First, Democracy Fest, a nationwide gathering of DFA activists is this weekend in Burlington. There will be workshops, addresses by national figures including Howard Dean, training sessions, socials and more. It's a good chance to meet other DFA people. If you would like to go, but cannot afford to, please let me know-- Bob Rockwell and Miranda Kyhill may be able to donate tickets. For more on Democracy Fest go to:http://www.democracyfest.net/

The House and Senate brought out bills today to reform our nation's healthcare system. However, contrary to what we thought at first, passage of healthcare reform this year is far from assured-- and the real issue may not be Republican opposition, but conservative Democrats.

It's time for all of us to contact our representatives again. I have the impression Rep. Murphy is still settling in to his new job. However, it is time for him to start staking out a stand on this key issue.

Senators Schumer has taken the lead for a strong public option, and GIllibrand is is supporting him.

I would urge everyone to contact Rep. Murphy's office and urge him to support a strong public option, and preferably a single payer healthcare system, which most people, including those here in the 20th CD, support. Rep. Murphy's numbers are: Glens Falls: (518) 743-0964, Saratoga: (518) 581-8247 and Hudson: (518) 828-3109

Remind them all that they can and should express a preference for single-payer in principle, even if they think it can't pass.

Governor Dean was recently interviewed by Esquire Magazine on healthcare and other issues, and he is terrific as usual: http://www.esquire.com/the-side/richardson-report/howard-dean-interview-health-care-070709

For those who missed Bill Moyer's Journal on Friday, Moyers had an extraordinary interview with Wendell Porter, a former PR executive for Cigna insurance. Porter described how private insurance companies scheme to dump sick patients who try to claim the benefits they have paid for, and frighten Americans away from effective government systems like the ones in Canada or France. read it at: http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/transcript2.html

You cannot say you have any sense of what is going on in the US today if you have not read Matt Taibbi's article in Rolling Stone Magazine on Goldman Sachs and the looting of America-- everyone seems to be talking about it. Taibbi strengthens the case made earlier in the year by Simon Johnson in The Atlantic that a financial oligarchy seems to have seized control of the financial and economic affairs of our country.

As I go around I find people are becoming increasingly alarmed at the Wall Street bailout, how it is helping the wrong people for the wrong reasons, hurting the economy and probably wrecking our future by throwing the country deeply into debt.

Taibbi's must-read piece is at: http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/29127316/the_great_american_bubble_machine/print

The NY Times reported today that Goldman Sachs had its most profitable quarter in its 140 year history and is about to pay out over $11 Billion in bonuses, despite having just returned government bailout money. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/15/business/15goldman.html?hpw

Author Les Leopold writes that:

Or Rob Johnson on Huff Post-- Stop the Political System That Lets Goldman Sachs and Others Run Roughshod Over Society: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-johnson/taibbis-scream-stop-the-p_b_226941.html

Frank Rich in the NY Times compares it to Dillinger and the outrage of the Great Depression: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/opinion/05rich.html?ref=opinion

This is not change we can believe in.

On a local level, Chris Schmidt came to our last meeting and talked about problems with the use and abuse of Tasers by area police departments. He made a real case that there is reason for serious concern. He is circulating a petition to the CIty of Glens Falls calling for a moratorium. If you want to sign or know more, please contact Christ at: credoferjames@yahoo.com

The Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe's Progressive/Family Film Fest continues with:

FRI JUL 17 7:00 pm SUMMER FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL Films the Whole Family Will Enjoy. Free.

KENNY Clayton Jacobson (2007)

Australia’s Surprise Hit. From the biggest festival to the smallest church social, Kenny Smyth delivers porta-loos to them all. Part philosopher, part comedian and all heart, Kenny is one of the cogs in society’s machinery; a knight in shining overalls taking care of business with his faithful ‘Splashdown crew’. The film lifts the lid on one of Australia’s roughest diamonds as he juggles family tensions, fatherhood and sewage with charm, humor and unflinching dignity.

THU JUL 23 7:00 pm OPEN MIC NIGHT hosted by our very own Cory Avon. Sing, play, read or just watch and listen. Free.

FRI JUL 24 7:00 pm SUMMER FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL Films the Whole Family Will Enjoy. Free.

When a sick boy (Fred Savage) receives a visit from his doting grandfather (Peter Falk) who intends to read to him from his favorite book, he's not exactly pleased to be extracted from his world of video games. However, his mood quickly changes as he, along with the viewer, is transported to a place out of time--to Florin, a kingdom in the ultimate imaginary land, complete with dashing heroes, cowardly princes, rhyming giants, shrieking eels, rodents of unusual size, fancy swordfights, and yes...even some kissing. The lovely Buttercup (Robin Wright) learns that "As you wish" really means "I love you" when she falls for her charming farmhand, Westley (Cary Elwes). While trying to seek his fortune, however, Westley disappears at sea, an apparent victim of the Dread Pirate Roberts, who takes no prisoners. A few years later, Buttercup, engaged to the oily Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon), is kidnapped by an oddball trio of rogues--brains, Vizzini (Wallace Shawn); brawn, Fezzik (André the Giant); and sword, Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin in a standout performance). As they sail away toward the Cliffs of Insanity, they notice the pursuit of a man in black...and the adventure begins. A clever fairy tale for all ages, THE PRINCESS BRIDE is arguably one of the funniest and most entertaining films of all time.

Happy Bastille Day, everyone!

Larry