Duval Democrats Are Back In It To WIN It!!

We're On A Roll!

2011-09-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

The recent victories of Audrey Gibson for State Senate and Alvin Brown for Mayor are both indications that Democrats can win in Duval County. Given our registered voter advantage in Duval County, Democrats ought to win ALL races....that's if we choose to vote.

Democratic turnout has not been consistent over time. However, if we can continuously increase turnout and convince Democrats to consistently vote Party, we can win and win every time!

Keep it up Jacksonville Democrats - we're on a roll!

Back in it to WIN it!

Praise The Progress

2011-05-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

The achievement gap between Whites and students who are Black and Latino is still real. However, a recent article on long-term academic progress has promising data for Black and Latino students. Check it out.

Let's hope the trends are true for Jacksonville. If so, then mayoral hopeful, Alvin Brown's goal to launch a massive effort to hire (from private funds) retired teachers to tutor youth at risk and others will leverage academic success locally and improve career opportunities and the quality of life for many residents. Jacksonville can do this!

With an educated citizenry, Brown's plans to help attract new and grow local businesses is doable. Additionally, if we increase the number of educated youth, we will will decrease the number of youth engaged in criminal acts. It's a triple win.

Alvin Brown has the right ideas and plans to move our city and citizens forward. Vote Alvin Brown during Early Voting (May 2 - 15) or on Election Day, May 17.

Back in it to WIN it!

We Can Do This!

2011-05-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

It seems daily there are moderate Republicans, Moran supporters and others shifting their support to Alvin Brown and away from Mike Hogan. Fund-raisers held in a Avondale business, at Haskell Design-build complex to a private home in Arlington are the latest sites for unlikely citizens coming together to support Alvin Brown.

When the candidate isn't closing deals at fund-raisers, he's soliciting and securing endorsements from business, community and social leaders across Duval County. Alvin Brown is trying his best to live up to his commitment to be the Mayor of ALL Jacksonville citizens. He continues to invite Hogan to give the citizens additional opportunities to see and listen to the candidate lay out their plans for moving Jacksonville forward. However, the invitations fall on deaf ears and disinterested hearts. Instead, Hogan and select Party leaders seem to be circling the wagons around the money and power-elite Republicans who believe they and they alone know what's best for the City and residents of Duval County.

Hogan and his inner circle don't want to publicly disclose and defend the details of The Hogan Bucket List of Cuts. Their plan to win City Hall is to raise enough money to launch a stealth airways-attack and a direct-mail assault to Republicans and Independents with old-school sound-bites and old-days round-sounds with hopes enough people will want to win one more the Party and a legacy name. NOT!

Jacksonville's future is AHEAD of us - not behind us! Alvin's vision is realistic and forward thinking. Hogan's view of Jacksonville is through his rear-view mirror.

Back in it to WIN it!

What To Expect in an Alvin Brown Administration

2011-03-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

The best way to evaluate a candidate is through a careful evaluation of his/her positions on the "issues". Issues are delineated best in the position papers or platform statements all candidates prepare. For a more comprehensive picture of Alvin Brown's position on his key issues, check out his website at www.alvinformayor.

It's fair to say that few candidates consistently present their full platform or the details of their key issues every time they speak publicly. Whether it's at a press conference, in a debate, at a fund-raiser or a constituent 'meet and greet', most candidates - or elected officials - often find it necessary to abbreviate, omit or otherwise limit the number of issues they reference or the degree of details they share. To balance this reality, candidates rely on their prepared position papers to provide the details on their issues.

Democrats have a real shot at ending two decades of Republican domination of the mayor's office in Jacksonville. Learn more about Alvin's plans for our city and our future. Go to www.alvinformayor.

Then, remember to take 10 friends and family members to the polls and vote May 17 - or Early Vote between May 2 - May 15!

Back in it to WIN

Stay On Top Of Things

2011-03-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

Redistricting is a critical issue that warrants our attention and where needed, action. Michigan's Black lawmakers take action into their own hands to ensure the redistricting process works the way it should to protect their gains. Click here to read about their efforts. Let's hope it doesn't come to that in Florida.

Back in it to WIN it!

Victory Is In the Air!

2011-03-24T17:45:00.000-07:00

Alvin Brown's upset victory over two formidable Republicans opponents to secure a run-off slot in the Jacksonville Mayoral race is a sign the times they-are-a-changing for the Democratic Party in Duval County.

With Moran out of the race, a significant Democratic voter advantage and the "night and day" distinctions between Mike Hogan and Alvin Brown, Democrats ought to win this election and win it big. Said another way, if Democrats "choose" to win, then win we will.

Moderate Republicans and Democrats as well as Independents and NPA voters alike can find something to support in Brown. If not - then no complaints about the ultra conservative era Hogan will usher in....starting with killing the green-shoots of rebirth emerging downtown!

Back in it to WIN it!

Are The Repubilcans Serious?

2011-03-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

Is there no end to bad ideas coming from the Republican leadership in Tallahassee? Check out the latest proposal which is opposed by AARP-FL as evidenced in their e-mail blast below.

Then, go "early vote" in the Jacksonville Unitary elctions so we can send some Democrats to office in our city/county.

Back in it to WIN it!

From AARP - Florida:

The Florida Senate is poised to vote this week on a harmful proposal (SJR 958) that could hurt Florida's already struggling public schools, undermine our infrastructure, slow our economic rebound and put decisions about Florida's state budget on autopilot – preventing Florida elected officials from having to take responsibility for state budget decisions.

The idea is called the Florida “Smart Cap.” In fact it's a “dunce cap.” It takes legislators' judgment and voters' input out of state budget-making decisions and binds Florida to a rigid formula based on growth in population plus inflation. Leading Florida newspapers say it's a high-risk strategy. Call 1- 888-222-4121 to speak toll-free with your legislator about this issue.

This is a solution searching fruitlessly for a problem. Florida already has a constitutional revenue cap, which limits state revenues based on Floridians' personal income. Through fiscally conservative management, Florida has never exceeded this cap. Measured as a percentage of personal income, Florida's state tax burden ranks 46th among the 50 states, fourth-lowest in America.

This proposal asks Florida voters to buy into a risky experiment so far enacted in only one state, Colorado. A cap there used a very similar formula, based strictly on growth in population plus inflation.

Results included crumbling infrastructure, disinvestment in education and gaps in even common-sense public health programs like children's vaccinations. Exasperated Colorado voters put the formula on hold for five years. To stop this disaster from happening in Florida, call 1- 888-222-4121to speak toll-free with your legislator.

Last week, a respected national expert from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimated Florida taxpayers could shoulder an additional $35 million a year in borrowing costs as soon as the first year after enactment, even before SJR 958 goes into effect. Lenders demand higher rates when lending to risky borrowers, like Florida would become.

Opposition to SJR 958 is growing. Trusted voices like the League of Women Voters call it a “proven failure.”

Call 1- 888-222-4121 to be connected toll-free to your legislator about SJR 958 or go to www.aarp.org/fl to learn more.

The Woes of Our Economy and the 2012 Budget

2011-02-19T07:04:00.000-08:00

Paul Krugman continues to ring the bell about how to fix the economy. He also attempts to keep people honest when it comes to the things President Obama does "right" - or at least "less wrong" than many others. Check out his recent article.

Back in it to WIN it!

Ingenious or Devious?

2011-02-11T07:18:00.000-08:00

Governor Scott's recent move to 'stall' movement on redistricting is shameful, but apparently legal.

Scott withdrew the required, Voting Rights Act, pre-clearance request which is needed before any new laws affecting voting can be implemented. In essence, Scott is using a procedural tactic to preclude implementation of the redistricting amendment overwhelming approved last Fall by Floridians.

First draconian budget and job cuts and now blocking implementation of citizen approved redistricting efforts. I thought in America, our state CEO's served the people not "screwed" them. But then again maybe Scott plans to rename Tallahassee to Cairo.

Back in it to WIN it!

Wall Street's Rise Lifts Many Boats

2011-02-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

When the Dow dropped two-plus years ago to just over 6000, it was widely stated that many "main street" Americans whose retirement funds were invested in equities were badly affected. Increasingly, President Obama' administration was held accountable for the market drop and the sour state of everyone's retirement funds. However, now that the market is back over 12,000 (see Dow results for Feb. 8, 2011 at: http://money.cnn.com/data/markets/dow/ ) and retirements funds have rebounded nicely, I don't hear a corresponding chorus of credit being attributed to the Obama Administration. It should!

Oddly enough, some people suggest the increase in the Dow shows how cozy the President is to Wall Street - NOT. Let's not be ahistorical, this President has done much to help bring the country out of the worst recession in our history and is trying all at his disposal to kick-start the economy. However, Companies sitting on tons of cash and posting significant profits, but not hiring Americans while banks drag their feet on stopping foreclosures and writing mortgage-redos only adds to the problem. But Republicans and others complained when the President first sought to limit CEO compensation levels at companies receiving bail-outs and stopping bonuses to Wall Street elite performers and senior officers. It seems the President can't win for loosing.

At bottom, the President is effectively managing a difficult period in the life of our country - at home and abroad - and deserves more credit and help from both the Republican, conservative right and the Democratic, liberal left. Additionally, the President and the country also needs more Democrats to solidify our voting strength and return Democrats to power in local and state government and both chambers of the US Congress.

In NE Florida, the return to Democratic rule begins in March with our local elections - VOTE BLUE.

Back in it to WIN it!

Unemployment Moving Down - Celebrate the Good News!

2011-02-04T15:58:00.000-08:00

Let's rejoice with the good news about the unemployment rate going down. Let's also count the steady, albeit modest, increases in new jobs. Just think, not that long ago we were loosing jobs at the rate of several hundred thousand per month! Any gain is better than the huge losses suffered at the height of the recession.

But face it, the Congressional Republicans seem to miss the point and have mislead the public. They campaigned on a promise to make job creation their number one priority. But they haven't focused their energy and actions that way. No job creation bills have been introduced; rather, they have spent their first 30 days passing "show only" votes to undo many of the hard fought bills to help the American people passed by the Democrats - chief among them, health care. Tell Republicans to keep their word and work with the President to create jobs!

Back in it to WIN it!

Diversity Matters!

2011-02-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

According to the recent Census data, communities of color made up roughly 85% of the US population growth in the last decade. The percent is higher for the under-18 population group. Thus, ensuring a larger Democratic voice in future elections if voter registration patterns continue to favor Democrats among the top two, fastest growing minority groups - Hispanics and Blacks. But how will this fact play out in the upcoming redistricting process soon to launch across the United States?

Florida is among several states to have increased representation in the US Congress due to Census data. However, the question remains, how will the Republican-lead government leaders try to influence the process in Tallahassee?

Democrats have long championed the causes of equal and civil rights for all Americans. And we have the right ideas when it comes to a "path to citizenship" for undocumented people living in America. Given these facts, we should focus our voter registration and education efforts accordingly.

We must start now to consistently and convincingly present our Party as best one and the right one for these emerging leaders, consumers, workforce contributors, voters and donors. If successful, the Party will be unstoppable!

Back in it to WIN it!

State Representative Mia Jones Got It Right!

2011-02-02T06:59:00.000-08:00

In Tallahassee, Ms. Jones continues to be a strong Democratic voice for the people. Read what she has to say about working together for positive outcomes for the citizens of Florida.

Vote 'blue' in March and May Unitary elections in Duval County!

Back in it to WIN it!

***********************************************

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, January 31, 2011
CONTACT: Mark Hollis
(850) 488-9622

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC RANKING MEMBER MIA JONES'
REACTION TO FEDERAL HEALTH CARE RULING

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Representative Mia Jones (D-Jacksonville), the Democratic ranking member on the House Health and Human Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to today's federal court ruling concerning the Affordable Care Act.

“Out of concern for thousands of uninsured Floridians, I am deeply disappointed by today's federal court ruling, but I remain confident that federal appeals courts will ultimately uphold the major tenets of the Affordable Care Act.

"I urge opponents of health care reform to look for ways to work in bipartisan fashion to improve our federal and state health care laws by making them better and more affordable. We made just such progress in Florida in our last legislative session when we crafted a better health care bill than the one originally proposed. We must be committed to providing quality preventative healthcare for all Floridians or we can expect to continue pay for these citizens to be served in our emergency rooms at a higher cost.

“I share President Obama's belief that it remains unacceptable for this state and nation to go back to the days when insurance companies were able to deny someone coverage simply because of a pre-existing condition. Rather than spending public funds attempting to way lay health care reforms in our courts, and instead of re-fighting political battles of the last two years, I urge our state and national leaders to fix what needs fixing with the Affordable Care Act so that our state and nation can move forward with a better and more equitable system of health care.”

Representative Jones serves Florida House District 14, which includes parts of Duval County.

Mark Hollis
Communications Director
Democratic Office, Florida House of Representatives
tel: 850-488-9622
cell: 850-385-8573
email: mark.hollis@myfloridahouse.gov

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Are Budge Cuts The "Change" You Wanted?

2011-01-21T17:04:00.000-08:00

Many voters were excited about the "change" last Fall's elections brought to the US Congress and many state governments. Well, I wonder how happy some voters will be once the Republican lead budget cuts hit - nationally and locally. But, you get what you vote for..........right?

Democrats must do better in the upcoming Unitary elections in Jacksonville! With a comfortable registered voter advantage, it can happen in Duval County. The local DEC is gearing up to win. Contact them to see how you can help. Call 904-390-7001 or volunteer on line at: www.duvaldemocrats.org.

Back in it to WIN it!

Progrses Has Been Made - Remember that!

2011-01-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

Folks --

The latest employment report is in, and it shows that we added 1.3 million private-sector jobs over the course of 12 months of consecutive growth in 2010 -- more jobs than were created during all of President Bush's eight years in office.

We added 113,000 private-sector jobs in December, and our unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage points to 9.4 percent. Also, October and November job numbers were revised from original predictions to reflect additional job growth.

While these numbers show that employment continues to grow steadily and that we're headed in the right direction, millions of Americans are still out of work -- and we still have a long way to go toward full recovery.

I've pasted the latest discussion points below -- take a look, and pass them on.

Thanks,

Lynda

Lynda Tran
National Press Secretary
Organizing for America

Discussion Points: December job numbers

-- The American economy has now grown and added private sector jobs for 12 consecutive months. In 2010, private sector employers added 1.3 million jobs -- the greatest year of job creation we've seen since 2006. On top of that, the unemployment rate has now fallen to 9.4 percent.

-- In December, private sector employers added 113,000 jobs. And the estimated number of jobs added in October and November was revised higher.

-- The job creation we're seeing demonstrates that we're heading in the right direction. But the speed of recovery isn't fast enough. President Obama won't be satisfied until every American who wants a job is able to find one, and he is open to any idea -- from Republicans or Democrats -- that will help send Americans back to work.

-- The economic recession left a great deal of destruction behind. More than 8 million jobs were lost. So the task now must be the acceleration of economic growth and hiring. That acceleration depends on making the American economy more competitive, such that we support the growth of new jobs in new industries and train workers to fill those jobs. We've got to keep up the fight for every job, every business, and every chance to support economic growth.

-- There are still millions of Americans who want jobs but aren't able to find them. As President Obama has said over and over again, "The only piece of economic news that people looking for work want to hear is 'you're hired.'" So that's what President Obama and his economic team are focused on every day.

-- There's a great deal of room for common ground: making middle-class tax cuts permanent; new incentives that help businesses expand and hire or enable entrepreneurs to start new enterprises; investments in infrastructure; and support for innovative and growing economic sectors like clean energy. There is also an important job creation role for doubling America's exports over the next five years.

-- The most important competition America faces isn't between Democrats and Republicans. It's the competition between our country and nations around the world for leadership in the global economy. America's success or failure in that contest depends on our ability to overcome political gridlock. Other nations are going forward, and we can't afford to stand still. America's future depends on our putting politics aside and solving problems together -- worrying about the next generation instead of just thinking about the next election.

-- It's also important to note that, despite congressional Republicans' continued insistence that the Affordable Care Act hurts our economy and is killing jobs, America has gained more than 1 million private sector jobs since President Obama signed that legislation into law.

Back in it to WIN it!!!

$10 Billion and Counting!

2010-12-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to Florida!

According to recipeints' reports of stimulus money in the Sate of Florida, over 11 billion dollars have been awarded to Florida. Of that amount, 4 billion dollars have been received. The totals are even higher if you read the federal agency reports.

10 billion of the total has been in the form of grants - not loans! That's a lot of federal money for a state that didn't want to receive any of the funds in the first place. And think about; where would our Republican legislators and Governor found 11 billion dollars to spend on behalf of Florida citizens without raising taxes? And just think, our Senator-elect Rubio and Governor-elect Scott each believe Washington is broken. They better hope it remains 'broken" unless they want to replace 10 billion federal grant dollars with Florida tax dollars!

People need to know the facts about how much the Obama Administration has done for Florida and this country via his economic policies. Yes it's a lot of debt - but more importantly, it's an investment in people and jobs and the future of Florida and the United States at a critical time for both.

We need more responsible political leaders to take the correct bold steps for our collective well being...even if we can't (or won't) see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Back in it to WIN it!

Five Post-Election-Achievements of the "Lame-Duck" Session

2010-12-23T15:30:00.000-08:00

It will be important in future elections for Americans to remember the positive accomplishments of this current "lame-duck" session. Too often we forget the good news and focus on and retell the negative news.

See the digest of the top five, post-election- accomplishments lead by President Obama and Democratic leaders in the House and Senate.

Back in it to WIN it!

Stay Informed So You'll Know The Facts

2010-12-17T20:50:00.000-08:00

The pros and cons about heath care reform still make good headlines. However, it's important to stay on top of the facts as the national conversation - and legal battles - go on. It's also interesting to watch the Republicans back away from previously held positions on which reform components are's good for the country...they do it regularly and certainly have done so in the heath care debate. But President Obama has a couple of back-up options if his Heath Care Plan gets struck down. Many experts on the matter don't believe it will be overturned.

Nonetheless, check out some of the comments made by Gail Wilensky in a recent article on the subject. Wilensky is an economist who ran the Medicare Program under Bush II and is herself a Republican.

On the economic front, the tax cut compromise bill made it to the President's desk. House Minority Leader Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid didn't attend the signing ceremony. Interesting....when will Democrats play as well together as the Republicans do? I love this "fight" in them now, which is well after wimping out earlier when the President wanted the tax cuts for the middle class to stay and cuts for the richest 2% of Americans to end. Well Harry and Nancy , you're a "day late and a dollar short".

But, I'm still excited about Democrats growing a little backbone! Maybe the relatively good economic news of late is helping them.

Stay informed!

Back in it to WIN it!

Plan Ahead For 2011

2010-12-16T06:44:00.000-08:00

We can't let Republicans win 2011 local elections across the country like they did in November 2010. Start planning NOW to win the many local races - school board, city/county council, mayor, chief cop, and others....join your local Democratic Executive Committee (or whatever the local Party organization is called) and then help build and implement campaign strategies to help local Democrat win local offices - ANY office. In Jacksonville, call 904-390-7001 or go to www.duvaldemocrats.org

Also, make sure to encourage friends and colleagues in your social/civic/professional organizations to get involved - your faith home; your professional societies and clubs; your workplace groups, etc...there's power in numbers.

I firmly believe Democrats have the right values, policies and practices needed to lead our country back to greatness. But, we can't lead if we don't win political races. And, we can't win unless we commit ourselves to support our Party and our Party candidates. We need All Hands On Deck to make it work...the environmentalist-Democrats; the right to life-Democrats; the faith community-Democrats; the progressive-Democrats; the anti war-Democrats; the big business/top 2%-Democrats, etc....All Hands On Deck!

My mantra for 2011 is: Back in it to WIN it!

Stop the Republicans' Gift to the Wealthy

2010-12-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

Once again the Repubilcans are positioned to help the wealthy and not help ease the fiscal crisis facing our Country. The Administration's preference to lift the tax ban for the wealthiest 2-3% of Amricans is a resonable path to increasing revenues in the short run and minimizing pain for the middle and lower class citizens. Besides, if "full employment" leaves 3 - 5 percent of Americans unemployment....why can't Republcans accept "tax-breaks for all" that leave out 2-3 percent of Americans -especially the wealthiest ones? But to hold up government actions on other worthy issues facing the Country over tax breaks for the wealthy is just plain bad business - even if they see it as good politics!

Stand with the Democrats in the US House of Representatives!

Check out one article on the topic......

Back in it to WIN it!!

Stay On Top Of Things

2010-11-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

We must stay on top of all the positive accomplishments of the Obama Administration and "tell the good news" to everyone we can. That way, the mis-representations and lies told by the opposition can not fool the American people into believing we're on the wrong path.

Below is the bulk of a recent message on health care from the White House.

Back in it to WIN it!

From the White House......

I asked Nancy-Ann DeParle, the Director of the Office of Health Reform here at the White House, to break down what this means for you and why it's so important:

These new rules will make our health care marketplace more transparent and ensure you get the best value for your premium dollars. And it is just one of the many parts of the Affordable Care Act that are already making our health care system stronger. Here are just a few ways the Affordable Care Act is helping you and your family:

HealthCare.gov. This new website helps you find private health insurance coverage that's right for you and your family and now allows you to compare pricing for the options available to you. In 2014, there will be many more affordable private plan choices.

* Patient's Bill of Rights. Insurance companies can no longer place lifetime limits on your care. If you're a young adult under the age of 26, you can stay on your parents' plan, and if your child has a pre-existing condition, insurance companies can't deny his or her coverage.

* Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. If you have a pre-existing condition and are having a problem finding coverage, the Affordable Care Act created a special insurance plan just for you.

* Help for Small Businesses. If you're a small business owner, you may be eligible for tax credits to help provide insurance for your employees.

* Free Preventive Care. If you're purchasing a new plan, you’ll get preventive care like cancer screenings, well-baby and well-child check-ups, and blood pressure or diabetes tests for free.

These aren't just talking points. These changes are saving people’s lives and saving you money, and we will continue our work to implement this landmark law and make our health care system better for all of us.

Sincerely,
President Barack Obama

P.S. Nancy-Ann's video follows a few others from the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, Austan Goolsbee, who explains some important economic policies. You can see them all here:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/whiteboard

A Grab Bag of Tired Cliches Won't Get The Job Done

2010-11-14T13:32:00.000-08:00

Columnist Thomas Friedman does it again.....a clearly articulated message about the challenges we face as a nation and global community and the inability of some leaders to 'do the right thing'.

He closes his article with a comment about the recent big wins by Republicans. He states - "I don’t mind if Republicans win with fresh new ideas — but not with a grab bag of tired clichés."

Read the full article at: "I Believe I Can Fly".

Back in it to WIN it!

************************

OPINION

November 14, 2010

Op-Ed Columnist: I Believe I Can Fly
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN

There's a lot of shortsightedness going around these days. Just look at the Middle East or the G.O.P.

President Obama Should Hold Tough to His Policies

2010-11-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

The recent election wins by the Republicans should be no reason for President Obama to automatically back off his policies that many Americans support and need. The health care bill helps Americans with pre-existing illnesses secure and keep coverage. College kids can remain on their parents' policies. And there are positive adjustments to the infamous 'doughnut hole' challenge. These and other changes in the education and financial reform legislation, along with multiple tax cuts for small businesses have all helped to get America and many Americans back on track - albeit at a slow pace.

Republicans succeeded in mis-characterizing many of these accomplishments. The Republican threats to repeal much of these accomplishments spells disaster for American moving forward. They must be stopped.

The President must stand firm on many fronts and the American people must stand with him. We can not sink back into the hurtful policies of the past which gave private business special interest groups too much power to keep main street Americans down and out while adding significant wealth to those already at the top who, by comparison, need very little help.

Back in it to WIN it!

We Must Resist Changes in the Heath Care Reform Bill

2010-11-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

Don't mistake Tuesday's election outcomes as a repudiation against all the Obama Administration has done, especially not with regard to heath care. Too much good has already happened and will in the coming months and years all thanks to the bills adopted by this Congress with leadership from President Obama.

We must not let Republicans steal our progress on heath care or other reforms that have not yet had a chance to take firm hold in our economy and lives. We are adding private sector jobs (albeit modest growth) and have been for several months. Major banks repaid their TARP loans WITH INTEREST. The stock market has rebounded from a low in the mid 6,000 to over 11,000. American auto companies are on sound footing and this past October had their best month in many recent quarters of reporting. And small businesses have received at least 8-9 tax breaks on this President's watch. Hardly a track record worth throwing out with the bath water...but then again, I'm not a Republican!

Back in it to WIN it!
Yesterday was obviously a huge day in politics that will have a big impact on health care and other progressive issues. While it was certainly a disappointing day, our collective job is to keep fighting to make sure the new law is fully implemented and fulfills its promise. I know people have lots of questions about the election and health care. For starters, below is a Huffington Post blog entry from HCAN's Ethan Rome on the federal elections.

In Solidarity,
Melinda Gibson

Boehner and the Republicans Didn't Win a Majority to Deny Our Care

Here's a crucial fact that should not be obscured by the ballyhoo surrounding the shift in control of the House: Most of the Republicans who won last night got a lower percentage at the ballot box than the percentage of Americans who support the new health care law's requirement that insurance companies cover people regardless of pre-existing medical conditions.

That's why yesterday was hardly a repudiation of the health care law.

Furthermore, this election was clearly dominated by voter worries about the economy and jobs. Only 19 percent of voters named health care as their top concern, a distant second to the 61 percent most focused on the economy, according to CNN. There were winners and losers among both supporters and opponents of health reform. For example, more than half of the 34 Democrats who voted against the health care legislation still lost their races.

After a wildly toxic political debate over the issue, people are split over the larger question of "reform" and key components of the law enjoy overwhelming public support. Specifically, over the last several months, even as the public has been divided on reform, two-thirds of Americans have supported the outlawing of pre-existing condition exclusions (Anzalone Liszt Research poll conducted for the Herndon Alliance of 1,000 2010 likely voters, conducted April 19-25, 2010. Margin of error +/-3%). For example, while a recent New York Times/CBS poll showed the public split over on the new law, only one-quarter of repeal supporters stuck with their position when told repeal would mean that insurance companies would no longer be required to cover people with medical conditions or prior illnesses.

This is the reality even after a contentious political season marked by an unprecedented deluge of attack ads that spread one lie after another about health reform. In fact, opponents of the new law spent $108 million since March to advertise against it - six times more than supporters.

That's something members of the new Republican majority will have to navigate as they square real-world legislative proposals on health care (if they have any) with their campaign rhetoric about repeal. They may try on Day One to repeal the health care law's individual mandate, but they can't do that without also throwing out the many new consumer protections, including the prohibition on insurers denying people care simply because they're sick or ending lifetime limits on coverage. Both of those provisions are more popular with the American public than the Republicans are.

The Republicans also talk about de-funding the law, interfering with its implementation and holding endless oversight hearings to gratuitously harass Obama administration officials. That's not progress, that's pointless, cynical politics.

We all know that the law is not going to be repealed, so the debate isn't going to be about what gets done--it will be about defining whose side members of Congress are on. For Republican repeal-mongers, that will be clear. They're for the insurance companies and against consumers.

The Republicans want to protect the excessive profits of the insurance companies and the bloated salaries of company CEOs, no matter how badly that hurts America's consumers. That's what repeal means. It means rolling back the clock and letting the insurance companies deny people coverage due to pre-existing conditions and drop people's coverage when they get sick. It means that small businesses will continue paying higher rates for health insurance than big corporations. It means repealing measures to cut down waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare. It means opposing much-needed relief in prescription drug costs for seniors. That's the Republican repeal agenda - the insurance companies get the profits and we get the shaft.

The American people don't want to give our health care back to the insurance companies. Repeal would cause real harm to real people. That may not matter to the Republican majority, but it matters a great deal to the people they now represent.

Bright Spot in Tuesday's Election

2010-11-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

We won and won big on Amendments 5 & 6!

If the League of Women Voters - Florida can hang in there for 30 years on an issue they believe in, then Democrats in Duval County and Florida can do the same when it comes to winning elections.

Back in it to WIN it!

Subject: Victory on Amendments 5 and 6!

Dear League Supporter,

Yesterday, Floridians sent a clear message to Tallahassee through their passage of Amendments 5 and 6. By a decisive victory of over 62%, Florida's voters claimed the right to pick their elected officials instead of allowing those officials to claim their own re-election. The League has worked on this issue for thirty years and, to paraphrase Susan B. Anthony, "failure was not an option"!

On behalf of our board and the citizens of Florida, I extend my heartiest thanks to you for your persistence, your passion, your endless volunteer hours, and your contributions to make this dream a reality. We can all be proud of our efforts!

But make no mistake...the battle is not over. We must remain vigilant to ensure the public is involved in the redistricting process, and that these new rules are followed. With your help, we will press ahead for a Florida government that is truly 'for the people.'

In League,
Deirdre Macnab
President

LWVF would like to send a special recognition to FairDistrictsFlorida.org Campaign Chair, Ellen Freidin, as well as to the rest of the Fair Districts Coalition team: Pam Goodman, LWVF Fair Districts Chair; Caroline Emmons Schramm; Corrine Miller; ALL of our indefatigable local League presidents; our partners at the NAACP, Democracia Ahora, and AARP; and all of you for your willingness to fight to the end for fair representation for all Floridians...THANK YOU!

Pick Ourselves Up, Dust Ourselves Off and Start All Over Again!

2010-11-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

We didn't win big like many Duval County Democrats had hoped. However, overall voter turnout doubled from 24%`to 48%. A quick review of data on the 256 precincts shows 100 precincts had a turnout of at least 50%. Another 99 were between 40 - 49 %. And only 57 were below 40% - and 36 of those were 35% or higher. Go to the Duval County Supervisor of Elections website to review the details of all election results.

Although Kendrick Meek did not prevail in his US Senate race, he beat Charlie Crist in Duval County. Additionally, the precincts he won were the lion-share of those won by Alex Sink in her bid to become Florida's next governor. Sink only managed to win two dozen or so precincts outside the precincts won by Meek.

Disappointed? Yes. But not deterred.

Democrats can win if we work more collaboratively, expand our planning timeline, strengthen volunteer training, increase and leverage our financial resources, enlarge our base of supporters and ultimately turnout 60% of our registered voters!

All of this is achievable. Especially with the fantastic volunteers who turned out to support the Democratic ticket all across Florida and certainly here in Duval County....we couldn't have done all we did without YOU!

We need all of the volunteers to stay with the Party and also join the Duval County Democratic Executive Committee (DCDEC) as we work to build greater organizational capacity and success.

But now, we have to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start all over again...we have some local races to win early next year...namely, the Jacksonville Mayor's Office

So, let's get BACK IN IT TO WIN IT!

Vote The Democratic Ticket on November 2!

2010-10-31T19:09:00.000-07:00

It all boils down to who you vote for.....Come November 2, if all Duval County Democrats vote the straight Party ticket - AND THAT INCLUDES KENDRICK MEEK as well as Alex Sink - our Party can win and win big here. If Democrats repeat the strategy across the state, we can win everywhere else, too!

Don't defeat ourselves by believing Meek can't win....he can if Democrats vote for him - it's that simple.

Now, if Democrats just don't want to vote for him - then own it! But the Party candidate for US Senate from Florida is KENDRICK MEEK - the ONLY DEMOCRAT in the race.......

Vote A Democratic ticket on November 2 and Democrats will win!

We can do this!!!

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Early Voting Is Working

2010-10-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

I was an Early Vote Poll Watcher in a largely Democrat sector of Duval County. At my Early Voting Site, turnout grew by more than 460% from Day 1 to Day 9 - and that was a low turnout site, so I'm told. At any rate, looks like a strong finish for Early Voting and a wave of newly energized voters as we approach the run-up to Election Day!

Fired Up - Ready to Win!

Stay Engaged and Demcorats Will Win!

2010-10-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Everyone is tired but......the phone banking, neighborhood canvassing and volunteer recruitment efforts are paying off across the country and it will pay off here in Florida and Duval County as well.

Check out the embedded message from Jeremy Bird and view the video from Mitch Stewart, OFA Director.

If Democrats vote - Democratic candidates win!

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Last Saturday, we set an ambitious goal of reaching out to 1 million supporters on the ground and on the phones around the country.

We reached out to 1.1 million.

On the doorsteps and on the phones, armed with clipboards and iPhone apps, we talked to the folks who need to hear from us most right now. Those who voted for the first time in 2008, those who hadn't yet articulated their plans to get to the polls on Election Day, and those who weren't planning on making their voices heard in this fall's elections at all -- until now.

And together, we crushed our larger goal of reaching 15 million calls and door-knocks by November 2nd. But the fight's far from over -- and there are still millions who need to hear from us.

With 13 days to go until Election Day, we're ramping up our voter-contact efforts even more.

Check out the strategy update from OFA Director Mitch Stewart to hear the plan moving forward.

Less than two weeks from today, Americans are going to determine the direction this country will take after November 2nd. And this week, we'll continue reaching out to as many of them as possible, having the kinds of conversations we know change elections.

This is how it's done -- and this is how we win.

Let's get moving,

Jeremy

Jeremy Bird

The Wind is at Our Back!

2010-10-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

E-mails, US mail, phone banks and word of mouth actions have all combined to give life and energy to many of us who are backing the Democratic ticket in Florida and around the country. It's exciting to be on a roll!!

We are not letting the Republican rhetoric of mis-truths, mis-statements and mis-characterizations stop our plan to hold on to the United States House and Senate in DC and take over the Governor's seat and other key positions in Tallahassee.

Democrats are coming out to Early Vote. Democrats are canvassing. Democrats are phone banking, And Democrats are talking to work colleagues, family members, church friends and anyone else who'll listen! We are determined to spread the color blue all around the state of Florida.

Don't count Democrats out! Rather, join the fight to win by calling the Duval County DEC - or your County DEC - and volunteer to help Democrats win. Put out your yard signs. Get your bumper stickers on your cars, front doors and notebooks. Wear your Party t-shirts and caps. Make your intentions to win known.

And, of course VOTE. Early Vote began on October 18 in Florida. Vote early so you can help get others to the polls on November 2!

If Democrats vote - up and down the ballot and all around the State - Democratic candidates will win and win big!

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

We Can Win This Thing!

2010-10-15T05:59:00.000-07:00

The Democratic Party has many strong constituent groups, working class Americans (union and non-union), woman, environmentalists, people of color and more. It is true the African-American community remains a staunch supporter.

Once again this demographic seems positioned to help deliver victory in this Fall's elections. This writer, is beating that they will deliver. Not because "all is well" in the Party with regard to relations, but because most Democratic African-Americans believe in the principles, practices and values long held by the Party and will fight for them! And, Blacks aren't the only group of supporters who feel this way. Ask women. Ask Latinos. Ask union workers!

A recent article in Black Politics stresses how African-Americans will be pivotal in at least 20 Congressional races across the country. But, ALL, constituents must turnout in high numbers to cinch the deal. We must focus on what unites us as a Party - not what separates us.

Don't buy into the hype about a Republican "takeover". If you do, you'll help it happen. Just remember, if Democrats vote for Democrats, Democratic candidates win!

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Stay Informed! - Check Out What Law Enforcement Officials Are Saying About Rick Scott

2010-10-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

Stay on top of the truth about what law enforcement officials are saying about Rick Scott. And, vote this election cycle. Too much is at stake to let this election get away from us. Watch the video and share it with your friends and colleagues!

If Democrats vote a Democratic ticket - Democrats win!!

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!!

More Help From Democrats for US Small Businesses!

2010-09-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

It was a good start to the week for American small businesses - the engine for job creation in America!

Democrats passed a key piece of legislation - with very little help from Republicans. It's official - no one can take the Republicans and their new "Pledge to America" seriously when they continue to be the Party of "No" in Congress.

P.S. -- Have questions about the bill? This Wednesday, September 29th, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the White House and OPEN Forum are holding a live Q&A on the impact of this and similar legislation on small businesses. Tune in Wednesday at this link: http://www.openforum.com/whitehouse

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Letter from Organizing For America 9OFA)

Friend --

President Obama just signed the Small Business Jobs Act into law -- providing immediate incentives for businesses to make new investments, expand, and hire new employees.

Starting today, millions of small business owners will be eligible for up to eight new tax cuts, and within weeks, thousands of businesses will finally have access to the credit they desperately need.

The bill also includes key provisions the President has fought for since the beginning of this year:

-- Small businesses receive a tax write-off on the first $500,000 of new equipment investments;

-- More than a million eligible small businesses will be able to make key long-term investments that are subject to zero capital gains taxes;

-- Entrepreneurs who take a chance on a new idea can deduct the first $10,000 of start-up costs; and

-- The self-employed can deduct 100 percent of the cost of health insurance for themselves and their families from self-employment taxes.

You can read more about the legislation here, on the White House's website.

This legislation is an important part of President Obama's and the Democrats' plan to move our economy forward -- and it reinforces the crucial choice facing voters in the upcoming election.

Will you forward this email to the small business owners you know to help spread the word about the change we're making?

Last week, Republicans chose to unveil their "Pledge to America" at the site of the small business Tart Lumber Company in Sterling, Virginia.

Although their pledge mentions small businesses 18 times, it took less than five hours for congressional Republicans to return to the Capitol to vote against this relief for small businesses.

During this difficult time, it's critical that we continue to fight for every American job, every American small business, and every chance to boost America's economy.

Instead, Republicans have shown they're comfortable putting partisan politics ahead of hard-working families and businesses -- even those, like Tart Lumber, that they happily use for political grandstanding.

It's wrong. But we're proving once again that, together, we can defeat partisan obstructionism, and today we celebrate a great victory for America's small businesses.

Thanks for all you do,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- Have questions about the bill? This Wednesday, September 29th, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the White House and OPEN Forum are holding a live Q&A on the impact of this and similar legislation on small businesses. Tune in Wednesday at this link: http://www.openforum.com/whitehouse

Let's Not Forget What Excited Us In 2008

2010-09-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Although times are difficult, we must remember that much has been accomplished since that wonderful Fall night in November of 2008 when we elected a new President of the United States. Read the words of one voter who captures the challenges faced, opportunities sought and accomplishments met by our President.

Let his words reignited your 'hope' and sustain your support for this President and his work on behalf of a nation in need.

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

FRANK SCHAEFFER: Frank Schaeffer is a New York Times best selling author.

Obama Will Triumph -- So Will America

By Frank Schaeffer

Before he'd served even one year President Obama lost the support of the easily distracted left and engendered the white hot rage of the hate-filled right. But some of us, from all walks of life and ideological backgrounds -- including this white, straight, 57-year-old, former religious right wing agitator, now progressive writer and (given my background as the son of a famous evangelical leader) this unlikely Obama supporter -- are sticking with our President.

Why?-- because he is succeeding.

We faithful Obama supporters still trust our initial impression of him as a great, good and uniquely qualified man to lead us. Obama's steady supporters will be proved right. Obama's critics will be remembered as easily panicked and prematurely discouraged at best and shriveled hate mongers at worst.

The Context of the Obama Presidency

Not since the days of the rise of fascism in Europe , the Second World War and the Depression has any president faced more adversity. Not since the Civil War has any president led a more bitterly divided country. Not since the introduction of racial integration has any president faced a more consistently short-sighted and willfully ignorant opposition - from both the right and left.

As the President's poll numbers have fallen so has his support from some on the left that were hailing him as a Messiah not long ago; all those lefty websites and commentators that were falling all over themselves on behalf of our first black president during the 2008 election.

The left's lack of faith has become a self-fulfilling "prophecy"-- snipe at the President and then watch the poll numbers fall and then pretend you didn't have anything to do with it!

Here is what Obama faced when he took office-- none of which was his fault:

# An ideologically divided country to the point that America was really two countries

# Two wars; one that was mishandled from the start, the other that was unnecessary and immoral

# The worst economic crisis since the depression

# America 's standing in the world at the lowest point in history

# A country that had been misled into accepting the use of torture of prisoners of war

# A health care system in free fall

# An educational system in free fall

# A global environmental crisis of history-altering proportions (about which the Bush administration and the Republicans had done nothing)

# An impasse between culture warriors from the right and left

# A huge financial deficit inherited from the terminally irresponsible Bush administration.

And those were only some of the problems sitting on the President's desk!

"Help" from the Right?

What did the Republicans and the religious right, libertarians and half-baked conspiracy theorists -- that is what the Republicans were reduced to by the time Obama took office -- do to "help" our new president (and our country) succeed? They claimed that he wasn't a real American, didn't have an American birth certificate, wasn't born here, was secretly a Muslim, was white-hating "racist", was secretly a communist, was actually the Anti-Christ, (!) and was a reincarnation of Hitler and wanted "death panels" to kill the elderly!

They not-so-subtly called for his assassination through the not-so- subtle use of vile signs held at their rallies and even a bumper sticker quoting Psalm 109:8. They organized "tea parties" to sound off against imagined insults and all government in general and gathered to howl at the moon. They were led by insurance industry lobbyists and deranged (but well financed) "commentators" from Glenn Beck to Rush Limbaugh.

The utterly discredited Roman Catholic bishops teamed up with the utterly discredited evangelical leaders to denounce a president who was trying to actually do something about the poor, the environment, to diminish the number of abortions through compassionate programs to help women and to care for the sick! And in Congress the Republican leadership only knew one word: "No!"

In other words the reactionary white, rube, uneducated, crazy American far right,combined with the educated but obtuse neoconservative war mongers, religious right shills for big business, libertarian Fed Reserve-hating gold bug, gun-loving crazies, child-molesting acquiescent "bishops", frontier loons and evangelical gay-hating flakes found one thing to briefly unite them: their desire to stop an uppity black man from succeeding at all costs!

"Help" from the Left?

What did the left do to help their newly elected president? Some of them excoriated the President because they disagreed with the bad choices he was being forced to make regarding a war in Afghanistan that he'd inherited from the worst president in modern history!

Others stood up and bravely proclaimed that the President's economic policies had "failed" before the President even instituted them! Others said that since all gay rights battles had not been fully won within virtually minutes of the President taking office, they'd been "betrayed"! (Never mind that Obama's vocal support to the gay community is stronger than any other president's has been. Never mind that he signed a new hate crimes law!)

Those that had stood in transfixed legions weeping with beatific emotion on election night turned into an angry mob saying how "disappointed" they were that they'd not all immediately been translated to heaven the moment Obama stepped into the White House!

Where was the "change"? Contrary to their expectations they were still mere mortals!

And the legion of young new supporters was too busy texting to pay attention for longer than a nanosecond. "Governing"?! What the hell does that word, uh, like mean?"

The President's critics left and right all had one thing in common: impatience laced with little-to-no sense of history (let alone reality) thrown in for good measure. Then of course there were the white, snide know-it-all commentators/talking heads who just couldn't imagine that maybe, just maybe they weren't as smart as they thought they were and certainly not as smart as their president. He hadn't consulted them, had he? So he must be wrong!

The Obama critics' ideological ideas defined their idea of reality rather than reality defining their ideas-say, about what is possible in one year in office after the hand that the President had been dealt by fate, or to be exact by the American idiot nation that voted Bush into office. twice!

Meanwhile back in the reality-based community - in just 12 short months -- President Obama:

#Continued to draw down the misbegotten war in Iraq
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Thoughtfully and decisively picked the best of several bad choices regarding the war in Afghanistan
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Gave a major precedent-setting speech supporting gay rights
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Restored America 's image around the globe
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Banned torture of American prisoners
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Stopped the free fall of the American economy
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Put the USA squarely back in the bilateral international community
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Put the USA squarely into the middle of the international effort to halt global warming
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Stood up for educational reform
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Won a Nobel peace prize
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Moved the trial of terrorists back into the American judicial system of checks and balances
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Did what had to be done to start the slow, torturous and almost impossible process of health care reform that 7 presidents had failed to even begin
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Responded to hatred from the right and left with measured good humor and patience
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Stopped the free fall of job losses
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Showed immense personal courage in the face of an armed and dangerous far right opposition that included the sort of disgusting people that show up at public meetings carrying loaded weapons and carrying Timothy McVeigh-inspired signs about the "blood of tyrants" needing to "water the tree of liberty".
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

#Showed that he could not only make the tough military choices but explain and defend them brilliantly
(But that wasn't good enough for his critics)

Other than those "disappointing" accomplishments -- IN ONE YEAR -- President Obama "failed"! Other than that he didn't "live up to expectations"!

Who actually has failed......are the Americans that can't see the beginning of a miracle of national rebirth right under their jaded noses. Who failed are the smart ass ideologues of the left and right who began rooting for this President to fail so that they could be proved right in their dire and morbid predictions. Who failed are the movers and shakers behind our obscenely dumb news cycles that have turned "news" into just more stupid entertainment for an entertainment-besotted infantile country.

Here's the good news: President Obama is succeeding without the help of his lefty "supporters" or hate-filled Republican detractors!

The Future Looks Good

After Obama has served two full terms, (and he will), after his wisdom in moving deliberately and cautiously with great subtlety on all fronts -- with a canny and calculating eye to the possible succeeds, (it will), after the economy is booming and new industries are burgeoning, (they will be), after the doomsayers are all proved not just wrong but silly: let the record show that not all Americans were panicked into thinking the sky was falling.

Just because we didn't get everything we wanted in the first short and fraught year Obama was in office not all of us gave up. Some of us stayed the course. And we will be proved right.

PS. if you agree that Obama is shaping up to be a great president, please pass this on and hang in there! Pass it on anyway to ensure that his "report card" gets the attention it deserves.

- end -

Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) Stopped in the Senate

2010-09-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

If unhappy LGBT Democrats and others what a shot at repealing DADT in the next Congress - everyone better vote a full Democratic ballot on November 2. If Democrats loose their 59 seat advantage in the US Senate, it will be nearly impossible to see how DADT will ever be passed.

Click here for the full story on DADT in DiversityInc on-line.

So many other critical gains are also at stake if Democrats loose this Fall. So, don't let it happen! I believe Democrats in Congress have learned their lesson - play well together or loose all together! Let's give them one last chance to redeem themselves. I think they're ready to do the people's business as we the people want it done. And, only Democratic representatives in Congress can be counted on to deliver on Democratic goals. Certainly not Republicans.

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!!!

Al Gore Supports Kendrick Meek - And So Should Florida!

2010-09-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

Former Vice President and environmentalist, Al Gore, supports Kendrick Meek's bid to become the next Senator from Florida. He's among many national, state-wide and local leaders to endorse Meek.
Now all we need is for Florida voters, Democrats, and others to do the same. He's the best candidate for the job.

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Here's what the Vice President had to say recently:

Florida has had its share of close elections, but this Senate race really ought to be a landslide. And it would be if people just look hard at the facts.

Kendrick Meek is the only one in this race who has consistently opposed offshore drilling. He is the only one who will ensure that we all have quality health care, and the only one who will focus on helping working Americans, rather than wealthy corporations.

Here is the bottom line: We have to help make sure Florida voters have all the facts about Kendrick and his opponents.

We've got just 42 days until Election Day, and Kendrick needs your help so he can keep his ads on the air and tell it like it is. His opponents are getting all the help they need - from corporations and special interests. Kendrick relies on you--his grassroots supporters. He needs you to make a donation today so he can raise $75,000 before the critical September 30 end-of-quarter deadline.

Click here to make an immediate donation to Kendrick's campaign. He needs his grassroots supporters to help him raise $75,000 by the September 30 deadline.

As you know, I'm working hard to raise awareness about the serious threats

As you know, I'm working hard to raise awareness about the serious threats to our environment. One reason it's so hard is because the polluters don't want any protections for the environment that might reduce their profits, so they have managed thus far to kill climate change legislation that would have protected our children and grandchildren.

Unlike his opponents, Kendrick Meek never has been and never will be in the pocket of these special interests. He was against offshore drilling long before the terrible oil spill in the Gulf, and he's always worked to protect our beaches and wildlife, research and develop energy sources like solar power, and promote a better environment.

With Kendrick in the U.S. Senate, we can rest assured that there's somebody in Washington looking out for us. But that will happen only when he can raise the funds to stay on the air until Election Day--just 42 days away. You are an integral part of Kendrick's campaign because he relies on you for support, not oil companies and special interests.

Once people get the facts, the choice will be clear and Kendrick Meek will be the new United States Senator from Florida. With your help today, we can make sure the facts get out.

Sincerely,

Al Gore

Democrats Deliver Help to Small Businesses

2010-09-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

Too often, people seem to miss the articles detailing the good work done by Senate Democrats and President Obama's Administration on behalf of American small businesses.

Well, in case you missed it, here's an article about another "win" for the small businesses lead by US Senate Democrats in Washington DC. Take time to share this news with others...it can mean the difference between them voting on November 2 or not.

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

What Does $9 Billion in Stimulus Money Get Florida?

2010-09-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

Who says this President and his Administration has done nothing to help Florida during this economic slump?

ANSWER: Only the disingenuous and uninformed.

According to government records, since February 2009, Florida has been awarded $9.4 billion dollars. $3.3 billion has been received. Jobs reported by recipients totals 40,604. If you want to see more details on the projects - even those in your neighborhood - click here.

If you want to know more about the plans to secure and spend the $6.1 billion not yet received; contact the Republican Governor and Republican Leadership in Tallahassee for answers. Can you imagine all economic good and budget stretching this funding buys Florida? ANSWER: Lots!

Yes, Democrats in Washington spend - but $9.4 billion of that spending is invested in Florida schools, roads, public service, public servants and more. While the Republican Governor and Republican Leadership in Tallahassee were struggling over how to cut services to the citizens while preserving wealth for the rich, Democrats in Washington - helped by Florida Congresswoman Corrine Brown and Congressman Kendrick Meek - were assisting President Obama fashion a stimulus bill to bail-out Florida.

So, who deserves your vote this November? ANSWER: Democrats - right!

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Why Vote for Alex Sink? - Have You Read About Rick Scott Lately?

2010-09-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

If you haven't taken the time to read about why Alex Sink is good for Florida; at least read why Rick Scott is not!

Click here for details.

Fired Up Ready to WIN!!!

News Anchors Must Be Honest Brokers of Facts

2010-09-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

News anchors must do a better job in brokering facts. If not, the American public can be easily mislead on the facts behind critical and sensitive issues facing our nation. A misinformed public is a misinformed electorate and we can't afford to have a misinformed public going into the Fall 2010 election cycle.

For Democrats, we must recognize the broad-based accomplishments of this Administration, From an historic effort to stop the economic hemoriging; passing responsible health care and financial reforms; extracting troops from Iraq and restarting face-to-face peace talks on the Middle East; much has been done - but much to do. At bottom, albeit slow and not perfect, we are moving in the right direction. And most was accomplished WITHOUT REPUBLICAN SUPPORT.

Don't let the Republican Party of NO increase their strength in the US Congress or maintain control in the State of Florida. Vote the ENTIRE Democratic ballot in November.

Fired UP - Ready to WIN!

The slow rate of employment growth is as much a result of business leaders deciding NOT TO HIRE as it is due to alleged challenges in national priorities and policies. Similarly, home mortgage modifications are slow because financial institutions - flush with money - are not approving modifications or loans to small businesses which are the economic engines in the American business sector.

But how are these bad practices and outcomes the sole responsibility of the Obama Administration? Well, they aren't. The fact is this Administration has worked tirelessly on multiple critical issues in its first two years. Fox News this morning had guests that characterized the Obama stimulus and health care legislation passed as historically unparallelled accomplishments. Other guests reminded listeners that the President has managed to appropriately connect the dots (foreign affairs, military actions and the domestic economy) in a series of decisions and proposed legislation to move the country forward. Yet another guest acknowledged and underscored the heavy lifting this President and Administration has been doing for the past 18 month on peace in the Middle East. Of course, other guests rejected each of these claims - but it wouldn't be good TV news theatre without disagreement.

But that's the problem - this isn't theatre it's real life. Thus, news anchors, pundits and talking heads must commit themselves to informing the public through accurate reporting of facts not entertaining us or slanting the outcomes. It's true the employment rate of grow this slow. But is also a fact that it's moving in the right direction, albeit slow. But when you move from loosing 750,000 jobs per month to growing even 61,000 in a thirty day period, that's movement in the right direction. When media guests confirm Congress has passed multiple tax breaks for small businesses on this Presidnet's watch, then it's not accurate to suggest this Administration is anti small businesses or is coming late to the game of minimizing taxes on small businesses.

When the bail-out money to select big-banks has been repayed plus interest, it's not accurate to suggest the American people got nothing for the bail-out investment. But if these same banks with billions in cash on hand decide not to modify mortgages or make loans to small businesses, hold them accountable. Get in their faces about changing their practices. Remember, many Republicans and general Americans felt it inappropriate for the government to get involved with the day-to-day operation of American businesses. Even the salary limits on senior bank officials driven by this Administration were met with opposition by some in Congress.

Don't change the leadership in Washington DC - change it in Tallahassee!

Democrats Must Stay Focused on Party Candidates to Win In November

2010-09-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

Florida Democrats - and Democrats elsewhere - must not find excuses to vote outside the Party in the Fall 2010 elections. To do so is a sure formula to lose in November.

If Democrats vote in Florida elections....Democrats can win!!

Recent news reports say some State House Democrats are pledging support for Charlie Crist - our Republican sitting Governor who left his party to run as an independent for the Florida US Senate seat. Now, the GOP candidate for Governor, Rick Scott, has chosen an African American female as his running mate and talks suggest some Black Democrats will 'jump ship' and vote accordingly. See the news story for more on this selection.

Anyway you slice it, a former Republican seeking the US Senate seat who can't or won't declare which Party he'll caucus with in DC and a Black female, Republican, Lt Governor candidate DO NOT DEMOCRATS MAKE! In the case of Crist, how any Democratic Legislator can support him when he has not publicly committed to caucus with the Democratic Senators seems incredible. Nonetheless, they seem comfortable with the possibility of simply preserving a Republican Senate seat through their support of Crist.

Who knows what an African American female on the GOP ticket for Florida Governor and Lt Governor means. However, the 2008 Presidential elections not withstanding, history tells us that Black Americans (regardless to Party affiliation) don't automatically or predictably vote "color"....just ask Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton Shirley Chisolm, Carol Mosley Braun or Alan Keys. Each ran for US President and did not secure the Black vote. It most likely will not happen in the Florida race for Governor either.

Meek Reception in Jacksonville Was a High Energy Event

2010-08-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

Congressman Meek fired up a crowd of over 150 supporters at a reception in his honor at the IBEW Hall in downtown Jacksonville Sunday, August 20, 2010. Duval County DEC chair, Travis Brides, introduced him as the "next US Senator from Florida"...it drew loud applause from the crowd.

The Party nominee for US Senate reiterated his platform positions and urged everyone present to redouble their efforts to get out the vote in November. He reiterated and reconfirmed his long standing commitment to all the people of Florida...regardless to color, gender, religion, economic status, veterans, women etc. He ended his time in Jacksonville placing hand-signed, bumper stickers to the autos of those assembled at the reception.

Recent polls show Meek holds a slight lead over rival Charlie Crist, current Governor of Florida. Check out a recent news story in Newsweek for more details on Meek's win and the Fall race.

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Duval County and Florida Democrats Should Keep The Faith!

2010-08-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

According to early news reports. Duval County voter turnout was around 22%. In spite of a low voter turnout in Duval County, a very talented and impressive slate of strong Democrats have advanced to the General Elections in November. Lead by Alex Sink, Dan Gelber, Kendrick Meek and Corrine Brown, Democrats have an excellent chance to change the face of leadership in Tallahassee and maintain control in Washington DC. But only if Democrats 'keep the faith'.

To view election outcomes in your area, check out your Supervisor of Elections website. In Duval County, click here

State-wide, more Republicans turned out to vote this cycle than Democrats. However, Democrats have 70 plus days to fire up our voters and get them to cast their vote in the General Election. We can register more new voters. We can help voters register to 'vote by mail' for those voters who are unlikely or unable to go to the polls in November. We can implement 'get out the vote' (GOTV)strategies to get more voters to the polls on election day. And, we must not underestimate the unshakable commitment and sustained political engagement of the Florida Young Democrats.

We must not let comments by political pundits and talking heads or media news reports about potential Republican takeovers in the US House and Senate through Democrats off our game. Don't fall victim to these influences at the local level either! Democrats must stay focused on what it takes to win - and that's voter turnout.

If pundits declare the opposition candidate a winner in a debate - so what - JUST VOTE BLUE!

If political talking heads speculate that a three-way race for Florida's US Senate seat positions Governor Crist to pick-off Democratic voters - so what - JUST VOTE BLUE!

If political experts and strategists suggest Democrats believe in socialism - reject that claim. Tell them that Democrats believe in SHARED RESPONSIBILITY...then VOTE BLUE in November!

If Florida Democrats turnout to vote, and vote the entire ballot, Democratic candidates will win.

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Florida Wins Race to the Top Grant

2010-08-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

Florida secures a "Race to the Top" award in the second round of funding from the US Department of Education. Click here to read the article in The Washington Post.

Now, all we need is to give Democrats control of our State Legislature to best manage the money and educational reforms needed to ensure the future and vitality of our State and our citizens! We know what Republican leaders in Tallahassee want to do about teachers and their pay - remember SB 6? Well, it was rejected by working and retired educators, union workers, many citizens and the sitting Governor! We can't trust them to do the right thing with the "Race to the Top" dollars.

Let's take back the Florida Legislature and the Governor's Office this Fall. Vote today for all the top Democrats on Florida ballot. Then vote again in November! If the majority of FL Democrats vote - Democrats win in Florida. That's how it works!

Take someone to the Polls before they close today!

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!!!!!

Republicans Must Be Running Scared, But Still Offer Crazy Ammendments, Arguments and Ideas

2010-08-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

Democrats have a chance to change the political landscape in Florida and the national scene in DC. How? If we just go out and vote this primary season and again in November in the General Election races. We have have the registered voter edge and the right position on key policy matters.

Republicans still seem to think their way is best on every issue. Take the redistricting issue in Florida. Amendment 7 was removed from the ballot remember? Well, Republican, Dean Cannon wants it back on. He is trying to get the high court to reverse the decision. Check out the news article on the subject. Go to: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2010/08/cannon-to-supremes-give-us-amendment-7-back.html

When will we Floridians get it...the Republicans are committed to 'Republican control' not 'governance for the people!' It's time to change our political leadership in Tallahassee and Duval County! And while we're at it, let's send a Democrat to Washington as the junior US Senator from Florida!!!!

Democrats cannot be scared away from the polls by big money in local and statewide races. Nor can we be disheartened about our preferred candidates by four-color attack pieces from the competition. THE ONLY THING THAT COUNTS IN AN ELECTION IS YOUR VOTE. Not how many negative ads you read or saw. Not how many people seem to be worried about outcomes. Not how many yard signs or bumper stickers you see or don't see. YOUR VOTE COUNTS - so go to the polls and VOTE. That's job 1 - 2- 3! Go VOTE this month. Jobs 4 - 5 - 6 is to also get other Democrats and like thinking voters to the polls. And, jobs 7 - 8 - 9 & 10 is to do it all again in November General Elections!!!

If enough votes are cast for the right Democratic candidates for local School Boards, FL House and Senate races, Governor, CFO, US Senate... then, Democrats will win. It's as simple as that. Don't sit this one out.

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Exercise Your Right to Vote

2010-08-12T19:27:00.000-07:00

Please make every effort to get to the polls this month for FL primary races and again in November for the General Election. If Florida Democrats vote, Democrats can win and win big - Statewide!!!

For information on Early Voting locations and times as well as the Precinct changes resulting in some new Polling locations for the General Election in November, please visit http://www.duvalelections.com/ for detailed information. If you are not aware of where and when to vote, you may lose out and Democrats have less a chance to turn NE Florida BLUE.

Therefore each citizen must educate him/herself on the recent precinct changes and new polling locations so you will not be left out of the voting process in November.

Don't let confusion over postage amounts for vote-by-mail ballots, new precincts and new polling locations keep us from winning elections for Democrats!

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Quote to Share..............

2010-08-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Duval County FL Democrats:

There are lots of great quotes out there....but here's one that one of our readers found particularly good and thought we should share on our DEC Website Blog - I agree with one edit - I believe too many 'rank-n-file' citizens of both parties as well as some 'elites' share the sentiments advanced in the quote.

"This is a nation where citizens are politically divided, distracted, uninterested, and submissive, and where 'elites' are happy to keep them that way."---Paul Street, historian

Remember - In Duval County and across the State of Florida, if Democrats turn out and vote Party and vote the ENTIRE ballot- we can win elections! Let's make it happen later this month and again in November.

Ain't nothing to it but to do it! Go Vote!

Fired UP - Ready to WIN!

A More Perfect Way Forward

2010-07-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

Below is a response to a recent e-mail sent by CREDO Action - a strong, grassroots, progressive organization that I respect!

**************
July 22, 2010

On balance I support the work of CREDO Action. I have signed on-line petitions, letters, etc. I have also forwarded countless items to friends, family and colleagues. I have also posted CREDO Action items to my personal Facebook Page.

I am concerned, however, that due to rising disagreement with some actions, inaction, positions on issues, etc. of the Obama Administration, CREDO Action seems to be increasingly more an attack voice than advocate of the Administration. No matter what your differences are with the Obama Administration, on balance, it's still more aligned with bedrock democratic principles than the Republican Party will ever be.

Although not perfect, the many significant accomplishments of this Administration, just two years into it's tenure, have been unparalleled in many ways to previous Administrations. The sheer magnitude, diversity and complexity of the challenges facing our country are staggering, overdue for attention and very little time left to correct the messes. Add to this, the reality of an extremely over-polarized Congress and a Democratic Caucus that can't seem to work together in the Senate, and you have a situation worthy of concern but not contempt.

Unfortunately, I am beginning to see organizations such as CREDO Action seeming to place their own agendas and time lines for action/accomplishment - alb them laudable in many instances - above the realities of the difficulties to govern in a highly charged political environment. And doing so in such a manner that the Republicans need only use your words and conclusions to successfully make the case against the Democratic Party and our candidates - incumbents or new Democrat-Progressives - in the upcoming primaries and general election this Fall. With your help, the Republicans can win in the Fall! Don't play into that trap - please!!

Regardless how difficult, I respectfully encourage CREDO Action, Firedoglake, MoveOn.org and other wonderfully committed, progressive-democratic organizations to rethink your strategies on how you publicly frame and ultimately share your understandable frustration with the Administration. But never forget, a loss for this Democratic Administration and the Democratic Party in general, is a loss for CREDO Action.

Republicans don't need your help to soil or otherwise weaken the Democratic Party's image and mass appeal. And the Republican Party WILL NOT embrace any of your issues if they increase or take control of Congress - on that you can be sure!

Therefore, I respectfully suggest you take a deep breath and think harder to finds ways to successfully strengthen and align the work of this Administration and the Democratic Party with your goals. I believe CREDO Action can ultimately find an avenue to follow that can move the Administration closer to your goals without destroying the control Democrats currently hold over two of the three pillars of power in our Republic; namely, the Legislative and Executive branches of our government.

There must be a win-win solution out there. As people and organizations with shared values and hopes for our country, let's seek and find it together.

For more on CREDO Action, check them out on-line at: http://www.credoaction.com/

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Finally - Financial Reform - And Democrats Delivered It!

2010-07-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

Stay on top of what the Obama Administration is doing on behalf of the American public. Read the White House website for the official version of this Administration's position on Bills and other initiatives.

Then, of course you should seek additional sources to augment your knowledge and understanding. BUT start with the White House version! Don't just read what media outlets, talking heads and pundits say and accept how they frame the issues. Be an informed citizen and voter! If you aren't, the Republic is at risk of failure through our own ignorance and penchant for arguing from an UNINFORMED position or perspective.

The stakes are too high to be uninformed. Democrats must be informed and engaged if we are to hold the House and Senate this Fall - WHICH WE CAN DO IF WE STICK TOGETHER AND VOTE FOR THE BEST DEMOCRATS on ballots across this country.

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Take a moment and read the Vice President's comments on the Financial Reform Bill...

Good afternoon,

Today, President Obama signed into law the most sweeping reforms of our financial system since the Great Depression and the strongest consumer protections in history.

We've put together a video that walks through what the bill means for the American people:

Here are a few highlights:

There's now a single agency responsible for looking out for consumers: the Bureau for Consumer Financial Protections. Instead of seven agencies dealing with these issues part-time, one agency will be in charge of establishing clear rules of the road for banks, mortgage companies, payday lenders and credit card lenders.

Mortgage brokers won't make a higher commission by selling people mortgages that they can't afford. This was a major factor in the recent housing crisis. Now brokers and banks have to take into consideration a borrower's ability to repay before giving a home loan.

You’ll be able to get a free credit score if you’re denied a loan, an apartment, or a job because of your credit, so you won’t be turned down without knowing why. Right now, you get one free credit report a year, but you can’t see your credit score for free, even if a lender or employer rejects your application because you have bad credit.

No more bailing out banks with our tax dollars, no more "too big to fail." If a company's in trouble because of risky gambles, it will have to liquidate -- and do so before it can take down the rest of the financial system.

To learn more and watch the video,
head over to WhiteHouse.gov: http://www.whitehouse.gov/WallStreetReformVideo

Yesterday, under pressure from the President, the Senate overcame a partisan minority and took an important step toward passing an extension of unemployment insurance. We need to keep the pressure on to ensure that there are no more delays and that this assistance gets to our friends and neighbors who lost their jobs during this crisis as soon as possible.

Their struggles are a staggering reminder of how much damage has been done and how many families have had it so tough for so long now -- in no small part due to reckless greed and irresponsibility hundreds or thousands of miles away on Wall Street.

The problem was that year after year, decade after decade, Wall Street gained more and more power in Washington, and they and their allies in Congress fought with everything they had to derail these reforms -- but this time there was a President who fought back, and this time they lost.

Let me tell you something: This President has been fighting for the middle class since Day 1. He stood strong for the Recovery Act that's created or saved 3 million jobs and cut taxes for 95 percent of working families. He fought tooth and nail against the insurance companies to pass health reform after seven previous presidents failed. And now the middle class has won out over the Wall Street lobbyists.

Wall Street reform is a big deal -- and it's only the latest major step forward for the American people.

Sincerely,

Joe Biden
Vice President

P.S. If you've made it this far, I know you're interested in Wall Street reform. Check out the video, and share it with folks who might find it helpful:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/WallStreetReformVideo

President and America Get Wall Street Refom

2010-07-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

Wall Street reform was a hard fought battle. Like most other Bills, Democrats didn't get all we wanted and had to settle for some things we didn't want. However, this is still much better than the "business as usual" the other side seemed hell-bent on having.

Check out the video of the Presidents remarks on this critical milestone

Americans should pause a moment and really take in all the positive, forward movement on the economic recovery front (albeit slow), health care advances and now financial reforms that have happened on this President's watch. This President is not afraid of the difficult choices and the unpopular nature of some decisions in the eyes of some people. Rather, he is committed to moving the ball forward on the many fronts he pledged during his campaign - some of which have been painful to experience. Not every bill passed or budget approved have been perfect or easy to accept, but they have been necessary!

Stand with the President and Democratic Party, it's still the best political team we've got!

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!!!

US Senate Candidate Comparisons from Florida Trends

2010-07-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

Check out the simple comparisons of the four, major candidates running for US Senate from Florida.

Remember - only a Democrat can truly advance and support the overarching and bedrock policies, values, practices and preferences of the Democratic party. We may not all agree on every detail or point of emphasis on every issue...but Democratic principles in general still trump those of the other political parties.

The best way to keep those principles in play is to elect Democrats...not recently returned to the Party Democrats, nor, non-affiliated, former Republicans....but rather long serving Democrats. There's only one of those in the US Senate race in Florida!! But let's be clear....we want a Democrat to win in the Fall General Election.

Check out the comparisons at:

http://www.floridatrend.com/law_article.asp?cName=Law and Government&rName=Capitol Trend&whatID=1&aID=53179

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Health Car Reform is Working.......

2010-07-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

Check out this update on the outcomes to date of the health care reform initiative. In spite of what was not in the legislation, lots of needed change s have gone live and literally thousands of Americans are getting the relief they needed.

MoveOn.org has been tracking results. Check out their recent letter to members and friends.
Dear MoveOn member,

Winning health care reform was the biggest progressive victory in a generation—and it would never have happened without your hard work and dedication.

So this holiday weekend, we wanted to share some happy news: the latest on how the new health care law is shaping up. Check it out—and feel seriously proud for helping make this happen.

The big news so far:

This week, www.HealthCare.gov a new online portal where anyone can go to find insurance options in their state, went live. It's a very handy resource for information that used to be difficult to find. It's available to help millions who need insurance find it, and as a resource for those who want to shop around for new options or find out their new benefits under the new law.

States are starting to create new insurance pools for hundreds of thousands of people with serious medical conditions who had previously been unable to get insurance. Federal grants to help with setup are on their way to states right now.1

In June, 80,000 checks were mailed to seniors to help with prescription drug costs not covered by Medicare. By the end of the year, an estimated 4 million checks will go out.2

And of course, many of the key insurance reforms—allowing young adults to stay on their parents' insurance until age 26, and making it illegal to deny a child or baby insurance because of a "pre-existing condition"—have already started to take effect.3

Now, many of the major reforms—the new health insurance exchanges, an end to pre-existing condition discrimination for adults, and more—have yet to go into effect. And of course there's more work to be done to fight for truly universal health care and a public health insurance option.

But the changes so far will help literally millions of people get or keep insurance. And the work you and millions of other MoveOn members did is a huge reason why. And that's just pretty great.

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend. And thanks, as always, for all that you do.

–Kat, Jeff, Duncan, Milan, Anna, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "'High-risk' pool medical insurance program set to begin," The Los Angeles Times, July 1, 2010

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=89299&id=21542-17185445-1dABPIx&t=1

"D.C., Md. and Va. to get $207 million to operate high-risk insurance pools," The Washington Post, July 1, 2010

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=89300&id=21542-17185445-1dABPIx&t=2

2. First 'doughnut hole' checks go to seniors to help with Medicare prescription shortfalls

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_15291641

3. "Insurers to Comply With Rules on Children," The New York Times, March 30, 2010

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=89301&id=21542-17185445-1dABPIx&t=3

"Health care reform begins to be felt," The Modesto Bee, June 28, 2010

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=89302&id=21542-17185445-1dABPIx&t=4

Get The Facts on How Health Care Refom Impacts You

2010-07-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

The Obama Adminstration has been accused of doing too much too fast. Nonetheless, lots of good measures have been passed since he took office. Let's embrace positive movement on critical issues...even if we don't get all that we want the first time around. Politics will always play too heavy a role in US governance. But that's where well informed voters can make a difference.

Don't rely exclusively on the media and others to explain how health care, Wall Street and other reform efforts work. At least educate yourself on the plans that are approved so you'll have a solid grasp of the issues at hand. To aid this educational process on health care reform, the Administration has launched a website to help you know the facts. Start there. Then seek out other resources you trust to balance out your understanding of what's what! But don't knock a plan if you don't know the plan. That doesn't help anyone.

For the details on health care reform and its impacts, go to: http://www.healthcare.gov/

An informed voter is the best voter.

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

What's The Latest on Repubilcan Scandals and Candidates?

2010-07-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

It seems there's always something Republican elected officials and candidates are linked to that gives most voters cause to pause. Whether it's questionable uses of credit cards, changing party affiliations mid-stream, back-room business deals or whatever...the time is NOW to work to send Democratic candidates to our State Legislature as well as Washington DC.

Stay informed. Check out the FDP's June newsletter. Go to: FDP Newsletter June 25, 2010.

AND - get engaged with your local DEC Precinct and District. Plan now to vote in the upcoming primary and general elections. Set aside some personal time to phonebank and/or canvass for Democratic candidates. Finally, skip a favorite beverage, give up lunch or dinner out once a week and re-direct those funds to the campaign for your favorite Democratic candidate for office. You won't miss the treats much, but you'll greatly help usher in the change needed both in Florida State government and our National affairs.

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Don't Become A One-Issue Democrat - Keep Current On Multiple Issues

2010-06-24T05:58:00.000-07:00

Don't fall victim to seeing the latest "major, national issue" as the only issue that matters in our country. Seek out information on the many challenges facing our nation. Issues like Wall Street reforms, economic recovery, housing and of course health care reform. Also, use multiple sources to inform you, including http://www.whitehouse.gov/. The site can educate you on what the Obama Administration is doing to meet these challenges. Don't just take what you read in the "press" as the definitive authority on issues. An informed Democrat is the best defense against the opposition false claims, misrepresentations and lies.

For an update on health care reform go to: http://www.whitehouse.gov/patients-rights

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!
A message form Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services

Good afternoon,

It seems like everywhere you go in this country, you hear story after story of Americans who have been let down by the private health insurance system. Parents in Texas unable to buy coverage for their infant born with a heart defect. A Los Angeles woman forced to stop chemotherapy for months while fighting her insurer's claim that her cancer was a pre-existing condition. Patients whose life-saving treatments and therapies are cut short due to annual or lifetime coverage limits.

Yesterday, President Obama put an end to these unfair practices once and for all by announcing new rules made possible by the Affordable Care Act. These new rules will take effect for most plans starting on or after September 23rd. They will remove barriers between you and your doctor and help provide the peace of mind that health insurance will be there when you need it the most.

You can watch the President and me speak about the people who these rules will help and why we fought so hard to make them part of the new law:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/patients-rights

A major goal of the Affordable Care Act is to put American consumers back in charge of their coverage and care.

Here are a few key ways these new rules will help do that:

Stop insurance companies from imposing pre-existing condition exclusions on your children;

Prohibit insurers from rescinding or taking away your coverage based on an unintentional mistake on an application;

Ban insurers from setting lifetime limits on your coverage and restrict their use of annual limits on coverage;

Ensure that you can choose the primary care doctor or pediatrician you want from your plan's provider network;

Eliminate the need for a referral to see an ob-gyn;

Prohibit insurance companies from requiring "prior approval" before you seek emergency care at a hospital outside your plan's network.

These rules effectively put in place a basic set of consumer protections known over the years as the "Patient's Bill of Rights." This is a concept introduced 15 years ago and supported by both Democrats and Republicans. After years of effort and the passage of the Affordable Care Act, I'm proud to say we are finally protecting those rights and putting health care back in the right hands: yours.

Now, let me touch on a few other updates about what we're doing to implement health care reform.

Over the past several weeks, we have:

Ensured that if you like your current health care plan, you can keep it -- by issuing some new regulations for insurance plans that give you, your family, and your business more control over your health care choices;

Worked to get coverage to one of the groups who is least insured, young people, through a new provision that will allow children up to the age of 26 to stay on their parents health care plan (a benefit that we successfully persuaded many insurers to implement ahead of schedule);

Announced tax credits that will benefit millions of small businesses that have been struggling to provide care to their employees;

Begun mailing $250 checks to tens of thousands of seniors who have reached the ‘donut hole' -- a term used to describe the gap in Medicare Part D prescription coverage -- to help seniors manage their health care costs;

Announced new support to strengthen and expand the health care workforce, including increasing the number of primary care doctors and nurses.

You can learn more at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/patients-rights

The passage of the Affordable Care Act was an historic victory for the American people, laying a new foundation for relief from skyrocketing health insurance costs and for secure, stable, and affordable health care coverage. But passage brought us an important new challenge -- implementation -- and I look forward to sharing additional news and updates as we steadily turn the promise of health reform into reality.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Sebelius
Secretary of Health and Human Services

Religion and Politics: Strange Bedfellows

2010-06-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

There are literally hundreds of print and electronic media outlets to consider when blogging. Democrats from all around Duval County regularly scan multiple media platforms and sources and share their findings in an effort to stay abreast of breaking news, trends, movements, accusations, half-truths, misrepresentations and from time to time out-right lies. Our goal is to increase awareness and encourage appropriate action through shining the spotlight of public awareness on any and all of the above goings-on. Here's an interesting article by B.E. Wilson from Alternet.org that sounds the alarm for caution on religious personalities and their growing influence in conservative politics, their Party leadership, elected officials and candidates seeking office. More of his writings and others can be viewed at www.alternet.org

Stay on top of things around you.

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

B. E. Wilson
(from Alternet.org)

Is God a Terrorist ? Meet Kansas Senator Sam Brownback’s Friend & Former Condo Mate, GOP’s New Prayer Leader Lou Engle

POSTED: 12:04 pm, May 17, 2010 19 COMMENTS

Among other things, TheCall Founder Lou Engle has predicted legalized abortion will lead to a second American civil war and written, “The ‘most dangerous terrorist’ is not Islam, but God. One of God’s names is ‘the avenger of blood.’ Have you worshipped that God yet?”

In early May the Kansas Democratic Party issued a press release calling on Sam Brownback to “denounce close advisor and former roommate [Lou Engle] for supporting execution of gays.”

Now the KDP has released a new 1 and 1/2 minute video, featuring footage I’ve posted over the past several months, concerning US Senator Sam Brownback’s alleged friendship with evangelist Lou Engle, who claims he and Senator Brownback lived together in a rented Washington DC condo for seven months.

The video calls on Brownback to denounce Engle. But this isn’t just about Engle and Brownback. As detailed below, based on the frequency with which he can be found in public appearances with leading Republican Party politicians, Lou Engle would seem to be the GOP’s new prayer leader and religious figurehead.

In the Kansas Democratic Party video Engle can be seen be seen at a December 2007 rally in Kansas City, at which he discussed God as the “avenger of blood,” asking his audience, including teens and young adults, “have you ever worshiped that aspect of God anytime lately?” A year and a half, Kansas late-term abortion doctor George Tiller was assassinated. Tiller’s wife said he considered himself a Christian martyr. Lou Engle’s TheCall events have featured calls for acts of Christian martyrdom to stop gay marriage and abortion.

On May 2nd, 2010, Lou Engle staged a rally in Kampala, Uganda, apparently in support of a bill in that country that would execute many gay Ugandans and impose an Orwellian anti-gay police surveillance state.

Meet the GOP’s new prayer leader

Lou Engle is not just any evangelist. He’s the Republican Party’s new unofficial prayer leader who could be found over the past year onstage with numerous nationally prominent GOP politicians. But, why ? The likely reason is that Engle is a prophet in a fast-rising new right of the Christian right that’s been almost wholly unnoticed by reporters and journalists purporting to cover politicized religion in America. But as detailed below, fellow leaders in Engle’s movement are already playing a significant role in American electoral politics. They claim to be both transforming entire African nations, whole US states such as Hawaii, and significant East Coast cities, including Newark, New Jersey.

Last December 2009 Engle led the Family Research Council’s Prayercast on Health Care Reform, a telecast event attended by GOP Senators Sam Brownback and Jim DeMint and Republican Congress members Michelle Bachmann and Randy Forbes. Lou Engle claims he was Kansas Senator Sam Brownback’s roommate for seven months, and his association with GOP politicians doesn’t stop there. During summer 2009 Engle blessed and anointed former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and former GOP Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.

More recently, Engle led a session on “prayer and revival” at the April 2010 Freedom Federation ‘Awakening 2010′ conference at former Moral Majority head Jerry Falwell’s Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA. Attending the event were Virginia’s Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, Texas Governor Rick Perry, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Congressman Randy Forbes, Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and Reagan Administration Undersecretary of Education Gary Bauer.

Media coverage of Lou Engle’s religious tendency has been almost nonexistent, and that’s striking given there’s evidence the movement has already fielded a vice presidential candidate and is now fielding one (and, adding Brownback, maybe even two) GOP gubernatorial candidates.

Meet the Next Christianity

As an introduction to historian Philip Jenkins’ 2002 Atlantic Magazine article The Next Christianity put it, “We stand at a historical turning point, the author argues—one that is as epochal for the Christian world as the original Reformation. Around the globe Christianity is growing and mutating in ways that observers in the West tend not to see.”

While Jenkins’ article suggested the momentous changes he rightly observed ongoing in world Christianity were erupting out of the global South, that wasn’t exactly true. The changes were to a considerable degree being driven by new theological ideas and new evangelizing techniques that were being exported from America, by American evangelicals.

In late 2009 a Boston-based think tank Political Research Associates report, by PRA Project Director Kapya Kaoma, accused American evangelicals of exporting their culture war agenda to Africa. There was considerable evidence for the accusation, but the report did not identify the specific religious tendency most aggressively involved.

Lou Engle belongs to a little known but rapidly emerging tendency within Pentecostalism and charismatic Christianity that by 2000 was estimated to encompass 295 million Christians worldwide. Perhaps the leading super-denomination within this emergent tendency is the “New Apostolic Reformation.”, which seeks to radically restructure the faith by placing believers in pyramidal authority structures under its apostles and prophets. NAR founder C. Peter Wagner has declared his movement is leading a second Reformation.

Wagner’s movement, which mainly originated in North America, is now playing a leading role in the attack on the LGBTI community in Sub Saharan Africa and in many other areas around the globe. It splits the world into absolute good and absolute evil, teaches that its enemies, including homosexuals, are possessed by demons, and claims all other faiths are under demon influence. Its adherents practice exorcism and claim miracle healing of HIV and AIDS. They seek to disciple entire nations and extend Christian dominion over all sectors of society, with the end-time goal of creating a theocratic utopia by cleansing the Earth of perceived demon influence and unbelievers.

The movement uses cutting-edge PR and marketing techniques and media strategies. Its evangelizing techniques are derived both from coercive cult practices and proven church growth strategies. It espouses radical free market economics and opposes government provided social services. Its leaders claim their movement is the only block of Christianity growing faster than the world population and faster than Islam.

Apostles and prophets coming your way

While Lou Engle has received a fair amount of media over the last year, none of the mainstream media coverage has placed Engle within the evolving structure of the US religious right. Engle serves alongside Sarah Palin’s friend and prayer group leader Mary Glazier, as a prophet on the New Apostolic Reformation’s Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders, a group of less than thirty, headed by Peter Wagner, which issues prophetic statements. Besides Engle and Glazier, another ACPE prophet is Bishop Harry Jackson, who has led recent efforts to ban gay marriage in the District of Columbia.

Also at the December 2009 Prayercast against Health Care Reform was pastor Jim Garlow, who leading up to the 2008 election played a major role networking and organizing evangelical pastors during the push for California’s anti-gay marriage Proposition Eight. Jim Garlow can frequently now be found at conferences held by Lou Engle’s movement, which is emerging as the new powerhouse of the Christian right.

Another major entity in the movement, besides the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders (ACPE), is the International Coalition of Apostles (ICA), a globally influential body of “apostles” run by Rick Warren’s dissertation adviser C. Peter Wagner, whose apostles and prophets have played a significant role in organizing and inspiring Ugandan Parliament members who have drafted, submitted, and backed Uganda’s Anti Homosexuality Bill.

ICA apostles include Jim Ammerman whose chaplain endorsing agency controls 6-8 percent of the active duty chaplains in the US military. In September 2008 Ammerman printed a letter, in his official endorsing agency newsletter, that called for Democratic Senators Obama, Clinton, Dodd, and Biden to be executed for treason, for voting against a 2007 Senate bill that would have made English the official US language.

One of Ammerman’s former prominent chaplains, James Linzey, could be heard in 2005 and 2006 espousing an anti-semitic, white racialist conspiracy theory alleging an evil Jewish banker-controlled plot to send a wave of Mexican and Islamic killers into the American Southwest to alter America’s racial and ethnic makeup by raping all women and killing all adult and teen males.

Another ICA apostle is the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, who is President of the National Hispanic Leadership Conference, an association that claims to represent ten million Hispanic evangelicals and five million Hispanic charismatic Catholics in the United States.

Rodriguez, who has been dubbed the “Hispanic Karl Rove,” does not mince words. As he told a mega church audience in 2007,

“We have radical Muslims. Radical homosexuals. Radical abortionists. We need radical, born again, spirit filled Christians to arise ! Do you follow me ? We don’t need any sissy Christians, Oprah Winfrey Christians. We need prophetic, devil stomping, demon rebuking, blood washed, Bible believing, free-from-sin Christians !”

But Rodriguez can also take on such a PR-savvy, urbane demeanor he has been mistaken for a moderate or even slightly progressive evangelical and can travel in Democratic Party circles with ease and helped draft a major policy document, released in 2007 by the Democratic Party centrist group The Third Way, that purported to present a road map for moving America beyond the ongoing, contentious culture war battles over reproductive and gay rights.

Rise of The Rainbow Religious Right

At an October 2008 rally during the anti-gay marriage push in California Lou Engle stated that Hispanic voters were key to an electoral strategy that would turn California into a “pro-life” state. Declared Engle,

We believe that the Latinos are going to be a mighty force to turn America back to God. I am burning with a passion for the Latinos. Cindy Jacobs prophesied that California will be a pro-life state. The only way that will happen is MILLIONS of Latinos begin to understand that they can literally turn elections!

And that they can bring their fasting and prayer from South America and Latin America and not leave their prophetic fire at the border ! [applause] And bring it up into Texas and into Arizona and into California, to awaken some of the cold blood of the white folk.

Samuel Rodriguez is serving as point man for the New Apostolic Reformation’s strategy to capture Hispanic and African-American voters and although the movement’s interests do not always align with the Republican Party, in practice they tend to.

It’s an electoral force that couldn’t be fully tapped in the 2008 presidential election – many in this voting demographic who might otherwise have skewed towards the GOP were drawn to support Barack Obama. But Black and Hispanic evangelical voters played a significant role in passing California’s anti-gay marriage Proposition Eight, and it’s likely that the key wedge issues promoted by Peter Wagner’s New Apostolic movement, gay rights and abortion, will play an increasing role in upcoming elections not just in California but also in traditionally liberal East Coast cities, such as Newark.

ICA Apostle Rev. Bernard Wilks presides over a prayer initiative in Newark, New Jersey that claims to have one volunteer organizer for almost every street in the city. The volunteers are organized by city ward, as if PrayforNewark was a political campaign. Wilks’s church newsletters list “enemy identification” as one goal of the prayer effort.

Parent ministries for the PrayforNewark effort are Ed Silvoso’s Harvest Evangelism and International Transformation Network which are also working to “transform” the Sub-Saharan nation of Uganda and the US state of Hawaii. Silvoso’s ministries are also active in Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida, and in Baltimore, MD.

You can read more about this movement in the Alternet article:
Heads Up: Prayer Warriors and Sarah Palin Are Organizing Spiritual Warfare to Take Over America and also at this special Talk To Action resource section.

Vote By Mail Rules Change - 2 Cycle Request is Repealed

2010-05-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

A recent message from the Florida Democratic County Chairs Association (DCCA) states that the absentee ballot provision that was good for all elections through the next regularly scheduled general elections has been repealed. The Bill was CS/CS/HS 131. With this change, the shift may challenge eligibility to receive an absentee ballot for those who who are on their second general election under the prior law.

Please check with your local Supervisor of Elections Office for more information. and, make sure voters in your DEC Districts and Precincts are aware of the details of the shift. We can't allow a Vote By Mail rule change to negatively impact our ability to get out the vote! Stay informed and and tell others.

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

From a DCCA update...........

Changes in absentee ballot provisions contained in CS/CS/HS 131:

CS/CS/HB 131 repeals the requirement applicable to absent voters that one absentee ballot application is good for all elections through the next two regularly scheduled general elections. The bill limits a request for an absentee ballot to elections through the next regularly scheduled general election. [Lines 192-201] {This may require an assessment of who is eligible to receive an absentee ballot during this election cycle for persons on the second general election under the prior law.}

Close the Loopholes That Favor Hedge Fund Managers

2010-05-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the many hedge fund managers at the top hedge funds in the country pay lower taxes than most, fire fighters, teachers and police offices? And, it appears Congress may be backing away from closing the loopholes that afford this tax-favorable treatment for hedge fund managers. We must stand-up for the American worker and tell Congress to close the loopholes.

Click below to see a chart showing how outrageous this system is and to get the phone numbers for your members of Congress for Jacksonville, FL so you can tell them it's time to close the loophole.
Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

http://pol.moveon.org/call/oneoffs/index_1367.html?cp_id=1367&tg=FSFL_1.FSFL_2.FHFL_03&id=20678-17185445-xVeGVAx&t=2

FL AFL-CIO Supports A New Voice for Tallahassee

2010-05-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

US Senate Candidate, Kendrick Meek, was not the only political candidate supported by the AFL-CIO at their convention in Jacksonville last week-end.

On Sunday, Amy Mercado, a hard-working mother, wife and daughter of a union house-hold also walked away with full endorsement from the AFL-CIO. The FL Education Association endorsed her earlier, on Saturday. She has a growing wind at her back!

Amy is running for the House District 35. She is challenging the powerful Speaker Designate, Dean Cannon. A bold, but necessary move. We need more Democrats to run for elective office in order to balance the power and influence of the Republican Party in the life and livelihood of Florida citizens. Amy, like US Senate Candidate, Meek and a growing number of Democratic candidates in Duval County, collected enough signatures via petition to be on the ballot.

Visit her website at: http://www.amymercado.com and learn more about the candidate and her campaign for changing the face, tone and direction in District 35 and the State of Florida. As a matter of fact, learn more about all the Democratic candidates for office state-wide. Democrats can win in Florida if we know our candidates and go out and vote!

Fired up - Ready to WIN

Amendment 7 - The Poison Pill Bill Must Go!

2010-05-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

The Poison Pill Bill was rightfully opposed by some Florida groups. It's a "bad day in the neighborhood" when the Republicans leaders in Tallahassee tries to paint lip-stick on this pig...

Democrats must stand with the FL NAACP, FL League of Women Voters and Democracia Ahora and oppose this bill!

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2010

Contact: Deirdre Macnab (407) 415-4559
President, League of Women Voters
Floridaleague@earthlink.net

Citizens File Lawsuit to Remove Poison Pill, Amendment 7,
From The November Ballot

Today, the Florida NAACP, Florida League of Women Voters, and Democracia Ahora filed suit in Tallahassee, seeking the removal of a misleading ballot amendment, Amendment 7 from the November ballot.

Amendment 7 was passed in direct response to the placement of two citizen-initiated amendments on the ballot, FairDistricts Amendments 5 and 6. These two amendments will create real mandatory and enforceable standards for redistricting at the legislative and congressional level. Amendments 5 and 6 will prohibit the current practice of drawing districts to favor an incumbent or political party. By placing Amendment 7 on the ballot, a majority of the legislators proved beyond a reasonable doubt that they want to continue to use redistricting as their own personal political, incumbent protection plan.

“Amendment 7 is a sham. In placing it on the ballot, the Legislature wants the people to think it does one thing when it clearly does another. While FairDistricts Amendments 5 and 6 contain mandatory and enhanced protections for minority voters, Amendment 7 makes those protections optional. The potential impact of Amendment 7 on minority voters in the state of Florida is deeply troubling,” says Adora Obi Nweze, President of the Florida NAACP and plaintiff in the case. 2

Deirdre Macnab, State President of the Florida League of Women Voters and a fellow plaintiff says, “These legislators claim that Amendment 7 is needed to ‘clarify' provisions of the FairDistricts Amendments 5 and 6. But that claim is deceptive and false. They are just trying to hold on to their power. ”

“The present system was designed by those ‘in power'. So, it would be no surprise that those in power placed Amendment 7 on the ballot to confuse voters to try to hold on to that power,” says former State Comptroller, General Bob Milligan. Milligan is also a plaintiff in the suit.

“Our forefathers believed in responsive government and our constitution says that all political power resides in the people. The legislators want to continue drawing district lines to favor themselves. Their amendment should be off the ballot!” says plaintiff Nathaniel Reed, former Assistant Secretary of the Interior under Presidents Nixon and Ford.

“Amendment 7 serves only to confuse voters and puts the rights of minority voters at the mercy of those in power. Politicians are trying to eliminate the assurances in Fair Districts Amendments 5 and 6 that minority voting rights cannot be diminished in redistricting,” says Jorge Mursuli, President of Democracia Ahora and an individual plaintiff in the lawsuit.

###

pd.pol.adv. Paid for by FairDistrictsFlorida.org, 2665 South Bayshore Drive, Suite M-103, Miami, FL 33133

Phone: (305) 445-5442
www.fairdistrictsflorida.org
2665 S. Bayshore Drive, Suite M-103, Miami, FL 33133

Deomcrats Should Vote A Democratic Ticket to Win Florida US Senate Seat

2010-05-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

In a May 24 article in Salon, it was suggested that President Obama should consider pushing Kendrick Meek out of the Florida US Senate race in order to support Governor Charlie Crist, who is believed to be able to beat Republican hopeful, Marco Rubio.

(Read full Salon article here: http://www.salon.com/news/florida_senate_race/index.html)

Current polls show Crist with 30 percent, Rubio at 27 and Meek trailing at 15 percent. However, because Florida Democrats enjoy a 700,000-800,000 registered voter advantage, if Democrats vote Party, they can win. Also, Kendrick Meek is an appealing candidate to moderate Republicans and many Independents. His successful petition drive to get on the Florida ballot (he needed over 100,000 signatures) is testament to his growing name recognition, potential state-wide support and personal drive and determination. In Duval County alone, a long standing Republican stronghold, he collected over 10,000 signatures - twice the number anticipated. Additionally, Meek has been viewed positively by Independents for his advocacy for small class sizes and his opposition to off-shore drilling.

Crist's slight lead is due in part to Democrats who were favorably impressed with Crist's veto against Florida Senate Bill 6 (an education reform Bill of sorts). This spike in support of Crist may explain why Meek did not receive full endorsement from the teacher's union. But Democrats must not mistake a veto as full compliance or alignment with Democratic principles, values, policies and practices.

If Florida Democrats want to send two Democratic Senators to Washington DC, we must vote for the real deal, true Democrat in August and again in November!

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

To read a May 24, 2010 e-mail announcement from Abe Dyk, Meek Campaign manager, regarding recent union endorsements,

Hi to all,

A big development today- the Florida AFL-CIO gave its full endorsement in the general election to Kendrick.

It came after Kendrick gave what was called a "rousing" speech to the Florida AFL-CIO convention on Saturday. He told the crowd, "I have stood with labor, labor has stood with me. You've had my back, I've had your back."

"I am the only candidate in this race who supported the health care proposal that leveled the playing field for your members," he reminded the crowd. "I've been against offshore oil drilling from the beginning. It didn't take oil in the Gulf for me to say I'm against offshore oil drilling. It did not take oil in the Gulf for me to now get religion and say we should be against it."

After the announcement of the AFL-CIO endorsement, Kendrick responded in a statement: "My fight is your fight, and today I stand humbled and proud to have earned your support. I am looking forward to working to bring good jobs with benefits for middle class families to Florida. I am proud to have hardworking Floridians and their families stand with me as Florida's next U.S. Senator."
And yesterday, Kendrick received the endorsement of the Florida Education Association who applauded Kendrick's lifelong fight for education and his leadership shepherding the class size amendment.

Best,

-Abe

Abe Dyk

Campaign Manager

Kendrick Meek for Florida

(305) 655-3213

It will take the "Big Tent" for Democrats to Hold Power in 2010 & 2012

2010-05-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

Who will the angry, hard-working, tired of being pinched from the left and right, American citizen - of ALL colors and nationalities and BOTH genders - vote for in 2010 and gain in 2012?

New York Times columnist, David Brooks, tells the story of Ben in his May 20, 2010 article. Whatever you think about David Brooks or his character, Ben, the Democrats must begin to figure out how to 'make the case' for support from voters like Ben...and there are plenty of them. And, make no mistake; if you think Ben is White - think again. Ben is representative of many American voters regardless of color, race, ethnicity, nationality, and Party affiliation. Ben is angry! And, Ben is looking for a political partner to represent him, his family and their best interest not only in Washington but also back home in his state and local municipality. If smart, the Democrats will work hard to be that Party - again! It can happen. It must happen!

Read the full article at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/21/opinion/21brooks.html?th=&emc=th&...

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Senate Financial Reform Bill Passes

2010-05-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Jacksonville Times-Union article on page A-5 today says the Senate Financial Reform Bill passed with a little help from RRepublicans. Evidently four Republicans supported the Bill and 2 Democrats voted against it. Well, four Republican votes don't make it bi-partisan. Republicans still seem to be more bent on stoping Obama legislation than stopping harmful practices by some big banks and other financial institutions that dealt a crippling blow to our entire global financial structure. And, it's this entrenched "defeat the President or bust' attitude that the Republicans in DC seemingly advocate and use as a guide for their decision making. This will not be turned around by a electing a few Republicans who turned Democrat or Independent. The answer remains the same...more Democrats must be elected at all levels of government....especially in Duval County and the State of Florida!

That same page had two other stories of interest. The one on extending unemployment benefits and streamlining the patent application process for 'clean energy' or 'green' inventions. What's the Republican position on these issues? If they're against the unemployment extension, that will hurt thousands of deserving Floridians who are hurting from the slow economy. If they disagree with expediting clean energy patents, it prolongs the timeline for America to become energy independent. We can't afford the Party of 'No" to go unchallenged.

So tell me, who should be representing the people of Florida in DC, Tallahassee and Duval County & Jacksonville? Right - Democrats!

Fired up - Ready to WIN!

News You Can Use

2010-05-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

To often as Democrats we fail to keep up with our Party's position on major issues, critical bills in the State Legislature, or even the latest scandals affecting Republican leaders and rank and file members.

Well, one way to remedy this information gap is to read the Florida Democratic Party Newsletter. An educated Democratic voter is the best weapon to bring about the change we seek and need in Florida and beyond!

To receive the official Party newsletter, The Florida Democrat, go to the Florida Democratic Party website and sign-up.

Stay informed!

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!!!!

Is Elena Kagan Going to the Bench?

2010-05-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

Is Elena Kagan going to the Bench? Who knows? Supports of both answers have begun their own debate on this question. It is fair to say that history suggest a Justice can be great without prior experience on the bench. It is also true that judge experience can be helpful.

What is also true is that the work of a judge is not the same has that of a surgeon as has been suggested by some. The surgeon must attend to his/her patient - right now - in real time so to speak. The Justices of the U S Supreme Court (and lower courts for that matter) by design, have ample time to ruminate over facts presented in oral arguments as well as the legal briefs associated with a given case. The stellar work of law clerks certainly aids the process as well. This deliberative process seems to more than adequately accommodate the great legal minds of the day as well as the experienced jurists.

So, is Elena Kagan a good choice? Reasonable minds can disagree. However, it seems the combination of a bright legal scholar and a deliberative process is a good combination.

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!
From: Melinda Kurtzo [mailto:melinda.kurtzo@jacksonville.com]

Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 1:10 PM
Subject: Re: ELENA KAGAN

Good afternoon. We’ve only run a couple of locally reported stories about her that are archived on our site. Here’s one:

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-05-07/story/no-protestants-supreme-court-experts-say-it-wont-really-matter

We have run a couple of wire stories, but we don’t have the permissions to archive them on our site.

Here is one from Monday: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100510/ap_on_go_su_co/us_supreme_court_kagan

I am going to copy and paste the one that ran today for you, because it is a compilation of multiple news sources, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to find it online for you...

Supreme Court pick has a history of trailblazing

HER HISTORY Known as practical and analytical, Elena Kagan has strong credentials.

WHAT'S AHEAD Her lack of judicial experience is bound to be one of GOP's targets.

From news services

PubDate: Tuesday, 5/11/2010

WASHINGTON - Just after Election Day the fall of her senior year at Princeton, Elena Kagan published an opinion piece in the campus newspaper, recounting how she had wept and gotten drunk on vodka at a campaign gathering for a liberal Brooklyn congresswoman who had unexpectedly lost a race for the Senate.

Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman - a champion for women's causes for whom Kagan had toiled 14-hour days as a campaign press assistant - was leaving Capitol Hill. Kagan, then 20 and imbued with the liberal principles on which she had been raised, said she was flirting with despair that "there was no longer any place for the ideals we held. ... I wonder how all this could possibly have happened and where on earth I'll be able to get a job next year."

Her piece for the Daily Princetonian on Holtzman's 1980 defeat was a rare moment - then and since - in which Kagan publicly described her emotions and politics in such strikingly personal tones.

In her worlds of academia and government, Kagan has more typically exhibited a penetrating analytical style, a knack for forging consensus, and pragmatism rather than passion for her own ideas.

Her life experiences and intellectual style leave open the question of whether President Obama's choice for the Supreme Court would, if confirmed by the Senate, prove the counterweight liberals seek to the overt conservatism of Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. and Justices Antonin Scalia and Samuel Alito Jr.

"She's much more of a lawyer than a partisan," said Geoffrey R. Stone, a University of Chicago Law School professor who was dean when Kagan was hired there. "She is more interested as a scholar in thinking through hard issues, rather than advocating particular ideological or political perspectives."

Seventeen cases already are arrayed on the Supreme Court docket for the term that starts in October. The docket eventually will grow to 75 cases or more. The court will be taking on mandatory minimum sentences, childhood vaccine damages, the sale of violent video games, employer retaliation, free speech and more.

"Three hundred million Americans will be affected by this nomination," said Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The Obama administration sees Kagan's job, in part, as swaying Justice Anthony Kennedy, a frequent swing vote. Nonetheless, it's not necessarily easy to predict where Kagan may end up on any one case.

'Loyal opposition' building

Certainly, the 50-year-old Kagan has proved that she can cut deals, soothe tensions and handle pressure. During her 2003-09 tenure as the Harvard Law School dean, she oversaw a $180 million budget, a roster of famously big egos and the hiring of 32 professors, some of them notably conservative.

"Elena is respected and admired not just for her intellect and record of achievement but also for her temperament, her openness to a broad array of viewpoints," President Barack Obama said Monday.

Kagan has a certain kind of paper trail. She's written legal briefs; at one point, in support of the potty-mouthed rap group 2 Live Crew's album "As Nasty As They Wanna Be." She's written memos, including some for the late Justice Thurgood Marshall that she's since distanced herself from.

"You know, I was a 27-year-old pipsqueak and I was clerking for a 90-year-old giant in the law," Kagan told the Senate Judiciary Committee last year.

But the paper trail doesn't extend to any judicial rulings. If confirmed, Kagan would be the first Supreme Court justice since Lewis Powell and William Rehnquist in 1972 to lack judicial experience. Republicans have already made it clear that they'll hammer on this. One GOP senator, James Inhofe of Oklahoma, already has decided to oppose her nomination.

"The fact that she is not a judge is not disqualifying," but coupled with her inexperience as a courtroom litigator, it "does present a weakness," said Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, the top Judiciary Committee Republican.

He said a vote to confirm by early August - which Obama wants - is "doable," but that Republicans would not be rushed and were preparing to provide "the loyal opposition" in the upcoming debate.
Still, barring extraordinary circumstances, Kagan should win Senate confirmation on the strength of Democrats' numerical advantage. Democrats control the chamber with 59 votes, one short of what they would need to forestall the possibility of a partisan filibuster.

A history of ambition

Born in April 1960, Elena Kagan was the middle child and only daughter of Robert Kagan and Gloria Gittelman Kagan. Her parents, neither of whom is still alive, were children of Eastern European immigrants. Until they moved to the Upper West Side of New York when she was a teenager, a relative said, Kagan shared a bedroom with her two brothers.

The family belonged to Lincoln Square Synagogue. In a male-dominated religious culture of Orthodox Judaism, Kagan became one of the first girls to be bat mitzvahed. Her maternal grandfather in Philadelphia, who was devoutly Orthodox, convinced the synagogue's rabbi that girls deserved the opportunity, according to the relative.

When she entered Princeton in the fall of 1977, the school had been admitting women less than a decade and still most of its undergraduates were male. Kagan was 17, younger than most of the freshmen because she had graduated from high school early.
At the Daily Princetonian, she ran for the editorship but lost the vote. The winning classmate let her choose whatever other editor's job she wanted. She asked to be the head of the three-person editorial-writing team.

"I remember her as somebody who was always able to state an opinion in a sort of forceful, cogent, evidence-based way," classmate Steven Bernstein recalled.

After a year at Oxford on a fellowship, she entered Harvard Law School, where she made the Law Review and graduated magna cum laude in 1986.

After clerking in Washington, D.C., and working for a law firm, she entered academia. first at the University of Chicago, then back to Harvard.

A former Chicago colleague said, "She really is a thinker. She is not married and she doesn't have family in her life. Her books are, in many ways, her companions. She has a lot of friends. But she's lived alone, and the world of books and ideas is her world."

Looking at the issues

Kagan is accustomed to dealing with strong-willed colleagues, which could prove useful considering the Supreme Court's membership and its coming agenda. Here is a look at some of the key issues:

'Don't ask, don't tell': Conservatives have said the most controversial issue in her past was her belief that the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy meant Harvard Law School would be violating its anti-discrimination policy if it helped the military recruit on campus.

Abortion: As a White House adviser in 1997, Kagan urged then-President Bill Clinton to support a ban on late-term abortions except when the physical health of the mother was at risk.

Gun control: After District of Columbia v. Heller, Kagan said, "There is no question that the Second Amendment guarantees individuals the right to keep and bear arms and that this right, like others in the Constitution, provides strong although not unlimited protection against governmental regulation."

Due process: During her confirmation hearing, Kagan agreed with Republican senators that the country was at war and said she did not believe detainees held in Afghanistan had the right to due process, as the Supreme Court has ruled for those at Guantanamo Bay.

Same-sex marriage: Noting that as solicitor general Kagan would be charged with defending the 1996 marriage law, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, asked in a written question to Kagan whether she believes in a constitutional right to same-sex marriage. "There is no federal constitutional right to same-sex marriage," she responded.

This report contains material from The Associated Press, The Washington Post and McClatchy Newspapers.

I did a quick read through and didn’t see anything about the ACLU, but I could have missed it. They are pretty lengthy pieces. I hope this helps you out. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.

Thanks,

Melinda

Melinda Kurtzo
The Florida Times-Union
Online Community Content Coordinator
melinda.kurtzo@jacksonville.com

safe:morris

A Republican Turned Independent is NOT A DEMOCRAT

2010-05-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

Caution!

As we assess the pool of top candidates for the US Senate seat in Florida, we must never forget that a Republican Governor who makes a few decisions that align with some democratic preferences does not a Democrat make! The value of voting for the best candidate is powerful and certainly sustains the candidate for the duration of his/her campaign and/or term of service. However, if sustaining and preserving Party values, principles and practices is important to you, then the value of voting for the best Party candidate is essential.

Fired UP - Ready to WIN!

Poll gives Charlie Crist 6-point lead over Rubio

By Jim Stratton, Orlando Sentinel

May 7 2010, 12:08 AM EDT

Gov. Charlie Crist has spent the past few months battling Republican Marco Rubio, but if Crist wants a seat in the U.S. Senate, he might want to focus on Democrat Kendrick Meek.

The complete article can be viewed at:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-senate-florida-poll-20100506,0,1491281.story

Visit OrlandoSentinel.com at http://www.orlandosentinel.com/

Left - Right Media Perspectives...Fair and Balanced?

2010-05-07T05:02:00.000-07:00

Ever get the feeling one side is winning in the war for media attention and coverage and most importantly the heart, soul and conscience of America? Well maybe you should. But more importantly is to figure out what can be done to achieve greater 'balance' of what and who get covered. Unless the reading and viewing public insists on 'fair and balanced', sensationalism, the rush to be first with the latest "breaking news" and the lure of 'rants' and 'tyraids' (many unsubstantiated) will rule the airways and some print media publications for the foreseeable future...not a good way to run a democracy or a republic.

Check out what Ernest Partridge of The Crisis Papers had to say on the subject. Go to:
http://www.truthout.org/why-left-has-no-answer-right-wing-lie-machine59220

or read it here:

Wednesday 05 May 2010

by: Ernest Partridge
The Crisis Papers

(Photo: dobrych / flickr; Edited: Jared Rodriguez / t r u t h o u t)

An Uneven Contest:

What if there were a great debate concerning the nature and future of American society, and only one side showed up?

That approximately describes the condition of the U. S. media today.

The right wing is operating a super-charged carnival of hype, hysteria and hoopla, while the left struggles along with a pipsqueek sideshow: a few magazines like The Nation, Mother Jones and The American Prospect, with minuscule circulation among the already converted, some tolerated columnists like Paul Krugman, Bob Herbert, and Frank Rich, and of course there’s Shultz, Olbermann and Maddow on MSNBC.

Meanwhile, one by one, the lights are going out: in January, Air America Radio fell silent, and last month David Broncoccio’s outstanding investigative program, NOW, closed shop. Last Friday, Bill Moyers’ Journal on PBS broadcast its final program. Shultz-Olbermann-Maddow remain on MSNBC at the sufferance of the owners and managers of NBC and MicroSoft, while Comcast is attempting a takeover of NBC. If successful, how long will this lone outpost of progressive cable-TV commentary remain?

The good news is that the audience size of FOX News is vastly over-rated. On a good night, Beck or Hannity or O’Reilly will be seen by three million viewers. That’s less than one percent of the U. S. population. The worse news is that the progressive voices at MSNBC draw about a third as many.

The influence of FOX News is amplified as their antics and outrages – “birtherism,” climate change denial, baseless accusations of “socialism” or even “fascism” – are uncritically reported far and wide by the mainstream media (MSM). In addition to FOX, the airwaves are crammed solid with right-wing talk shows – about 90%, by some counts. Leading these is Rush Limbaugh, with an audience estimated from fifteen to thirty million.

To be sure, there are many admirable broadcast voices on the left, in addition to the MSNBC team: Thom Hartmann, Amy Goodman, Bill Maher, Stephanie Miller, Bill Press, Mike Papantonio, Cenk Uygur, and Randi Rhodes. But their messages are uncoordinated, dispersed, and poorly promoted. And unlike FOX and Limbaugh, etc., there is almost no corporate media amplification of progressive talk radio and cable TV. Strange to say, some of the most incisive liberal commentary seems to originate with the comedians, Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert. (A review and assessment of these efforts deserves a separate essay. Watch this space).

The regressive bias of the corporate media is starkly revealed by the coverage, and the non-coverage, of the public demonstrations of last month. When a couple of thousand tea-party or gun-rights enthusiasts show up on the Mall in Washington, or across the Potomac in Virginia, the mainstream media is there to cover them en masse. But when up to ten thousand protesters gather on Wall Street, or fifty thousand jam downtown Los Angeles to protest the Arizona “show your papers” law, these events might just as well have taken place on the far side of the moon.

If the MSM takes any notice of progressive talk radio or cable TV, it is usually to portray a false equivalence with the bloviators on the right, as an implied excuse for the latter’s rhetorical excesses and outright lies. Amazingly, that false equivalence was repeated last week by the President himself, at his University of Michigan commencement address.

There is no equivalence. When Olbermann or Maddow make a trivial errors of pronunciation, attribution, or date of an event, etc. they make on-air corrections as soon as these slip-ups are brought to their attention. But when O’Reilly, Beck, Hannity, et al, tell flat-out demonstrable lies, they do so without fear of consequence and therefore without public correction. And their fearlessness is justified, for no one in the mainstream media is likely to hold them to account. To be sure, Ed Shultz calls them out in his “Psycho Talk,” and Keith Olbermann in his “Worst Persons,” and Rachel Maddow does not hesitate to call a liar a liar, but when they do the regressive talksters and the MSM take little notice, which only further demonstrates the insignificance of progressive media commentary.

Case in point: A couple of weeks ago, Bill O’Reilly told his audience that a “team of FOX researchers” had determined that, contrary to the accusations on MSNBC, no one at FOX had ever said that those who refused to sign up for health insurance under “Obamacare” would be jailed. Olbermann then promptly collected and strung together more than a half-dozen video clips of FOXers stating precisely that. The final clip was a segment from Bill O’Reilly’s show. A slam-dunk refutation, and by no means the first one. Did this embarrass FOX and O’Reilly? Not in the least.

And so it continues, almost daily: For example, the consensus of thousands of climate scientists and the conclusions of thousands of peer-reviewed scientific publications can not prevail over the well-orchestrated denialism of the oil and coal industries’ public relations campaign, a campaign that utilizes the familiar PR techniques that reassured millions of cigarette smokers that the health effects of smoking was no big deal, thus leading millions to an early demise. (See the Union of Concerned Scientists report, “Smoke, Mirrors, and Hot Air – how ExxonMobil Uses Big Tobacco’s Tactics to Manufacture Uncertainty on Climate Science.”)

No accusation is too absurd to be credited by the right-wing propaganda machine. Last week, Rush Limbaugh suggested that the Gulf oil disaster was the result of a plot by “wacko-environmentalists. Quoting Limbaugh: “What better way to head off more oil drilling, nuclear plants than by blowing up a rig?” And on FOX News, Bush’s Press Secretary, Dana Perino, introduced a conspiracy theory by saying: “I’m not trying to introduce a conspiracy theory, but was this deliberate? You have to wonder…if there was sabotage involved.”

Such irresponsible accusations by FOX News and Rush Limbaugh are nothing new. Far more significant was the behavior of the major broadcast media (CBS, NBC and ABC) and the once credible newspapers such as The Washington Post and The New York Times, in the months immediately preceding the outbreak of the Iraq War in 2002. As I reported in July, 2005:

On February 5, 2003, Colin Powell presented Bush’s case for war with Iraq to the United Nations Security Council. Subsequent events and exhaustive and unrestricted searches in Iraq proved the speech to be pack of lies. But at the time, US Editorial opinion was completely taken in. A sampling: “Powell lays out convincing evidence of Iraq defiance (USA Today); “[Powell] offered a powerful new case that Saddam Hussein’s regime is cooperating with a branch of the al Qaeda organization that is trying to acquire chemical weapons” (Washington Post); “The Powell evidence will be persuasive to anyone who is still persuadable” (The Wall Street Journal); “Powell laid out the need [for war] ... in step-by-step fashion that cannot be refuted without resorting to fantasy” (Chicago Sun-Times).

The mainstream media blitz had its desired effect:

In April, 2004, the Program on International Policy Attitudes [University of Maryland] reported that “a majority of Americans (57%) continue to believe that before the war Iraq was providing substantial support to al Qaeda, including 20% who believe that Iraq was directly involved in the September 11 attacks. Forty-five percent believe that evidence that Iraq was supporting al Qaeda has been found. Sixty percent believe that just before the war Iraq either had weapons of mass destruction (38%) or a major program for developing them (22%).”

When I heard these lies immediately before the outbreak of the war, I was well aware that the UN inspectors had found no weapons of mass destruction and were unlikely to do so. “When the troops go in there and find nothing,” I thought, “there will be hell to pay.” Well, they found nothing and there was no hell to pay. Why? Simply because there was no independent media available to deliver the “hell” to the Bush/Cheney administration, to Colin Powell, or, for that matter, to the establishment corporate media that fed the lies to the public.

To be sure, liberal commentators like Amy Goodman, Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, et al, along with numerous progressive websites were complaining to high heaven. But who pays any attention to them? They are all outside the bounds of “respectable” opinion. And who determines what “opinion” is or is not “respectable?” That same mainstream media, of course.

The oligarchy that owns and runs our government and controls our mass media has learned Goebbels's lesson well: A lie unanswered is a lie believed – more so if the lie is repeated, over and over again.

Accordingly, a successful propaganda campaign must accomplish two essential and coordinated tasks: (a) tell the lies, and (b) see to it that they are not effectively refuted. The six media conglomerates that now control most of the US media accomplished both tasks supremely well.

And what an impressive roster of lies it is! Here’s a sample:

In 2000: Al Gore claimed to have invented the internet. Gore also claimed to have “discovered” the Love Canal toxic site. Bush won the election fair and square. The Supreme Court decision, Bush v. Gore, was legally sound and, in any case, did not affect the outcome of the election. There was no reason to believe that the unverifiable touch-screen voting machines were not accurate. Lt. George Bush completed his required service with the Texas Air National Guard.

2002: “Simply stated, there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction. There is no doubt he is amassing them to use against our friends, against our allies, and against us.” (Dick Cheney).

2004. John Kerry’s alleged heroic war record in Viet Nam was a fake.

Etcetera, etcetera – a list of lies much too long to enumerate here. But if you can bear to read about them again, see Joe Conason’s Big Lies (St Martins, 2003) and Jerry Barrett’s anthology, Big Bush Lies (Riverview, 2004). (My contributions to this anthology on Political Propaganda and The Environment are available online at The Crisis Papers).

Three pages into this piece, I doubt that I have said anything that most of you don’t know and agree with. And those who are not persuaded are urged to read Eric Alterman’s What Liberal Media, and visit the website of FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy in Media www.fair.org) and Media Matters For America.

What Remedies?

What is to be done?

The GOP and the regressive right have pointed the way; in particular, in Lewis Powell’s notorious 1971 memo to the Director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. While there is considerable dispute as to the actual influence of this memo, this much is clear; whether by design or by mere coincidence, the Powell Memo accurately describes how the regressive right has achieved its current dominance in American politics. The left would do well to study that memo and, when appropriate, adopt its proposals. In particular:

Establish “think tanks:” progressive counterparts to The Heritage Foundation, The American Enterprise Institute, The Cato Institute, The Competitive Enterprise Institute, etc., then promote the publications of its resident scholars and their appearance on the mainstream media. There are, of course, progressive think tanks such as The Center for American Progress and Media Matters for America and their work is commendable. But the funding for these organizations is minuscule in comparison with financial support of their ideological opposites.

Endow academic professorships and establish scholarships and fellowships. Encourage progressives to participate in the governance of educations institutions, from local school boards to university boards of trustees.

Underwrite the writing, publication and promotion of progressive books, journals and websites. Establish publishing houses, like the regressives' Regnery, devoted exclusively to progressive ideas and policy proposals.

Gain editorial control of mass media outlets: newspapers, cable networks, radio, etc. Once in control, do not make them mere purveyors of left propaganda designed to “balance” the right. Instead, progressive media must restore the practice of responsible journalism: “just the facts” combined with aggressive investigative reporting.

When Lewis Powell wrote his memo in 1971, there was no internet. It has now become a major factor in the political/media equation, especially so today as the traditional print media are in severe decline.

Progressives have adopted this new medium with enthusiasm, and in some cases with noteworthy success. A few websites, such as Daily Kos, Talking Points Memo, Truthdig, Salon, Alternet and The Huffington Post, staffed by savvy professionals, appear to be thriving (although, I could personally well do without the HuffPosts’s clutter of celebrity gossip). Most progressive websites, however, carry on solely due to the dedicated toil of their meagerly compensated webmeisters and its uncompensated contributors. They deserve better. In general, the internet is undeveloped and underutilized resource that the progressive establishment (such as it is) will continue to neglect at its peril.

Also neglected is the advice of the liberal “brain trust” of social psychologists, cognitive scientists, and public relations gurus – the left counterparts of Frank Luntz and Newt Gingrich. Brilliant scholars such as Drew Westen, George Lakoff, Geoffrey Nunberg, write insightful books and papers, which are largely ignored by the Democratic Party establishment, which appears to prefer the counsel of such losers as Bob (Zero for Eight) Shrum and James (Mr. Matalin) Carvill.

Of course, the program sketched above, requires an enormous amount of money in this new environment where, as never before, “money is speech.” After all, the regressive juggernaut owes its success to the generous contributions (better “investments”) of the likes of Richard Mellon Scaife, Joseph Coors and the Koch Brothers, whose fortunes have funded the aforementioned “conservative” think-tanks.

However, adequate financial resources are available to fund a progressive response to the right-wing propaganda machine. The progressives have their fat-cats too: George Soros, Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Sr. (And who knows, maybe Junior as well). In addition, the “Hollywood liberals” such as Spielberg, Cameron, Beatty, and Streisand, so much derided by regressives, have both deep pockets, in addition to their talents and public celebrity.

Still other wealthy individuals and institutions may have to be persuaded to help fund the progressive media counter-revolution. However, that may not be difficult once it is made clear that “The Democratic Mainstream” is today somewhat to the right of what used to be called “Moderate Republicanism,” that the success of the U.S. economy depends on a productive manufacturing base, an educated work force and a robust physical infrastructure, and that the present economy, as celebrated and promoted by The American Enterprise Institute, et al, is leading the country in a direction that no informed citizen, whatever his income status, would want to follow.

The scope and power of regressive propaganda now at work is enormous and profoundly discouraging to those who would oppose it. But, in the final analysis, the progressives have a formidable and invincible ally: reality. Facts, as John Adams observed, “are stubborn things.” And the scientists will continue to discover and validate stubborn facts, regardless of what the right would prefer them to disclose regarding evolution, global climate, or whatever. In addition, the majority of Americans are facing each day the brutal reality of regressive economic policies as they lose their jobs, their homes, adequate health care, and the prospect of sending their children to college and on to rewarding careers. No amount of high-volume propaganda and media dominance can obscure these hard facts.

Even so, this much remains compellingly clear: unless and until the progressive left develops an effective media voice, there can be no restoration of American democracy, no return to political sanity, and no establishment of economic justice.

Copyright 2010 by Ernest Partridge
All republished content that appears on Truthout has been obtained by permission or license.

Wall Street Reform Forums Come to Jax

2010-05-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

We can't loose sight of the critical need to advance sound, responsible and comprehensive financial reform slip off the front burner in the United States. There's too much at stake for the general public to give-up and let Washington work out the solutions without our voices being heard.

To keep the American public informed and engaged, two very important and active organizations supporting Democrats and democratic principles are hosting Wall Street Reform Forums in Jacksonville this week - MoveOn.org and Organizing For America (OFA).

For more information on both events, please click on their link below, or, in the "Hot Links"" section of this blog.

Stay informed and engaged!
Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

MoveOn.org

What: Community Forum to end corporate influence in our democracy
Where: Boone Park at Park Street (in Jacksonville)
When: Saturday, May 8, 2010, at 11:00 AM

Here's the link to RSVP:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=103076&id=20128-17185445-o6zyc.x&t=3

AND

Organizing For America

What: Wall Street Reform
Where: Downtown Jax: Laura St @Hemming Plaza
When: Thursday, May 6 from 12 PM - 1 PM

Here's the link to RSVP:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/wallstreetreformdayofaction/gp8st9

FL State 2010 Legislative Session - What' Going On?

2010-05-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Well, it's over...or is it?

The session may be over, but not the impact of the $70 billion dollar budget that passed. By the way, what do we get for this investment of taxpayers hard earned dollars?

Are decisions final? Well, after passing, SB6 was vetoed by Governor Crist. Will this stop the Republicans who are fuming over the veto from pursuing wrong-headed legislation next session? Not likely.

What about the raiding of the Transportation Trust Fund - good idea or not? Can funding gimmicks like raiding State trust funds be sustained over time and Florida survive, let alone grow and prosper? So, has the practice of robbing Peter to pay Paul become the defacto road map for state funding and operations? Is anyone concerned about these practices? At any rate, it really is time to change the leadership specifically and political party in general that now controls the governance and future direction of Florida and our voice at the national level.

But, remember, whether it's local or state-wide elections, supporting a Republican turned Independent is not necessarily the answer either. Supporting Democrats is the answer.

For a look at how the local pressed summed up the 2010 session, go to:
http://jacksonville.com/news/politics. If you disagree with the characterizations, write the editor. Make sure your voice is heard. Also, go to some of the political sources in the "Hot Links" section of this blog to see what Democrats are saying on a full range of topics.

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!

Are Some Insurance Companies 'seeing the light'?

2010-05-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Recent news from MoveOn.org suggests some big insurance companies may be 'seeing the light'. Evidently Anthem Blue Cross has backed away from a premium increase of as much as 39 percent for some customers.

Dear MoveOn member,

Great news! Last week, Anthem Blue Cross backed off on a plan to raise some customers' insurance premiums by as much as 39 percent.1

Their plan to jack up rates caused a public backlash earlier this year, including a petition signed by you and 310,000 other MoveOn members, a congressional investigation, and a call from the Obama administration for Anthem to explain themselves.2

And on Thursday, the outcry paid off. Anthem, citing "miscalculations," said they're withdrawing the rate increase.

Congratulations! Your voice on this petition, along with so many others nationwide, helped stop Big Insurance from gouging customers in California—and more importantly, sent a message to other insurance companies that this sort of abuse will not be tolerated. Even with the historic passage of health care reform, it's crucial we make that clear to prevent future attempts to gouge consumers.

Thanks for adding your voice to this effort, and for all you do.

–Kat, Michael, Matt, Jodeen, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Anthem Blue Cross withdraws planned CA rate hike," The Associated Press, April 29, 2010

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=88136&id=20106-17185445-lOvJK8x&t=1

2. "Sebelius Calls on Anthem Blue Cross to Publicly Justify 39 Percent Premium Increase," U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, February 8, 2010

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/02/20100208c.html

"Congress opens probe into Anthem Blue Cross rate increases," Los Angeles Times, February 10, 2010

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=86434&id=20106-17185445-lOvJK8x&t=2

"Waxman and Stupak to WellPoint: We Request Your Testimony," Office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, February 9, 2010

http://www.speaker.gov/blog/?p=2149

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Go to: http://www.moveon.org.

ALERT from Howard Dean About His Support for Kendrick Meek

2010-04-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

Please read this message from Howard Dean received via e-mail from the FL Democratic Party. It clears up a rumor about who he backs for the US Senate race for Florida.

"You may have heard a ridiculous - and completely false - rumor that I'm backing Charlie Crist.

No way, no how. I am supporting just one candidate in the Florida Senate race: Kendrick Meek.

The announcement yesterday that Crist is abandoning the Republican Party to run as an independent is a game-changer. Crist and Marco Rubio will now fight over the same pool of Republican voters, giving us a real path to victory.

Kendrick needs our help so he can seize this opportunity right now. While we know the corporate cash will continue to flow to both Rubio and Crist, the resources Kendrick needs to get his message out can only come from the grassroots.

We have to help put Kendrick over the top.

Click here https://donate.kendrickmeek.com/page/contribute?source=FDP-Meek-0430 to rush $5 or more to Kendrick before the midnight Sunday deadline. Charlie Crist's game-changing announcement is a tremendous opportunity. Let's seize it.

I'm supporting Kendrick Meek because, while the Republicans have been melting down, he's been a hands-on leader for the people of Florida. He knows what needs to be done.

That's why he's working tirelessly to create good-paying jobs and turn Florida's economy around. He's fighting for to hold Wall Street accountable, so the economy is never again brought to its knees by stock market gamblers.

I know Kendrick will keep on fighting for Florida's working families because that's what he's been doing his whole life. He's not some ideological extremist and he's not governed by raw political ambition.

Kendrick tells me the best way we can help his campaign right now is to help him meet this fundraising goal before midnight on Sunday. There are just six months left to win this race.

Click here https://donate.kendrickmeek.com/page/contribute?source=FDP-Meek-0430 to rush $5 or more to Kendrick before the midnight Sunday deadline. Charlie Crist's game-changing announcement is a tremendous opportunity. Let's seize it.

I've always said that the power to win elections and lead this country in the right direction rests in your hands. That's still true today.
Kendrick can't win this race by himself. It will take all of us doing our part over the next six months.
Don't wait another minute. Get involved today.
Sincerely,

Howard Dean"

Another City Council Meeting Disappoints the Public

2010-04-28T21:17:00.000-07:00

It can be argued that the only thing that can save our city budget from the projected financial shortfall is prayer. However, is that what Councilman Don Redman was thinking about when he invited Human Rights Commission nominee, name, to pray at the recent Jacksonville City Council meeting? Check out the full story and you decide if the episode was worth the time it took away from more pressing issues facing our city....like the Trail Ridge landfill issue. Oh yes, I forgot. That's no longer an issue. Even with the evidence shared by John Winkler, Chairman of the Concerned Taxpayers of Duval County, in a recent news release which seems to suggest some conflict of interest surrounding the matter, Waste Management is back in! For more on John Winkler's position, check out his post on-line at: http://www.jaxtaxpayers.org/?s=john+winkler

But back to prayer-gate. Follow the link below to the full text of the article on the prayer situation and see what you think.

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-04-28/story/councilman-don-redmans-use-%E2%80%98jesus%E2%80%99-prayer-leads-legal-questions

I think it's time for a change in who represents the people of Jacksonville on City Council. Go Blue!

Fired UP - Ready to WIN!

Lies Still Happen - They Must Stop!

2010-04-25T05:10:00.000-07:00

Did you see this outrage?

******************************
Crooks and Liars
Saturday March 28, 2009 06:45 am

Once Forced to Resign in Massive Fraud Case, Rick Scott Reborn as Leader of Anti-Healthcare Reform Lobby
By Susie Madrak

From the Politico:
The Conservative Patients' Rights Action Fund -- the first group out of the box opposing Obama's healthcare plan -- has launched a second round of its campaign on the issue, a source involved in the group says.
The campaign focuses on Obama's proposal to set $634 billion in the federal budget aside for healthcare reform, and links the issue to the Congress's treatment of bonuses for AIG executives.
â€œIsnâ€™t it amazing folks in Congress were shocked the plan THEY passed allowed those huge bonuses for AIG?" asks Rick Scott, the former healthcare executive who chairs the group, in a new television ad to be released tomorrow. "Now some in Congress want to raise taxes and spend $634 billion for the Presidentâ€™s healthcare overhaul - - WITHOUT even seeing all the details of his plan. They just never seem to learn."
Ah, yes, Rick Scott. Funny, the details the Politico leaves out of their stories!

From Christopher Hayes in The Nation:
Having Scott lead the charge against healthcare reform is like tapping Bernie Madoff to campaign against tighter securities regulation. You see, the for-profit hospital chain Scott helped found--the one he ran and built his entire reputation on--was discovered to be in the habit of defrauding the government out of hundreds of millions of dollars.

This is the man who will be delivering what Politico called the "pro-free-market message."
A Texas lawyer who shared a business partner with George W. Bush, Scott started his health company, Columbia Hospital Corporation, in 1987. Its growth was meteoric, expanding from just a few hospitals to more than 1,000 facilities in thirty-eight states and three other countries in 1997. As his firm gobbled up chains, like the Frist family's Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), it became the largest for-profit hospital chain in the country. By 1994, Columbia/HCA was one of the forty largest corporations in America, and Scott had acquired a reputation as the Gordon Gecko of the healthcare world. "Whose patients are you stealing?" he would ask employees at his newly acquired hospitals.
He promised to put nonprofit hospitals--which he insisted on referring to as "nontaxpaying" hospitals--out of business and touted his company's single-minded pursuit of profit as a model for the nation's entire healthcare system. "What's happening in Washington is not healthcare reform," he told the New York Times in 1994. "Healthcare reform is happening in the marketplace."
The press portrayed Scott as a guru to be admired and feared, "a private capitalist dictator," in the words of one Princeton health economist. "Probably the lowest body fat of anybody I've been in business with," his partner told the Times.
"Other hospitals were intimidated," recalls John Schilling, who worked for Columbia/HCA in the 1990s. Scott was "like the bully that would come into town and if you didn't sell to him or partner with him, he would open up shop across the street from you and put you out of business."
Not long after joining the company in 1993 as the supervisor of reimbursement for the Fort Myers, Florida, office, Schilling noticed things weren't quite kosher. "They were looking for ways to maximize reimbursement...which ultimately would improve the bottom line."
One way they did this was to fudge the costs on their Medicare expense reports. They were "basically keeping two sets of books," says Schilling. The company would maintain an internal expense report, what it called a "reserve" report, which accurately tallied its expenses. "And then they would have a second report, which...they would file with the government, which was more aggressive." That report would "include inflated costs and expenses they knew weren't allowable or reimbursable. The one they filed with government might claim $5 million and the reserve would claim $4.5." Columbia/HCA would pocket the difference.
It wasn't just happening in Florida, and it wasn't just fraudulent Medicare expense reports. Around the country, dozens of whistle-blowers like Schilling stepped forward to file lawsuits under the False Claims Act, charging the company with sundry forms of chicanery: kickbacks to doctors in exchange for referrals, illegal deals with homecare agencies and filing false data about the use of hospital space.
By 1997 the FBI was investigating Columbia/HCA. Days after agents raided company facilities armed with search warrants, Scott was forced to resign. In 2000 the company pleaded guilty to fraud and agreed to pay the government $840 million. Other civil settlements would follow, ultimately totaling a staggering $1.7 billion, making it the largest fraud case in American history.
(Scott was never criminally charged and continues to deny wrongdoing. His spokesperson did not respond to repeated interview requests.)
But in Washington there's no such thing as permanent disgrace, and as the healthcare debate heats up, Scott has established himself as a go-to source for reporters looking to hear from the opposition. He's been quoted in the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. He's been on Fox, of course, railing against President Obama's efforts to control healthcare costs. He appeared on CNN, where (as Media Matters noted) host Jessica Yellin never saw fit to notify viewers that the man she introduced as running "a media campaign to limit government's role in the healthcare system" once ran a company that profited mightily from ripping off that government.
Indeed, if there's one thing that's most galling about Scott's antigovernment jihad--and most emblematic--it's that for all his John Galt bluster, he made his fortune (which, yes, he still has) in no small part thanks to steady contract fees from the Great Society's entitlement programs.
Congressman Pete Stark, a veteran of the last bruising round of fighting over healthcare reform, remembers Scott all too well. Stark recently sent his colleagues a letter hoping to refresh their memories. Calling Scott a "swindler," the letter said, "If he is the conservative spokesperson against healthcare reform, there is no debate."

A Reminder of Why We Voted for Barack Obama

2010-04-25T01:24:00.000-07:00

Given the easy access to 24-hour news shows, we sometimes limit our sense of what's going on in the world around us to what we hear on the radio, see on TV or the Internet. Given this reality we can miss some substantive information about efforts AND accomplishments of people, programs, organizations, and yes,even our own President. Check out what one media commentator had to say about President Obama's work thus far. It reminded me of why I voted for him. Oh yes, a friend sent it to me via the Internet.....it was released before health care reform was officially passed!

**************************
You’ll NEVER hear this on the NEWS!!!

By: "Robert P. Watson, Ph.D. Coordinator of American Studies Lynn University" Email: rwatson@lynn.edu

I am always being asked to grade Obama's presidency. In place of offering him a grade, I put together a list of his accomplishments thus far. I think you would agree that it is very impressive. His first six months have been even more active than FDRs or LBJs the two standards for such assessments. Yet, there is little media attention given to much of what he has done. Of late, the media is focusing almost exclusively on Obama's critics, without holding them responsible for the uncivil, unconstructive tone of their disagreements or without holding the previous administration responsible for getting us in such a deep hole. The misinformation and venom that now passes for political reporting and civic debate is beyond description.

As such, there is a need to set the record straight. What most impresses me is the fact that Obama has accomplished so much not from a heavy-handed or top-down approach but from a style that has institutionalized efforts to reach across the aisle, encourage vigorous debate, and utilize town halls and panels of experts in the policy-making process. Beyond the accomplishments, the process is good for democracy and our democratic processes have been battered and bruised in recent years.

Let me know if I missed anything in the list (surely I did).
________________________________________

1.. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba , allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49.. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57. Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform.......

Stop the Give-a-ways

2010-04-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

A quick read of today's Florida Times-Union shows our local and state elected officials continue to have a love affair with giving away our tax dollars to corporations. Even though some of the recent bills have failed - or not moved forward in one or the other legislative chambers in Tallahassee - our State Republican leaders remain cozy with businesses often at the expense of our citizens. According to one article, Rep. Lake Ray (R - Jax) lost his fight to get a $500 million bill to aid expansion of Florida's ports. A smaller, $100 million dollar version which calls for tax credits reducing the premium taxes they would otherwise pay passed the House. Funding would be from State encouraged investments from insurance companies. A Ray-sponsored aviation-related bill to exempt hangars used for aircraft manufacturing and assembly from state laws that pay for road construction when over capacity. See Business Section, front page, above the fold. In another article on the same page, the steel mill tax break move pushed by Jacksonville City Councilman, Ray Holt which would have waived $3.5 million dollars in public service taxes for electricity use will be withdrawn. When the cities and the state need revenue, give-aways seem wrong-headed unless they can generate revenues to off-set the tax loss. If current elected officials can't see that - let's change them. Vote blue!

Fired Up - Ready to WIN!!!

Just Starting

2010-04-21T03:08:00.000-07:00

Today I begin my blog. I want to be a voice of reason, hope, challenge and encouragement for those who seek an America that reflects our founding principles that extend to ALL of us, not just some of us. I believe an honest dialog on the pressing issues of the day tempered by fair reasoning and an open mind to multiple points of view can result in best practices every time. I am a Democrat - but am not against Republicans. I am Black - but I value diversity and I practice inclusion. I am not always right - but strive to find truth no matter how difficult it may be. I'm guided by a basic principle that has worked for me most of my adult life. Namely, consider "both-and" vs. "either- or" as a practical approach and solution to problem solving and most often, both sides win!