Tricounty DFA Update: Rumors Fly and more
Hello Everyone;

In this update:

1. Cheney Resignation Rumors Fly
2. Gillibrand at Wash Women's Luncheon
3. Walking with Val
4. An alert for those who attended the Washington demonstration
5. Activism Opportunities
6. Ring wingers attacking churches
7. We still need more of you on DFA-Link!

1. Cheney Resignation Rumors Fly

The online media is burning tonight with reports that Veep Dick Cheney is about to be indicted for his role in the "Plamegate" spy outing scandal. According to several reports, John Hannah, former aide to both Cheney and foaming at the mouth UN Ambassador John Bolton has turned state's evidence and is testifying against the administration. Indictments are expected within a week. This could be an extraordinary moment in our history, and a great opportunity for Democrats, liberals and progressives -- if we capitalize on it. As the old saying goes, luck goes to the prepared. Check out the story that started the uproar today:
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/051018/18whwatch.htm?track=rss

2. Gillibrand at Wash Women's Luncheon

Possible Congressional Candidate, Attorney Kirsten Gillibrand, will be speaking at the Washington County Women's Luncheon.

Friday October 21st from noon to 3:00 PM. The featured speaker will be Kirstin Gillibrand, who has announced that she plans to challenge John Sweeney in 2006. Join us at La Fontana Resturant in Hudson Falls.

Reserve your seat by October 17th by sending $25 per person payable to WCDC to Mary Silitch PO Box 78, North Granville NY 12854. Contact Mary Silitch at 642-9410.

Note: Space is limited - reservations are required by October 17th.

3. Walking with Val

From Nedra on the current frontlines in Saratoga Springs:

"Hello, Everyone,

This is a call to action. I would like to invite each of you to accompany Val as she walks the neighborhoods of our city. Repeatedly, I have heard from those with considerable experience within the political system that meeting and talking with the residents of Saratoga Springs is the most meaningful thing Val can do. I know from walking with her myself that people are appreciative, receptive, and supportive. They love it when she appears at their door and is ready to listen to what they have to say.

I believe it is also meaningful when Val is accompanied by energetic volunteers who demonstrate the growing support within the community for Val as our next mayor. I want to encourage you to volunteer for any of the following times this week that Val will be out and about:

Wednesday, Oct. 19 4 - 6
Friday, Oct. 21 4 - 7
Saturday, Oct. 22 10:30 - 1
3 - 6
Sunday, Oct 23 12 - 2
3 - 6

Generally, you will meet at the Democratic Headquarters (58 Federal St). Val will decide where to walk. Be sure to give me your phone number in case the time of the walk changes. If you have any questions, you can email them to me or call (587-4980 or 879-9760).

Thank you very much. Hope to hear from you soon. And if you are unable to participate this week, we will be soliciting volunteers each week until the election. Go Val!

Nedra R. Stimpfle

4. An Important Health Alert For Those Who Attended The Washington Demonstration!

There was a very weird story in today's Salon Magazine that I would like to highlight for everyone who attended the demonstration in Washington on September 24.

Apparently there was a release of a biological agent on the Mall during the protest; tularemia. This is real. No one apparently was injured, but there are scattered reports of people with flu-like illnesses. If you went and have experienced any odd health symptoms, colds, flues, congestion, coughing that persists, you should see a physician immediately. Tularemia is easily treated with common antibiotics.

The incubation period has passed. If you are well, you cannot get sick. It is unknown where these bio agents came from. One can speculate; was someone attacking the protestors? Or someone hiding in the crowd to test detections systems? No one knows. For full details read the Salon piece; you can read it after a short commercial:
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2005/10/18/tularemia/index_np.html

5. Activism Opportunities

Act For Change sends these out:

Call on Congress To Admit Invasion of Iraq Was a Mistake
http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eigw0FAnh60COb05qg0EE

Tell the New York Times to Fire Judith Miller and Apologize to Their Readers
http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eigw0FAnh60COb05qh0EF

Congress has returned to Washington to deal with the budget implications of the huricane disaster. Among the ideas that have widespresd backing by the Majority Republicans is to cut funding for Medicaid, Medicare, Head Start, Child Nutrition Aid, Food Stamps, and other programs designed primarily to provide help for the poor and middle class. The Administration is looking for $50 BILLION in budget cuts while still planning to extend the nearly $70 BILLION IN TAX CUTS TO THE WEALTHIEST AMERICANS. Moderate Republicans are objecting to some of the cuts but the balance is so delicate no one can guarantee which side will prevail. Many organizations have sponsored a national call-in. The goal is to reach 20,000 calls to each member of Congress.

Call Rep. Sweeney at his office in Washington at 202- 225-5614
e-mail at www.house.gov/Sweeney

Please make the effort...
KAy Abaham

6. Ring wingers attacking churches

This illustrates the depth to which the far right has gone to hijack our country -- nothing is sacred to these people or beyond politicization, it seems, but some churches are starting to wake up and fight back.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/10/18/182954/61

We need as many of us as possible to register with DFA-Link and pick a local Linkup to join. As we move into the next election year we will be giving DFA's new online tools a real workout, so the sooner you sign up, the stronger we will be.

7. We still need more of you on DFA-Link!

I would note these are all tools we can use -- their purpose is to connect and empower YOU! So if you haven't registered, or have registered and haven't joined a local Linkup, which is essential, please hit the link below and follow though by entering you name and email and creating an account with your own unique password. You can share as much or as little personal information as you please -- it is up to you. http://www.DFA-Link.com/register.php?c=g&id=91042f3ae603ef90&

Thanks everyone!

Larry
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 12:16 AM