Change you can believe in !!!

Written by: linda b on Jul 9, 2008 1:22 PM EDT

Linked to groups: newport news democratic city committee, Progressive Women of Hampton Roads, Blog For America

On May 10, 2006, I made history. I challenged the powers that be in our 3rd Congressional District  in Virginia and became a delegate for Obama to the National Convention.

I went up against elected state officials. State officials that we work to get elected. Once our work is done, we are patted on the head and told to sit down and shut up. They are going to the party and you, and me, well we can stay home.

Well that didn't happen on May 10. I had gotten emails that there was a "slate" of people that were endorsed by Barack Obama. That Barack Obama who was still on the primary campaign trail.  See, we were told that he had taken time off from his busy campaign and picked five people in the state of Virginia that were more worthy than you and me.

They had taken a letter that was a stock letter thanking people for running as a delegate. And at the top of the letter they had inserted five names of the "chosen".

Luckily for me I had run a caucus for Obama at our city committee and had read the 47 pages of rules. I knew that they could not push a slate over the ballot. But there they were trying to push the slate over the ballot.

I stood up and challenged them. My husband got up and told them if this letter was not offiicial they would all be held accountable. He got in Bobby Scott's face and told him to find out where the letter came from. Bobby said he couldn't do that. My husband, Wayne, would not back down. He asked , is Obama here today. One guy actually said "NO". Wayne said if he was here today he would be shocked at what you guys were pulling. Many of the delegates at the convention were outraged at what they were seeing. They asked if this was democratic. I said no, it's not.

They shut up and let the us get up and give our speeches. I had made flyers and held one up and told the convention to read what I had done. I told them I had help elect some of these same people to office and now you tell us to sit down. I told them I would not allow this to happen. I told them I had gone to work for Obama in Elizabeth City, N.C., had they??

I got a standing ovation. When we finally put out the ballot I stood up and said "I am still here!".

I was elected to be a delegate for Barack Obama to the Democratic National Convention.

I didn't back down thanks to the inspiration of a guy named Howard Dean. I want my country back and I want our elected officials to honor the grassroots efforts of those of us who work so hard to get them elected.

Turning Virginia Blue

Written by: linda b on Sep 5, 2007 12:02 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America

I have worked  hard to turn Virginia Blue-er. I have worked for Tim Kaine for Governor. I have worked for Jim Webb for Senator. I am now working to elect a great person named John Miller for State Senate.

Here in Virginia we have off year elections. I have worked setting up precincts for the Democratic candidates in the City of Newport News. Last election, when Jim Webb defeated George Allen I set up all 42 precincts in our city. I made sure the precinct "captains", I call them "point persons", had all the information and materials to get the job done. We got the job done, we got Jim Webb elected to the U.S. Senate, no small feat.

Last year I became the 3rd District representative to the Virginia Democratic Central Committee. Then I was asked to be the 3rd District rep to the Virginia Democratic Women's Caucus. www.VaDWC.org

Since then our women's caucus has been quite busy. We are endorsing and working for women candidates in the state of Virginia. We have been interviewing them and have endorsed many financially. We have many exceptional and accomplished women candidates that support our education, health, and other initiatives to make our state infrastructure stronger.

We need these candidates in our legislature to not only turn the state of Virginia blue, but to have common sense returned to our state after too many years of Republican majority. A majority  that has robbed our commonwealth of compassion for the citizens it is supposed to represent.

The following list of endorsed candidates by the Virginia Democratic Women's Caucus is a tribute to the women of Virginia. It shows you that women can and will make a difference for our state.

Visit their websites and help in any way you can!

This November I am going to help turn Virginia blue.

Won't you help me?

Virginia State House Candidates 2007 -

endorsed  5th Delegate District    

P. Susie Dixon Garner

address: PO Box 276, Galax, VA 24333
phone: 276.237.2873
web site: www.SusieGarner.com
email: friendsofsusiegarner@ls.net
    

Peggy Frank

address: PO Box 6546, Christiansburg, VA 24068
phone: 540.320.3223
web site: www.PeggyFrank.com

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You Can Make A Difference DFA!!

Written by: linda b on Aug 13, 2007 12:33 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, DFA!!

The "Take a Stand Campaign" is a nation-wide organizing drive to demand that  members of Congress and the Senate take a stand with the vast majority of Americans who want a safe and responsible redeployment of American Forces from Iraq.

Across America, over 100 "Iraq Summer" organizers are working to involve thousands of ordinary Americans in an effort to pressure targeted members of Congress to vote to bring

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Democracy for America at the 2007 Take Back America Conference

Written by: linda b on Jun 23, 2007 4:11 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America

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http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2573696435964689350 28 min - Jun 21, 2007
video.google.com
Avg:   6 ratings

 

What a wonderful and informative three days in June.. www.ourfuture.org

 

First and foremost, the fact the DFA was going to sponsor a table, Jim Dean would be on a blogging panel, and Howard would speak at the closing rally, was enough for me to get enthused about the conference this year.

But the agenda and speakers were all first class and almost too much to take in.

 Monday, June 18

The first day, after registration, there was the opening plenary with Robert Borosage, co-chair of the Campaign for American’s Future.

During lunch there was a presentation on Apollo: New Energy and New Jobs http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5108839728286303540

 I think most of you would be interested in this project. http://www.apolloalliance.org/

There were multiple plenaries throughout the afternoon but our afternoon was centered on going to Capitol Hill to talk to Jim Webb’s staff about the right for DC to vote.  I met up with Keshe Laudduwahetty of DC for Democracy, Rachel Rifkind, Chair of the Virginia Democratic Women’s Caucus, Jim Dean of DFA, and my husband Wayne. On arriving at the Senate office building we were heading down the hall and there was Jim Webb walking toward us. He stopped to talk to us and said he would be voting for the DC Vote initiative.

That evening, after a great BBQ with our new friends, we went to a plenary with Senator’s Sherrod Brown, Amy Klobuchar, and Bernie Sanders on the new Populist Strategy. I was taken aback when Sen. Brown said he has initially voted to take away Habeas Corpus when he was a Rep. and now regretted it. I couldn’t believe my ears!! A democrat voting to take away one of the basic rights that is the foundation of our country. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-350640067067836268

 Tuesday, June 19

This day was a barnburner.

Began with a speech by Mike Gravel and who introduced him? Ralph Nader, who was not given much applause. He droned on and on and finally introduced Sen. Gravel.

Well you tell me what you think. The guy is kind of quirky in my opinion.. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3451295081780279647&hl=en

Then Bill Richardson spoke and told us how qualified he was and how others weren’t qualified. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6486942379186999280

Following the speeches we went to the panel on The Blogosphere, From Ideas to Activism.  With our friend Jim Dean. . http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1361142536354646888

.While I continue, here are some great photos from the conference http://flickr.com/search/?q=tba2007

I was able to stop by the DFA table a few times and every time I was there, it was manned by volunteers from multiple DFA groups in the DC area. Thanks to all those who worked, you are invaluable

Speakers at lunch were Senator Barack Obama – passionate speech. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=956538877666825429

John Edwards who I think gave the best speech of all. No notes just facts, thank you. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2971642080006973987

After lunch we went to Capitol Hill for a rally for the Employee Free Choice Act. While there we ran into Harry Reid who told us he wanted Mark Warner to run for senate in Virginia. Then we talked to Byron Dorgan, who is quite funny.

This Tuesday evening was the Gala Awards Dinner with Jason Alexander who was  funny and poignant with a talk on “Who Took America”.  http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3316129511262190332

Awards were given out to Barbara Boxer http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3689892642490823477, Roger Wilkins http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6237237000995983587&hl=en

And to the Progressive bloggers led by Digby who gave one of the best speeches of the conference. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=860546376283859020

After the dinner I sat down and had a wonderful talk with Rep. Maxine Waters. We talked about Katrina and all the many other problems our country is going through. What I came away with is don’t ever give up. Keep fighting for what we believe in. I love Maxine Walters.

 Wednesday, June 20

How would you like to start the day with a speech by Hillary Clinton? All the press coverage says she was booed. She was when she said that the Iraqis are in charge of getting their country in order. People were upset that she was blaming the Iraqis for the civil war they are now in. Code Pink was there and I can tell you, they are making complete fools of themselves. I came very close to dragging some of them away from the photographers they parked themselves in front of.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5971463117959424862

Next Dennis Kucinich. Good speech, right on. Well received. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5971463117959424862

Then my favorite Nancy Pelosi. Again the Code Pink ladies were out in force, even when Nancy practically addressed every issue yelled at her from the audience. And she was introduced by my hero Jack Murtha. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3820979840867021375

After lunch was the highlight of the conference – our Howard Dean. The place was packed and he got a 5 minute standing ovation. Speech was centered on morals in our country. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2573696435964689350

 

This conference, which I have attended for three out of the last four years, gives one access to speakers, politicians, authors and the media. A place where you can speak your mind (or even yell questions from the audience).

Interaction, workshops, documentaries, and networking keep you going nonstop.

I  hope next year, an important election year, more of our DFA bloggers can attend.

Thanks again to Jim Dean and Sheri for being there and making DFA an important presence this year.

Jim has already said we will be back next year. So see you in Washington D.C  next June!!

See You at the Take Back America Conference!!

Written by: linda b on Jun 15, 2007 2:20 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America

It's almost that time, the annual Take Back America Conference in Washington D.C. on June 18-20.

This year it will be outstanding as usual.

Thanks to HQ, DFA will have a table at the conference so we can showcase the work that DFA and it's members do for their community and their country.

Check out who is going to be there!.  Jim Dean, Howard Dean, Jason Alexander, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, John Edwards, Bill Richardson, Robert Greenwald and MIchael Moore, screening a preview of his new film, Sicko.

All the info is here: www.ourfuture.org.

If you want to see a list of the speakers: http://tba2007.confabb.com/conferences/tba2007/speakers

A list of the plenaries and agenda: http://tba2007.confabb.com/conferences/tba2007/sessions

Also Jim Dean  will be on a panel on Tuesday at 9:45 a.m and Howard will be at the closing rally on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.

You can still sign up at the convention. Sign ups start at 9 a.m on Monday June 18. All daily rates include meals also.

I want as many of us to get together so after much contemplation I thought we could meet at either the DFA table  or at the lunches and dinners the conference provides. I always try to get there extra early and get tables or seats up front . Most of the prime speakers are scheduled at the mealtimes.

You will come away from this wonderful conference with so much energy and information to take back to your local progressive groups. You will get to talk to so many amazing people who share your progressive values.

If you need more information and want to meet with DFA and Progressives email me via DFA Link and we will make this Take Back America conference a memorable event. http://www.dfalink.com/profile.php

Note to DFA members: Due to the fact that the entire Communications Department will be attending the Take Back America conference, there will be only one post per day on the Blog from today until Thursday, June 21. Sorry for any inconvenience this might cause.

-Sheri Divers

DFA at the Take Back America Conference, June 18-20

Written by: linda b on May 22, 2007 12:50 PM EDT

After much discussion and coordination, Democracy for America will have a presence at this year's Take Back America Conference in Washington, DC on June 18-20 at the Washington Hilton. www.ourfuture.org.

Headquarters has secured a table so DFA volunteers can show progressives attending the conference how a true grassroots movement can make a difference.

TBA is a progressive conference and is sponsored by the Campaign for America's Future.(www.ourfuture.org).  It sponsors on-going projects such as the Apollo energy initiative and the Employee Free Choice Act.

This years speakers include John Edwards, Nancy Pelosi, Jason Alexander, David Sirota, Jim Webb, Hillary Clinton, Ned Lamont and many, many more. http://tba2007.confabb.com/conferences/tba2007/speakers

Plenaries will include ,Failure of Conservatism ,Voicing Your Values: How to Talk About Progressive Issues , Out of Iraq ,The New Progressive Majority , and lots more.

The only thing we need now is volunteers to man the tables!!

Can you help?

We need DFA volunteers, hopefully with wireless laptop computers so we can show progressives attending the conference our web page and blog. HQ will provide literature to pass out to those interested in learning about Democracy for America and how we are one of the most dynamic grassroots organizations in the country today.

If you are planning to attend Take Back America or just live in the Northern Virginia area,we need you to sign up to help out during the conference.

Please contact me via DFA Link http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=20387 or at 757 377 7945.

Let's get together at TBA and show them the dynamics of Democracy for America.

Update: Jim Dean has just been added as a speaker at the TBA Conference so DFA being there just got better!!

Linda Brooks

Newport News, Va.

 

Natural Progression

Written by: linda b on Dec 4, 2006 3:23 PM EST

Linked to groups: Blog For America

 

When my son went off to college at Virginia Tech, I was quite upset. My daughter had started college two years earlier and I was devastated to have her leave.

When I told Chris how much I was going to miss him he said “Mom, its natural progression”. I thought yes, I guess he is right.

Well natural progression is continuing, in my own life.

In 2003 I was introduced to the likes of Howard Dean by a friend. I listened to what he had to say about the many problems we were facing as a nation. I remember Howard said the reason he wanted to run for President was he was tired of yelling at the TV screen.

I was too.

I followed his rise in the polls, I listened to his speeches. I watched his interviews on TV.

I was enthralled with his common sense. I was hooked.

Then I,, along with my husband, went to NH to work on his campaign. We worked out of Concord and followed Howard around the state as he made speeches..

After Howard dropped out of the race, we still had the energy to work for the Democratic candidate, John Kerry. That race, as you know, went poorly.

I then turned my focus to the local Democratic City Committee. I found it in disarray. I challenged them to make it better, and we did. I became the vice chair for the 3rd district. We found candidates to run for the offices of Congressman and Senator.

We raised money and supported these candidates. Our candidate, Jim Webb, became our new Senator from Virginia.

Then I was asked to be on the Virginia Democratic Central Committee from the 3rd Congressional District.. I was honored that they would want me.

This past Saturday, after being sworn in by the state party, I was asked to be the 3rd district representative to the Virginia State Women’s Caucus.

I was again honored.

So natural progression can happen,  at any age.

I am progressing to where I never thought I would be.

Howard Dean’s candidacy started that progression. He is still my mentor and my hero.

Change In Virginia....

Written by: linda b on Nov 18, 2006 1:44 PM EST

Linked to groups: Blog For America

The results in Virginia were stunning.

Only the day before, I was at a Webb rally in Norfolk, Va. Many of our city committee members were there also. So many familiar faces.

We listened to Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Phi Kellam talk about why we should elect Jim Webb the new senator from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Then Jim was introduced. While I had heard him speak before, I always enjoy Jim's eloquence.

He is an intelligent alternative to the mixed banter of most politicians. Jim is not a "politician", he is a statesman in the order of Eisenhower. A military man who aspires to truly make a change in our country, Not just in Iraq, but on the ground in the United States and in Virginia.

After his speech his handlers tried to get him to leave. There were two more rallys to go to. One in Richmond, and the final one in Alexandria with President Bill Clinton.

But Jim stayed and talked to many of his supporters. One lady standing next to me told JIm how her son was just deployed to Iraq with the Marines. Jim talked to her at length and said his son was not far from where the woman's son was stationed.

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february meeting

Written by: linda b on Feb 23, 2006 1:29 PM EST

Linked to groups: Progressive Women of Hampton Roads

we had a large group of attendees at our meeting.
Mayor Frank, Sharon Scott, Joe Whitaker and others talked to us about the upcoming May 2 election.
We also had some members who are running for different offices. At our next meeting we will allow them to give their postitions on issues.

Reorganization Meeting on Dec 7

Written by: linda b on Dec 2, 2005 11:31 AM EST

Linked to groups: newport news democratic city committee

By Democratic state guidlines, we must have a reorganization meeting and elect new officers. The meeting will be Dec 7 at 7p.m.
You can sign up and be part of the process and join the committee if you haven't already done so.
Afterwards we will have a Holiday Party. So come on down.