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Important events coming up in Columbia and the ongoing campaign for health care

Written by: William Monroe on Oct 18, 2009 1:42 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy For the Heart of America, DFA Columbia, Missouri DFA

Our own 25th District Rep Mary Still and KC Rep John Burnett invite all to a "field hearing" on payday loan reform to be held at the Columbia Public Library Friends Room at 6:30 PM on November 16th. The average payday lender in Missouri charges 430.68% interest. For this and other reasons, reforms are needed to protect the poor and vulnerable in Missouri. The Republican Speaker of the House Ron Richard, has assigned a hearing for Mary Still's reform bill for the last day of the session in an attempt to kill it. This Columbia library hearing will kick off a campaign to have Mary's bill given a fair hearing and shot at passage. Come out and offer your opinion and stories on the Payday loan industry and hear how you can get involved...everyone welcome.

And on November 14th...

Our local returned Peace Corps Volunteer group is having a free international film festival on November 14th. Details here:

http://groups.google.com/group/central-mo-rpcvs/web/third-goal-film-festival-2

And health care reform?

Nationally, Democracy for America has taken a lead role with Howard Dean at its head, to push for the public option as the key to true heath care reform. DFA is holding online reform workshops on October 20th on how to get local and State Democratic committees to sign on to a resolution promoting the public option. Details here:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/resolutionworkshop

Lets all work to bring us the true health reform including a strong public health option. This issue is very personal to me, as a nurse working in community health. I have seen the folks slipping thru the cracks in Missouri, unable to get the care they need. Every day 122 Americans die due to lack of sufficient health insurance. Thousands face bankruptcy and ruined lives due to health care costs.

Lets pull together for health care reform.

Discuss

Attend and/or support the DFA Campaign Training in Columbia MO this next weekend. You are invited!

Written by: William Monroe on Sep 26, 2009 1:04 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy For the Heart of America, Change for Missouri, Greater Kansas City Democracy for America, Missouri DFA, DFA Columbia

Columbia MO DFA is hosting the Democracy For America Campaign Training Academy October 3rd and 4th, just in time to help launch the 2010 campaign season.

If you have not yet RSVP'd please do:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/32787-dfa-campaign-training-in-columbia/event_attendees/new

Please help spread the word.

We have some great speakers, and the breakout sessions will focus on Missouri and how to swing voters in conservative areas. Andrew Kling, Rebecca McClanahan's campaign manager will be doing a breakout session on Sunday. Rebecca Richardson, Chair of Missouri Progressive Women's Caucus will share her expertise on how to elect progressive women candidates, and Brian Zuzenak, the MO Party Exec Director will focus on Party structure and the use of the voter file.

These folks are in addition to the other expert national campaign trainers specializing in media (Ellory Gould), finance (Jay Parmley), messaging (Brian Hageny), field organizing and issue advocacy (Helen Strain) as well as DFA Chair Jim Dean and principle trainer Matt Blizek.

A highlight of the weekend will be the Pizza Party outside Shakespeare's pizza under big-top canopies with several incumbent speakers and fantastic pizza courtesy of the host DFA organization, Democracy for Missouri. More details on the weekend here:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/32787-dfa-campaign-training-in-columbia

Thus far we have 87 RSVPs, and although the training is not very expensive, ($60...$30 for low income/students) there are about 20 people who have requested help with tuition. Call it a sign of the economic times we are in. It would be great if you could help sponsor training attendees:
https://democracyforamerica.com/contribution_pages/89-scholarship-contribution?event=32787

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Details on the Columbia DFA Traning Academy

Written by: William Monroe on Sep 20, 2009 9:43 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy For the Heart of America, Greater Kansas City Democracy for America, Missouri DFA, DFA Columbia, Change for Missouri

The last Democracy for America Campaign Training of 2009, is in Columbia MO October 3rd and 4th, just in time to help launch the 2010 campaign season. If you have not yet RSVP'd please do...

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/32787-dfa-campaign-training-in-columbia

Please help spread the word.

We have some great speakers, and the breakout sessions will focus on Missouri and how to swing voters in conservative areas. Andrew Kling, Rebecca McClanahan's campaign manager will be doing a breakout session on Sunday. Rebecca Richardson, Chair of Missouri Progressive Women's Caucus will share her expertise on how to support progressive women candidates, and Brian Zuzenak, the MO Party Exec Director will focus on Party structure and the use of the voter file.

These folks are in addition to the other expert national campaign trainers specializing in media (Ellory Gould), finance (Jay Parmley), messaging (Brian Hageny), field organizing and issue advocacy (Helen Strain as well as DFA Chair Jim Dean and principle trainer Matt Blizek.

Thus far we have 76 RSVPs, and although the training is not very expensive, ($60) there are about 20 people who have requested help with tuition. Call it a sign of the economic times we are in. It would be great if you could help sponsor training attendees:
https://democracyforamerica.com/contribution_pages/89-scholarship-contribution?event=32787

Discuss

Sen McCaskills Health Forum in Jef City at a new time!!

Written by: William Monroe on Aug 25, 2009 6:10 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy For the Heart of America, DFA Columbia, Missouri DFA

Claire's health care forum in Jefferson City has had a time change. Doors now open at 5:30 and the event kicks off at 6:00 PM.
Lewis and Clark Middle School - Cafeteria
325 Lewis and Clark Drive
Jefferson City, MO 6510
Details and RSVP:
http://mccaskill.senate.gov/jeffersoncity082609/
It is not necessary to RSVP on the above link...but it helps, and provides an opportunity to give input into the discussion. I attended the Moberly event. It seemed to be about 50 or 60% folks opposed to reform. We need more supporters to turn out. Claire manages these very well...no nastiness or name calling took place...come on out!

Bill Monroe, DFA Columbia

DFA Training Academy in Columbia:
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/32787-dfa-campaign-training-in-columbia

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More McCaskill Health care events and some rally action as well!

Written by: William Monroe on Aug 22, 2009 6:26 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy For the Heart of America, Greater Kansas City Democracy for America, Missouri DFA

There are two grassroots health insurance reform rallies and lots of Claire McCaskill health events coming up.

http://mccaskill.senate.gov/

September 2nd:

Progressive organizations with the cooperation of the Johnson County Democratic Party & UCM College Democrats will host a march & rally in support of healthcare reform at 5.00 p.m. Wednesday, September 2 at the Johnson County Court House Grounds in Warrensburg, Missouri.

The Real Healthcare Reform March
We will start from the Johnson County Court House Grounds and march to the University Union Room 237B 5.30pm – 6.00pm

(We have been granted permission to hold a parade from the courthouse to the UCM union. We will have police escorts in front of and behind the group that walks)

Also on the 2nd:

Grass Roots Organizing and Health Care for America Now have a huge rally with great speakers also planned tor the 2nd on the Steps of the Capital in Jefferson City. Starts 10:30 til Noon with Speeches by Judy Baker, Senator Wes Shoemyer, Representative Rebecca McClanahan and others.

Lets turn out, get Claire and Obama's back, and help bring on the health reform with a Public Option that we need!

Claire's Health listening tour:

In addition to Health care "listening forums" in Moberly Kansas City and Hannibal on the 24th and Jefferson City on the 26th, Claire will be in Warrrensburg in the early ours of the 26th and in Springfield and West Plains on the 31st.

Healthcare Listening Forum
Rural Youth Community Center - Johnson County Fairgrounds
386 NW 145
4 miles west of Warrensburg on Hwy. 50
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Wednesday, August 26, 8:00 a.m.

Healthcare Listening Forum
West Plains Civic Center Theater
110 St. Louis Street
West Plains, Missouri 65775
Monday, August 31, 9:00 a.m.

Healthcare Listening Forum
Gillioz Theater
325 Park Central East
Springfield, MO 65806
Monday, August 31, 12:30 p.m.

Thanks to Ragh from Warrensburg for the alert on this.

Bill Monroe, DFA Missouri

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Obama and Public Health Option...yes!

Written by: William Monroe on Jun 5, 2009 10:00 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Columbia, Democracy For the Heart of America, Greater Kansas City Democracy for America, Missouri DFA

What follows is the letter the President sent outlining his health care priorities and detailing that the Public Health care option must be present. Time for letters to the editor and to our Representatives to assure coverage for all with a Public option.

By the way....if you have not yet registered for the DFA Training this October in Columbia MO, please do so now. We have reserved a small block of rooms for out of town folks and have been engaged in some conference calls planning this with Matt Blizek. It is going to be fantastic!

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/32787-dfa-campaign-training-in-columbia

TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT TO SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY AND SENATOR MAX BAUCUS

June 2, 2009

The Honorable Edward M. Kennedy, The Honorable Max Baucus

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Kennedy and Senator Baucus:

The meeting that we held today was very productive and I want to commend you for your leadership -- and the hard work your Committees are doing on health care reform, one of the most urgent and important challenges confronting us as a Nation.

In 2009, health care reform is not a luxury. It's a necessity we cannot defer. Soaring health care costs make our current course unsustainable. It is unsustainable for our families, whose spiraling premiums and out-of-pocket expenses are pushing them into bankruptcy and forcing them to go without the checkups and prescriptions they need. It is unsustainable for businesses, forcing more and more of them to choose between keeping their doors open or covering their workers. And the ever-increasing cost of Medicare and Medicaid are among the main drivers of enormous budget deficits that are threatening our economic future.

In short, the status quo is broken, and pouring money into a broken system only perpetuates its inefficiencies. Doing nothing would only put our entire health care system at risk. Without meaningful reform, one fifth of our economy is projected to be tied up in our health care system in 10 years; millions more Americans are expected to go without insurance; and outside of what they are receiving for health care, workers are projected to see their take-home pay actually fall over time.

We simply cannot afford to postpone health care reform any longer. This recognition has led an unprecedented coalition to emerge on behalf of reform -- hospitals, physicians, and health insurers, labor and business, Democrats and Republicans. These groups, adversaries in past efforts, are now standing as partners on the same side of this debate.

At this historic juncture, we share the goal of quality, affordable health care for all Americans. But I want to stress that reform cannot mean focusing on expanded coverage alone. Indeed, without a serious, sustained effort to reduce the growth rate of health care costs, affordable health care coverage will remain out of reach. So we must attack the root causes of the inflation in health care. That means promoting the best practices, not simply the most expensive. We should ask why places like the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, and other institutions can offer the highest quality care at costs well below the national norm. We need to learn from their successes and replicate those best practices across our country. That's how we can achieve reform that preserves and strengthens what's best about our health care system, while fixing what is broken.

The plans you are discussing embody my core belief that Americans should have better choices for health insurance, building on the principle that if they like the coverage they have now, they can keep it, while seeing their costs lowered as our reforms take hold. But for those who don't have such options, I agree that we should create a health insurance exchange -- a market where Americans can one-stop shop for a health care plan, compare benefits and prices, and choose the plan that's best for them, in the same way that Members of Congress and their families can. None of these plans should deny coverage on the basis of a preexisting condition, and all of these plans should include an affordable basic benefit package that includes prevention, and protection against catastrophic costs. I strongly believe that Americans should have the choice of a public health insurance option operating alongside private plans. This will give them a better range of choices, make the health care market more competitive, and keep insurance companies honest.

I understand the Committees are moving towards a principle of shared responsibility -- making every American responsible for having health insurance coverage, and asking that employers share in the cost. I share the goal of ending lapses and gaps in coverage that make us less healthy and drive up everyone's costs, and I am open to your ideas on shared responsibility.

But I believe if we are going to make people responsible for owning health insurance, we must make health care affordable. If we do end up with a system where people are responsible for their own insurance, we need to provide a hardship waiver to exempt Americans who cannot afford it. In addition, while I believe that employers have a responsibility to support health insurance for their employees, small businesses face a number of special challenges in affording health benefits and should be exempted.

Health care reform must not add to our deficits over the next 10 years -- it must be at least deficit neutral and put America on a path to reducing its deficit over time. To fulfill this promise, I have set aside $635 billion in a health reserve fund as a down payment on reform.

This reserve fund includes a number of proposals to cut spending by $309 billion over 10 years --reducing overpayments to Medicare Advantage private insurers; strengthening Medicare and Medicaid payment accuracy by cutting waste, fraud and abuse; improving care for Medicare patients after hospitalizations; and encouraging physicians to form "accountable care organizations" to improve the quality of care for Medicare patients. The reserve fund also includes a proposal to limit the tax rate at which high-income taxpayers can take itemized deductions to 28 percent, which, together with other steps to close loopholes, would raise $326 billion over 10 years.

I am committed to working with the Congress to fully offset the cost of health care reform by reducing Medicare and Medicaid spending by another $200 to $300 billion over the next 10 years, and by enacting appropriate proposals to generate additional revenues. These savings will come not only by adopting new technologies and addressing the vastly different costs of care, but from going after the key drivers of skyrocketing health care costs, including unmanaged chronic diseases, duplicated tests, and unnecessary hospital readmissions.

To identify and achieve additional savings, I am also open to your ideas about giving special consideration to the recommendations of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), a commission created by a Republican Congress. Under this approach, MedPAC's recommendations on cost reductions would be adopted unless opposed by a joint resolution of the Congress. This is similar to a process that has been used effectively by a commission charged with closing military bases, and could be a valuable tool to help achieve health care reform in a fiscally responsible way.

These are some of the issues I look forward to discussing with you in greater detail in the weeks and months ahead. But this year, we must do more than discuss. We must act. The American people and America's future demand it.

I know that you have reached out to Republican colleagues, as I have, and that you have worked hard to reach a bipartisan consensus about many of these issues. I remain hopeful that many Republicans will join us in enacting this historic legislation that will lower health care costs for families, businesses, and governments, and improve the lives of millions of Americans.

So, I appreciate your efforts, and look forward to working with you so that the Congress can complete health care reform by October.

Sincerely,

BARACK OBAMA

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Chris Matthews endorses Howard Dean for HHS

Written by: William Monroe on Feb 24, 2009 8:26 PM EST

Linked to groups: Missouri DFA, Change for Missouri, DFA Columbia, Democracy For the Heart of America

In the lead into President Obama's speech to Congress, Gov Dean appeared on Hardball to discuss and promote the President's health care plan. Here it is on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4rjQ4g5aV4&

At its conclusion Chris calls for Howard to be named HHS Secretary!

While it looks like Kathleen Sebelius may get the nod for HHS, there is a facebook page for Howard and there is still some chance he will be named. He has been counted out before...

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=66621846656&ref=mf

Meanwhile we are in the planning stages for hosting a DFA Training Academy in MO sometime in September...stay tuned!

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DFA in an OFA world...and Dean for HHS!

Written by: William Monroe on Feb 11, 2009 3:20 PM EST

Linked to groups: Missouri DFA, DFA Columbia, Democracy For the Heart of America

This is a great post on BFA on the future and purpose of DFA now that we have an Obama Presidency:

http://democracyforamerica.com/blog_posts/27764-our-work-has-just-begun

Along those lines...Democracy for Missouri (DFA Columbia) is planning to host a DFA training in Columbia this Fall. I have seen a Youtube of a January Training Academy organizers retreat in Burlington. They are revamping the manual and the training in general. This promises to be a very good upgrade...and worth attending a training weekend again, if you have already been to one. Please stay tuned.

And...

Howard Dean is not only a Physician (married to a currently practicing Physician), but as Governor he presided over and pushed thru a major expansion of health care in Vermont. He has what it takes to get us Universal health care as head of Health and Human Services. Check out:
http://www.deanforhhs.com
Write your Congress people, media and the Obama team.
Gov Howard dean for HHS!

Discuss

Three Obama Inaugural Celebrations in Mid MO supported or organized by Democracy for Missouri

Written by: William Monroe on Jan 25, 2009 9:44 AM EST

Linked to groups: Missouri DFA, Democracy For the Heart of America, DFA Columbia

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

Three celebrations in Mid Missouri celebrated the departure of Bush and the inauguration of President Obama. Democracy for Missouri folks participated or helped organized all three.
On the 18th, the "Bye Bye Bush Bash" at the BlueNote was really fun with speeches, Music, a potluck and 200 people oh so ready to say goodbye to Bush.
In Fulton we not only celebrated but raised almost $900 for SERVE Inc. of Callaway County's food pantry. Speakers, music, video feeds from DC and service to our neighbors...what a great night!
http://s615.photobucket.com/albums/tt235/BillinMidMO/Fulton%20MO%20Inaugural%20food%20bank%20fundraiser/?albumview=link
At the BlueNOte again, on the evening of the 20th it was the "Tatters to Tuxedos" Ball sponsored by Democracy for Missouri and the Boone County Democrats:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/boonecountydemocrats/sets/72157612775331297/
Lots of great music and almost 500 people turned out to Celebrate.
Three events to celebrate...now the work of transforming the Country begins.
DFA is conducting campaign trainings around the Country. We hope to repeat our successful April 2007 training with new materials and topics covered this Fall. Stay tuned!

Discuss

A message from a four-legged friend.

Written by: Commissioner Richard Renner on Jan 20, 2009 7:28 PM EST

Linked to groups: NE Minneapolis MNwrites, Las Vegas Democracy For America, Upper Bucks for Democracy, Democracy for America-Greater Milwaukee, Change For Louisville

Mitzy is a two year old Brittany Spaniel/Chocolate Lab mix. She is a wonderful dog who loves to play, especially fetch, and loves to go for rides in the car. She knows how to sit, shake and heel.

Mitzy's family loved her very much. They had her spayed, as all responsible pet-owners should, and took her to the Vet for the least little problem. Mitzy was a member of the family, and when a member of your family is sick, you take them to the doctor.

However, about six months ago, the father of Mitzy's family lost his job. The result was so financially devastating that they could no longer afford to care for Mitzy and were forced to surrender her to the Missaukee Humane Society.

Given the exponential descent of our economy, Mitzy's story has become all too common. But, there is something you can do to help. Missaukee Humane Society (MHS) is a small shelter in rural northern Michigan, dependent on contributions to continue their mission of mercy. They are one of the only no-kill animal shelters left in Michigan, and are currently running on a deficit, at full capacity. Many mornings, the staff arrives to find abandoned pets, left overnight by owners who can no longer afford to feed or care for them.

Right now, MHS is attempting to win a $10,000 prize from Adopt-a-Pet.com. Please, can you spare 30 seconds of your time to vote for MHS, by clicking on...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

$10,000 could save literally hundreds of abandoned pets - Pets that give us nothing but unconditional love in exchange for an occasional pat on the head, a squeaky toy to play with, and a couple of bowls filled with food and fresh water.

Because MHS is in a rural, sparsely populated area, they need as many votes as possible from all across the state, and all across the country. Please vote now at...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

Time is running out, so please don't wait. The contest ends January 31, 2009, at 11:59pm. After you vote, you will have an opportunity to forward information about the contest to as many people as possible so that they can join you in this worthy cause. Vote, spread the word, be a voice for the voiceless...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

I thank you, and Mitzy thanks you.

The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world—the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous—is his dog…

- George Graham Vest, American lawyer and politician, 1830-1904

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