Tricounty DFA Update: Meeting Report, Bob Muller Thanks, More
Hello Everyone!

In this update for January 8, 2009:

1. Meeting Report: Bob Muller Extends His Thanks
2. Jim Dean: Save The 50 State Program
3. Governor Dean Celebrated But Passed Over?
4. Middle Class Incomes The Real Issue
5. You're Invited: Bush's Last Dance Party
6. Saturday Night Progressive Film Fest



1. Meeting Report: Bob Muller Extends His Thanks

We were pleased and privileged at last night's meeting when his Honor, newly elected Supreme Court Judge Robert Muller, returned to say thanks to all of us at DFA for our support. Bob was fairly early in his campaign when he visited us last June, and we were pleased to endorse him. We could not have known he would do as well as he did-- coming in second in a four candidate field. He visited with us for some time, regaling everyone with tales from the campaign trail. It was clear one of the reasons Bob was so successful was because he was a happy warrior.


Contrary to the naysayers, Bob proved it could be done. Democrats can win judicial seats in upstate districts, we especially do not have to cross-endorse Republicans. He has broken the trail for many more candidates to come.

Unfortunately, rules of judicial political neutrality will prevent Bob from returning to our meeting again. But he extends his thanks to everyone who couldn't make it last night.

2. Jim Dean: Save The 50 State Program

While we were meeting DFA Chair Jim Dean sent out an urgent request asking everyone to sign a petition to save Howard Dean's 50-State Program. As we know, the 50-State Program reversed the fortunes of the Democratic Party, but, astonishingly, the newly selected DNC Chair, Governor Tim Kaine, does not seem to have any clear commitment to continuing it. The last thing Democrats need is to go back to the bad old days before Dean turned the Democratic party around, where we don't compete everywhere, and instead try to “cherrypick” a handful of winners. Bob Muller's victory here-- a victory of not being afraid to compete everywhere-- proves the point, yet again. Please sign the petition today: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/activities/119



3. Governor Dean Celebrated But Passed Over?

Dick passes this along: Chris Matthews interviewed Governor Dean on Hardball yesterday, and gave credit where credit is due: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpGE8i4liJ0

However, some people are concerned that credit has not been given where credit is due. There is no doubt that politics has become an increasingly rough business, with very little of the loyalty that used to be considered essential for political life:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/07/howard-dean-left-out-of-o_n_156116.html


4. Middle Class Incomes The Real Issue

I want to pass on the best article I've seen lately, which is by Jonathan Tasini on the Huffington Post. Tasini points out that the real, underlying economic issue is the war waged on middle class incomes since the beginning of the Reagan era. For instance, that decline is why so many people cannot afford health insurance anymore. There has been an enormous increase in wealth and productivity in America but none of that new wealth has been shared with average Americans. If the minimum wage had tracked productivity the way it did from WWII to Reagan, the minimum wage would now be $19 an hour. Do not miss: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-tasini/conspiracy-of-silence-wag_b_155531.html


4. You're Invited: Bush's Last Dance Party

From Naomi Marsh at the Washington Co. Democrats:
“Bush's Last Day Dance Party: We will also be celebrating the beginning of the Obama presidency!!!!
Jermain Hall in White Creek
Saturday, January 17th
Starting at 7:30 pm

Live music by ATHENA and ZUELA with special guests

Price of admission: Cash or a check in any amount which will be donated in its entirety to local food pantries. Food items are also welcome. Please come and bring your friends. If you wish, bring food and/or beverage to share at the party, pot-luck style.

Directions: Jermain Hall is on Niles Road in White Creek.
From NY locations: Get on County Route 68 (the White Creek Road) which heads east off of Route 22 halfway between Cambridge and North Hoosick. Follow CR 68 about five miles to White Creek. Take a left on Niles Road at the big corner, go one block, and turn right at the stop sign. (Still on Niles Road.) Jermaine Hall is on your left in about a quarter of a mile.
From VT locations: Take the White Creek Road out of North Bennington. This becomes County Road 68 at the NY border. Just after the big corner, as you come into White Creek, turn right on Niles Road. Then go one block, and turn right at the stop sign. (Still on Niles Road.) Jermaine Hall is on your left in about a quarter of a mile.

6. Saturday Night Progressive Film Fest

Finally, the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe's Saturday Night Film Fest has returned for another year with:

SAT JAN 10, 7:00 pm SATURDAY SCREENINGs Free.
THE HOBART SHAKESPEAREANS (2005) Mel Stuart 68 min. RT Rating = 89 %
Rafe Esquith is a teacher who really did make a difference. Teaching in a decrepit Los Angeles neighborhood, Esquith took it upon himself to impart the works of Shakespeare to the kids who patrol the streets by night and reluctantly turn up... Rafe Esquith is a teacher who really did make a difference. Teaching in a decrepit Los Angeles neighborhood, Esquith took it upon himself to impart the works of Shakespeare to the kids who patrol the streets by night and reluctantly turn up to school by day. As this film shows, the results were remarkable, with the majority of the kids taking to the Bard like a duck to water, largely thanks to Esquith's innovative teaching methods.


Thanks everyone, and a Happy New Year Again!

Larry

Labels: 4th Judicial District, Democracy For America, Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area, DFA, Jim Dean, New York Supreme Court, Robert Muller, Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe

- posted by Larry Dudley @ 10:21 AM