I Stand with Planned Parenthood

Written by: Levana L on Feb 3, 2012 2:29 PM EST

A message from Gov. Howard Dean:

DFA Member -

Hundreds of thousands of women, men and young people rely on Planned Parenthood for preventative healthcare every single year.

As a doctor, and a former board member of Planned Parenthood of New England, I know just how important Planned Parenthood's healthcare services are -- especially to those who couldn't otherwise afford them. That's why I was outraged by the Komen Foundation's decision earlier this week to cease their funding of breast cancer screenings for 750,000 women a year. They may be changing that decision today, but that doesn't mean Planned Parenthood and the hundreds of thousands who rely on their services are safe from future attacks.

Access to affordable healthcare is a basic human right -- one that conservative Republicans will do anything they can to take away. And that's why it's so important for us to stand with Planned Parenthood now -- because this isn't just a war on women -- it's an assault on healthcare for all Americans.

Join me in contributing $12 to Planned Parenthood's Action Fund to prepare for future attacks?

The Komen Foundation may have backed down, but that doesn't mean that conservatives won't be emboldened in their vendetta against Planned Parenthood. Republicans like Congressman Cliff Stearns will continue to hold phony investigations and pressure others to cease funding preventative care.

With millions of us standing together, right wing attacks will not succeed in taking down Planned Parenthood.

I stand with Planned Parenthood now and in the future -- no matter what conservatives throw at us. Will you join me by contributing $12 to Planned Parenthood's Action Fund right now?

The right wing specializes in demonizing and tearing down progressive organizations one by one. But Komen reversing their decision today shows that when millions stand strong and fight back, we win.

I stand with Planned Parenthood. Join me in making sure it will be around to provide healthcare services for generations to come.

Thank you for everything you're doing to move America forward.

- Howard

Gov. Howard Dean, M.D.
Founder, Democracy for America

Late night Watercooler

Written by: DFA Community and you

DFA's home for a free form, open-ended discussion of what matters most to committed progressive activists.

What We're Reading - Conservative Values Infiltrate Edition

Written by: Linsey P on Feb 3, 2012 12:15 PM EST

This week’s What We’re Reading takes a tough look at how conservative politics influence and infiltrate the world around us.  Whether it’s how strict we stick to procedures, the influence one has in non-profits, to how our brain affects our political leanings it was another interesting week.  Check out some of what the DFA staff was reading this week below. 

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What We're Reading for the Week of January 23rd

Written by: Linsey P on Jan 27, 2012 4:26 PM EST

This week’s What We’re Reading reflects just how many political issues are unfolding around the nation.  Whether it is a reflection of President Obama’s State of the Union address, an Electoral College prediction or the House of Representatives honoring Rep. Gabby Giffords, we have lots to share.  Read more from DFA's staff after the break.

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Fracking is Whack - Join Us in New York.

Written by: Linsey P on Jan 25, 2012 3:30 PM EST

In last night’s State of the Union, President Barack Obama stood in front of Congress and promised to “take every possible action to safely develop this energy" and said the government would insist on drilling companies disclosing the chemicals used in 'fracking' on public lands.

The State of the Union is a defining speech for any president, but is especially important going into an election year.  Last night’s speech set the stage to what will be seen as President’s Obama’s opening of his re-election campaign.  While his main focus was on jobs and the economy, by mentioning shale gas in the speech – he turned the tables on the environmental movement.  He said, "Our experience with shale gas, our experience with natural gas, shows us that the payoffs on these public investments don't always come right away," he said. "Some technologies don't pan out; some companies fail. But I will not walk away from the promise of clean energy."

While this was the first mention of fracking and shale gas in the State of the Union, fracking has been impacting our local communities for sometime now. 

In Maryland, Governor Martin O’Malley placed a moratorium on fracking and established a task force to look at the risks of fracking in the state.  But others in the state believe that fracking can and will be done in a safe manner.  State Senator Ben Cardin believes that the shale gas industry would be better off with “national standards than fight state by state.”

In Pennsylvania, this week the EPA delivered water to families whose water source was contaminated by fracking.  The EPA is currently testing water around the site owned by Cabot Oil & Cas Corp, assessing whether any residents are being exposed to harmful substances.  

In Ohio, voters have become wary of fracking as speculation on the cause of an earthquake earlier this month has been attributed to fracking in the state.  Mark Kovac points out that 72 percent of Ohio voters polled “want fracking activities to cease until further studies are completed on the potential impacts.”

In New Mexico, local communities are speaking up against the big business of the Oil and Gas industries because they are concerned about the chemicals being pumped into the ground and what impact it will have on local drinking water. John Olivas, the Mora County Commissioner said, “I’m pushing for a ban on oil and gas drilling…evidence I’ve gathered shows there are threats to the water.”

In New York, local communities are turning up the heat on the issue of fracking – before it’s too late.  They’re even calling their work “an environmental Occupy Wall Street. “ What’s different about what’s going on in New York as opposed to other states around the country is that local communities are banding together and preempting the effects on fracking.  Tomorrow, the group Frack Action will be protesting outside of the Democratic Governor’s Association meeting hosted by Governor Andrew Cuomo. Chair of Democracy for America, Jim Dean said “It is critical that Governors around the country rein in this dangerous practice and DFA members in all 50 states will be making sure that they do just that”

To participate in the action RSVP on the group’s facebook page or email Renee at renee@frackaction.com. 

Democracy is not an eBay item

Written by: Linsey P on Jan 24, 2012 3:52 PM EST

A message from Nick:

As Congress gathers for tonight's State of the Union address, we need to ensure they hear one message loud and clear:

Our Democracy is not an eBay item going to the highest bidder.

We have gathered over 95,000 signatures in support of Sen. Bernie Sanders' constitutional amendment to reverse Citizens United. As long as this decision stays in place, the progressive agenda for 2012 will be in jeapordy. This week we will deliver the petitions signatures to your Senators.  

Help us get to 100,000 signatures in support of reversing Citizens United -- Now is your last chance before we deliver the petitions.

Plans from tonight's State of the Union address to return the middle-class to work and make the wealthy pay their far share will only go so far as long as unlimited money rules politics. Let's fight back for the system we deserve.

-Nick 

Nick Passanante, Deputy Political Director
Democracy for America

REMINDER: Join Rep. Ellison tonight at 8PM ET

Written by: Linsey P on Jan 23, 2012 4:46 PM EST

A message from Levana: 

Thank you for signing up to attend tonight's LIVE call with Rep. Keith Ellison beginning at 8:00 Eastern Time to help protect voting rights in this country.

At 8:00 PM you will receive a call that will connect you to the Telephone Town Hall with Rep. Ellison. If at any point during the call you would like to ask a question of Rep. Ellison, you will be able to speak with a member of DFA's staff who will add you to the speaking queue.

If for some reason you are unable to join us via phone tonight you can access the call on the internet by using this link: democracyforamerica.com/ellisoncall

Thank you again for signing up to attend this call with Rep. Keith Ellison and the DFA community. We look forward to speaking with you tonight.

Thank you for everything you do.

-Levana

Levana Layendecker, Communications Director
Democracy for America

What's Really Going on in South Carolina

Written by: Linsey P on Jan 21, 2012 9:54 AM EST

A message from Jim Dean:

 

Today in South Carolina while Republicans are picking their candidate, they are working behind the scenes to stop thousands of Democrats from voting in November. 

On Martin Luther King Day the Republicans held a debate where they touted South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley's efforts to block African-Americans from voting by requiring a state issued ID at the polls on Election Day. This bill was so egregiously targeted toward disenfranchising the African-American vote that the Department of Justice stepped into block it.

This is an outrage.

For the first time in history state legislatures around the country are working to shrink the numbers of Americans who can vote. And to add insult to injury, this effort to disenfranchise 21 million voters is being funded by the Koch brothers. 

That's why we are fighting back on two fronts. DFA is hosting a live Telephone Town Hall with Rep. Keith Ellison, Co-Chair of the Progressive Caucus, to talk about what we can to do stop corporate millionaires from ruining our Democracy and to defend everyone’s fundamental right to vote.

Join the live Telephone Town Hall on Monday, Jan. 23rd at 8:00 PM EST with Rep. Keith Ellison.

While the 2008 election saw more people turn out to vote in over a decade, as many as 5 million voters will be restricted from voting in this upcoming election due to state laws that have already passed. 

It's no surprise that those disenfranchised voters include African Americans, Latinos, elderly, students and others.  Why?  It's all part of a larger Republican strategy -- to restrict voting rights to people who have traditionally voted for Democratic candidates.  Almost five decades ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Voting Rights Act of 1965, outlawing discriminatory voting practices. The bills champion, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, fought tirelessly to expand voting rights to all Americans. As we celebrate his legacy this week we need to keep a keen eye on every attempt to keep Americans from the polls. 

DFA and Rep. Keith Ellison are fighting on the legislative front and to expose the corporate money that funds these efforts to disenfranchise voters. And, we need your help.

We want to hear from you at the Live Telephone Town Hall on Monday, Jan. 23 at 8:00PM EST with Rep. Keith Ellison. Sign up to join in here.

Thank you for everything you do.

-Jim

Jim Dean, Chair
Democracy for America

 

What We're Reading - The Internet Lives On Edition

Written by: Linsey P on Jan 20, 2012 1:41 PM EST

Democracy for America’s staff has an eclectic What We’re Reading list this week.  From issues like SOPA and internet protection to a personal story of a family fighting to save their home from foreclosure, it’s easy to see while the staff may not read similar stories, we’re deeply committed to creating a better America for all. Check out all our What We're Reading links below after the break.

Kate Lesniak, Deputy Finance Director 
Pick of the Week:

“I found this article to be relevant for everyone who current holds some sort of office job.  Great read.” 

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Grassroots

Written by: Linsey P on Jan 20, 2012 12:25 PM EST

A message from Kaili Lambe:

 

In a post-Citizens United world, corporations and the 1% can spend unlimited money to buy elections.

But that doesn't mean our democracy is dead. Around the country, candidates who fight for the 99% are mounting people-powered campaigns to take back Congress.

Just look at Elizabeth Warren's tremendous money bomb yesterday. She raised over one million dollars in a single day -- not because of large donations, but because of people like you and me pitching in $5 or $10.

Grassroots support for progressive candidates is going to win out over the barrage of money and negative ads.

That's why we're excited to launch our Grassroots All-Star Campaign to highlight how many strong, progressive candidates are running.

Who's your pick for 2012 Grassroots All-Star?

Corporations and the 1% may have unlimited funds, but the candidates running these people-powered campaigns have a more valuable resource -- grassroots supporters.

DFA's endorsements are always driven by our members and now we're asking you to tell us who you think should win our biggest endorsement of the year.

We're looking for the best progressive candidates to defeat Republican incumbents and win open seats across the country -- Nominate your favorite candidate to win Grassroots All--Star now.

Thanks for everything you do.

- Kaili

Kaili Lambe, Political Campaign Manager
Democracy for America

 

Cheating Us Our Rights

Written by: Jim Dean on Jan 18, 2012 1:20 PM EST

The 2012 Presidential race has begun and people all over the country are gearing up to cast their vote for president come November.  While the 2008 election saw more people turn out to vote in over a decade, as many as 5 million voters will be restricted from voting in this upcoming election. 

It’s no surprise that those disenfranchised voters include African Americans, Latinos, elderly, students and others.  Why?  It’s all part of a larger Republican strategy – to restrict voting rights to people who have traditionally voted for democratic candidates.  Almost five decades ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Voting Rights Act of 1965, outlawing discriminatory voting practices.   The bills champion, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, fought tirelessly to expand voting rights to all Americans.  As we celebrate his legacy this week we need to keep a keen eye on every attempt to keep Americans from the polls. 

Voter identification laws have been popping up throughout the United States since 2005 when Indiana passed its voter identification law.  Last year alone we saw a dozen more states pass voter identification laws including South Carolina, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Michigan, and Ohio. In the key battleground state of Ohio, House Bill 194 that is set for referendum in 2012 would disenfranchise as many as 900,000 voters.  That alone could turn the tide for any Republican running for President and allow the GOP to gain Ohio’s 88 delegates along with a clear path of victory to claim the White House. 

As bills passed last year become law, voters across the country must stay diligent – if Republicans are allowed to use voter identification laws to cover up their attempt to steal elections, more and more Americans will continue to lose their basic right to participate in the democratic process.  The Brennan Center for Justice estimates that the 25 laws passed last year could potentially prevent as many as 5 million voters from being able to cast a ballot for President – let alone for any other issues or candidate.  5 million voters is a significant number of voters, especially if you consider in the 2008 presidential contest 131 million Americans cast a ballot for president.  5 million voters could very easily exceed the margin of victory for the 2012 presidential election. 

It should come as no surprise that any one of these states that passed these unreasonable voting ID laws could decide the outcome of the 2012 presidential race.  Recently Attorney General Eric Holder stated that the Department of Justice must ensure equal access at the ballot box.  In December, at the LBJ presidential library in Austin, Attorney General Holder said, “The right to vote is not only the cornerstone of our system of government – it is the lifeblood of our democracy.   And no force has proved more powerful – or more integral to the success of the great American experiment – than efforts to expand the franchise."   If Attorney General Holder is correct in his assertion that voting is the lifeblood of our democracy why aren’t more people demanding that the mainstream media pay attention to the Republican attempt to steal elections?  

Last year alone, we witnessed the Republican Party attack nearly every value that progressive voters hold dear.  Nationally, their most important issue was making  “President Obama to be a one-term president," croaked Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.  Republicans in Congress would rather our economy double-downed into another depression than to vote for any legislation that would paint President Obama in a positive light.  Clearly, an economic recovery and advancing the general well being of all Americans is not a Republican priority – voter fraud is.  The laws passed last year amount to the largest effort to disenfranchise voters since the Jim Crow era.  While Republicans may not be winning the voting public's support with their attack on jobs, families and our way of life, across the nation GOP supporters see a very small window of opportunity to pass voter id laws that restrict access for African Americans, Latinos, the Elderly and Students at the voting booth.  

By restricting these voters, a core demographic of the Democratic base, Republican-held state legislatures believe that they will hold and then gain significantly more power at the local and national level.  Simply put – the Republicans are cheating their way to victory.  Imagine for years to come, Republicans winning every election and not ever having to worry about a concession speech.   The 25 such laws passed last year have basically rigged the outcome in 14 states to make this future a possibly reality.  Forget for a moment the political implication of such laws, since clearly the political impact is much more significant when you look at how these disenfranchised communities would be affected by such legislation in the long term. Republican candidates rarely support populations other than wealthy white men, so by disenfranchising African Americans, Latinos and others, Republicans essentially take away their voices but will also deny them the opportunity to pass legislation that affects their lives and livelihoods.

The great civil rights leader and current congressman John Lewis has said of these archaic ways to disenfranchise minorities, “There is a deliberate attempt to prevent millions of elderly voters, young voters, students, minority and low income voters from exercising their constitutional right to engage in the democratic process.  Voter ID laws are becoming all too common.” It remains perfectly clear that the Republican agenda is to win elections - no matter the cost. 

Progressive legislators are not sitting by idly and democrats, independents and even Republicans who support voting rights can push their Representatives to support and pass two bills that will combat voter suppression and American Citizens’ right to vote.  Next week, join the conversation with Congressman Keith Ellison (MN – 5) and Democracy for America as Rep. Eillison unveils two bills in the House that would protect voters and curb harmful voting laws across the country.  The bills will ensure the protection of Americans’ most fundamental right - the right to vote. 

Congressman Ellison has long been an very vocal advocate for expanding voting rights.    Not only has he been a staunch believer in the right to vote for all citizens regardless of the party they vote for or the candidate they support, Rep. Ellison strong supporter for the Occupy movement and supports the 99 percent.   Passing his voting rights legislation will be no simple task, especially with Rep. John Boehner controlling the house.  But progressive voters must not give up hope.  Our democracy hangs in the balance. 

Rep. Ellison said on the floor of the house when introducing these bills last year, “This year 13 states are trying to pass laws restricting the right to vote for American citizens.  These laws add up to the largest attack on voting rights since the Jim Crow era.  In all, they could strip more than 5 millions Americans from the right to vote..” 

Rep Ellison doesn’t just believe that the Republican party is on the wrong track restricting voting rights for citizens, he believes that “if you truly believe in democracy you should do everything you can to increase the enfranchisement of American citizens not take it away.”   Clearly the Republican party which became the party of No in 2011 will continue it’s assault on the very principles that built our great nation unless we stand up together and put a stop to these horrendous voter identification laws and support Rep. Ellison's voting rights legislation.  

Click here to join us next Monday, January 23 for a DFA Live Call with Congressman Ellison where you’ll have an opportunity to speak directly with him and ask questions regarding both bills that protect our democracy.   These bills keep our democracy strong and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and all civil rights leaders who fought tirelessly to bring the right to vote to every citizen.