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What happened to all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth?

Written by: Susan Rowe on Nov 15, 2008 5:38 AM EST

Linked to groups: Blog For America, DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties, Democratic Club of Coarsegold, California for Democracy, What are Progressive Values? Study Group

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America


The Bakersfield Californian offered up a "Holiday cheer" purchase suggestion for the ultra right-wing "family values" crowd.  (What happened to all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth?)

National spike in gun sales reflected in Bakersfield

MIDLOTHIAN, Va. — When 10-year-old Austin Smith heard Barack Obama had been elected president, he had one question: Does this mean I won’t get a new gun for Christmas?

That brought his mother, the camouflage-clad Rachel Smith, to Bob Moates Sports Shop on Thursday, where she was picking out that special 20-gauge shotgun — one of at least five weapons she plans to buy before Obama takes office in January.

Like Smith, gun enthusiasts nationwide are stocking up on firearms out of fears that the combination of an Obama administration and a Democrat-dominated Congress will result in tough new gun laws.

“I think they’re going to really try to crack down on guns and make it harder for people to try to purchase them,” said Smith, 32, who taught all five of her children — ages 4 to 10 — to shoot because the family relies on game for food.

Last month, as an Obama win looked increasingly inevitable, there were more than 108,000 more background checks for gun purchases than in October 2007, a 15 percent increase. And they were up about 8 percent for the year as of Oct. 26, according to the FBI. [...]

Although my brother and I were taught to hunt, fish and tend a kitchen garden by our Hoosier parents and grandparents, I've never owned a gun.  The only time in my life that I've ever felt any desire to purchase a shotgun was in the aftermath of 9-11, because I knew the Bush administration wasn't really going to do anything to protect America. 
 
I did look into making a gun purchase, even went to several local stores (including the local Wal-Mart) and then decided not to do it.  The peacemaker in me said no, there must be another way.  That is when I found Howard Dean on C-span. They were airing video of a local forum at which some of the Democratic presidential candidates were addressing a small group of working people.  I hadn't heard a Democrat running for President talk like that in over 30 years.  When my hubby came home from work that evening I asked him to watch the C-span show.  He did and then he said call Vermont and find out how we can help to get that guy elected, so I did.... I didn't have an email address or even a computer in 2003. The young man with whom I spoke told me to look up my local Democratic Party, buy a computer and get an email address.
 
My hubby and I purchase food at our local grocery store.  We don't have the need to subsidize our pantry supplies with wild game (and actually we quite enjoy watching the little family of quail that traipses safely across our driveway every morning).  We do have a large food pantry in our home, and that's probably a remnant of my midwestern country roots.  I find just as much comfort in having a large pantry full of wonderful food and household supplies as others might in having a safe deposit box full of gold. 
 
I also enjoy reading a good book printed on paper.  I'm not too much into all those audio or online books.  I like having a home library full of good books to read.  I hope this child's mother might decide to stop by their local bookstore to make a few other Christmas purchases, the availability of which is also guaranteed by our Bill of Rights, such as some good books that will nurture her son's young mind to think beyond the needs of his stomach and to look to the future with hopeful anticipation rather than fear.

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California Statewide Rally for Change!

Written by: Susan Rowe on Nov 2, 2008 8:26 AM EST

Linked to groups: DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties, Democratic Club of Coarsegold, California for Democracy, Courage Campaign, Take Back Red California, Northern California Trained Activists, San Diego for Democracy, DFA of Chowchilla, DFA-CFD of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties , Sacramento For Democracy, DFA of Stanislaus County, Capitol Area Progressives (CAP)

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

Yes we can

 

Vote the Ticket! Yes on 1A, 2, 3, 5 and 12!
No on 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11!
http://www.cadem.org/votetheticket

Join Obama for America and the California Democratic Party
in a Rally for Change!

Monday, Nov. 3, 12 noon - 1pm

California State University, Fresno
5421 N. Maple Avenue
Free Speech Area at the heart of Campus
Fresno, CA 93740
For more information, http://ca.barackobama.com/gotvFresno

Los Angeles City Hall
200 N. Spring Street
Temple Street Steps Between Spring and Main
Los Angeles, CA 90012
For more information, http://ca.barackobama.com/gotvLA

Sacramento Office
1420 65th Street, Suite 102
Sacramento, CA 95819
For more information, http://ca.barackobama.com/gotvSacto

San Diego City Hall ‐ Concourse Plaza
3rd Avenue & B Street
San Diego, CA 92154
For more information, http://ca.barackobama.com/gotvSanDiego

UA Local 38
1621 Market Street (x Franklin)
2nd Floor of Main Hall
San Francisco, CA 94103
For more information, http://ca.barackobama.com/gotvSF

Help is still needed in your area to get out the vote on Election Day for Barack Obama and the Democratic Ticket!

Sign up now at http://www.cadem.org/volunteer! 

--------------        

Paid for by the California Democratic Party
1401 21st Street, Suite 200, Sacramento CA 95811
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

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Faith communities rally in Fresno to oppose Proposition 8

Written by: Susan Rowe on Oct 30, 2008 5:46 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties, Democratic Club of Coarsegold, DFA of Chowchilla, California for Democracy, Courage Campaign

Faith communities rally in opposition to Proposition 8

Sunday, November 2, 2008        

NO ON 8

Featured speakers...

Father Geoff Farrow,

Christine Chavez

(Granddaughter of Cesar Chavez & former UFW, Political Director),

Rev. Bryan Jessup

(Unitarian-Universalist Church of Fresno)

and many others

 

Fresno City Hall

2600 Fresno Street

Fresno, CA 93721

2:00 - 4:00 PM

 

Time for mainstream voters to show our

community that we support equal rights for all!

 

You can help defeat Proposition 8 by making an online donation to

help air commercials like this one by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein.

 

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Fresno Says: Vote NO on Prop 8

Written by: Susan Rowe on Oct 27, 2008 4:57 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties, Democratic Club of Coarsegold, DFA of Chowchilla, California for Democracy, Courage Campaign

On Saturday, October 25th Mike Rhodes of the Community Alliance newspaper reported... A large and enthusiastic crowd showed up today at Shaw and Blackstone avenues in Fresno for a rally in support of marriage equality and against proposition 8.

video by sadstorygirl

song daughtry "what about now"

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TBRC: BackTalk October 2008

Written by: Susan Rowe on Oct 25, 2008 10:55 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Take Back Red California, DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties, Democratic Club of Coarsegold, California for Democracy, Northern California Trained Activists, DFA of Chowchilla, DFA-CFD of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties , DFA of Stanislaus County, Plumas County Democratic Club, Capitol Area Progressives (CAP) , Sacramento For Democracy, Say No to Pombo, Sierra Foothills Democratic Club

BackTalk October 2008

Wow, can you believe this?

In this time of economic crisis and bad news, here is some remarkably great news! It’s worth a few minutes of your time — by the end, you will feel both hopeful and energized.

Read on to see how your support has helped "red" California begin to trend blue. Discover what a dramatically different landscape is before us now, and what you can do to give these great candidates their final push over the top.

FIRST, AN ACTION ITEM

The Rural Caucus of the California Democratic Party is hosting a Blue Wave Huge Day of Action in support of Jerry McNerney (CD 11), Lois Wolk (SD 5), Alyson Huber (AD 10), and several local downticket races on October 26 in Stockton.

TBRC invites you to join us for a day of solidarity, precinct walking, and phonebanking. It will be great fun. Co-hosts include the San Joaquin County Democratic Central Committee and clubs, TBRC, Project BlueBridge, and California Assembly Speaker Karen Bass. For more information, please call (916) 743-2682, or visit the TBRC website, www.TakeBackRedCalifornia.org.

MORE CANDIDATES FOR THE BLUE WAVE

As the 2008 election approaches, California Democrats are building the blue wave. The Obama-Biden ticket has widened its lead over McCain-Palin in state polls, and Democrats now lead Republicans in statewide registration by almost 12 percentage points.

With your support, Take Back Red California is proud to contribute to that wave by endorsing a number of great Democrats in rural Northern California. In keeping with our belief that downticket races are critically important for building our party, we are endorsing two more Assembly candidates and three candidates for county supervisor.

We are only able support these races with your help. To make a donation to TBRC, please visit www.actblue.com/page/tbrc.

NEW ENDORSEMENTS

Mickey Harrington (AD 3) – Mickey is a union leader who favors single-payer health care, improved working conditions, and support for education in his race against Yuba County Supervisor Dan Logue for the seat vacated by Rick Keene, who was termed out. Republicans have a 41% to 34% registration advantage in this sprawling district, which takes in most of Butte County as well as Lassen, Nevada, Plumas, Sierra, Yuba, and a bit of Placer. But Mickey gained name recognition in his campaign against Keene in 2006 and deserves support.

John Eisenhut (AD 26) – John is a Turlock almond farmer and former school board member who has the advantage of a slight edge in voter registration in his effort to replace termed-out Republican Greg Aghazarian. His opponent, Bill Berryhill, lacks political experience but had a slight lead in fundraising in the summer quarter. John’s polling, however, indicates that the race is tied. The district includes the eastern half of San Joaquin County, including part of Stockton, and the western half of Stanislaus County, with a population that is 33% Hispanic. To learn about, support, or become involved in this campaign, see http://johneisenhut.com.

Grace Bennett (Siskiyou County Supervisor, Dist. 4) – Grace has served three terms on the Yreka City Council and was mayor for two of those years. To learn about, support, or become involved in this campaign, see http://bennettforsupervisor.org.

Jim Hardy (Siskiyou County Supervisor, Dist. 2) -- Jim is currently president of the Board of Trustees of the College of the Siskiyous. To learn about, support, or become involved in this campaign, see www.jimhardyforsupervisor.com.

Barbara Smiley (El Dorado County Supervisor, Dist. 2) – Barbara has spent her entire career in community development and organizing and has shown that she can work with all types of people to build consensus. She is the only Democrat in this nonpartisan race and has just received the endorsement of the Sacramento Bee. Her campaign is motivating a strong grassroots base. To learn about, support, or become involved in this campaign, see www.smileyforsupervisor.com.

More October 2008 BackTalk continues HERE.

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(Fresno, CA) "No on Prop 8" Rally this Saturday, October 18th at 2-5pm

Written by: Susan Rowe on Oct 16, 2008 10:16 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties, Democratic Club of Coarsegold, DFA of Chowchilla, California for Democracy, Courage Campaign


No on Prop 8 Rally this Saturday!!

Saturday, October 18, 2008


Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: River Park Intersection
Street: Blackstone and Nees

City/Town:  Fresno, CA
 
Bring a sign, bring a friend, bring your passion!
Let's Unite & Stand Together

 
Contact for Questions: Beverly Senkowksi 559-433-0543 or Contact Info Phone:  559-301-2888
--
Robin McGehee 559-287-9670 

When we speak, we shape the world!
SPEAK OUT!!!

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(Oakhurst, CA) Oakhurst Democratic Forum presents 'Slacker Uprising' with Guest Speaker Peter Cavanaugh and Guest Caller Michael Moore

Written by: Susan Rowe on Oct 15, 2008 2:18 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties, Democratic Club of Coarsegold, DFA-CFD of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties , DFA Film Club, California for Democracy, DFA Blog Network, DFA of Chowchilla, Blog For America

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

Michael Moore's latest film "Slacker Uprising" will be presented at the Oakhurst Democratic Forum this Friday. This month's Forum also includes a few words from Oakhurst resident Peter Cavanaugh, who has arranged for THE Michael Moore, who is a personal friend of his, to call in about 8:45pm to the Oakhurst Library after the showing of the movie.

Please come enjoy the movie and discussion, and hear what this Democratic icon and movie producer has to say about his creation!

Please RSVP for this event HERE.

"Of all who had a major influence on me while growing up in the Midwest, none matched the audaciousness, tenacity and gonzo-like behavior of Peter Cavanaugh. He was more than just the rock ‘n roll guru who gave America its first encounters with The Who, Bob Seger and all the great Detroit bands (Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, MC5, etc.) He was the one who taught me how to go up against the powers-that-be and live to tell all. Thank you, Peter Cavanaugh, for saving a generation of Flint kids from the likes of Pat Boone" ~ Michael Moore

Watch the trailer after the jump...


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Sorry America, its not new to us. (on the mcCain/Palin smear events)

Written by: Jim Nichols on Oct 10, 2008 1:35 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for America - Georgia Chapter, Georgia for Democracy, Blogs United, Jonesboro DFA, Morrow DFA, Peachtree City DFA, Stockbridge Progressives, Blog For America, DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties, Democratic Club of Coarsegold, DFA-CFD of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties , California for Democracy, Courage Campaign, Take Back Red California, DFA Blog Network, Northern California Trained Activists, DFA Trust, Reproductive Rights for America, blog for America Test and Poll Group, DFA of Chowchilla, Latinos for America, Netroots Activism!, DFA of Stanislaus County

Being Chairman of the Henry County Democratic party has taught me a lot about organizing. But it is not surprising to watch the tone and invective that has appeared in the past week. Fear tactics, intimidation, and personal threats that lie just below the surface of far too many Republicans is something Democrats here in the South find to be quite common. I saw it as a human rights organizer after 9/11, as an anti-war organizer in the run up to the war, and have watched it grow during this campaign.

After the conservative take over of the Republican party, the base of that party is fixated on beliefs that have no bases in reality. They hold these beliefs very strongly and it resonates within the culture here at a near pathological state.

Its important to note the pathology--these are good people, they work hard and try to live upstanding lives. But in the midst of fear, and lacking the security of knowing things are going to be okay, that pathology starts to surface. Traitor, Communist, unamerican, the devil, satanist, f---'in coward; I've been called all these things right to my face by men far larger than myself swinging their arms in an erratic style. The aggressive postures, the tone, lack of any valid reasoning's for their beliefs has caused many who support getting affordable health care, a sane foreign policy, or books in our schools, to stay silent. I have citizens who want to volunteer for the Democrats but are terrified that their neighbors will find out they are a democrat and will therefore not do anything that can connect them to the party or Obama.

Haven't you seen the emails-- Obama is a terrorist, Obama is a socialist... why haven't you heard Obama Osama, isn't that clear enough! Our way of life is at risk, it reads. I knew the "kill him," "terrorist" screams at recent events were on their way when my nephew sincerely asked me what I thought about people saying Obama is the anti-christ. He truly wanted to know what to think of this, you could see it in his eyes. And the reason he was curious was because kids can see when people are serious in their beliefs. Just below the surface of every smear email, or chuckle from a joke at a dinner party is someone who at some subconscious level is fearful and doesn't know how to protect their families from the outside world. I responded without blinking an eye and in a very serious tone said, "they have no integrity."

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Palin Protest - Orange County, CA 10/4/08

Written by: Bobbi Jo Chavarria on Sep 30, 2008 8:05 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Moreno Valley DFA, Redlands DFA, Take Back Red California, DFA-Link Organizers, Training Academy Alumni, Class of 2007, DFA Highland , DFA Campaign Academy Alumni, California for Democracy, DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties, Democratic Club of Coarsegold, Courage Campaign, DFA Blog Network, DFA of Chowchilla, DFA-CFD of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties , DFA of Stanislaus County, Blog For America, blog for America Test and Poll Group, Southern California for Democracy, Democracy for America - Orange County

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

From: <Felicitynf@aol.com>
Date: Sun, Sep 28, 2008 at 4:18 PM
Subject: Palin protest this Saturday, Oct. 4, 3:30 at Segerstrom Hall
To: OCProgressiveChristians@yahoogroups.com

Here is the most recent word regarding the Palin appearance in Orange County. People are asked to be there at 3:30. I am including the original invitation as an attachment.

Palin IS coming to OC for a fundraiser and has rescheduled for Saturday, 10/4.

Let's keep up the momentum, re-group, get our signs, and bring our voices ready to be heard!

Saturday, 10/4, 3:30, Town Center Dr. , Costa Mesa

We hope to have a significant turnout; we've been in contact w/ the CA Dem Party, Move-On, Code Pink, The Liberal OC, NB Women's Dem. Club, and other supportive organizations!

We're making headway in the polls, and need your support, for the rally, and by donating to the campaign!

Please forward to every liberal you know in S. CA and to any liberal groups you may be aware of to help get people out and support!

Event is as follows:

  • 10/4 for protest/rally outside Palin's fundraiser at Segerstrom Hall, 3:30, Town Center Drive

Original invite available here:  http://files.meetup.com/311075/10-4-08OCReceptionInvite1.pdf

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Fresno, CA -- "We say, Bailout Main Street NOT Wall Street"

Written by: Susan Rowe on Sep 29, 2008 10:16 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties, Democratic Club of Coarsegold, California for Democracy, DFA Blog Network, blog for America Test and Poll Group, Blog For America



Last Thursday, September 25th local coalition activists from around California's Central Valley and Yosemite Foothills rallied together in protest of the Bush adminstration's $700 billion corporate welfare bailout proposal to be paid for by American taxpayers.

SunMt videographer Elfie Ballis reported on our local "STOP The Bush Bailout" emergency coalition rally that was held on Peace corner (Shaw & Blackstone) in Fresno, California.

 
                                                                                               (PHOTO by Susan Rowe)

View more photos taken of our rally after the jump...

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