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Glimpse What’s Inside!
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NEWS for the ROOTS
The Millions More Movement
submitted by Pam Paul
Minister Louis Farrakhan, of Islam, wrote an open-letter of appeal asking for united and unprecedented support for the Millions More Movement- an extension of the Million Man March.
He wrote- " The Millions More Movement, in causing all of us to be together for a common cause, allows the process of lawful dialogue to begin to help us in our exchange with one another in the best way. For the Civil Rights Advocates, Nationalists, Pan-Africanists, Christians of every denomination, Muslims of every sect, students of every fraternity, Masons, Shriners and Elks to come into the same room and begin the process of lawful dialogue; by our being able to exchange with one another in the best, most peaceful and loving manner, we can help to shape and reshape each other’s thinking. We are allowed to challenge each other’s thinking if we disagree with each other in the spirit of love. Based upon truth and rational thinking, we come to an equitable agreement. When we do this, we can begin to make ourselves into a mighty and powerful force for change."
This statement was the foundation for the weekend's events.
Tens of thousands of African-Americans and other minorities gathered on the National Mall to mark the 10th anniversary of the Million Man March. Both the Million Man March and Saturday's Millions More Movement were organized by Farrakhan. The events were designed to commemorate the 1995 gathering that called for a million black men to march on Washington and rededicate themselves personally to their families and their communities. The event is also a call for social and economic equality for all.
Unlike the March in 1995, women and other minorities were invited to participate, along with more mainstream leaders, politicians, musicians, and activists. They represented a wide variety of minority groups and causes. The estimated crowd was less than it was a decade ago- but the revival was as poignant and inspirational.
On Friday, October 14, 2005 Rev. Lennox Yearwood, PDA Advisory Board Member and CEO of Hip Hop Caucus, gave the following address at Howard University in Washington, DC. Other speakers throughout the weekend included Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Jessie Jackson and American Indian activist Russell Means.
The crisis in New Orleans has forced us to face the realities of the divides in our country and it has magnified the ties between our economic and racial differences. The question remains- "where do we go from here?"
Read more about The Millions More Movement.
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Watching Our Money Go Down the Drain and Who's Flushing It
submitted by Pam Paul
FEMA, under the control of Homeland Security a Government Agency, undoubtedly has their hands full cleaning up the mess that they created during the past storms. As time progresses, after all the squeaky wheels have been oiled, money will become tighter and New Orleans will be lucky if they get what they believe is being paid for.
One of the fiascoes involving FEMA and our money is almost laughable. But it is not. FEMA purchased 182 million pounds of ice, apparently couldn't figure out how to get it to storm victims, sent 163 trucks all over the country, has spent $153,000.00 of tax payers money on the venture, and now houses 60% of the ice in Government freezers. Only 40% of the ice ordered actually ever made it to the victims.
Another atrocity is that the US Government is still blocking over 400,000 packages of ready made meals, routinely eaten by British soldiers, because it fears they may be contaminated. These food packages, that are worth $5.3 million dollars and cost $4.7 million dollars to be shipped by a chartered plane from England, are in wait to be destroyed. These packages were shipped in early September and are sitting in a warehouse in Arkansas. They are currently costing US taxpayers $16,000. per month for storage. The British say the rations were sent upon request from the US and are appalled by the whole ordeal. So are we!
Those that rose to the top of the list and were guaranteed aid from FEMA are the Faith Based groups that helped the victims of the storm. In 2003, it is estimated that $1.1 Billion dollars in grants was directed from Federal agencies to faith-based groups. It is likely that those who may never be on this list for aid are the relatives, friends, neighboring businesses and ordinary citizens who took in thousands of families despite their own hardships; those not looking for a dime of restitution. Isn't that what being charitable is about?
Halliburton, the Texas Contractor, has just been paid a total of 61.3 million dollars to clean up after Katrina. Amazingly enough the 9 Billion dollar no-bid contract the company has gotten to work Iraq and the 78 million dollar stock rise for it's CEO wasn't quite enough. Vice President Cheney, who previously operated Halliburton, is still a stock-holder of the corporation.. One can only wonder why the Government didn't immediately set up a work program to give the contracts to those from New Orleans so they could rebuild their own lives as well as their city.
Halliburton is currently under investigation for over-charging US Tax payers for items and good used in rebuilding Iraq. It is also accused of serving contaminated water to our troopsin Iraq.
It doesn't take much to connect the dots between the US Government, FEMA, Halliburton, the War in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina and the misappropriation of our tax dollars. The above examples are just a few of the more known cases of mishandling. Disorganization, neglect, miscommunication, political agendas, cronyism, and flat out ignorance have caused the United States to become bankrupt. The administration's mantra of "less Government" has actually more resembled "less accountability and more Goverment spending" In 2000, when George Bush became our President the US had a surplus. As I write this the US currently has a National Public Debt of $7,995,312,622,105.91, which averages out to about $26,877.08 of individual debt for each person in the country.
It is time to work together and demand accountability and responsibility with our money! Demand it from our representatives at the local and National level. Fiscal negligence, recklessness and irresponsibility is unacceptable- no matter who you are!
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State Field Briefs– a variety of news sent in from across the country!
Courage Campaign: California
submitted by Michael Meurer of the Courage Campaign
Dear Friends,
I want to tell you about a new California grassroots political organization that Rick Jacobs, former DFA California Chair, and I have started. It is called the Courage Campaign, and we are doing in California what Gov. Dean is doing nationally - empowering the grassroots by building Democratic infrastructure, ranging from open source precinct organizing tools to a great new website that you can visit at: Courage Campaign.
We started the Courage Campaign because California is on the front lines of the national fight against the radical right's most regressive ideas. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's initiatives in California's Nov. 8 special election have been written by the RNC and their corporate sponsors.
If these measures pass in California, the Republicans plan to roll them out in state initiatives across the country in 2006 and 2008. Please help us by taking the Pledge if you vote in California. And if you are willing to help out with a small donation, we may be able to beat back the Republican assault in California before it spreads to other states.
Thank you for your continuing commitment to take back our country.
-Michael Meurer, Deputy Chair, Courage Campaign
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Virginia Governor's Race Update
submitted by Todd Smyth of Root Camp and the Virginia Grassroots Campaign
The Virginia state elections happen this November 8th. We have Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General and many state delegates on the ballot. The Democratic ticket of Tim Kaine, Leslie Byrne and Creigh Deeds (TLC) respectively, are a great group of candidates who have a lot going for them. Although we are in a red state our current Democratic Governor, Mark Warner has a 73% approval rating and Virginia is rated as the best managed state in America by the Government Performance Project. Because Virginia has a one term limit, Tim Kaine is currently the LT. Governor running for Governor as Mark Warner begins his run for the White House in 2008.
Tim Kaine was 12 points behind six months ago and just moved ahead of the Republican candidate with a positive message of sound leadership. With help from Karl Rove and the man who produced the Swift Boat ads against John Kerry, the Republican candidate for Governor has been running TV ads 5-1 against Tim Kaine. All of them deceptive, negative attack ads and they have just begun to back fire as we blanket the state with phone banking and visibility.
Republicans continue to tell us how bad our government is and try getting elected so they can prove it. After the wake of Katrina more people are learning what Republicans mean by "Less Government" They have downsized services and are charging us more for it. It's time to say enough and turn the tide. With hard work and determination we can do it.
Virginia Gets Nation's Top Grade in Management
Thanks!
-Todd Smyth
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Texas Candidate Training to be held in January, 2006!
submitted by Teri Sperry of Democracy for Texas
Are you a socially progressive, fiscally responsible candidate running or considering running for any level of public office in the 2006 Texas elections? Don't miss this exciting opportunity for you and up to four members of your campaign team to participate in intensive and affordable candidate training by successful campaign experts from around the country and right here in Texas.
Apply now to attend Texas Candidate Training, January 20–22, 2006 (5 p.m. Friday–5 p.m. Sunday) at the Holiday Inn–Town Lake in Austin, hosted by Democracy for Texas, with curriculum developed by Latinos for America and Democracy for Texas.
Our goal is to empower Texas progressive candidates through assistance in building winning campaign plans and training in carrying out those plans successfully.
Click here to find out more about this rewarding opportunity to maximize your campaign successes and help take back Texas!
Thank You!
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GET INVOLVED
Are you worried about not having a Paper Trail?
If so, get involved by asking Congress to pass H.R. 550 for Voter Verified Paper Records!
The "Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act" (H.R. 550) may be the most important bill your Representative could co-sponsor this year.
H.R. 550 is the "gold standard" of voter verifiability legislation, incorporating not only a requirement for voter-verified paper records but also mandatory manual audits to confirm that voting machines are working properly.
A voter-verified paper record (VVPR) is the verification standard without which we cannot have reliable elections. But the voter-verified paper record must be audited too. Although more than half the states have now made VVPR an official requirement, many states still do not have adequate audit requirements. H.R.550 provides that minimum standard.
To pass quickly, the bill needs a balanced bi-partisan co-sponsorship. You can make the difference! Please contact your Representative today and urge him or her to co-sponsor H.R. 550 without delay.
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37 Million Americans Live in Poverty
In August the government released its latest report on poverty in America. It said that the ranks of the poor had grown since 2004 by more than 1 million people to a total of 37 million, 12.7 percent of the U.S. population.
Representative Barbara Lee, of California, is sponsoring a bill (Bill # H.CON.RES.234 ) which calls for the President to present a plan immediately to eradicate poverty by 2010. This is obviously going to be no small task, however, the bill currently has 53 co-sponsors and more are signing on every day!
Take Action Today! Join the Progressive Democrats of America in their drive to raise awareness of the bill and getting citizens involved by contacting their representatives and asking them to support the resolution. If your representative already supports the bill please urge them to work endlessly to move it forward!
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Operation Offset
"Operation Offset" is what the conservative Republicans are calling their budget cut plan to pay for Hurricane Katrina. Just 6 weeks after Hurricane Katrina, top Republicans are using the cost of the tragedy to push forward a budget plan calling for $50 billion in permanent cuts to vital services for the poor and middle-class,1 while handing out $70 billion in tax breaks—largely for the wealthy. These immoral cuts have always been a part of the agenda.
Here is a list of some of the programs that are or could be on the chopping block if "budget reconciliation" goes forward:
- Medicaid and Medicare—the primary health insurance provider for America's poor and elderly.
- Federal student loans—which make higher education possible for millions of American students.
- Child Nutrition Programs (school lunch and breakfast, summer meals, day care meals)—which provide basic nutrition to underprivileged children in every state.
- *Food Stamps—the highly successful federal program that keeps millions of Americans from facing hunger and even starvation.
- Earned Income & Child Tax Credits—vital tax relief for low-income working families.
- Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation—the federal guarantor of private pension programs, needed more than ever in this era of major bankruptcies.
- State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and TANF—which provide basic cost of living support to millions of extremely low income and disabled Americans.
- Unemployment Insurance.
*Sojourners, who is working overtime to stop the cuts, has just reported a victory in regards to the original plan to slash the Food Stamp Program, but our work is still far from over.
Get Involved by supporting Sojourners or Campaign for America's Future in their efforts!
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Inspiration Point
Kalyn Free
Progressives in Oklahoma had the opportunity to support Kalyn during her run for Congress in '04. She worked relentlessly despite her opponent's status, power and big money. She was endorsed by Emily's List and she was also a Dean Dozen. If Kalyn had secured the OK seat she would have been the first Native American female to become a member of Congress. Despite the loss during her race she has risen to a level which far exceeds all expectations. She is an inspiration for all but especially for women, Oklahomans, and her Native American ancestry!
Kalyn Free is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and she is the founder and President of the Indigenous Democratic Network (INDN’s List). Kalyn has been active in public service in her home state of Oklahoma, and nationally for 18 years. She has received many awards for her dedication to fighting for those who have no other voice to represent them.
After her unsuccessful run for the United States Congress in 2004, Kalyn now focuses her practice on legal issues important to Native Americans, with a special emphasis on prosecuting corporate polluters who contaminate Indian Country. She is passionate about helping Indians run for and win elective office at all levels and devotes her time and energy to The Indigenous Democratic Network and the INDN List.
The Indigenous Democratic Network is the only grassroots political organization devoted to recruiting and electing Native American candidates and mobilizing the Indian Vote throughout America on behalf of those candidates. The group is dedicated to making a unified Indian voice heard at the local, state and national levels by helping Indians build and run effective campaign organizations and to win elected offices across America.
INDN’s List is committed to a four-pronged strategy to elect Democratic Indians and involve Indians in the political process. (1) Recruiting Indian candidates; (2) Training Indian candidates and Indian staff; (3) Funding Indian candidates and campaigns; and (4) Mobilizing Indian voters to help elect Democratic candidates up and down the ballot.
Kalyn Free and INDN's List announced their first Campaign Camp which ocurred this past weekend, October 13-16, 2005. During the Campaign Camp INDN's List trained the next group of political leaders in Indian Country. The training consisted of candidates who will be on the ballot either in 2006 or beyond, as well as holkey staff positions. INDN's List Camp will empower Indian candidates and Indian and non-Indian staff by giving them the skills they need to run and staff successful campaigns. We will keep you updated on any upcoming INDN's List events!
We applaud Kalyn and send her a huge "thank you" for all her hard work! Please be sure to promote this message about Kalyn and the INDN's List to everyone who should be involved with her efforts!
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Undercovered
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Fielding Your Opinion
The Roosevelt Institute
submitted by Marjorie Clark
I was recently inspired and impressed at the official launch of the Yale University chapter of the Roosevelt Institution.
RI is a student think tank started by a Yale Deaniac, Jesse Wolfson, and his friend Ted Fertik as a reaction to the 2004 election. In the past year they have grown to 24 chapters at colleges and universities coast to coast. The event they hosted was expertly done, and indicative of the work that they produce. They recently published (in only 2 months) their first policy review, which will be distributed to Washington policy makers on October 3. Their research was instrumental in the passage of CT legislation that supports Gulf War veterans and their treatment for depleted uranium poisoning. They have also done a study on the impact of the Groton sub base closure.
US Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Dr. Stan Greenberg spoke excitedly and articulately about their support of RI and how its creation could not have come at a more opportune time. Senator Clinton sent a video message thanking RI, all its participants and supporters, for their ideas. All three of them have opened their doors and Rolodexes wide to this organization.
These kids are young, sharp, and intelligent and they are not waiting around for DC professionals to manufacture public policy in focus groups - they are producing it themselves.
I encourage all grassroots activists to offer your expertise to the chapter nearest to you, and alert your local, state and federal representatives of this fabulous resource.
Sincerely,
-Marjorie Clark
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What is the Difference Between a Liberal and a Progressive?
This is written by David Sirota. It was distributed by, and is excerpted from, the Huffington Post. These days it is the million dollar question.
"I often get asked what the difference between a "liberal" and a "progressive" is. The questions from the media on this subject are always something like, "Isn't 'progressive' just another name for 'liberal' that people want to use because 'liberal' has become a bad word?"
The answer, in my opinion, is no - there is a fundamental difference when it comes to core economic issues.
It seems to me that traditional "liberals" in our current parlance are those who focus on using taxpayer money to help better society. A "progressive" are those who focus on using government power to make large institutions play by a set of rules.
Click to read the rest and/or respond!
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SITE SEEING
08 Dem Candidate Blog
submitted by Nathan Rudy
http://www.dems.us/
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Breaking the Chains
Whether you participate in boycotting Wal-mart or not- one thing is certain, we can only help break the cycle of corporation take over if we begin to buy more locally made products and support our small business owners!
The time has come to Break the Chains! The Organic Consumers Association is launching the next stage of their most ambitious campaign to date, Breaking the Chains: Buy Local, Organic, and Fair Made. Between November 13 and December 31 the OCA will mobilize from Alaska to Argentina, working with a critical mass of global citizens to regain control of our communities, our food and commerce, and our future. Dozens of leading activists, organizations and networks have already endorsed OCA's International Call to Action.
November 25-December 31, 2005, the busiest shopping season of the year, we call on ethically responsible people across the world to "Break the Chains"of self-destructive consumerism by boycotting Wal-Mart and other national and international chain stores, fast food restaurants, corporate coffeehouses, and products bearing the logos of the multinational Brand Name Bullies. Hoping to generate the largest impact possible, during the main shopping season of the year, we call upon the global grassroots to Buy Local, Buy Organic and Buy Fair Trade/Fair Made.
Find out more about the Campaign!
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The 1% Solution
Don't you think now would be the perfect moment in time for House and Senate Democrats to demand repeal of those Bush tax cuts that benefit only America's top 1% of earners? That act alone would bring in around $450 billion, and just when we need it the most.
Stephen Pizzo of newsforreal.com has put together the 1% Solution. His solution has become a conversation piece for many and the time is now for Democrats to come up with a plan of action.
Read about the 1% Solution, send Stephen your feedback, and then send GFA your feedback. Let's see if this is a plan worth taking to the top!
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THE TOOL SHED
Moving Ideas
Moving Ideas is a leading source for easily searched and sorted progressive policy information, and provides the background information for citizen activism via the Internet.
The Moving Ideas site is a one-stop shop for resources from almost 200 partner and member organizations that focus on issues such as foreign policy and national security, education, civil liberties, jobs and the economy, retirement security and more. Our site emphasizes engaging citizens in activism, but also provides easy access to everything from columnists to public documents.
The value of Moving Ideas is that it offers a more focused search, which both helps the individual get desired information and also helps organizations build an audience. Visitors to Moving Ideas will find that the information comes from highly respected organizations – thus making it trustworthy.
Move on over to Moving Ideas!
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Tolerance.org
While perusing through one of our fellow activist sites, DIY Politics, we stumbled upon this group!
Tolerance.org is a principal online destination for people interested in dismantling bigotry and creating, in hate's stead, communities that value diversity.
If you want to know how to transform yourself, your home, your school, your workplace or your community, Tolerance.org is a place to start — and continue — the journey.
Through its online well of resources and ideas, its expanding collection of print materials, its burgeoning outreach efforts, and its downloadable public service announcements, Tolerance.org promotes and supports anti-bias activism in every venue of life.
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ProgressivePunch
ProgressivePunch is a non-partisan searchable database of Congressional voting records from a Progressive perspective. Progressive Punch believes it's extremely useful irrespective of anyone's political positions.
Their site shows the performance of members within 160 different issue categories, and detailed vote descriptions, thereby empowering you to zero in on what matters to you. To see how progressively your member has voted or explore a policy issue that interests you, select from a number of search options!
Check out what they have to offer!
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Reenergize America - A Democratic Blueprint
Tripped over by Joe Magid, GFA Board Member
As many a Blog for America junky can attest, visiting DailyKos can be a dangerously habit forming exercise. If you haven't (yet) fallen into the DKos trap, you may have missed the recent diary posted by Meteor Blades in collaboration with Jerome a Paris and Devilstower (yes, these are real people - many posters on DKos go by an on-line handle or psuedonym), Reenergize America - A Democratic Blueprint (Second Draft)
In this second pass at a conscise, cogent, comprehensive energy agenda for the Democratic Party, this trio has done a bang-up job. An excerpt:
To Reenergize America, we support four principles:
- Boost energy security to strengthen our national security.
- Reject current energy policies that weaken America
- Promote energy efficiency, diversity and conservation to protect Americans and the environment.
- Invest in renewable energy to create jobs and enhance America's technological leadership
Build energy security to strengthen our national security: Diplomacy, homeland security and the economy are all connected through our energy policies. America imports 60% of the oil it consumes and our demand continues to grow, even as the production of oil moves toward inevitable decline. Our dangerous dependence on foreign oil - much of it from unstable countries - puts our servicemen and women at risk and holds our foreign policy hostage. America will increasingly be competing with China and other nations for dwindling oil supplies, causing prices to rise, laying the foundation for economic turmoil and presenting grave threats to peace as countries mobilize to protect their interests. Only by establishing policies that wean us off gas and oil can we avoid a disruptive and potentially lethal outcome in this coming scramble.
There's lots more great stuff in this blueprint for the foundation of a sustainable energy future, check it out!
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Looking For A Few Great Volunteers!
Grassroots for America is putting out a call for activists who wish to contribute your creative abilities to our newsletter!
In order for us to gather a full spectrum of experiences and stories we would like to build upon the already awesome team of writers we currently have.
All it would entail is a few hours a month and your desire to share your writing and/or editing talent!
Please contact Pam-at-grassrootsforamerica.us if you wish to become part of our team!
We thank you for your support!
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