Tricounty DFA Weekend Pre Election Flash
Hello Everyone;

In This Update for October 30th, 2008:


1. Final Vigil For Peace & Troops Home Saturday, 11am
2. Obama Actions: No Time For Complacency!
3. Yes We Carve!
4. Saturday Night Progressive Film Festival



1. Final Vigil For Peace & Troops Home Saturday, 11am

Six years ago, vigils against the war in Iraq started downtown, started by local peace activists, including our own Bernice Mennis. DFA did not exist then, but we kept them going. Now, with what we expect to be a new Democratic President, those doing the vigil have agreed it will no longer be appropriate to keep them going with a newly elected President committed to ending the war.

Accordingly, we will be holding the very last vigil for peace and to bring our troops home this Saturday, November 1st, from 11am until Noon, at the corners of Bay, Glen and South Streets in downtown Glens Falls, in front of the Civil War monument.

This has been going on for many years, and for old times sake, it would be nice to have a big crowd to show our continuing resistance to the war and those who kept it going! As always, bring a friend and a sign.


2. Obama Actions: No Time For Complacency!

Although the polls are looking good for Obama, let's remember, we've seen that before. Anyone remember how Obama was supposed to win New Hampshire?

It is no time for complacency. If you have free time in the next few days, it's very important not to waste that time-- there are still things that can be done to make sure Obama is the next president of the United States.

I am constantly hearing from people just stricken with anxiety that we will lose the White House again. The only antidote to that anxiety is effective action.


Moveon Party In Schuylerville

There will be a Moveon calling party this evening in Schuylerville at 6:30. This is a very smart, well organized effort to call people in swing states and get them to volunteer for Obama:

http://pol.moveon.org/pac/event/events/event3.html?event_id=82771

Calling

You can still call for Obama from home. By registering with the campaign, you are given instructions and an interactive list of names to call out of state-- the website is terrific, very easy to use, you go down a list of names, and click off the response:

http://my.barackobama.com/modules/votercontact/login_signup.php


Donating

Needless to say, the Obama campaign is still trying to raise money.

https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/standardmagnetalt?source=mainnav_bt_nsu_dg

3. Yes We Carve!

It's Halloween tomorrow! If you haven't carved your pumpkin yet, check out Yes We Carve, for stencils to create Obama themed Jack-O-Lanterns, featuring either the candidate himself, or the Obama sunrise logo. Some of these are great! http://yeswecarve.com/ and http://yeswecarve.com/category/stencils/ and http://yeswecarve.com/category/stencils/page/2/


4. Saturday Night Progressive Film Festival

The Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe will continue its Saturday Night Progressive Film Festival with the very timely:

SAT NOV 1 7:00 pm SATURDAY SCREENINGS ** ELECTION SPECIAL ** Free.
AMERICAN BLACKOUT (2006) Ian Inaba 86 min. RT Rating = 73 %
Ian Inaba's American Blackout is a stylish, intelligent, and provocative documentary that looks at the historic and systematic disenfranchisement of the black vote through the lens of the political career of Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (D-Georgia). George W. Bush's narrow victory in 2000 launched an historic investigation into Florida's election process. Public focus was on dysfunctional ballots and the Supreme Court litigation, but Inaba's inquiry leads him to Congresswoman McKinney, who investigated the private company hired by the state of Florida to generate voter lists, which effectively shut out the black vote and handed Bush an unlikely victory. While tracking McKinney's career, Inaba reveals a host of ways in which black political power is systematically squelched, ranging from the slander that assailed McKinney when she stood up to the Bush administration on 9/11 and Iraq, to the political machinations that disempowered the black vote in the Georgia Democratic primaries and the Ohio presidential election in 2004. Inaba reminds us that African Americans have long fought a war inside our country for their right to vote, and unfortunately that war rages on today. American Blackout emotionally revitalizes the core of our power as American citizens – the right to vote – and effectively reveals that the fate of black voters is inextricably tied to the fate of all Americans.

Thanks everyone! There will be another pre-election update Sunday night. Have a fun Halloween.

Larry

Labels: Democracy For America, Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area, DFA, elections, Iraq War, Michelle Obama, Obama, Obama Phonebanking, Obama rally, vigil

- posted by Larry Dudley @ 2:00 PM 0 comments

 
Tricounty DFA Update: Busy Weekend of Events, Letter Request
Hello Everyone;

In this update:

1. A Weekend Of Obama Events!
2. Vigil Saturday, 11am
3. Letter Request From Bob Muller
4. Saturday Night Progressive Film Festival


1. A Weekend Of Obama Events!

Rock For Barack

On Friday, October 10th at 8:00 pm there will be a Rock for Barack Fundraising concert for Obama at Jermain Hall in White Creek featuring the Prescription Band and the Rachel Cuite Trio. Bring a check for whatever you can afford, along with food and a beverage.

Directions: From Cambridge go South on Route 22 (approximately 5 miles ) and take a Left on Route 68 to White Creek.
In White Creek, past the Fire station and a few houses, the road takes a sharp right angle turn, but you turn Left onto Niles Rd.
Take your next Right after a little bridge and Jermain Hall is just up the road on your left. There will be signs.

Women For Obama Rally

On Saturday, October 11th at 10am there will be a Women for Obama Rally on the State Capitol Steps in East Capitol Park in downtown Albany. The goal is to emphasize what women would lose from a McCain Presidency and how strong Obama is on women's rights.

Speakers include Shawn Morris, Albany Common Council President, Ginny O’Brien, Minority Leader in the Rensselaer County Legislature, Joanne Yepsen, Saratoga Springs Supervisor, Corey Ellis, Albany Common Councilman and Chair of Albany for Obama, Tracey Brooks, Former aide to Senator Hillary Clinton and Former Congressional Candidate, 21st Congressional District and others. Saratoga's Joanne Yepsen is one of the organizers of this event.

Barn Party For Obama

There will be a Barn Party in support of BARACK OBAMA, Sunday, October 12, 2008 from 4-7 p.m at the Flying Pigs Farm, 246 Sutherland Road Shushan, New York.
There will be Beer and other beverages and things to grill.
Please bring: check payable to “Obama for America,” in a sealed envelope and a side dish or dessert to share.
Please R.S.V.P. with the number of adults and children attending to jen@flyingpigsfarm.com or 518.854.3844

2. Vigil Saturday, 11am

We will be holding our usual vigil for peace and to bring our troops home Saturday October 11th at 11am until Noon at the corners of Bay, Glen and South Streets in downtown Glens Falls, in front of the Civil War monument. Please come and bring a friend and a sign.


3. Letter Request From Bob Muller

Our Democratic candidate for State Supreme Court, 4th Judicial District, is asking area Democrats to write letters to the papers for him.

He just sent this message out:

"I want to thank all of you for the strong support you have shown throughout this eleven county marathon. Now that I am nearing the 10 yard line the next bit of help I could certainly use from the many of you whom I have met - is to consider a letter to the editor in the papers you are familiar with. Encouraging others who are aware of my candidacy would also be a great boost. I hope you will give serious consideration to this simple request. As always I have relied upon each of you to advance this campaign and I am comfortable knowing I have been in such good hands. "

"Kindest regards & many thanks for all you have undertaken in my behalf."

"Bob"
www.bobmuller2008.com

You can send a letter to the Post Star online at: http://www.poststar.com/contact/?form=letter
Reach other papers at the AAUB Two Minute Activist website. It's a big district, so check that out. Just enter your Zip Code: http://capwiz.com/aauw/dbq/media/

A couple of talking points:
1. It's been years since there's a Democrat on the bench- we need at least one to keep the others honest.
2. Although you can vote for three out of four candidates, Bob is the only Democrat. So you should only vote once, for Bob, the sole Democrat. Voting more than once simply dilutes your vote-- they cancel each other out. That helps Bob's competitors.
3. Get more info at Bob's website.


4. Saturday Night Progressive Film Festival

SAT OCT 11 7:00 pm SATURDAY SCREENINGS Free.
IN THE YEAR OF THE PIG 1968 Emile de Antonio 103 min. RT Rating = N/A
Celebrated and controversial documentary filmmaker Emile de Antonio made IN THE YEAR OF THE PIG, criticizing American involvement in the Vietnam War, during the height of its intensification in 1968. Like his other constructed documentaries, de Antonio takes newsreel and archival footage, along with existing interviews, and uses them to explore the history of Vietnam between the Second World War and the civil war that America would become involved with. Using the very words of those who escalated the conflict against them, de Antonio's film condemns the American involvement in the war by providing disturbing footage of its terrible consequences.

Thanks, everyone!

Larry

Labels: 4th Judicial District, Democracy For America, Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area, DFA, Obama, Obama rally, Robert Muller, Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe, vigil

- posted by Larry Dudley @ 11:59 PM 0 comments

 
Tricounty DFA Update: "Yes We Can" Calling Invitation, Surge Exposed, more
Hello Everyone;

In this Update:


1. Obama Calling Invitation
2. Meeting Next Week
3. Online Action On Iraq
4. Dark Side Of The Surge
5. Friday Night Progressive FIlm Festival


1. Kate Austin would like to invite everyone to a special "Yes We Can" Party for Barack Obama, this Sunday, March 2nd, at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe from 5-7pm. For info and to R.S.V.P. please go to: http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=43738

"On Sunday, March 2, we're participating in MoveOn.org's biggest phone bank in presidential primary history. Folks everywhere will come to parties armed with cell phones--ready to call thousands of Texas MoveOn members whose votes could put Obama over the top on March 4. Bring your cell phone!"

Lists of Texans to call along with suggested scripts and other materials will be available, including, I think, some Obama stickers. If you would like to help Obama win in Texas on the 4th, this is your chance to do it. Again, please R.S.V.P. at http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=43738 so that Kate has enough materials for everyone. And remember to bring that cell phone! You have to bring your own cell!

And a special tip of the hat to Matt for making the Cafe available, even though he is, as we all know, very much a Nader man. If you haven't been there, the Cafe is one block west of the roundabout in Downtown Glens Falls.


2. Meeting Next Week

Next week, March 5th, we'll be meeting again at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe as usual at 7pm, and we'll be getting to that showing of Uncounted, the new video on election fraud, and discussing future action.

3. Online Action On Iraq

Senator Russ Feingold will be bringing up legislation tomorrow to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq. You can help by contacting our Senators and urging them to support Sen. Feingold's bills. http://act.truemajorityaction.org/t/50/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1521

"The first bill, S. 2633, would provide for the safe redeployment of US troops from Iraq within 120 days. And the second bill, S. 2634, would require a report on the global strategy of the US to combat and defeat al Qaeda. We need 60 votes to end debate and bring these important pieces of legislation to the Senate floor."

http://act.truemajorityaction.org/t/50/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1521


4. Dark Side Of The Surge

The importance of getting U.S. forces out of Iraq before our Army is completely broken is highlighted by an extraordinary new article in the March 6th issue of Rolling Stone, the "must read" of the week. It rips the cover off the fraud that is called the "Surge" and the mainstream media's touting of it as some kind of success for the Bush Administration. http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/18722376/the_myth_of_the_surge/print

A few quotes:

"The U.S. has not only added 30,000 more troops in Iraq — it has essentially bribed the opposition, arming the very Sunni militants who only months ago were waging deadly assaults on American forces. "

"The American forces responsible for overseeing "volunteer" militias like Osama's have no illusions about their loyalty. "The only reason anything works or anybody deals with us is because we give them money," says a young Army intelligence officer. The 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, which patrols Osama's territory, is handing out $32 million to Iraqis in the district, including $6 million to build the towering walls that, in the words of one U.S. officer, serve only to "make Iraqis more divided than they already are." In districts like Dora, the strategy of the surge seems simple: to buy off every Iraqi in sight."

"We are essentially supporting a quasi-feudal devolution of authority to armed enclaves, which exist at the expense of central government authority," says Chas Freeman, who served as ambassador to Saudi Arabia under the first President Bush. "Those we are arming and training are arming and training themselves not to facilitate our objectives but to pursue their own objectives vis-a-vis other Iraqis. It means that the sectarian and ethnic conflicts that are now suppressed are likely to burst out with even greater ferocity in the future."

Of course, from a political perspective, the goal of the Bush administration is clear; by temporarily bribing and arming the opposition in Iraq, they have a chance of maintaining the pretense the Surge can succeed. The lull in violence may fool some people. But there eventually will be an even greater and more terrible explosion of violence, and the real surge-- in U.S. casualties-- but not until after the November General Election. That's the real objective, pushing the problem down the road without admitting total failure by the Bush Administration. That would greatly help Republican's electoral chances, especially getting John McCain into the White House.

Obviously, this underscores the fecklessness and spinelessness of the Democratic Congress in its failure to stick together and get our troops out promptly. If they had acted decisvely a year ago, virtually all our troops would be home by now.

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/18722376/the_myth_of_the_surge/print


5. Friday Night Progressive Film Fest

The Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe's Friday Night Progressive Film Festival continues with:

Fri Feb 29 7:30 pm Adirondack Progressive Film Forum
9/11 PRESS FOR TRUTH (2006) The Disinformation Company 85 min. No RT Rating
Although independent investigations began within weeks of both pearl harbor and the Kennedy assassination, the same was not ture of the attacks of Spetember 11th. Most are unaware that formation of the 9/11 Commission was strognly opposed by many in Washington, including the Bush administration. It was only due to pressure fromt eh 9/11 families, led by a particlaur twelve calling themsevles the Family Steering Committee, that, fourteen months after the attacks, the fist hearings finally began. In "9/11 Press For Truth", five of the most prominet members fo the FSC tell their story for the first time on film, providing the most powerful argumnet yet for why 9/11 still needs investigation. Adapting Paul Thompson's definitive Complete 9/11 Timeline, the filmmakers stitch together rare, overlooked news clips, buried stories, and government press conferences, revealing a pattern of official lies, deception and spin.

Thanks Everyone! See you all soon,

Larry

Labels: Democracy For America, DFA, Iraq, Iraq War, Obama rally, Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe, Uncounted Film

- posted by Larry Dudley @ 12:39 AM 0 comments

 
Tricounty DFA Update: Vote! Meeting, Economics, Videos & More
Hello Everyone;

In This Update:

1. Super-Duper Tuesday: Get Out And Vote
2. Glens Falls DFA Meeting Wednesday
3. Obama and Clinton Economics
4. Videos: Extraordinary Obama Rally At UCLA, Hope & Grateful Dead Concert For Obama Online
5. Call On Telecom Immunity
6. Irish & Bags
8. Friday Night Film Fest


1. Super-Duper Tuesday: Get Out And Vote

Tomorrow is Super-Duper Tuesday, Primary Day in NY and 23 other states. I am sure everyone who reads this will get out and vote. But remember, on Primary Day the polls open at Noon, not 7am the way they do for General Elections. Plan your day accordingly!


2. Glens Falls DFA Meeting Wednesday

We'll be having our monthly Glens Falls DFA meeting this Wednesday, February 6th at 7pm at our usual location, the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe in downtown Glens Falls, one block east of the Roundabout.

We had a great discussion about the New Hampshire Primary last month, and I am certain Super-Duper Tuesday will make for more talk and action, but we will have other things on the agenda! For instance, I was recently reminded that March will see the 5th anniversary of Bush's invasion of Iraq. Protests are scheduled for Washington, D.C. Do we want to hold another vigil on the war, here?


3. Obama and Clinton Economics

I know many progressives were having a hard time making up their minds where they stood on the historic choice in this election. There was an important article this weekend in the NY Times on Obama's economic policy, which he just rolled out. It compares Obama and Clinton's stance, and I suspect it will settle the question for many people, if they read it. Unfortunately, these proposals have not gotten the attention they deserve.

Obama clearly identified ever growing economic inequality in America as the problem with our economy, rightly pointing out that neither the Bush or Clinton administrations did a thing about this overriding crisis. The so-called "Walmarting" of America-- and let's remember Hillary Clinton was on the Walmart board of directors-- is wiping out the American middle class. This stance makes Obama's progressive credentials clear.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/02/us/politics/02obama.html?pagewanted=all


4. Videos: Extraordinary Obama Rally At UCLA, Hope & Grateful Dead Concert For Obama Online

For those who missed it while the Super Bowl was on, there was an extraordinary rally for Obama yesterday at UCLA. Michelle Obama-- not Barack-- gave one of the fieriest speeches since Governor Dean was campaigning. In fact, she put most of the candidates running this year to shame, except Obama himself, perhaps.

This was a superbly organized and timed event, capped by the stunning last minute appearance of Maria Shiver, the first lady of California, to join Caroline Kennedy and Ophra Winfrey in endorsing Obama. Andrew Rosenthal of the NY TImes Editorial Board called it the best rally he has seen in 20 years-- it's certainly the best since Governor Dean's Sleepless Summer Tour. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/04/opinion/04mon4.html?ref=opinion

You can see it at http://www.c-span.org/ and http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tag/ucla-obama-rally
or
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/3/205649/6436/321/449187
and
http://cbs2.com/local/Obama.Oprah.Shriver.2.644867.html

Lisa sends along this message:

"Remember when a presidential candidate inspired people? Senator Obama has the best policies on foreign and domestic policy. Obama's message of unifying the America people resonates across political parties. With the people on his side he'll be an unbeatable force in the general election. Watch this inspirational video http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3374
Ask yourself when was the last time you were inspired by a presidential candidate."

Finally, on the video front, the Grateful Dead are giving their first concert in four years tonight for Obama. It will be streamed live on the internet at http://www.iclips.net/


5. Call On Telecom Immunity

The issue of Telecom immunity is still hanging. This from DFA partner Working Assets:

"Late last week, Senate leaders agreed to consider a series of amendments that could improve the bad warrantless wiretapping bill reported from the Senate Intelligence Committee. While there will be a number of provisions designed to limit warrantless wiretapping and protect our civil liberties, the most important vote will be on the amendment offered by Senators Dodd and Feingold to strip retroactive immunity for telecom companies from the bill.
George Bush and Dick Cheney are pushing hard to give their cronies at Verizon and AT&T retroactive immunity. This would stop us from finding out what the Bush administration asked these companies to do and who asked them to act outside of the law.

"It would also prevent the big telecoms from ever being held accountable in a court of law for violating the privacy and rights of millions of Americans."

http://act.credomobile.com/campaign/dodd_feingold


6. Irish & Bags

Even though there's an election on, smaller, personal environmental initiatives still matter. HIlary sends along this fascinating piece from the IHT on how Ireland has gotten rid of the waste and pollution of plastic shopping bags.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/31/europe/bags.php

Remember, if you don't use a recyclable bag, you can take the plastic back for recycling.


8. Friday Night Film Fest

The Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe's Friday Night Progressive Film Fest continues at 7:30pm with:

Fri Feb 8 7:30 pm Adirondack Progressive Film Forum
SOUND AND FURY (2000) Josh Aronson 80 min. RT = 96 %
A documentary that examines the issues surrounding the controversial cochlear implant--the medical technology that, through an operation, allows deaf people to hear. The film follows the Artinian family--adult brothers Chris (hearing) and Peter (deaf), their wives and their children--living in Glen Cove Long Island. Over a two-year period, the camera pays witness to the pain, frustration, and conflicts they encounter as these parents research the pros and cons of giving their children (5-year-old Heather, and 1 1/2-year-old Peter) the operation. At the root of the argument against the operation is the fear that the deaf culture--and American Sign Language--would be lost entirely were the Cochlear implant to become a standard procedure administered to all deaf children. Arguments in favor of the procedure argue that a child who can hear with use of the cochlear implant could participate in hearing schools where they might learn more, learn faster, and never feel that they are disabled and different from other children. This film, with its passionate but entirely objective approach to this difficult subject, will change viewers' ideas about deafness, parenting, medical advancements, and will leave them pondering these ideas for a long time to come.

Also don't miss:
Tue Feb 5 7:30 pm ** SPECIAL EVENT ** Author and journalist, PAUL HOCKENOS, will read from, discuss and sign his latest book.
JOSCHKA FISCHER AND THE MAKING OF THE BERLIN REPUBLIC: An Alternative History of Postwar Germany

Thanks everyone! See you all Wednesday,

Larry

Labels: Democracy For America, Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area, Michelle Obama, New York Primary, Obama, Obama rally, Super Tuesday

- posted by Larry Dudley @ 11:41 AM 0 comments