Tricounty DFA Update: Upcoming Meeting, Neighborhood Network, DFA Night School, Phone Banking, More
Hello Everyone!

In this update:

1. Glens Falls Linkup Next Week
2. Neighborhood Network
3. DFA-Night School Tuesday
4. House Party Volunteers!
5. Gillibrand Phone Banking
6. Opening Day House Party at Joanne Yepsen's July 26th
7. Progressive Films: An Inconvenient Truth, Future Of Food At Crandall, Wellstone! at Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe
8. Saratoga BBQ Saturday, July 30
9. Tabling, Vigil On Saturday
10. Spitzer House Party July 30



1. Glens Falls Linkup Next Week

We are getting down to the end of July so our August DFA Linkup -- "Meetup" is coming up next week, August 2nd at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe at our usual time of 7pm.

Since we are sort of on the subject, it's been awhile since I've invited everyone to sign up with DFA-Link, DFA's own communications system. DFA-Link has many powerful tools we can use to strengthen DFA, so if you haven't signed up with DFA-Link, check it out now! Just go to: http://www.dfalink.com/register_friend.php?id=5514310d77911611

Create and account and password and sign up for our local group, Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area.

http://www.dfalink.com/register_friend.php?id=5514310d77911611

2. Neighborhood Network

Leading the agenda next week will be a new initiative from the New York State Democratic Party- The Neighborhood Network. The idea is very similar to our DFA concept-- community development for political development. From the very beginning in DFA we have been seeking to build a new American community. We'll be talking about this great new initiative in detail next week, but the basic idea is that we take responsibility for a certain number of voters between now and the General Election, and then beyond, calling and sometimes visiting with them in order to build the Democratic Party and liberal and progressive politics. Both long and short term, this is also the best approach to supporting our candidates.

Another way to get started on the neighborhood network, is to first join our other activists on DFA-Link: http://www.dfalink.com/register_friend.php?id=5514310d77911611

3. DFA-Night School Tuesday

On Tuesday the 25th at 8:30pm, don't miss the next installment of DFA-Night School.

The night school is an hour long conference call with an online slide show. You dial in, listen, view the materials and ask questions. This week's topic will be how to better work with traditional, mainstream media. Those who attended our DFA Training Day in February will remember how terrific Arshad Hasan's classes were, and this promises to be equally enlightening. To RSVP: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=9770

4. House Party Volunteers!

I know that many of you have volunteered in the past to host House Parties for our candidates-- the closer we get to the election season in the fall, the more interest people will have in attending House Parties to meet and learn about our candidates: Kirsten Gillibrand and Tim Merrick. House Parties are a great way to help our candidates meet voters and build support. (It's also a way to really get to meet a candidate yourself.)

The basic idea is simple-- yo invite a few people you know from your network of friends, relatives, co-workers, neighbors, members of your church, fire company, book club, what have you, whoever you know who you think might be interested. A really large crowd is not necessary-- a dozen will do. You can serve a few simple refreshments, if you like and others can bring things, too. The meeting itself it only about an hour.

If that sounds like something you could do-- please let us know. It's a great way to really make a difference, and it's fun! Email me at ldudley@larrydudley.com if you are interested.

5. Gillibrand Phone Banking

The Gillibrand campaign is setting up phone banking here in Glens Falls; they expect to have space to call from at least two days a week-- Tuesdays and Thursdays-- and also in a different location on Sunday. I should have more details on this in a day or two and I will be passing them along. If you are interested, again, please let me know at ldudley@larrydudley.com

6. Opening Day House Party at Joanne Yepsen's July 26th

Come to an open house on Opening Day!
County Supervisor for Saratoga Springs Joanne Yepsen Cordially invites you to her home at 91 Fifth Avenue
on Opening Day of the race track season

Wednesday, July 26 from 6 - 9 pm

Please come to support Joanne’s open government and open space pursuits as she continues to work hard toward being
a different kind of supervisor! Donations are kindly accepted.

Please make checks payable to Citizens for Yepsen.

Please RSVP by Sunday, July 23 to:
Citizens for Yepsen, c/ o John Forester
P.O. Box 1042, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

or call: 583-8817 or email: admin@fesaratoga.com

7. Progressive Films: An Inconvenient Truth, Future Of Food At Crandall, Wellstone! at Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe

There is a wealth of riches of progressive films around our area this week.

First, President-Elected Al Gore's new film An Inconvenient Truth is at Aimee's Dinner and a Movie on Glen Street in downtown Glens Falls. If there is any one film you should see this year, it is probably An Inconvenient Truth. As any native of the Northcountry knows, something weird is happening to our climate: to much heat, too much rain and we may have seen the end of Lake George freezing over in winter, which is very scary. http://www.climatecrisis.net/ (Times at Aimee's vary.)

Second, at 7 PM, Thurs., July 27 - The Future of Food (88 min., 2004) on genetic engineered crops. Followed by a panel with educator and activist Pamela Malcolm and environmental journalist Dale Willman.
Shot on location from the prairies of Saskatchewan, Canada, to the fields of Oaxaca, Mexico, The Future of Food explores the invisible shift in our food supply as unlabeled, genetically engineered foods have quietly filled U.S. supermarket shelves over the past decade. Filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia said, "My goal was to make a film that gave the average person a clear understanding of how genetic engineering works, from the cellular to the global level."
This mini-film series complements the new exhibit "Farm Fotos: Agricultural Portraits by Clifford Oliver, June 12 through September 12, 2006, in the Folklife Gallery (Mon-Thurs 9-9, Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5).

The Crandall Public Library is located at 251 Glen Street at City Park in Glens Falls. For further information, contact Todd DeGarmo at the Folklife Center, 518/7982-6508 x103 or degarmo@crandalllibrary.org

Third, on Friday, July 28, the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe in downtown Glens Falls continues the Progressive Film Festival continues with, WELLSTONE! (www.carryitforward.org)
A heartfelt and surprisingly funny biography of a unique political couple. Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone and his wife Sheila changed politics forever by making government matter to ordinary people. The Wellstones died in an airplane crash eleven days before the 2002 election. The dramatic electoral nightmare that followed compounded the tragedy. The film documents the magnitude of the loss and also hints at how the void they left is being filled. The film ensures that in death as in life the Wellstones will compel people to examine their own participation in democracy.
Director: Lu Lippold, Laurie Stern & Dan Luke Running time: 88 min.

Also on Friday night, our own Bernice Mennis will be doing a poetry reading at the famous Cafe Lena on Phila Street in Saratoga Springs. The reading will begin at 8pm. For info call: 583-022

8. Saratoga BBQ Saturday, July 30

Larry Bulman, Saratoga County Democratic Chair and Patrick Southworth, Ballston Democratic Chair
And
David Paterson
NY State Senate Minority Leader
Lieutenant Governor Candidate
And
Kristen Gillibrand Democrat for New York 20th District

Would like to invite you to a BBQ in support of Cindy Amrhein & Patti Southworth
Ballston Town Council and Town Justice Candidates

Sunday, July 30 2006, Noon – 4 PM

Lakeside Farm Cider Mill
Round Lake Road in the town of Ballston Lake
Directions:
To: Lakeside Farm Cider Mill
I 87 Exit 11.
West on Round Lake Road towards Ballston Lake
Lakeside Farm Cider Mill is on your right after approximately 4 miles
Pavilion and parking to right behind the store.

Ticket $35
Sponsor $55
Chicken BBQ for adults
Hamburgers/Hot Dogs for Children $10
Please RSVP to Pat Southworth by July 27th: 518-281-4718

9. Tabling, Vigil On Saturday

Tabling for our candidates at the Glens Falls Farmer's Market began two weeks ago. As you know, our vigil for peace and to bring our troops home has been a great success.

We got really hammered by a storm last week, however, we will be outside the main shed at the Market, in the parking lot behind Sandy's Clam Bar again Saturday. We will be tabling from 9am until 11am.

Because of uncertainty over construction on Glen Street, we will reconnoiter the situation for the vigil and make a decision at the end of the tabling at the Farmer's Market. If you would like to help, please come on down!

If you want to do the Vigil, come to the Farmer's Market at 11am, bring posters, flags and friends.

For more information on the Tabling go to: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=10477

For more info on the Vigil: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=10450


10. Spitzer House Party July 30

There will be a House Party For Eliot Spitzer
Sunday, July 30th, 4 - 6 pm
At the home of Cindy and Ken Gottry
39 East Main Street, Cambridge, NY
Eliot will be joining by telephone conference call to share his thoughts and answers questions we may have.
To RSVP and for additional information contact nmarsh@nycap.rr.com.



Thanks Everyone! Remember, if you haven't signed up for DFA-Link yet, just click this link and register-- it'd be very helpful to me, and a great way to join in working for our progressive candidates and causes.

Again, that's http://www.dfalink.com/register_friend.php?id=5514310d77911611

Larry
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 12:07 AM 0 comments

 
Tricounty DFA- Correction and Change
Hello Everyone!

Two quick updates: apparently construction has begun at the Five Corners, making it difficult if not impossible to hold the weekly vigil there. So we will meet first at the Farmer's Market, reconnoiter and decide what to do.

Also, Bernice Mennis' poetry reading at the Cafe Lena has been moved to Friday July 28th at 8pm, not tonight.

Thanks,

Larry
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 8:37 AM 0 comments

 
Tricounty DFA Flash: Gillibrand Cancelation, Merrick Petitions
Hello Everyone;

In this brief flash;

1. Gillbrand Event At SPAC canceled
2. Merrick Needs Independent Petitioners
3. Governor Dean and DNC Call For Manual Recount in California
4. Weekend reposts


1. Gillbrand Event At SPAC canceled

This update comes in from Pat Dudley tonight:

"At the last DFA meeting I mentioned that there would be a Gillibrand Ballet Gala lawn party on July 22. Kirsten will attend the "inside" gala dinner only as she wants to spend only two hours at the gala therefore the lawn party has been canceled. Thanks, Pat"

2. Merrick Needs Independent Petitioners

We had a great candidate forum tonight for Tim Merrick who is running in the 45th Senate District; you'll be reading Maury Thompson's article in Friday's Post Star.

At the forum Tim was asked what we can do to help Tim and his race. His answer is the next big challenge he faces is to get an independent ballot line for himself. This will give him three lines on the ballot: Democratic, the Working Families Party and his independent Property Tax Reduction party. The general thought is that there are some people who might not want to vote on the Democratic line, but might vote on one of the other lines-- at least they can go home and honestly say they didn't vote Democratic, because technically, they didn't.

Anyone can carry around an Independent petition, and unlike party petitions, anyone can sign them. It seems pretty easy, and it i, but there is one catch: if you have signed a Democratic or Republican petitions, you cannot carry or circulate a petition.

Tim is asking a favor of anyone out there who did not sign a petition as a Democrat in June and July: would you circulate an independent petition for Tim Merrick for State Senate as an Independent? This is a great way to help the Merrick campaign.

If you can, contact me at the above email address or votemerrick@charter.net

I have independent petitions if anyone wants them-- remember, it's actually easier than regular petitions because anyone sign them, so you do not need

3. Governor Dean and DNC Call For Manual Recount in California

In additional news tonight, Governor Dean and the DNC are calling for a full manual recount in the California 50th District Congressional race between Busby and Bilbray.
Electronic vote counting machines were taken home by some poll workers, in direct violation of state regulations. The election has been a source of growing conflict ever since. Learn more; http://www.dnc.org/a/2006/07/dnc_voting_righ.php

Finally we've got a lot of great events this weekend:

Friday Film Fest

On July 21 the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe will present ENRON: The Smartest Guys In The Room (www.magpictures.com)
Based on the best-selling book by FORTUNE reporters Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind, “Enron…” details the shocking inside story of one of history’s greatest business scandals. Unimaginable personal excesses and an utter moral vacuum that posed as corporate philosophy, led to top executives of America’s 7th largest corporation walking away with over one billion dollars while investors and employees lost everything.
Director: Alex Gibney Running time: 110 min.

Cafe Lena Friday

Our own Bernice Mennis will be giving a poetry reading at the famous Cafe Lena in Saratoga Springs on Friday, July 21 at 8pm. Anyone who knows Bernice knows it will be great! Calling in advance for reservations is strongly suggested. (518) 583-0022

Washington County Picnic Saturday, July 22nd

Don't forget the Washington County Democratic Picnic is coming up on July 22nd at the Salem Fish & Game Club (on the beautiful Battenkill River) from 10 am until 2 pm. I went to this event last year and it was a lot of fun and much food. Come meet Democratic candidates and dignitaries. Tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for students. Tickets can be purchased from any Washington County Democratic Committee person or call (518) 642-9566

Directions from Northway–North & South: Take Exit 15 east and follow Route 29 through Schuylerville and Greenwich. Just past East Greenwich look for Salem Fish and Game sign on right, turn at sign proceed to pavilion on right. From Troy / Albany take Route 40 North to the intersection of Route 29 and turn right through Greenwich (see above). From Hoosick Falls take Route 22 north and 9 miles past Cambridge turn left at the intersection of Route 29 and travel 1 mile to sign and take left.

Tabling & Vigil Saturday

Tabling for our candidates at the Glens Falls Farmer's Market began last Saturday, along with a simultaneous vigil for peace and to bring our troops home.

The results were a bit spotty and those present concluded there weren't really enough people to do both. Accordingly, we decided to do tabling at the Farmer''s Market from 9am-11am, and then go over to the Five Corners for the vigil.

We will be outside the main shed at the Market, in the parking lot behind Sandy's Clam Bar and the shed (unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding and we can' be inside the market itself.) But no problem. If you would like to help, please come on down!

The Vigils have also been very successful so far! Come, bring posters, flags and friends.

For more information on the Tabling go to: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=10476

For more info on the Vigil: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=10449

Thanks everyone! Let me know about those independent petitions!

Larry Dudley
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 12:11 AM 0 comments

 
Tricounty DFA Update and Candidate Forum Invitation
In this update-- it's getting hot and so are events:


1. Candidate Forum For Tim Merrick For State Senate Wednesday, July 19th
2. Windpower Forum Wednesday
3. Friday Film Fest
4. Cafe Lena
5. Washington County Picnic Saturday, July 22nd
6. Tabling & Vigil Saturday
7. Opening Day House Party at Joanne Jepsen's July 26th
8. Saratoga BBQ July 30
9. Spitzer House Party July 30
10. Dean & 50 State Strategy Gets More Attention
11. Bagdad In Total Meltdown
12. On The Lighter Side...

1. Candidate Forum For Tim Merrick For State Senate Wednesday, July 19th

Greater Glens Falls Democracy For America would like to invite both its members and the general public to an open public forum for Dr. Tim Merrick of Plattsburg, who is running for the Senate for New York's 45th Senatorial District. "Dr. Tim" as he is known will speak and then answer questions.

The Forum will be held at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe Wednesday, July 19 at 7:30pm. The Cafe is located at the corner of Elm and Exchange Streets and Hudson Avenue in downtown Glens Falls.

As you know, at our last meeting DFGGF unanimously voted to endorse Tim for New York State Senate.

For more information or to get directions: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=10527

2. Windpower Forum Wednesday

For people in the North Creek area, from Jim McAndrew, who recently gave a presentation on Windpower,
"Wind Project supporters, Woody and Elise Widlund, from North River, have organized a forum and information session on wind power and our project. The evening will include a panel discussion including two opposing groups: Adirondack Council and Association for the Protection of the Adirondacks."

Time/Date: Tannery Pond Community Center, North Creek, Wed., July 19, 6:00 PM

3. Friday Film Fest

On July 21 the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe will present ENRON: The Smartest Guys In The Room (www.magpictures.com)
Based on the best-selling book by FORTUNE reporters Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind, “Enron…” details the shocking inside story of one of history’s greatest business scandals. Unimaginable personal excesses and an utter moral vacuum that posed as corporate philosophy, led to top executives of America’s 7th largest corporation walking away with over one billion dollars while investors and employees lost everything.
Director: Alex Gibney Running time: 110 min.

4. Cafe Lena Friday

Our own Bernice Mennis will be giving a poetry reading at the famous Cafe Lena in Saratoga Springs on Friday, July 21 at 8pm. Anyone who knows Bernice knows it will be great! Calling in advance for reservations is strongly suggested. (518) 583-0022

5. Washington County Picnic Saturday, July 22nd

Don't forget the Washington County Democratic Picnic is coming up on July 22nd at the Salem Fish & Game Club (on the beautiful Battenkill River) from 10 am until 2 pm. I went to this event last year and it was a lot of fun and much food. Come meet Democratic candidates and dignitaries. Tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for students. Tickets can be purchased from any Washington County Democratic Committee person or call (518) 642-9566

Directions from Northway–North & South: Take Exit 15 east and follow Route 29 through Schuylerville and Greenwich. Just past East Greenwich look for Salem Fish and Game sign on right, turn at sign proceed to pavilion on right. From Troy / Albany take Route 40 North to the intersection of Route 29 and turn right through Greenwich (see above). From Hoosick Falls take Route 22 north and 9 miles past Cambridge turn left at the intersection of Route 29 and travel 1 mile to sign and take left.

6. Tabling & Vigil Saturday

Tabling for our candidates at the Glens Falls Farmer's Market began last Saturday, along with a simultaneous vigil for peace and to bring our troops home.

The results were a bit spotty and those present concluded there weren't really enough people to do both. Accordingly, we decided to do tabling at the Farmer''s Market from 9am-11am, and then go over to the Five Corners for the vigil.

We will be outside the main shed at the Market, in the parking lot behind Sandy's Clam Bar and the shed (unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding and we can' be inside the market itself.) But no problem. If you would like to help, please come on down!

The Vigils have also been very successful so far! Come, bring posters, flags and friends.

For more information on the Tabling go to: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=10476

For more info on the Vigil: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=10449

7. Opening Day House Party at Joanne Jepsen's July 26th


A open house on Opening Day!
County Supervisor for Saratoga Springs Joanne Yepsen Cordially invites you to her home at 91 Fifth Avenue
on Opening Day of the race track season

Wednesday, July 26 from 6 - 9 pm

Please come to support Joanne’s open government and open space pursuits as she continues to work hard toward being
a different kind of supervisor! Donations are kindly accepted.

Please make checks payable to Citizens for Yepsen.

Please RSVP by Sunday, July 23 to:
Citizens for Yepsen, c/ o John Forester
P.O. Box 1042, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

or call: 583-8817 or email: admin@fesaratoga.com

8. Saratoga BBQ July 30

Larry Bulman, Saratoga County Democratic Chair and Patrick Southworth, Ballston Democratic Chair
And
David Paterson
NY State Senate Minority Leader
Lieutenant Governor Candidate
And
Kristen Gillibrand Democrat for New York 20th District

Would like to invite you to a BBQ in support of Cindy Amrhein & Patti Southworth
Ballston Town Council and Town Justice Candidates

Sunday, July 30 2006, Noon – 4 PM

Lakeside Farm Cider Mill
Round Lake Road in the town of Ballston Lake
Directions:
To: Lakeside Farm Cider Mill
I 87 Exit 11.
West on Round Lake Road towards Ballston Lake
Lakeside Farm Cider Mill is on your right after approximately 4 miles
Pavilion and parking to right behind the store.

Ticket $35
Sponsor $55
Chicken BBQ for adults
Hamburgers/Hot Dogs for Children $10
Please RSVP to Pat Southworth by July 27th: 518-281-4718

9. Spitzer House Party July 30
There will be a House Party For Eliot Spitzer
Sunday, July 30th, 4 - 6 pm
At the home of Cindy and Ken Gottry
39 East Main Street, Cambridge, NY
Eliot will be joining by telephone conference call to share his thoughts and answers questions we may have.
To RSVP and for additional information contact nmarsh@nycap.rr.com.

10. Dean & 50 State Strategy Gets More Attention

There is a major article on Governor Dean and the 50 State Strategy in the week's US News and World Report.

The Governor is clearly shaking things up and making changes. To those who are experienced, much of this is common sense, well founded. As former House Speaker Tip O'Neil famously said, "All politics is local." The only way for Democrats to win is to build up local, truly indigenous grassroots organization. As the Governor puts it,
"Since 1968, campaigns have been about TV and candidates, which works for 10 months out of the four-year cycle. With party structure on the ground, you campaign for four years."

He's being polite about the ten month part. Blindly heaving big buckets of money at TV stations in fact has not worked in years, at least for Democrats. But the "reign of error" of outside consultants is coming to an end, and they are screaming because Dean is ending their chummy gravy train. But it's not a moment too soon; in fact, in many ways, it's late.

The article's last sentence says it all, and people like us who have lived in our communities know in our hearts it is true: ""In small towns like this," she says, "you vote how your neighbor tells you to."
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/060716/24dems.htm

11. Bagdad In Total Meltdown

Drew sends along this "must read" on the complete disintegration of the situation in Bagdad. I can't imagine what it must be like to be in the middle of this nightmare: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2268585_1,00.html

12. On The Lighter Side...

Finally, on the lighter side, thanks to Wendy Duvall!

Little Stanley Asks President George Bush

George Bush goes to a primary school to talk to the kids to get a little PR.

After his talk he offers question time. One little boy puts up his hand and George asks him his name.

"Stanley," responds the little boy.

"And what is your question, Stanley?"

"I have 4 questions:

First, why did the USA invade Iraq without the support of the UN?

Second, why are you President when Al Gore got more votes?

Third, whatever happened to Osama Bin Laden?"

Fourth, why are we so worried about gay-marriage when 1/2 of all Americans don't have health insurance?

Just then, the bell rings for recess. George Bush informs the kiddies that they will continue after recess.

When they resume George says, "OK, where were we? Oh, that's right, question time. Who has a question?"

Another little boy puts up his hand. George points him out and asks him his name.

"Steve," he responds.

"And what is your question, Steve?"

"Actually, I have 6 questions.

First, why did the USA invade Iraq without the support of the UN?

Second, why are you President when Al Gore got more votes?

Third, whatever happened to Osama Bin Laden?

Fourth, why are we so worried about gay marriage when 1/2 of all Americans don't have health insurance?

Fifth, why did the recess bell go off 20 minutes early?

And sixth, what the hell happened to Stanley?"

Thanks Everyone, see you at the Candidate Forum for Tim Merrick For State Senate,

Larry Dudley
Coordinator, Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 11:44 PM 0 comments

 
Tricounty DFA Announcement: Candidate Forum Wednesday For Tim Merrick For State Senate, Tabling, Vigil Tomorrow
In this update:

1. Candidate Forum Wednesday At Rockhill Cafe For Dr. Tim Merrick
2. News: Pell, Guller Out of Democratic Primary. Guller to run on Liberal Party Line.
3. Tabling At Farmer's Market Saturday
4. Vigil Saturday
5. Suggestions Needed For Candidate Appearances
5. Washington County Picnic July 22
6. Sixty Cents Per Gallon

1. Candidate Forum Wednesday At Rockhill Cafe For Dr. Tim Merrick

Greater Glens Falls Democracy For America would like to invite both its members and the general public to an open public forum for Dr. Tim Merrick of Plattsburg, who is running for the Senate for New York's 45th Senatorial District. "Dr. Tim" as he is known will speak and then answer questions.

The Forum will be held at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe Wednesday, July 19 at 7:30pm. The Cafe is located at the corner of Elm and Exchange Streets and Hudson Avenue in downtown Glens Falls.

As you know, at our last meeting DFGGF unanimously voted to endorse Tim for New York State Senate.

For more information or to get directions: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=10527

2. News: Pell, Guller Out of Democratic Primary.

In other news tonight of interest to the Gillibrand campaign and its supporters: Morris Guller and Edwin Pell have announced they will drop out of the Democratic Primary race. Pell effectively endorsed Gillibrand, but Guller, who has received the endorsement of the Liberal Party, will campaign in the General Election on that line. Maury Thompson has more on this in the Post Star: http://www.poststar.com/articles/2006/07/14/highlights/campaign_trail/doc44b76ff6deace110166788.txt

3. Tabling At Farmer's Market Saturday

A group of us will be tabling tomorrow to support our candidates-- Kirsten Gillibrand, Tim Merrick and others-- at the Farmer's Market on South Street in downtown Glens Falls from 9 to noon. Anyone who wants to help, come on down! For info or to RSVP: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=10475

4. Vigil Saturday

The vigil for peace and to bring our troops home will also be held from 11am until noon at the Five Corners in downtown Glens Falls. The construction hasn't started yet, there's lots of shade on the corner, so come again and bring a friend. For info or to RSVP: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=10448

5. Suggestions Needed For Candidate Appearances

I heard from Tim Merrick today; he wants to start making more appearances in the Glens Falls metro area, Warren and Washington Counties, and is opening up his campaign process to the grassroots for suggestions and to help him decide where to go! Tim really believes in grassroots politics and it is great to see this kind of spirit in a candidate. So-where would we suggest Tim go to meet and greet the largest number of voters he can? Shoot back suggestions to me or to Tim and his campaign manager Kevin Richardson at votemerrick@charter.net .

5. Washington County Picnic July 22

Don't forget the Washington County Democratic Picnic is coming up on July 22nd at the Salem Fish & Game Club (on the beautiful Battenkill River) from 10 am until 2 pm. I went to this event last year and it was a lot of fun and much food. Come meet Democratic candidates and dignitaries. Tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for students. Tickets can be purchased from any Washington County Democratic Committee person or call (518) 642-9566

Directions from Northway–North & South: Take Exit 15 east and follow Route 29 through Schuylerville and Greenwich. Just past East Greenwich look for Salem Fish and Game sign on right, turn at sign proceed to pavilion on right. From Troy / Albany take Route 40 North to the intersection of Route 29 and turn right through Greenwich (see above). From Hoosick Falls take Route 22 north and 9 miles past Cambridge turn left at the intersection of Route 29 and travel 1 mile to sign and take left

6. Sixty Cents Per Gallon

Finally, there are all kinds of costs to war. The sacrifices made by those who have been killed and injured are the greatest of all. But it not an exercise in philistinism to point out everyone is paying something: as this piece in the Washington Post today makes clear, because of Bush's war and the middle eastern instability it has caused, we all pay at least a 60 cent per gallon premium on gasoline. That's twelve dollars on every 20 gallon fill up. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/13/AR2006071301686_pf.html

How bad is that instability? According to a London Times piece on dKos, the violence of what is now clearly a civil war in Iraq is so extreme that every Iraqi who can flee is doing so. This is a huge and missed story, for these are mainly the educated people who are the only ones who can make the place work. Everytime a middle class Iraqi family gets in a car and heads for Jordanian border, the prospect of any "success" collapses that much further.

Too bad our troops can't do the same.

Thanks everyone!

Larry
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 6:39 PM 0 comments

 
Tricounty DFA Update: Vigil, Tabling, films, actions, humor and more
Hello Everyone;

In this update:

1. Anonymous Calls Alert
2. Online Action Call: A Federal Judgeship For A Torturer?
3. Post Star/ Vigil At Five Corners
4. Tabling At Farmer's Market
5. Progressive Film On Food At Crandall Library Thursday
6. Friday Progressive Film Fest At Rockhill
7. Solomon Northrup Day Saturday
8. On The Lighter Side

1. Anonymous Calls Alert

I received a call this week from our favorite local columnist, Mark Freeman, the Washington County Curmudgeon, asking what I knew about anonymous and scurrilous calls about Kirsten Gillibrand. All I can say is that I haven't received one, but that I am not overly surprised. This is New York State, and politics is a contact sport here. We all should be aware of this and not believe what is likely to be coming around. As I've said before, it's going to be a bumpy ride this year.

2. Online Action Call: A Federal Judgeship For A Torturer?

This week the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a second hearing on the nomination of William J. Haynes, II to a permanent judicial seat on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. This nomination was blocked two years ago. Bush has sent it back up. If you are familiar with William Haynes, you know he’s considered by many to be the poster boy for the administration’s torture policies.

Mr. Haynes serves as General Counsel for the Department of Defense (DOD) where he oversaw policies allowing torture and the inhumane treatment of prisoners and detainees. People For The American Way sent this release out: http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/default.aspx?oid=15747&tr=y&auid=1802162

Ordinarily I never link to church related sites (I don't generally think it's proper), but there seems to be no one else on top of this with an online action -- Click http://www.ucctakeaction.org/haynes to contact your senators and urge them to use the confirmation process to investigate fully Mr. Haynes’ views on detention, interrogation and torture. Or call Senator Schumer at: (202) 224-6542

3. Post Star/ Vigil At Five Corners

Jean Rikhoff's Three Generation Vigil last week was a big success with a nice article in the Post Star. Unfortunately it wasn't online, or I'd link to it. Rik, her daughter Allison and grandson Gabe came together for peace and another dozen more came together with them.

It was proposed to phase out the Vigils at the Five Corners in downtown Glens Falls in favor of tabling at the Farmer's Market, but everyone at the vigil last week wanted to try to keep the vigil going, feeling there was no reason we couldn't do both.

Again, this requires volunteers. We need to make it look good! The Vigil will be from 11am until noon. Come down, bring a sign and a flag and, hopefully, a new person. From the steady beat of horns, it is gaining real approval. To RSVP or for more info: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=10448

4. Tabling At Farmer's Market

At our meeting last week we agreed to try and start tabling at the Farmer's Market on South Street in downtown Glens Falls. The idea is to "show the flag," talk to voters and hand out literature for all our endorsed Democratic candidates, Gillibrand and Merrick, but also (presumably) progressives like Eliot Spitzer, if we can get materials. Bob Rockwell has discussed this with the manager of the Farmer's Market, and it good to go.

The goal is not just to passively sit at the table, but to connect to market goers and advocate for our candidates, so ideally we will need more than just a couple of people.

If you want to help with this effort, let me know at ldudley@larrydudley.com or RSVP at DFA-Link. I know I got many messages of support for this. We'll try to set up a timetable, if we can, or we just may show up and sort it out. Again, RSVP at http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=10475 we need to know what we are working with. Also: if you have a table or chairs you can bring, let us know!

5. Progressive Film On Food At Crandall Library Thursday

Thursday Crandall Library in Glens Falls will screen a free independent, progressive film on food and agriculture.

Broken Limbs: Apples, Agriculture and the New American Farmer (58 min., 2004): 7 PM, Thurs., July 13.
Broken Limbs presents the hometown perspective of apple growers troubled by the effects of consolidation and globalization. Followed by a local farmer viewpoint and discussion with Dan Wilson of Hicks Orchard in Granville.

6. Friday Progressive Film Fest At Rockhill

The Friday Night Progressive Film Festival continues this week at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe with:
July 14 HOWARD ZINN: You Can’t Be Neutral On A Moving Train
You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train documents the life and times of the historian, activist and author of the best selling classic A People’s History of the United States. Director: Deb Ellis & Denis Mueller Running time: 78 min.

7. Solomon Northrup Day Saturday

Our own Enid Mastrianni will be the keynote speak of this year's Solomon Northrup Day in Saratoga Springs. An early 19th century abolitionist and escaped slave, Solomon Northrup live in Saratoga Springs. Info from Enid below:

"Saturday, July 15, at the Saratoga Visitor Center, 10:00 to 4:00pm, celebrates the 8th annual Solomon Northup – Day – A Celebration of Freedom.
Cordell Reaves, Coordinator for the Underground Railroad Heritage Trail of Heritage, New York will speak on the African Burial Grounds. The Underground Railroad Players, Wanda Webster Artistic Director, will perform “Hear my Voice..... Feel My Tears" at the Saratoga Arts Council. African Storyteller Kim Green will tell uplifting and delightful children’s stories. There will be music by a Caribbean Steel Pan Orchestra and belly dancing.

Author Lloyd Stewart will speak on his new book titled, A Far Cry from Freedom: Gradual Abolition (1799-1827) Northup descendants are expected to attend and event founder, Renee Moore, in conjunction with NCUGRHA, are undertaking the Mintus Northup Gravesite Restoration Project.
FREE ADMISSION. FREE PARKING"

8. On The Lighter Side

Finally, on the lighter side, a German view of George Bush, and it is hysterical.
http://www.crooksandliars.com/posts/2006/07/10/the-bush-pilot/

Thanks everyone, see you Saturday,

Larry Dudley
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 12:35 AM 0 comments

 
Tricounty DFA Update: Tim Merrick Endorsement, Film Fest, A Special Vigil, more
Hello Everyone;

In this update:

1. Dr. Tim Merrick Endorsed
2. Special Vigil Saturday
3. Tabling
4. Citizen's Action Sponsors Congressional Candidate Forum Monday
5. Friday Film Fest
6. Bush A War Criminal?
7. RFK Jr. To Sue Voting Machine Companies
8. Washington County picnic on July 22nd

1. Dr. Tim Merrick Endorsed

We had another successful DFA-Link up at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe Wednesday night. We were pleased to host Dr. Tim Merrick, our Democratic candidate for the 45th Senate District, which encompasses Warren and Washington Counties.

Tim made a great series of remarks and after a brief discussion we unanimously voted to endorse him as our candidate.
For more on this read the press release at: http://www.dfalink.com/blog_post.php?id=14152

We also agreed to hold an open public forum a little later in July for Tim so that voters can get to know him. We'll let you know when we have details.

2. Special Vigil Saturday

There will be a special vigil for peace and to bring our troops home this Saturday: Jean Rikhoff's daughter Allison and her grandson Gabe will be in town and they are planning to hold a three generation vigil.

We urge you all to come and join in this event because we hope to get newspaper coverage! It's pretty neat; Rik's even gotten balloons. For more info: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=10206

Come down to the Five Corners in downtown Glens Falls, just in front of the Civil Center, and bring flags and a sign to support our troops by brining them home.

3. Tabling

Given that there will soon be construction downtown on Glen Street, and because we are getting closer to the General Election, there was a general agreement at Wednesday's meeting to transition to tabling at the Farmer's Market. This is still standing up for peace and to bring the troops home, just in a different way.

I know everyone got Dick's message earlier in the day-- we would be doing the tabling every Saturday until the General Election for all our candidates: Spitzer, Gillibrand and Merrick, also, I suppose, Hevesi and whoever wins the primary for Attorney General.

4. Citizen's Action Sponsors Congressional Candidate Forum

Citizen's Action will be sponsoring a HEALTH CARE FORUM for Candidates for the US House of Representatives in the 20th Congressional District on Monday, July 10th from 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Saratoga Springs Public Library Community Room,
49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY

"Join the Candidates for the US House of Representatives in the 20th Congressional District & Richard Kirsch, Citizen Action of New York. Michael Burgess, NYS Alliance for Retired Americans and Richard Propp, MD, Capital District Alliance for Universal Healthcare."

"With health care near the top of everybody's issue list in this election year, Citizen Action brings together the candidates from the US House of Representatives and three health care expert panelists to share perspectives and ideas with the goal of generating possible solutions to the health care crisis."

So far all the Democratic candidates and the Green Party candidate have agreed to appear; Sweeney, however, has not.

5. Friday Film Fest

On Friday, July 7th at 8pm the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe will present its next progressive Film Forum:

THE AGRONOMIST (www.theagronomist.com)
From Academy-award winning filmmaker Jonathan Demme, The Agronomist is the story of Haitian national hero, journalist and freedom fighter Jean Dominique. As owner and operator of his nation’s only free radio station, Dominique was frequently at odds with his country’s various repressive governments. He fought tirelessly against his country’s overwhelming injustice, oppression, and poverty but his shocking and still unsolved, assassination in April of 2000 was what gave the director the impetus to assemble more than a decade’s worth of material into a celebration of this dynamic man and his legacy.
Director: Jonathan Demme Running time: 91 min.

6. Bush A War Criminal?

There are two "must reads" this week: Former Clinton aide Sydney Blummenthal has written a detailed piece in today's Salon.com on the profound legal repercussions of the Supreme Court Hamdan decision. Bush and Cheney's actions since 9/11 have actually put him in jeopardy for future war crimes prosecution. http://www.salon.com/opinion/blumenthal/2006/07/06/hamdan/print.html

Also, the former Newsweek bureau chief explains the situation in Iraq is far worse than it appears in the papers because the Bush administration is manipulating press coverage. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3525

7. RFK Jr. To Sue Voting Machine Companies

What may be the big story next week is that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, is about to sue the manufacturers of electronic voting machines and expose how they are rigging elections: http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/070306E.shtml

8. Washington County picnic on July 22nd

Finally, we are all invited to a picnic! The Washington County Democratic Picnic is coming up on July 22nd at the Salem Fish & Game Club (on the beautiful Battenkill River) from 10 am until 2 pm. I went to this event last year and it was a lot of fun and much food. Come meet Democratic candidates and dignitaries. Tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for students. Tickets can be purchased from any Washington County Democratic Committee person or call (518) 642-9566

Directions from Northway–North & South: Take Exit 15 east and follow Route 29 through Schuylerville and Greenwich. Just past East Greenwich look for Salem Fish and Game sign on right, turn at sign proceed to pavilion on right. From Troy / Albany take Route 40 North to the intersection of Route 29 and turn right through Greenwich (see above). From Hoosick Falls take Route 22 north and 9 miles past Cambridge turn left at the intersection of Route 29 and travel 1 mile to sign and take left

I'll have another reminder on this next week!

Thanks everyone!

See you all Saturday at 11am,

Larry
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 3:50 PM 0 comments

 
Press Release: Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area Endorses Dr. Tim Merrick For State Senate
July 6, 2006

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area Endorses Dr. Tim Merrick For State Senate


At its monthly meeting Wednesday night at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe in downtown Glens Falls, Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area unanimously endorsed Dr. Tim Merrick of Plattsburg in his race for New York State's 45th Senatorial District.

Merrick, a chiropractor, entered the race for the state legislature in early May. In comments prior to the vote Merrick stressed how his experience as a health practitioner lead him to emphasis health reform, especially bills like the Fair Share For Health Care initiative currently before the State Legislature, reform of property taxes and a reform of pork barrel spending projects in State Government.

Glens Falls DFA's endorsement follows on an endorsement by North Country Democracy For America. Merrick has long been a supporter and activist of Democracy For America, following on earlier support for the Dean For America campaign.

Greater Glens Falls Democracy For America will hold an open public forum for Merrick later in July.

The seat is currently held by Republican Betty Little of Queensbury. The 45th Senate District encompasses all of Washington, Warren, Essex, Clinton, Hamilton and Franklin Counties. Geographically it is the biggest state senate district in New York.

Democracy For America is a nationwide group founded in 2004 by Governor Howard Dean of Vermont following his Presidential campaign. Its goals are to empower Americans, build a new American community, support progressive candidates and politics and resist right wing extremism.

For more info visit http://votemerrick.com or contact the campaign at votemerrick@charter.net or Merrick campaign manager Kevin Richardson at 518- 566-8919
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 2:27 PM 0 comments

 
A message to GGF-DFA from Dick Dudley: Concerning A Table At The Farmer's Market Instead Of The Vigil
Concerning A Table At The Farmer's Market Instead Of The Vigil

What is the best way to achieve peace ? By protesting at the Five Corners or the Crandall Library or by manning a table at the farmer's market for Kirsten Gillibrand handing out flyers, talking with and stickering people ?

If we do not take back the Congress all the protesting in the world will mean nothing. We cannot take it for granted that Congress will be ours. The Republicans are very skillfully trying to use the recent Supreme Court decision to their advantage as well as the Iraq War. Polling shows that the very same voters who think the war wrong and that we should get out are queasy about "cutting and running"-- whatever that is. The Republicans are using this to their advantage. That is why we should leave behind, for the time being , all the signs we like, specially the sign, one of which is on our lawn, "Support Our Troops, Bring Then Home Now." It plays directly into the Rovian spin. Taking back Congress is the quickest way to Bring Them Home Now.

However much any of us may agree or disagree with the nuances of Kirsten's war policy it is in line with Gore's and in line with what Progressive Democrats are trying to do to avoid the Republican trap. The issues at stake are so vast, the implications so terrible, that any personal annoyance or disagreement in nuance should seem trivial by comparison.

Every candidate of ours for Congress however a long shot has to get as much support as possible if we are to take back Congress. This is what the Republicans do and that is one major reason they are successful.

Given all that, I suggest that we throw all our efforts on Saturdays into the tabling, stickering, etc. at the Farmer's Market.

However others may successfully or unsuccessfully conduct themselves, let us not feel that we did not do all we could do,

Peace,

Dick
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 11:19 AM 0 comments

 
Tricounty DFA Reminder: Meetup Wednesday: Candidate Forum, Petitions, More
Hello Everyone!

Happy Fourth of July To You All-- and, as they used to say years ago, Consternation To The Enemies Of The Republic!

In this update;


1. Glens Falls DFA-Linkup or "meetup" Reminder
2. Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Tim Merrick
3. Calling All Petitions
4. Online Actions
5. Read of the week:
Legal Determination For Bush To be A War Criminal
Seymour Hersh: Generals Rebelling Over Iran Attack
The real national security threat-- the new Cold War the US government is waging against Russia.
6. Gillibrand Events
7. On The Lighter Side


1. Glens Falls DFA-Linkup or "meetup" Reminder

Greater Glens Falls Democracy For America will be holding its monthly meeting this, Wednesday July 5th at 7pm at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe in downtown Glens Falls.

We are now into our fourth year of holding out Dean/Democracy For American "meetups" and Linkups on the first Wednesday of the Month. It's a remarkable record.

The Cafe is located at the corner of Exchange and Elm Streets and Hudson Avenue. To get to the Cafe, take Exit 18 of the Northway east into Glens Falls. Past the Hannaford bear right at the Stewart's shop past the Post Office and the Glens Falls hospital. The Cafe is on the left by the light just before the Five Corners downtown.

We will have a busy, two part schedule this month:

2. Special Guest Speaker: 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.

3. Calling All Petitions

At our last meeting we handed out petitions for Kirsten Gillibrand and Tim Merrick. Everyone is being asked to bring them back Wednesday to be send back to the candidates, so you only have a day or two left get them filled out! Please don't wait until the last minute because every petition should be checked over.

We will also be discussing DFA's Iraq war forums andpossible engagement with Governor Dean's Democratic Reunion event for July 29th
http://www.democrats.org/a/party/a_50_state_strategy/the_democratic_reunion/
and also a proposal for tabling at the Farmer's Market.

4. Online Actions

There are current online actions we can take:

Common Cause is calling on Congress to take up and renew the Voting Rights Act when it returns from the July 4th recess.
http://www.commoncause.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=1832493
Act For Change is calling on Congress to repudiate Bush's unconstitutional signing statements:http://www.workingforchange.com/activism/action.cfm?itemid=21022&afccode=n59txt


5. Read of the week:
Legal Determination For Bush To be A War Criminal

One of the startling but definitely underlooked aspects of the recent Supreme Court Guantanamo tribunals case, is that charging Bush with war crimes now has official basis:

"In the Majority Opinion Justice Stevens stated:
Because UCMJ Article 36 has not been complied with here, the rules specified for Hamdan ’s commission trial are illegal.

"The military commission at issue lacks the power to proceed because its structure and procedures violate both the UCMJ and the four Geneva Conventions signed in 1949."

To read more: http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Vyan/37

Seymour Hersh: Generals Rebelling Over Iran Attack

The Idea of war crimes (which is not to say that they have been committted) may be starting to trouble the sleep of some high ranking US military officers. Accordingly to legendary reporter and New Yorker writer Seymor Hersh, generals at the Pentagon are in near rebellion over the desire of White House neocons to attack Iraq. Hersh. "A retired four-star general, who ran a major command, said, “The system is starting to sense the end of the road, and they don’t want to be condemned by history. They want to be able to say, ‘We stood up.’ ”
For more: http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/articles/060710fa_fact

The real national security threat-- the new Cold War the US government is waging against Russia.


Also, the Nation Magazine has a remarkable piece on the real national security threat-- the New Cold War the US government is waging against Russia. This is scarier than anything I've read about Ossama and Al Queda: http://www.thenation.com/docprint.mhtml?i=20060710&s=cohen

6. Gillibrand Events

Kirsten GIllibrand will be making a speech on veteran's issues tomorrow at 11am at the Veteran's Memorial in Congress Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. I have also received reports that she will be at the Summer Jam festival at West Mountain in Queensbury tomorrow. The festival starts at 4pm.


7. On The Lighter Side

Finally, on the lighter side for the Holiday, Bill Dutcher sends this along:

What You Need To Believe, To Be A Republican

Saddam was a good guy when Reagan armed him, a bad guy when
Bush's daddy made war on him, a good guy when Cheney then did business with
him, and a bad guy when Bush needed a "we can't find bin Laden" diversion.

The best way to improve military morale is to praise the troops in
speeches, while slashing veterans' benefits and combat pay.

Trade with Cuba is wrong because the country is Communist, but trade with
China and Vietnam is vital to a spirit of international harmony.

The United States should get out of the United Nations, and our highest
national priority is enforcing U.N. resolutions against Iraq.

Jesus loves you, and shares your hatred of homosexuals and Hillary
Clinton.

A woman cannot be trusted with decisions about her own body, but
multi-national corporations can make decisions affecting all mankind without
regulation.

If condoms are kept out of schools, adolescents won't have sex.

A good way to fight terrorism is to belittle our long-time allies, then
demand their cooperation and money.

Providing health care to all Iraqis is sound policy, but providing health
care to all Americans is socialism. HMOs and insurance companies have the
best interests of the public at heart.

Global warming and tobacco's link to cancer are junk science, but
creationism should be taught in schools.

A president lying about an extramarital affair is an impeachable offense,
but a president lying to enlist support for a war in which thousands die is
solid defense policy.

Government should limit itself to the powers named in the Constitution,
which include banning gay marriages and censoring the Internet.

The public has a right to know about Hillary's cattle trades, but George
Bush's driving record is none of our business.

Being a drug addict is a moral failing and a crime, unless you're a
conservative radio host. Then it's an illness and you need our prayers for
your recovery.

Support of "Executive Privilege" only for every Republican ever born, who
will be born or who might be born (in perpetuity.)

What Bill Clinton did in the 1960s is of vital national interest, but what
G.W. Bush did in the '80s is irrelevant.

Support hunters who shoot their friends and blame them for wearing
orange vests similar to those worn by the quail.

Thanks everyone! See you Wednesday,



Larry
- posted by Larry Dudley @ 11:42 PM 0 comments