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Happy Thanksgiving from Missaukee County (Michigan) :)

Written by: Richard Renner on Nov 26, 2008 7:30 PM EST

To all my friends at Democracy for America,

May your Thanksgiving be filled with Love, Faith and Laughter.

Best wishes,

Richard Renner

Missaukee County Commissioner-elect

Membership Chair, Missaukee County Democratic Party

“Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of others...for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”

- Albert Einstein

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"...let's not forget all the hard-working, progressive Democrats who are running for local offices..." - Democrats.com

Written by: Richard Renner on Nov 17, 2008 9:41 PM EST

"...let's not forget all the hard-working, progressive Democrats who are running for local offices...Local and state offices have an enormous impact on our lives, and also produce our future national leaders..." - Democrats.com

CHALLENGE: ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT to raise $380! Help the only Democratic County Commissioner in Missaukee County (Michigan).

On Tuesday, November 4th, history was made in Missaukee County. I was fortunate enough to defeat a Republican incumbent for County Commissioner in the second most Republican county in the state of Michigan. However, as with many campaigns, I have debt to pay off, and several final expenses to pay. I need to raise $380 in 3 days. Can I count on you? Making a contribution is easier than ever. Just click on the link below, and make a secure, online contribution using PayPal...

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=rrenner%40core%2ecom&item_name=Friends%20of%20Richard%20Renner&no_shipping=0&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8

OFFICIALLY ENDORSED BY MID-MICHIGAN DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA (MMDfA)!
“Richard REALLY knows his stuff and has specific plans for improving his county.”

As I was quoted in our local daily, the Cadillac News, following my victory...

"The voters...have made a determination that the status quo is no longer acceptable, that we expect more accountability, greater openness, and transparency in county government."

Please, help me pay off my debt by raising $380 in 3 days. Just click on the link below, and make a secure, online contribution using PayPal...

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=rrenner%40core%2ecom&item_name=Friends%20of%20Richard%20Renner&no_shipping=0&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8

Victory '10,

Richard Renner

Missaukee County Commissioner-elect

"...public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people...with full recognition that every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration."

- Margaret Chase Smith, U.S. Senator from Maine, 1949-1973

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Oil Crisis: Oil Industry's method of raising prices and cutting their own taxes

Written by: James Dunn on Jul 8, 2008 11:15 AM EDT

Regarding opening environmentally protected areas for mining and pumping oil:

There is over 200 years of oil in the 48 contiguous States that are capped up by oil companies to monopolize world energy. There is no need to violate our environmentally protected areas, just to allow oil companies to further monopolize their strangle hold over our lives.

They are creating a media frenzy just to increase the price of oil; very successfully I might add. However, there is no immediate threat for an oil shortage !!! The oil companies have ONLY created the perception that there is a shortage !!!!

I personally believe that ALL mineral rights belong to the American People, NOT souless corporations!!!

I applaud Venezuela for nationalizing the oil assets in their country!!!!

We should be doing the same thing here in the United States !!!!

Ethically Eliminate ALL Political Corruption

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/jamesbdunn?p=57

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Unseating Walden

Written by: Tristin Mock on May 17, 2008 3:07 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Bend Redmond DFA, FairElections Oregon, Democracy for Oregon Leaders

I wanted to bring awareness to this group that I am currently attempting to unseat Walden in OR-2. I am a progressive candidate and am strongly in favor of ending the US invasion of Iraq. Other important issues to me include healthcare, environmental conservation, and election reform.

Please visit my DFA campaign site, and my official website, to learn more about me. If you think I would represent your views please become a campaign supporter.

Thank you,
Tristin Mock

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Written by: Bruce Freeman on Dec 15, 2007 5:02 PM EST

Linked to groups: Democracy for Oregon Leaders

Below, and continued in the 'extended entry' is my Guest Column by Bruce Freeman which appeared in the Newberg (Oregon) Graphic on Saturday, December 15, 2007:

"After watching all the debates thus far and conducting my own extensive research, it is no longer difficult for me to make a choice for the next president. I have decided to back Kucinich, and work hard to that end on his/our behalf. To those who say, "He's not electable," I reply, "Not if you keep talking like that. Not if you accept media negativity as truth."

There are other progressives I could live with (Obama or Edwards), but as far as specifics and plans and intellect and experience and passion, I believe Kucinich is the one. I hope, earnestly, that we as a people have outgrown our superficial qualifications for the highest office on the planet, i.e., "who'd we most like to have a beer with," or "he is really tall and good looking," or "he/she is endorsed by (fill in celebrity name), or "he can really turn a phrase." Those aren't presidential qualities, and look at where such criteria have gotten us in the past.

I want one of us as president. I want someone who is not beholden to special interests, who has main-street smarts, and who can bring solutions for the greater good to fruition. I have been shocked and dismayed by how so many seem to fall for the clever phrases, the framing and the spin ('The Blue Sky Initiative' which hasn't helped the environment; 'No Child Left Behind' which, sadly, leaves children behind, and the list goes on). "To acquire immunity to eloquence is of the utmost importance to the citizens of a democracy," Bertrand Russell wisely said.

Now, 90 percent of us are being left behind. If one is not a multi-millionaire, then every time a vote is cast for the neocons or for a member of the corporatocracy -- basically a Republican robber barons -- we are voting against our own best interests. Ayn Rand declared, "Upper classes are a nation's past; the middle class its future." That used to hold true -- until the upper classes started waging a greedy war on the middle class.

Now I say, "Enough!" The middle class has been damaged -- deeply. But, there's more of us than there are of them. Bill Moyers has said, and I believe, "The only answer to organized money is organized people." The top one percent of the wealth hierarchy have had their time and it has been rife with profiteering, scandal, lies, war, immorality, and downright theft from the vast majority of us. It will take a generation, and more, to recover.

New event

Written by: Chad Lupkes on Sep 13, 2006 6:37 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Oregon Leaders

I just moved the Campaigns Wikia Meetup event from Democracy for Vancouver to Democracy for Oregon. I need help getting it organized, as I live in Seattle and don't know the area that well. Any help is appreciated!

www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=127...

Chad Lupkes
chadlupkes@gmail.com
206-440-1592

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Attend 9/11 Revealed on June 4!

Written by: Ginny Ross on Jun 4, 2006 1:03 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Oregon Leaders

Please attend 9/11 Revealed on Sunday, June 4, 2006 at 1:00 PM at the Gresham Library. Meet a great group of progressive activists and truth seekers. You can RSVP at:

www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=885...

or just show up!

Find out more about the group at www.pdx911truth.blogspot.com...

What: 9/11 Revealed
When: Sunday, June 4, 2006, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Where: Gresham Public Library
385 NW Miller Ave.
Gresham OR 97030

Also, if you would like to help organize activities, blog, or otherwise help with DFA activism in Oregon, please consider becoming a co-organizer of this group. Just do it. There are a lot of ways to make a difference. This could be one of them.

Come to www.dfalink.com/group.php?id=185... and check it out. If you are getting this email, you are a member of this DFA Link group. Please go into your account area and at least help us know where you are in Oregon. Also, please post your activities, announcements and events on the Blog for Oregon, our free progressive webspace.

www.blogfororegon.com...

Please also come to a terrific event on Monday June 5th --- Greg Palast will kick off his book tour for "Armed Madhouse" in Portland! See here for more details:

www.oregonvrc.org/palast...

Next Wednesday is DFA night, so find (or create) your local group and have a great event.

Sincerely,

Ginny Ross
DFO

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New Initiative: Iraq Forums

Written by: Ginny Ross on May 16, 2006 1:14 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Oregon Leaders

Dear DFA Leaders,

There are a few days left to sign up for the DFO Summit at www.dfalink.com/portlandsummit....

If you can't make it this year, don't worrry, there are numerous opportunities to be active in other programs and groups! -- I will try to keep up with them all and share them on this list. Anyone who would like to be included as an 'organizer' for this group to help out with processing and sharing information and strategies that arise within the DFA grassroots, I'd be glad to have some help.

Quick example...Did you know there are various nationwide networks of DFA leaders that connect us all together via email, DFA link and conference calls? All you need to do to be part of these networks is to just get in touch -- write me, and I'd be glad to direct you to a network you may be interested in. There's the Election Rescue group, DFA Film Club, DFA Hosts and many more. So just say the word --- You are one click away from being in one or more loops!

Here's an example of a new initiative from DFA. In fact they are looking for a NW coordinator of this program. So if you are interested, please write to Chris Warshaw at DFA (cwarshaw@democracyforamerica.com)

And now, here's his message:

Last weekend, DFA members held over 100 Day of Action events! Now we need to apply the same organizing skill to change the course on the Iraq War. Polls show that the war is the top issue for more than 40% of Americans. There is deep frustration among these voters with how President Bush and the Republican Congress have managed the Iraq War. Moreover, many Americans are concerned that the war in Iraq has prevented us from addressing important problems here at home. We are all eager for a new direction.

Unfortunately, Congressional Republicans are continuing to try and sweep the war under the rug by repeatedly refusing to debate the war in Congress. Well, if they won't debate it in Congress, then we're going to start the debate from the ground up.

Last week, the New York Times released a new poll showing that Americans trust Democrats more than Republicans to deal with the war by nearly a 2-1 margin. If the war is part of the national debate, Democrats win. It's that simple. And a Democratic victory in November is the fastest way to bring a new direction in Iraq.

This summer, we're planning to hold "DFA Iraq War Forums" around the country. The forums you organize will help put the war back on the national political agenda and focus attention on the Republicans' mismanagement of the war. If local members of Congress have not signed H.R. 543 for an open debate in Congress yet, the forums are also a great way to spur them to sign on.

Please join an emergency conference call this Thursday or Friday to learn more:

www.democracyforamerica.com/iraq...

Our goal is to plan at least 100 Iraq War forums this summer to create national momentum for a real debate on the war. But we need the entire DFA community on board to make this work. Below are just a few reasons for why your group should hold an Iraq War forum:

1) It will start a national bottom-up debate on real solutions for the war in Iraq.
2) It will create a stronger climate for Democrats to take back Congress in November by highlighting the differences between Democrats and Republicans on the Iraq War.
3) It will spur members of Congress to sign on to H.R. 543 -- the discharge petition for an open debate on the war in Congress.
4) It will be a powerful recruitment tool to bring new members into your local group.
5) DFA Chair Jim Dean will visit one forum each month this summer.

Will you join a conference call this week to learn more?

www.democracyforamerica.com/iraq...

Thanks for all you do.

Chris Warshaw
Field Director
Democracy for America

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Invitation to 2006 DFO Summit

Written by: Ginny Ross on Apr 19, 2006 4:28 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Oregon Leaders

I'm writing today for a few reasons; one to thank you for signing up for this DFA-Link group (Democracy for Oregon Leaders), and also to invite you to come to Portland on May 20 & 21 for our 2006 DFO Summit.

The event will feature a 2-day DFA training Academy featuring Jim Dean, Chairman of the DFA. We also
have the following keynote speakers lined up: Thom Hartmann, Bill Bradbury, Jeff Merkley, and Jefferson Smith. It will be two fantastic days and I sure hope you will consider attending and will also help spread the word.

Please go here: http://www.dfosummit.com for more information.

See also: www.dfalink.com/portlandsummit...

You can learn a lot at the Summit and it will be great fun to kick off the campaign year together, so I hope you will consider
attending. Please also promote the event by printing out and sharing the 2006 DFO Summit Flyer posted below and also at www.dfosummit.com.... Thanks!

All the best,

Ginny Ross
Democracy for Oregon

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Topple the Queen, This Saturday

Written by: Ginny Ross on Apr 13, 2006 1:21 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Oregon Leaders

URGENT ACTION ALERT - PLEASE FORWARD

Click here to sign up for an urgent action on Saturday to convince Karen Minnis to change her mind and support real payday loan reform.
www.ouroregon.org/cgi-bin/displa...

14,000 voters are louder than $14,000!
In just a few hours on Saturday, we can get real payday loan reform now!

Apparently, it took nearly $14,000 from the payday loan industry to kill payday loan legislation in 2005. After receiving $13,500 in campaign donations from payday lenders, Speaker of the House Karen Minnis wouldn't let a reform bill even get a hearing.

Now - just as signature gathering is starting for the payday loan reform ballot measure - lawmakers are discussing whether payday loan reform will be on the agenda for this week's special session.

Governor Ted Kulongoski supports reform as good or better than the ballot measure. The senate leadership does, too.

The only person left who hasn't endorsed the ballot measure as a basis for reform is Karen Minnis. It's all up to her now.

We have until Friday, April 21st to convince Karen Minnis to change her mind and support real payday loan reform. To do that, we're going to contact one voter for every dollar she received from the payday loan industry.

That's why we're doing a rapid response this Saturday and we need you!

We are putting together a rapid response in Speaker Karen Minnis's district to reach 14,000 of her constituents and let them know she refuses to endorse real payday loan reform. We're hitting the streets; we're hitting the phones.

It's going to take a massive volunteer effort, but we can do it. We need you, your friends, and your family to come prove once and for all that 14,000 voters are louder than $14,000. It will be quick and easy.

Please sign up for the neighborhood walk now and let us know you're coming so we'll have enough materials for everyone. Here's the link:
www.ouroregon.org/cgi-bin/displa...

NEIGHBORHOOD WALK DETAILS:

Saturday, April 15th
Start time: 10:00 a.m. (quick training and then we walk!)
Location:
Payday Loan Campaign Headquarters
NASE Building
1125 SE Madison Street (just a block north of Hawthorne.)
Portland, Oregon 97214
We'll be waiting for you in the main ballroom.

Wear comfy shoes and a light jacket, and don't forget to bring a friend or two! Forward this email so they can sign up too!

Click here to sign up for an urgent action on Saturday to convince Karen Minnis to change her mind and support real payday loan reform.
www.ouroregon.org/cgi-bin/displa...

Who we are: Our Oregon is a progressive political non-profit that works for economic and tax fairness. Oregonians for Payday Loan Fairness is the committee that is circulating the initiative petition to rein in predatory payday lending.

Liz McClurken
Outreach & Field Coordinator
Our Oregon
503.239.8029 office www.ouroregon.org 503.449.0538 mobile

This email and its content are confidential, and are not for posting,
publication or distribution without the express permission of the author.

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Democracy for America group blog for Democracy for Oregon Leaders

Happy Thanksgiving from Missaukee County (Michigan) :)

"...let's not forget all the hard-working, progressive Democrats who are running for local offices..." - Democrats.com

Oil Crisis: Oil Industry's method of raising prices and cutting their own taxes

Unseating Walden

Read more

New event

Attend 9/11 Revealed on June 4!

New Initiative: Iraq Forums

Invitation to 2006 DFO Summit

Topple the Queen, This Saturday

Blog for America

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