked to campaigns: Obama for America
Here's the beginning welcome for the Attendees by the National Academy Organizer Matt Blizek and afterwards Eecutive Director Jim Dean!!
(please excuse the jerky video it was a handheld FLiPcorder)
direct Youtube link [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbZnyjbXsM4 ]
Next is a very welcome and gracious encouragement speech by our great US Senator Tom Harkin
direct Youtube link [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-4QIvmRfh0 ]
Videos of some of the 64 House Healthcare Heroes standing strong for a public health insurance option
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver
Congressman Lloyd Dogget
Congressman Keith Ellison
Congressman Bob Filner
Congressman Phil Hare
Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey
Congresswoman Maxine Waters
Blog for America
-
Accountability
By Mary R on Oct 29, 2009 1:02 PM EDT -
Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC says timing is "unfortunate"
By Mary R on Oct 28, 2009 4:08 PM EDT -
America Can't Wait
By Howard Dean on Sep 17, 2009 4:11 PM EDT -
Remembering Ted Kennedy
By DFA Staff on Aug 26, 2009 2:48 PM EDT -
Taking Stock of Health Care Reform
By Michael Pine on Aug 3, 2009 9:14 AM EDT
Recent Blog Posts
-
Miami Scrubs - Unisex Drawstring Set
By Miami CPR on Nov 5, 2009 5:08 AM EST -
SOF Latest Game Info
By ttffdd t on Nov 5, 2009 3:57 AM EST -
RunesOfMagic Latest Game Info
By ttggbb t on Nov 5, 2009 3:50 AM EST -
Requiem Latest Game Info
By ttffdd t on Nov 5, 2009 3:31 AM EST -
Rappelz Latest Game Info
By iikkmm i on Nov 5, 2009 3:19 AM EST