Tricounty DFA Update: Meeting Next Week, Candidate Forum and more
Hello Everyone!

In this update:

1. A Message You May Have Received
2. Gillibrand Financial Closing
3. Glens Falls Meeting Next Week
4. Forum with Dr. Tim Merrick
5. Petition Countdown Reminder -- don't wait until the last minute!
6. Governor Dean Gives Democrats' address, speaks on war
7. Friday Film Forum
8. Saturday Vigil
9. Bo Lipari on Brennan Center Report on Electronic Voting Machines.


1. A Message You May Have Received

First, some of you may have received a DFA-Link message about the Gillbrand family, etc., making all kinds of allegations. Jonathan Gillibrand's family all worked for BAe, as he did, very much the way people here worked for GE-- they all grew up in a company town. Jonathan's father met his mother there and he worked his way up from the plant floor to management. Just like GE families here, they have company stock in their retirement fund. We all know how Democrats who run for office get smeared-- the Republicans take any little thing they can find and twist it totally out of shape. That's what's going on here and that's where this came from. Sad to say, we will probably see more of this: it's going to be a bumpy ride. Take heart and pay no heed.

2. Gillibrand Financial Closing

The Gillibrand Campaign does need your help to give'em hell: The Federal Financial reporting quarter for candidates ends Friday, June 30th. Her other campaign-- her television campaign-- is now on the air. These TV ads are very expensive.
If you are thinking of making a contribution to her campaign this summer, do it now, since the "air war" on television has already kicked off. Go to: https://services.myngp.com/ngponlineservices/contribution.aspx?X=yEvSsqeBpDPsOTgPrro9jQ%3d%3d

Remember, all contributions are important, even small ones, because the gross number of people who donate is also important for the effect it has on funding agencies, especially if the people are local.

3. Glens Falls Meeting Next Week

Greater Glens Falls Democracy For America will be holding its monthly meeting next week, Wednesday July 5th at 7pm at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe in downtown Glens Falls. The Cafe is located at the corner of Exchange and Elm Streets and Hudson Avenue. We will have a busy, two part schedule this month:

4. Forum with Dr. Tim Merrick

First we will be holding a candidate forum for Dr. Tim Merrick, who is running in the 45th Senate District against Republican Betty Little. (The 45th SD consists of Washington, Warren, Essex, Hamilton and Clinton Counties (Plattsburg). If you live in Saratoga County you are in Sen. Joe Bruno's district.) Tim is a member of our Plattsburg DFA group and those of you who attended our February DFA Training Day at the Plumbers and Steamfitters Hall may remember meeting him. He also made a brief appearance at our last meeting. Tim will make a presentation and then answer our questions.

5. Petition Countdown Reminder -- don't wait until the last minute!

At our last meeting we handed out petitions for Kirsten Gillibrand and Tim Merrick. You only have about a week left to get them filled out! Don't wait until the last minute! We are asking everyone to please bring their petitions to hand in to our next meetup to check them over. If you need more sheets or walk lists, please contact me or Bob Rockwell in Lake George at rrockwel@nycap.rr.com

6. Governor Dean Gives Democrats' address, speaks on war

Last Saturday Governor Dean gave the Democrat's response to Bush's weekly address. Dean focused on the Republican handling of the war and called for our troops to begin coming home from the war. Among other things the Governor said, "'Stay the course' is not a plan. Saying the problems in Iraq will be left to the next president is not a plan. Our troops deserve better," http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=475620&category=&BCCode=&newsdate=6/24/2006
Listen at:
http://a9.g.akamai.net/7/9/8082/v001/democratic1.download.akamai.com/8082/audio/addresses/20060624_dean.mp3

Dick adds that Dean is not falling into a trap some Democrats are falling into. Troops are going to be withdrawn either way; the real question is who gets credit: He sends along a TPM piece: "Their (the Republican's) strategy is to attempt to demonize any Democrat who calls for withdrawal so that Democrats will not end up with a unified, strong stance. If Republicans can say in Sept through Nov., "See, we've taken the lead on withdrawing the troops" this will help burnish their (false) image of strength, control etc., and will gather them credit. But, if it looks like Democrats forced the issue, it would be an admission that the whole Iraq enterprise was FUBAR and the administration has had to alter course, making them look weak.
The public has already decided the war was a mistake. The Republicans are trying prevent the public from giving credit for the planned withdrawal to Democrats, and unfortunately many Democrats appear too craven to position themselves squarely in the line of fire. Unless they do I predict the withdrawal of significant numbers of troops at summer's end will redound to Bush's credit. Democrats are playing this very unwisely.

Further proof of the terrible situation in Iraq comes from this piece Kathy sends about how the US Army covered up the murder of two US soldiers by the Iragis they were training because the Army didn't want to admit how specious the Iraqi Army really is. For more on this shocking story: http://www.alternet.org/story/37989

If there is any doubt the Republicans are on the run, Drew sends this piece in the Guardian about the defection of the Kansas Republican Party Chairman to the Democrats. You may not have heard about it, but it is creating shockwaves in the Mid-west.: http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,1805330,00.html

7. Friday Film Forum

The Friday Progressive Film Fest is on again, Friday, June 30, at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe in downtown Glens Falls at 8pm. On tap this week is: THE END OF SUBURBIA (www.endofsuburbia.com) As energy prices skyrocket in the coming years, how will the populations of suburbia react to the collapse of their dream? Are today's suburbs destined to become the slums of tomorrow? And what can be done NOW, individually and collectively, to avoid The End of Suburbia ?
Director: Gregory Greene Running time: 78 min.

8. Saturday Vigil

There will be another Vigil For Peace and to bring our troops home this Saturday at 11am at the Five Corners in Downtown Glens Falls. We've been getting a very good turn out for these, with a healthy crowd drawing a steady beat of beeping horns as people go by and wave. They know that as the situation in Iraq continues to rapidly deteriorate our troops are more and more caught in the middle. Note the article today in the Post Star on how the much vaunted security crackdown in Bagdad seems to have little or no results. For more info or to RSVP go to: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=9776

Also, someone should be there with petitions if you want to help with the petition effort for local candidates Kirsten Gillibrand and Dr. Tim Merrick.

9. Bo Lipari on Brennan Center Report on Electronic Voting Machines.

Last November we hosted Bo Lipari of New York Verified Voting on the security of our voting machines. Bo sent this message out yesterday, and it is disturbing:

"A task force of government, academic and non-profit experts convened by the
Brennan Center for Justice at NYU has today released the first comprehensive
threat analysis of three of the most popular types of electronic voting
systems.

"Here's a quick quote from MIT professor Ron Rivest from the press release:
"I see this as an historic report because it's the first time we've
systematically examined security concerns presented by all of the electronic
voting systems in use. The report will be invaluable for any election
official grappling with electronic security and, hopefully, will pave the
way for widespread adoption of better safeguards."

Here's the press release and full report:

http://brennancenter.org/presscenter/releases_2006/pressrelease_2006_0627.ht
ml
http://www.brennancenter.org/programs/downloads/Full%20Report.pdf

Here is USA Today coverage:

Analysis finds e-voting machines vulnerable
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-06-26-e-voting_x.htm

Thanks Everyone! See you Wednesday!

Larry
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 12:59 AM 0 comments

 
Tricounty DFA Update: Gillibrand Challenges Sweeney To Debate, Vigil and more
Hello Everyone!

In this update:

1. Gillibrand Challenges Sweeney to Debate War
2. Friday Film Fest
3. Vigil Saturday-- also petition pick up
4. Dean Says It Again-- You Have The Power-- 50 State Strategy
5. Dunkirk In The Desert?
6. Minimum Wage
7. On The Lighter Side

1. Gillibrand Challenges Sweeney to Debate War

The race between Kirsten Gillibrand and John Sweeney is heating up. Both are now running ads and Kirsten today challenged Sweeney to a debate on the Iraq war. You can read her challenge at: http://www.gillibrand2006.com/node/237

You can also see her spot at: http://www.gillibrand2006.com/Multimedia

Her other campaign-- her fundraising campaign-- is now also heading towards the end of June and the end of the second fundraising quarter. The closing is the 30th, a week from Friday. It goes without saying these TV ads are very expensive.
If you are thinking of making a contribution to her campaign this summer, you might want to consider doing it now, since the "air war" on television has already kicked off. Go to: https://services.myngp.com/ngponlineservices/contribution.aspx?X=yEvSsqeBpDPsOTgPrro9jQ%3d%3d

2. Friday Film Fest

The Friday Progressive Film Fest is on again tomorrow, Friday, at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe in downtown Glens Falls. On tap this week is: June 23 THE FUTURE OF FOOD (www.futureoffood.com)
Shot on location in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, THE FUTURE OF FOOD examines the complex web of market and political forces that are changing what we eat as huge multinational corporations seek to control the world's food systems. The film also explores alternatives to large-scale industrial agriculture, placing organic and sustainable agriculture as real solutions to the farm crisis today. The Christian Science Monitor reported, “There’s a stunning revelation in almost every scene. Grade: A” Director: Deborah Koons Garcia Running time: 120 min.

3. Vigil Saturday-- also petition pick up

There will be another Vigil For Peace and to bring our troops home this Saturday at 11am at the Five Corners in Downtown Glens Falls. In the last week American deaths in Iraq rose over 2,500 with no end in sight. That number does not include the two POW's who were taken prisoner and murdered this week. Meanwhile, the situation in Iraq continues to rapidly deteriorate, as a following item in this update reveals. Come and bring a friend! For more info or to RSVP go to: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=9649

Also, someone should be there with petitions if you want to help with the petition effort for local candidates Kirsten Gillibrand and Dr. Tim Merrick.

4. Dean Says It Again-- You Have The Power-- 50 State Strategy

Governor Dean is sending out an appeal from the DNC for Democrats to stand up and be counted. This is only partly an effort to fundraise -- the goal is to get as many people as possible to make a donation, however small, to show support for the 50 State Strategy. Really, it's voting with your credit card for the kind of party you want-- one that answers to the people, not big, mainly corporate donors. Even five dollars will roll the odomenter one more number.
https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute/peoplecount

The Governor also made it clear to Wolf Blitzer how it is Democrats who actuallly can be trusted to defend America-- Frankly, I wish all our Democrats could chant along with this like a catechism and memorize it, it's that good. A lot of this is the tough, take-no-guff tone. As Dean says, they only way they can beat us, is if we beat ourselves. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/6/19/19853/5968
Also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKiSG4oeg3Y
Dean was also on the Daily Show recently: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmuHuH7WIDc&mode=related&search=

5. Dunkirk In The Desert?

The "must read" of the week is a piece by Nicholas Von Hoffman in the Nation. According to Von Hoffman, "As the bad news continues to seep in, debates about exit strategies are going out of date. Another year like the last three and the deteriorating military situation will have us debating what tactics will be necessary to extract our people with a minimum of loss... We could be moving toward an American Dunkirk."

and "Military commanders in the field in Iraq admit in private reports to the Pentagon the war 'is lost' and that the U.S. military is unable to stem the mounting violence..."

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060626/howl
http://www.capitolhillblue.com/artman/publish/article_8790.shtml

This may be why John Kerry this week found the voice he had many years ago on returning from Vietnan -- "How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a lost war..."

6. Minimum Wage

The Post Star today really called John Sweeney for flip-flopping on the minimum wage, which is at the lowest point in real dollar terms since 1955. Wake Up Walmart has an online petition to raise the minimum wage:http://letters.wakeupwalmart.com/dia/organizationsCOM/wakeup/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1777

Drew sends along this piece from David Sirota on the bald lies about the minimum wage being spread by people like John Stossel: http://davidsirota.com/index.php/2006/06/17/debating-a-pathological-liar-on-cnbc/

7. On The Lighter Side

Finally, on the lighter side, Wendy and Richard send this classic on the Bush White House.

Thank you for calling the White House switchboard. Our new voice activated system will help direct you to the proper office. If you are calling to complain about the mishandling of the war in "Iraq", press one.

If you are calling to complain about the "abuse of prisoners" and the White House's "endorsement of torture", press two, and then say the name of the torture site that you wish to complain about (and please note for the sake of the voice mail system that it is pronounced "Abu GRABE", not Abu grahb).

If you are calling to complain about "illegal spying on American citizens" and the abuse of FISA laws, press 3, but do know that these calls will be recorded.

If you are calling to complain about the "disastrous mismanagement of the hurricane Katrina recovery", please press 4, and your call will be directed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If you wait for more than 48 hours without anyone picking up the phone, hang-up and send a letter. We have been assured that all letters will receive a prompt reply within one year.

If you are calling regarding the administration's "unwillingness to enforce immigration law", press cinco, por favor, or direct any thanks to your local Chamber of Commerce office, which can explain why we like cheap labor that can't vote and where you may be able to find willing illegal day laborers in your local area.

If you are Jack Abramoff or any Saudi prince, please call the private line - it is always open.

If you are calling about the "Medicare prescription debacle", please press 6. If you are having a medical emergency, you should proceed directly to your local emergency room, although please understand that your health coverage may not pay for the visit and you can no longer get out from under the bill by declaring bankruptcy.

If you are calling about the "ballooning federal deficit" or the recent "hike in the debt ceiling" to $8 trillion, please press 7, unless you are Bill Clinton calling to brag about the surpluses under your administration, in which case we don't want to hear about it.

If you are calling to complain about the White House's efforts to "block stem cell research", please press 8, and then say the disease that you are most concerned about that may ultimately be cured through scientific research. If you are a scientist calling with new research findings or important clinical data, please hang up, we don't want to hear from you.

If you are calling to express concern about "global warming" and our efforts to "roll back environmental laws", please press 9, unless you are a government scientist, in which case you are forbidden to talk without first clearing it with the oil lobbyist we hired to screen and edit your research. He can be reached at Exxon 4-2611.

If you are calling to complain about the President's efforts to "privatize" social security, please press 1 and then the pound key, and your call will be redirected to representatives at Merrill Lynch, who will explain the virtues of putting all your savings in the stock market.

If you are calling about the need for more "prayer in public schools" or any other faith-based initiatives, please press 10 and Reverend Falwell will be with you shortly.

If you are calling to lobby for more Supreme Court Justices who will "block a woman's right to choose, please stay on the line and the President will be with you immediately.

If you are calling about all the "tax breaks for the wealthy", press *1 if you have ideas for more loopholes and are making more than a million dollars per year; if you are earning less than a million per year but have ideas for how you may help the wealthy, press *2; if you are earning less than a million per year and just want to complain that all the burden is now falling on you, please call back in a couple of years

If you need to speak with the president directly please press 666.

Press zero at any time if you would like to hear these options again. Thank you for calling the White House. It is our pleasure to serve you.

Thanks everyone! See you soon,

Larry
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 7:20 PM 0 comments

 
Quick Weekend Brief
Hello Everyone;

This is a quick update on some events this weekend:


1. Another successful meeting: Denise King report
2. Petitions-- get 'em while they are hot: Come to vigil
3. Washington Co events, Warren County Dinner
4. Dr. Tim on DFA-Link
5. Online actions
6. People Decide Corporations Aren't People
7. Estate Tax Victory


1. Another successful meeting: Denise King report

We had another great DFA-Linkup meeting Wednesday at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe. State Democratic Party Chair Denise King spoke for over an hour and we all gained many fascinating insights-- we really want to express our thanks to Denise for driving up on a rainy night from Chatham. Watch for Maury Thompson's article in the Post Star.

At the meeting we handed out nominating petitions. I know there were people who were interested in getting petitions and circulating them but were not able to come Wednesday night.

2. Petitions-- get 'em while they are hot: Come to vigil

So -- I would like to announce again we will be holding our usual weekly vigil for peace and to bring our troops home at the Five Corners In Downtown Glens Falls on Saturday at 11am. I will bring blank petitions for Kirsten Gillibrand and Dr. Tim Merrick with me as well was walk sheets so you can easily find Democrats to sign the petitions. For more info on the vigil or to RSVP go to: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=8916

3. Washington Co events, Warren County Dinner

Our Washington County Chair Sheila Comar came Wednesday, along with Warren County Chair Bill Montfort, and Sheila announced the following:

"June 10th: Petition Meeting, State Senate Candidate Tom Merrick, Clinton Video.

Democrats who want to help with petitioning for candidates on the ballot (including: Kirsten Gillibrand, Tom Merrick, and David Carter) are encouraged to attend the next county committee meeting on Saturday, June 10th, at 9:30 AM. Dr. Tom Merrick, Democratic Candidate for State Senate is scheduled to attend. Petitions will be distrubted and Patty Haley will walk us through the proper proceedure for obtaining legal and valid signatures. We will have a screening of the new Hillary Clinton video for those who wish to stay for it. Join us at the Hudson Falls Village Meeting Room (2nd floor), 220 Main Street, Hudson Falls. Refreshments will be served.

June 12th: Kirsten Gillibrand Democratic Candidate for Congress will be at One One One in Greenwich for a fundraiser. RSVP to ross@gillibrand2006.com or 518-694-4267. We have almost 50 people attending already! Don't miss this one. See why those who know Kirsten say, "She has what it takes to win!"

Kirsten has been to Washington County at our Women's Luncheons, for a House Party in Granville hosted by Sheila and Lee Comar, at her first Open Forum hosted by Chris Kopec and Alan Wrigley, in Granville for the Labor Event Ed Burkhart organized and at our March 6th Committee meeting. Let's show our support and thanks on the 12th!"

Bill Montfort also announced the Warren County Committee is having a steak dinner at the Queensbury Country Club Friday night. Kirsten Gillibrand is the guest speaker, I am not sure if space is available, though.

4. Dr. Tim on DFA-Link

Dr. Tim Merrick of Plattsburg, who many of us will remember from the February DFA Training Day at the Plumber's and Steamfitters Hall, made a brief guest appearance at the meeting. Dr. Tim, as he is known, is running against Betty Little fopr the 45th State Senatorial District. He made a few remarks, but he will be coming on down to our July meeting for a full presentation. In the meanwhile, if you would like, you can join me in showing your personal support for Tim's candidacy by going to DFA-Link and clicking on to indicate your support for his candidacy. http://www.dfalink.com/campaign.php?id=1394

5. Online actions

There are a couple of online actions that caught my eye: the first is to join True Majority to help keep the internet free from corporate takeover: http://action.truemajority.org/campaign/save_internet

The second is to preserve women's right to purchase birth control measures at their pharmacy of choice (this is the next big battle ground being planned by the radical right):http://prochoiceaction.org/campaign/98_griswold?rk=qdLUwmE1UmZmE

Also, PBS and NPR funding is under attack again: http://civic.moveon.org/publicbroadcasting/?id=7965-1916674-za6dTE7O7PKdEld7wsLKkg&t=2

6. People Decide Corporations Aren't People

There was a fascinating voter initiative in California this week that is worth reading about: voters in Humboldt County declared that under the law corporations do not have the legal status of people. There are many scholars who feel the aftermath of the 19th century Union Pacific case, where corporations basically acquired human rights through a legal interpretation, was the beginning of the corruption of American democracy as envisioned by The Founders. http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat?bid=1&pid=89125

7. Estate Tax Victory

Finally, Democrats won a huge victory in the Senate this week when they beat back a Republican effort to abolish the Estate Tax. Drew sent this hilarious piece below, and it may explain why we won-- this is the kind of political literature we all can love.

Thanks! Remember, I'll be at the vigil with the petitions.

Larry

****
Bush to Tour Mansions Ravaged by Estate Tax



President George W. Bush is encouraging Congress to focus on perhaps the most dire issue facing the nation today: the estate tax and its devastating impact on the richest Americans. Mr. Bush said that repealing the tax could aid tens, even dozens of Americans. Former FEMA chief and Arabian horse expert Michael Brown has been tapped to reach out to the victims of the tax.



Cargo planes arrive carrying fois gras and veuve cliquot

By Deanna Swift

WASHINGTON, DC—President Bush is encouraging members of Congress not to delay in their efforts to improve the fortunes of some of the worst suffering Americans: those devastated by the estate tax. Mr. Bush said that repealing the tax could aid tens, even dozens of Americans.

A tour of devastated estates planned
President Bush plans to visit Bridgehampton, NY, Aspen, CO and Rancho Santa Fe, CA later this week, where he will tour the mansions of some of the Americans hardest hit by the tax. Aides to the President say that he will first survey the properties from the air in an effort to assess the impact of the estate tax on landscaping, pool maintenance and fleets of cars.

The death tax earns its name
While the surcharge on wealth is formally know as the “estate tax,” over time it has come to be known as the “death tax” due to its devastating impact on the nation’s wealthy. “These are people who have been forced to choose between unbelievably expensive works of art and other unbelievably expensive works of art,” explained one source close to the White House. “In the President’s view, no one should have to do without the necessities of life.”

A point man appointed
In a sign of just how serious Mr. Bush is about helping victims of the tax, he has tapped former FEMA head Michael Brown to liaise with those most in need of help: the wealthiest 2% of Americans. Mr. Brown, known as “Brownie,” will join Mr. Bush on the tour of mansions and other properties upon which the estate tax has rained down wrath. “He’s the right person for the job,” said one source close to Mr. Brown. “He feels the pain of these people and he wants to make sure that they get what they need ASAP.”

On the ground, fois gras and veuve clicquot
Air Force One will be accompanied by cargo planes loaded with emergency supplies for the mansion occupants. On its way: individual servings of fois gras, chilled veuve clicquot with champagne flutes and an allotment of truffles for residents who have gone without them for as many as two days.
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 11:38 PM 0 comments

 
Glens Falls DFA-Linkup Wednesday Meeting Reminder: Special Guest Denise King
Hello Everyone!

In this update:

1. Glens Falls DFA-Linkup Wednesday Meeting Reminder: Special Guest Denise King
2. Petition Season
4. Online Action Call: The Paris Hilton Tax Cut
5. Spitzer In Saratoga: Now For Paper Ballots
6. ABA To Review Bush Signing Statements
7. Friday Film Fest
8. Vigil Saturday
9. O'Donnell Drops Out

1. Glens Falls DFA-Linkup Wednesday Meeting Reminder: Special Guest Denise King

This is a reminder that Glens Falls Area Democracy For America will be holding a special June Link-up at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe in Downtown Glens Falls this Wednesday, June 7th at 7pm.

We'll have a special guest : Denise King, the Chair of the Executive Committee of New York State Democratic Party, a member of the Democratic National Committee, Chair of the DNC's Rural Council, one of the founders and leaders of the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee and former Columbia County Chair. Denise is also a close personal friend and supporter of Governor Dean.

Denise will talk about the DNC's recent annual convention in New Orleans, what Governor Dean has been up to since arriving at the DNC, what's going on nationally in the Democratic Party and answer questions.

We will only have Denise for an hour, so we will be starting promptly at our usual time of 7pm. We expect a lot of interest! If everyone could please click on this link for DFA-Link and RSVP so we know how many are coming, that would be greatly appreciated. http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=8009

You will need to register with DFA-Link to RSVP if you haven't done so: http://dfalink.com/register.php?c=g&id=91042f3ae603ef90&

To reach the cafe, take Exit 18 of the Northway east into downtown Glens Falls. Past the Hannaford, bear right at the Stewart's and go past the Post Office and the Glens Falls Hospital. Past the Hospital, the cafe is on the corner by the light, that is Elm and Exchange Streets and Hudson Avenue, just before the main five corner intersection downtown.


2. Petition Season

As most of us know, candidates in NYS have to file nominating petitions to get on the ballot. One of the best things we can do to support our candidates is to carry a nominating petition door to door to get the needed signatures.

I will be doing a short tutorial on circulating a petition (it's easy) following Denise's talk. Then we will pass out petitions and lists with voters in easy walking order. If everyone could circulate in their neighborhood, that would be great.

The Gillibrand campaign wants to combine circulating petitions with canvassing, and reach as many Democratic voters as possible. Their goal is to get 12,500 signatures. If 125 people go out and get 100 signatures each, the goal will be reached. So this is in fact very doable.

Petitions to get candidates on the ballot have to be filled out between June 6th and July 13th. We will collect them in July.

Again, this is one of the best things we all can do to help our candidates.

Also, Dr. Tim Merrick of Plattsburg, who is running against Betty Little for State Senate, will be coming down to say hello.

4. Online Action Call: The Paris Hilton Tax Cut

Several different groups sent out an emergency call this weekend for us to contact our Senators on the Paris Hilton Tax Cut issue: Senate Republicans are going to try this week to abolish Estate Taxes, which is a tax on unearned, inherited wealth over about a million dollars. In virtually every case this wealth has never been taxed before. There's a great new word coined to describe Paris and her ilk: celebutard. Should a brainless hotel heiresses like Paris Hilton and her chihauhaus really get a tax break? Isn't the $400 million she got from daddy enough?

Here's some facts on the Estate Tax-- first is that abolishing it will drive up the deficit by one trillion dollars over the next twenty years: http://www.coalition4americaspriorities.com/getthefacts.htm
Contact your senators at: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/estatetax
or: http://action.truemajority.org/campaign/tax_cuts

5. Spitzer In Saratoga: Now For Paper Ballots

A large crowd greeted the next Governor Of The State of New York last week at an ice cream social at the Carousel in Congress Park in Saratoga Springs. A big news report emerged from his Saratoga visit: Spitzer reportedly stated he is now in favor of paper ballots, not unreliable and fraud prone touch screen machines. If this is true, the final battle in securing our right to have our votes counted may have been won.

6. ABA To Review Bush Signing Statements

Drew sends along this encouraging story from the Globe: The American Bar Association is now weighing into the uproar over Bush's so-called signing statements, where after signing a bill into law he writes his own caveat on the bottom, usually how the law he just signed doesn't apply to him. Each signing statement brings us back close to monarch and dictatorship, so the ABA decision is encouraging: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2006/06/04/bar_group_will_review_bushs_legal_challenges/?p1=MEWell_Pos1

7. Friday Film Fest

The Frirday Progressive Film Fest is up again at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe in downtown Glens Falls. This Friday at 8pm the Cafe is showing: HORNS AND HALOS (www.hornsandhalos.com). HORNS AND HALOS captures the unlikely connection of three men - an ex-con turned celebrity biographer, a janitor cum underground publisher, and U.S. President George W. Bush - whose paths to power and popularity become tangled in a controversial book; an unauthorized biography of George W. Bush.
Director: Suki Hawley & Michael Galinsky Running time: 79 min.

8. Vigil Saturday

Last week's vigil to bring our troops home and for peace got washed out due to the heavy rain. But the weather promises to be good this Saturday, so we will be back at 11am at the Five Corners in downtown Glens Falls. Please come and bring a friend-- it's only one hour a week for peace. For more info or to RSVP go to: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=8916

9. O'Donnell Drops Out

News came this weekend that Attorney General candidate Denise O'Donnell, who was a Dean delegate and supporter, has dropped out of the race. This is too bad, because she was the candidate who had real prosecutorial experience, since she is a former U.S. Attorney for the Buffalo area.

Thanks everyone! See you Wednesday!

Larry
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 8:55 AM 0 comments