Jesus was a community organizer. Pontius Pilate was a Governor.

Written by: Wendy Sejour on Sep 4, 2008 6:47 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM), DFA-Link Organizers, 2006 Training Academy Hosts, Florida DFA, Democracy for Florida, Coral Park Young Democrats, Progressive Businesses and Professionals for America, Florida Trained Activists, Netroots Activism!, Hispanic Democracy, Broward County Democracy for America, The Original Broward County DFA- DFAB, Veterans for Democracy, West Miami Dade Democrats for Change, FIU Campus Corps

Jody Finver has written the great piece below in response to Sarah Palin's attack on community organizers.  Also, check out the latest video post.  Do you like the title of this post?  Purchase gear at the DFAM Store!

I refused to tune in last night (in part because I was working) but I read Palin's speech and all I can think is just when you think the Republicans can't sink any lower, they prove me wrong.

In her snarky attempts to rile up her crowd, Governor Palin showed us who she really was. An ignorant water carrier with no comprehension of subtext and no concept of life in the lower 48 otherwise known as the Continental United States.

The media, from what I have read, have not caught on to two things:

the first - that Palin attacked a candidate that she never met and doesn't know.

and the second - she insulted every community organizer in the world and said we have no actual responsibilities.

Now the thing about attacking Obama I think is a bit ironic. Since last night was Rudy's wrap yourself in the memory of the twin towers, a noun, a  verb and 911 stampede -- for Palin to come out and attack someone based on hearsay, without any first-hand knowledge, comes off sounding like a radical, fundamentalist extremist.

Wait, aren't they the enemy? The very evil John McCain will stare down with steely eyes and defeat just by exhaling? Has history not taught the Republican party anything? I know science hasn't but is history too now subject for questioning?

Do they not realize that when they speak, people outside their inner fear mongering circle hear them?
I don't think so. Because if they considered for a moment that people outside of their ego-maniacal world are watching, they never would have allowed a former PTA, city councilwoman to insult community activists the way she did.

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Why It Matters

Written by: Franco Caliz-Aguilar on Aug 15, 2008 12:30 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM), Coral Park Young Democrats, GenDFA Student Leaders, DFA-Link Organizers, Florida Trained Activists, DFA Interns, FIU Campus Corps, Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM)

For those who received Democracy For America's email on Wednesday, with the subject line: "Whose side are they on?," and thought "why does this matter?", take a look at this youtube video of Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart at a fundraiser talking about his "dear friends" Democratic congresspeople Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and Kendrick Meek:

That's right, the "Democrats" that have not publicly backed DFA-list candidates Joe Garcia or Annette Taddeo.

Why does this matter? I've seen Mario claim that it's his ability to draw bipartisan support, such as these two congressional folks, for his policies of "centrism and realism" that makes him such an effective representative. Mario-Diaz Balart is a right wing thug, who voted against S-CHIP and then lied about it when his office told constituents that he voted for it.

He's the very definition of a Republican Rubber Stamp Congressman. He follows the party line blindly -- right off the cliff.   Mario regularly calls in to Spanish talk radio and spews discredited right-wing talking points bashing and demonizing Democrats. Here's someone who drank up all the Bush/Cheney/McCain kool-aid and asked for seconds.  Mario still believes that terrorism sponsored by Saddam Hussein was the reason we went into Iraq and, no matter the facts on the ground, we must stay the course.

If the activist base, the DFA members, don't put pressure on shameful "Democrats" like Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and Kendrick Meek, who will? It's time for Democrats to act like Democrats and grow a backbone. It's time for us to knock out of Congress fools who are beholden to special interests like Mario Diaz-Balart, and to elect people of true good character and integrity, like Joe Garcia and Annette Taddeo. And, it's also time for us to hold Democrats accountable  when they fail to assume their duties or mistakingly align themselves with knuckle-dragging, reactionary Republicans.

I have no hope for either of the Diaz-Balart brothers or Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, but Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Kendrick Meek should know better.  They should know who their friends are...and it ain't Mario, Lincoln, and Ileana.

HYPOCRISY

Written by: Wendy Sejour on Aug 8, 2008 2:24 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM), DFA-Link Organizers, Florida DFA, Democracy for Florida, Coral Park Young Democrats, Progressive Businesses and Professionals for America, DFA Night School, Florida Trained Activists, Netroots Activism!, Hispanic Democracy, Broward County Democracy for America, The Original Broward County DFA- DFAB, Veterans for Democracy, West Miami Dade Democrats for Change, FIU Campus Corps

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

Last Wednesday night I went to listen to Nancy “Impeachment is off the table” Pelosi at Temple Judea.  She was promoting her book “Know Your Power: A message to America’s Daughters.”  So, what overarching message did I take away from this event?  She’s a hypocrite.

During the introduction, it was made clear that Madam Speaker would have no real interaction with the audience. There would be no live questions from anyone, including the media.  It was made clear that anyone who spoke out of turn would be escorted out.  A small group of us (proudly wearing our Impeach Bush & Cheney t-shirts) was approached by one of the several police officers present that not only were signs prohibited but that any interruption of the event would result in being tossed out.  That being said, we decided that our action would be to stand quietly in the back of the hall after everyone was seated so that Ms. Pelosi would at least be able to see that some of us think impeachment should be placed back on the table.

The ground rules laid out to us would not ordinarily have upset me, except that Speaker Pelosi’s first talking point was the importance of everyone, especially women, recognizing not only their power to speak out but actually using it.  I stood there shocked, thinking that she’s saying how important it is for women to speak out, and here this woman had just been told that I had to shut-up in order to stay in the room.  I can’t voice my fears, dreams, nada.  What is wrong with this picture?

She went on to speak of her awakening to the power that she held as Speaker of the House and to speak of some of the legislation that the House passed in the past two years (equal pay, SCHIP, etc., none of which got past the Senate or a Presidential veto threat).  She also spoke about finally having a seat at the table and discovering what that meant.  She also spoke of the strength it took to raise five children and realizing that women could lead the way on what’s good for the country.  Two questions ran through my mind as she said those words:  Is the rule of law not good for the country?  If she had the courage to raise five kids, why doesn’t she have the courage to lead the House in standing up to George Bush and the Republicans?

Speaker Pelosi’s mantra was “Know Thy Power” as a woman, a mother, a citizen.  I couldn’t help but wonder, what about the power of the Constitution?  Having power is one thing.  It takes courage to use it.  My final question to Madam Speaker is, do you dare?

DFA Miami has been called out!

Written by: Wendy Sejour on Jul 24, 2008 10:23 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM), Florida DFA, Coral Park Young Democrats, Florida Trained Activists, Hispanic Democracy, Broward County Democracy for America, The Original Broward County DFA- DFAB, Veterans for Democracy, West Miami Dade Democrats for Change, FIU Campus Corps

The Taddeo for Congress campaign has issued a challenge: Can DFAM come on out one day and help us change Washington? We're up for the challenge, and we need you. They are being asked by the

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to come out and phonebank for them. If DFAM and Taddeo campaign volunteers contact more voters than the other campaigns, they will give the Taddeo campaign access to an email list of over 3 MILLION Democrats across the country!

To make sure that volunteers are up for the challenge, food and drinks will be given to them. The time for action has come, so we hope to see you on Saturday!

WHERE:   Taddeo for Congress Headquarters, 11509 South Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33156                                                   

Suniland Plaza behind Starbuck's Coffee (on US1 & Killian)

WHEN: Saturday, July 26th - 12:00PM – 5:00PM

SEE YA THERE!

Attend our meeting September 19th!

Written by: Katherine Melo on Sep 5, 2007 7:45 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Coral Park Young Democrats

Hello surrent members of the Coral Park Young Democrates. If you are waiting to hear about out first club meeting it is going to be held September 19th, which is a Wednesday. If there is any reason why you cannot make it just send me a message.

Hope to see you there,

Katherine Melo, Vice President

Edwards Announces 2008 Candidacy For President

Written by: Franco Caliz-Aguilar on Dec 28, 2006 3:51 PM EST

Linked to groups: Coral Park Young Democrats

"Escalate" by kos Thu Dec 28, 2006 at 09:38:50 AM PST

In his announcement today, Edwards used the proper term for what Bush and McCain want to do in Iraq:

Edwards explicitly condemned the "surge" plan for Iraq. But he didn't call it the surge. "It is a mistake," he said, "for America to escalate the war in Iraq."  That's the term the blogs have adopted as well, and its prominent placement, used before he mentioned the word "surge," struck me as a possible dog whistle to the left.

As for the announcement itself, I can't get too excited about it. We all knew Edwards was running for president, and as you'll soon see, each of these guys will "announce" like five times.

But it would be quite significant to see a critical mass form around the word "escalate". We've got to call the Bush/McCain plan what it is -- an escalation -- rather than the politically more palatable word ("surge") they'd rather use. And it's good to see Edwards assist in that effort.

Update: Barack Obama is also talking "escalation".

Escalation Is Not The Answer

As the New Year approaches, we are told that the President is considering the deployment of tens of thousands of additional troops to Iraq in the desperate hope of subduing the burgeoning civil war there.

This is a chilling prospect that threatens to compound the tragic mistakes he has already made over the last four years.

FL GOVERNORS DEBATE

Written by: Franco Caliz-Aguilar on Oct 28, 2006 3:02 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Coral Park Young Democrats

Hey Guys, this is from the Jim Davis Campaign... I'll be online in a chat room with my little debate truth book if you guys wanna talk on AIM instead.
-------------------------------------------------
Please join us for a Debate Watch Party with
Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor
Daryl Jones

Monday, October 30th
6:30 pm
Debate starts at 7pm on NBC

Jim Davis will call into the party at 8:15 after the debate!!!!

Refreshments will be served
Location:

IATSE Union Hall
10705 NW 33rd St #110
Doral, Florida

To RSVP:

Call Danielle at (954) 581-4011 or email her at

dblack@jimdavis2006.com

CPYD's Movie showing on Wednesday

Written by: Franco Caliz-Aguilar on Oct 8, 2006 1:28 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Coral Park Young Democrats

Hey folks as you know we're showing Iraq For Sale, a fantastic movie at school this Wednesday as part of our campaign to educate you guys on issues in our world.

We hope you come, you can RSVP at www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=118...

and remember you'll be earning community hours while watching a great movie, with some popcorns and chips on the side.

Florida needs you

Written by: Franco Caliz-Aguilar on Sep 28, 2006 8:46 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Coral Park Young Democrats

Hey guys, we need you to help with the phonebanking on Monday, Oct 2nd (day off from school) in Kendall at 11624 SW 88 ST.

This is it, we're heading for the final month before the election as we turn Florida back to the Democrats. We will be helping Jim Davis the candidate for Governor. You can go any time from 1-6 PM for the phonebanking, 20 community hours are at hand for those that go.

You can RSVP at dfalink.com/event.php?id=13104...

Last Meeting Recap 09/07/06

Written by: Alberto Gomez on Sep 12, 2006 11:01 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Coral Park Young Democrats

Hi Member, during this meeting we talked about past and future events. We started by talking about the success of our last social event (BirdBowl Bowling), which led to us planning a future social event. We found out that unfortunately Millie Herrera, a candidate for County Commissioner for District 10 whom we endorsed, lost the elections, mostly due to technological difficulties on Kendall. We set up the date of our next meeting, which is going to be on September 20. Also during this meeting we will be holding our social event for the month of September, we will be having food and drinks donated by members (Franco or Micheal will be e-mailing people in the near future). Also we decided we are going to endorse Jim Davis, the Democrat candidate for Governor, and we strongly encourage members to go to a canvass being held in September 30th, to which many of our members will be attending. We are going to be hosting a screening for the movie Iraq for Sale sometime around the 12 of October, which all members are encouraged to attend. Lastly we decided on our community project, which will be attending Susan G Komen Race For The Cure on October 21st.
Goodbye, and Goodluck

Alberto Gomez