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Can you spare 30 seconds of your time to help save abandoned pets?

Written by: Richard Renner on Jan 4, 2009 10:30 PM EST

As our economic crisis continues to worsen, some of the most vulnerable among us can not speak for themselves - Unwanted and abandoned pets. Missaukee Humane Society (MHS) is a small shelter in rural Northern Michigan, dependent on contributions to continue their mission of mercy. MHS is one of the only no-kill animal shelters left in Michigan. They are currently running on a deficit, and 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, game of fetch, 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

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…a man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that had no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace, and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.

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

Discuss

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...

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

Discuss

GIDGET COMES TO WASHNGTON

Written by: Hy Dubowsky on Aug 29, 2008 11:09 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for New York, Democracy for the Hudson-Mohawk Region, DFA: Greene County, Democracy For Westchester, DFA: Columbia County, Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

The game is on and with idealogical lines as clear as the one's drawn by the Palin pick we have a job to do, We must keep looking ahead. We must continue to identify our vote. We must continue to educate our vote. We must GET OUT OUR VOTE.

The stakes have never been higher in our lifetimes. For our children and grandchildren we must get this Country back on track.

Barack/Biden!!!!

Let's go team.

Discuss

Democrats Succeed Defeating Conservative Democrats

Written by: Tom Saez on Jan 22, 2008 11:05 PM EST

Linked to groups: Democracy For Westchester

www.democracyforwestchester.net

Sometimes too much of a good is not such good thing.

That is what occurs when democrats succeed at local level, specially when they eliminate any possibility of any one running in any other alternative ticket- read republican- to get elected (by any means). Like in the case of Westchester republicans who want to make a career in politics are giving up registering as republicans and registering in the democratic party as their ticket to get into elected office.

In some cases they are just switching party lines in the middle of their tenure.

The knowledge we are gathering is in the direction of tide has turned against republicans. Specially those who were in the Bush line for the past two elections and in Westchester are a bunch of that kind.

The polls say if you are a republican you better run fast to change ‘your values’ or the probability of defeat is too high, for them the risk or losing the cushy seats has become too large to ignore.

This is no indication that many democrats will change their “values’ to face this new wave of competition from their comrades of the “right” so they have few alternatives, one is to run as democrats or continue to run as pseudo-democrats pleasing conservatives.

One interesting movement is emerging around the country, as we are seeing the fierce battle in Maryland 4 Congressional District, in which a progressive democrat is challenging another democrat in this case a conservative democrat. The district is solid democrat, solid African American and consistent with low middle income needs.

What is important here is that progressive democrats are learning a painful lesson, that all democrats are bearers for democracy nor they are carriers of what the publicized Democratic party pamphlets distribute. Progressive democrats are tired of what is been said and what is been done –vote in congress- is totally a different thing.

The proof is one the cake. Westchester needs progressive democrats to challenge the old frame conservative democrats. There is a need for change that is clear and the Democratic candidates for president are sending an urgent message to all progressives: the old guard wants more of the same, thus, progressive must get ready to lead and challenge in all levels!

Discuss

DFA Presidential Primary Pulse Poll

Written by: Jonathan Mernit on Oct 22, 2007 2:35 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy For Westchester

Howdy Folks,

I wanted to drop you a short note to ask for your help. DFA is holding
a Presidential Primary Pulse Poll to decide which candidate deserves
their (our) support. I voted for Representative Dennis Kucinich and I need
help to move him from 4th place in the poll. Voting continues to 11/5

Could you take just a minute to vote for Dennis Kucinich right now?
Here's the link:

http://DemocracyforAmerica.com/VoteKucinich

Thanks for your help.

Jonathan Mernit

Discuss

Sponsorship for June 23/24

Written by: Tom Saez on Feb 23, 2007 10:13 PM EST

Linked to groups: Democracy For Westchester

If you would like to go to the June 23/24 2007 - Saturday and Sunday- Campaign training in Albany, and you cannot afford to pay for the expenses. Don't let lack of means stop you from going to this great and intense opportunity.

I will sponsor two attendants to this training* .

I will pay for all training related expenses that is: fees for the training, hotel for the night at the nearest property available to the training location, gasoline or bus/train tickets from DFW area of action to Albany . The meals are usually covered with the training fees; in any case, that is your responsiblity: staying feed.

*Here are some conditions:

1) you must be a DFA/ DFW member before 1/1/ 2007

2) you must reside in DFW link area -that is White Plains 5 miles around and participated at least in one dfa/dfw link meeting

3) you must send me an email at tomsaez@optonline.net before April 17

4) you must not had work as paid staff in any political campaign

5) privately you will prove your means qualification

I am doing this at a personal level, no DFA or DFW endersoment of this sponsorship is involved.

In case of multiple tied applicants, I will made a best- guess selection, asap.

I have attended the training and I do beleive is worth the time and effort and the contacts you develop.

Please feel free to pass along this note to any one who you might think could be interested from our area.

Regards,

Tomas Saez

Discuss

From: Andrea Stewart-Cousins Campaign

Written by: Tom Saez on Nov 2, 2006 5:27 PM EST

Linked to groups: Democracy For Westchester

Good Morning.

It's hard to believe that we have less than a week until the election.
We have accomplished so much since March. We would never have built
such a strong campaign without your help and support.

But the next week is crucial.

As we all know, this seat is a top Republican priority, and they are
going to great lengths to keep it. They are spending millions of
dollars and using dirty tactics to distort Andrea's record and
character. Despite these negative attacks, Andrea is not letting her
opponent distract her from goal of real change in Albany.

In the next 6 days, and with the race being as close as it was in 2004,
every single thing you do will make a difference.

Here are some activities over the next few days -- a more comprehensive
schedule for the weekend GOTV will be coming. We need to know as soon
as possible when you can join us on Election Day and this weekend. We
need at least 300 volunteers on the 7th to help us ensure that all
Andrea's supporters are motivated and not intimidated to vote.

Please let us know when you can help out at lfarrell@andrea2006.com or
997-0446

Thank you again,

Chris Cullen Lindsay Farrell
Miranda Galidino Sarra Hale-Stern

Events:

Friday Nov 3
6:30am
Train Station Dobbs Ferry not ASC - 11 Station Plaza, Dobbs Ferry, NY,
10522

Sunday Nov 5
3pm
Strategize & Energize: Final Steps to Victory
Get Out The Vote Celebration
Theodore Young Community Center
32 Manhattan Ave, White Plains, NY 10607

Tuesday Nov 7
6am - 9pm
Campaigning all over the district

9pm
Victory!

Discuss

John Hall GOTV Rally 7am 11/1 Croton-Harmon Station

Written by: Jonathan Mernit on Oct 29, 2006 10:27 PM EST

Linked to groups: Democracy For Westchester

This from Margaret Yonco-Haines...

Help John Hall kick off the big Get Out the Vote Drive as we fast
approach Election Day!!

RAILROAD RALLY for JOHN HALL at Croton-Harmon Train Station

7 AM, Wednesday, November 1

On Wednesday, Nov. 1, join us for a "pre-work day" rally for John
Hall, to kick off John Hall's Get Out The Vote Campaign.

Meet fellow Hall supporters at your closest Hudson Line Train
Station. Hall supporters will board the train at each station (see
schedule below) and ride down to Croton-Harmon station for a big
rally and press event.

TRAIN TIMES (Try to get to the station about 20 minutes early)
Poughkeepsie - 6:00 AM
New Hamburg - 6:10 AM
Beacon - 6:18 AM
Cold Spring - 6:26 AM*
Garrison - 6:31 AM*
Peekskill - 6:42 AM*
Cortland - 6:47 AM

All will arrive at Croton Station at 6:57 AM.

For those who commute on the Metro North anyway, this is a way to
show support for John Hall and not be late for work (at least, not
too late) - the rally will end between 7:30 and 8 AM. For those who
don't normally commute by train, this is a fun way to get to an
event with fellow supporters and still keep the day open. If you
aren't a regular Metro North commuter, don't forget to buy a ticket
at the station before you board.

*Those boarding at Cold Spring, Garrison or Peekskill - please let
me know you plan to join us and tell me which station you will be
leaving from. My email is margaret@....

Margaret

Discuss

Journal News Endorses Hall, States the Non-Partisan Case

Written by: Alan Goldston on Oct 29, 2006 10:37 AM EST

Linked to groups: Democracy For Westchester

In past years, the Journal News, the major paper in Westchester, has been a sometimes tepid supporter of Sue Kelly. Not anymore. In an editorial in today's paper, the Journal News eloquently states the non-partisan case for John Hall, and gives him its endorsement.

Pass this along to your fence-sitting friends.

********
The Journal News

Our choice for 19th Congressional District
(Original publication: October 29, 2006)

Republican Sue Kelly of Katonah describes herself as "a quiet leader.'' Her opponent, Democrat John Hall, calls himself a "creative'' one. Kelly looks to her 12 years representing the 19th Congressional District in Washington as productive ones, bringing "a lot of money home'' to the district and working very hard on behalf of constituents. Hall wants change, to end "government for sale" and to "get Washington working for our families again.''

We believe that residents of the far-flung district, which spans the Lower Hudson Valley, want the same thing. We recommend Hall, a musician-activist and former school district and local-government official, to district voters in the Nov. 7 election. Driving our call for change: Need for more independence, more critical thinking, less slaving devotion to party ideology - and party mistakes. Kelly has offered none of this.

Since 1994, when the Republicans' "Contract With America'' was made - and since broken - Kelly has been the consummate GOP soldier, loyally marching in step and even quickening the pace with George Bush in the White House. While our Editorial Board has variously applauded some of Kelly's efforts - for instance, on behalf of the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Montrose - it has not been without reservation. We have been increasingly weary and distressed by her uncritical assessment of the Iraq war - at junctures where a frank assessment by the GOP faithful might actually have altered policy and saved lives.

We similarly have been disappointed by her utter lack of concern about well-chronicled excesses under the "war on terror" and Patriot Act; we have lamented her lack of concern about Washington fiscal policies (she once attributed record-high deficits to bad weather); we have been disappointed as she opposed a federal ban on some assault weapons; we have lamented her lukewarm notice of the need for campaign-finance reform. We are long past tired of being disappointed. For a change, this time, there is a suitable alternative.

Hall understands the disappointment felt by voters. He advocates a planned withdrawal of American troops from Iraq; Kelly is waiting for a high-profile study team to recommend changes. Hall sees universal health coverage as a way out of the nation's high-cost medical-care crisis. He wants to invest in new technologies as part of a national energy policy. And he has a history of grass-roots fighting to protect the environment - well beyond singing about it. The Kelly campaign has enjoyed mocking him for his activist roots.

Due to redistricting, the 19th District's borders in 2002 morphed from northern Westchester and all of Putnam, expanding north to cover most of Dutchess County, traveling through northern Rockland County, then gobbling up most of Orange County all the way to the New Jersey and Pennsylvania borders. The district is a fascinating mix of suburban wealth, rural quiet, farmland and small-town struggles. While not quite a microcosm of New York state - the district lacks big cities and their problems - the 19th does bridge upstate with downstate, even reflecting "middle America'' and its struggles. Hall, who served as a school board trustee and president, and in the Ulster County Legislature, today lives in Dover Plains in Dutchess County.

In 2002 and 2004, Kelly faced inexperienced challengers as she sought another two-year term. Not this year. As a sign of fomenting demand for change in the 19th district, Democrats held a hotly contested primary with four people eager to take on Kelly. Hall emerged head and shoulders above his opponents, who quickly threw him their support. In her few appearances with Hall this campaign, Kelly charged him with wanting to raise taxes, which he has denied. In fact, he said he would support tax increases targeted at oil companies that have made record profits at consumers' expense.

On immigration, Kelly said more attention must be paid to securing the Canada border. She supported legislation to build a wall to stem illegal immigration from Mexico, and backs the Bush administration's proposed guest laborer plan to let immigrants work in the U.S. temporarily. Hall said he would not back amnesty for all illegal immigrants, but said he would support a compromise that would lead to citizenship for some, especially families with American-born children. Hall opposes construction of a wall along the Mexico border, likening it to the Berlin Wall, a symbol, he said, that would further damage the U.S. image abroad.

For a while, the Hall campaign sought to link Kelly to the sex scandal involving House pages and former Rep. Mark Foley, the Florida Republican who was forced to resign Sept. 29; some of the allegations coincided with Kelly's term as chairwoman of the Page Board. She has denied knowing anything of Foley's conduct contemporaneous with her Page Board leadership, insisting that if she had known, she would have taken action. That scandal, still playing out, hardly informs our decision. There are more challenging problems facing our nation, the 19th Representative District, and the Lower Hudson Valley. We believe Hall is the better candidate to tackle them.

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