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January 31, 2007

Sad - Molly Ivins dies

Geez, I didn't even know she had breast cancer. Now the AJC will have to find yet another hack column to replace the words of a great liberal gone to join the DNC convention in the sky. Damn! :-(

Posted by Benson at 10:44 PM | Comments (0)

Biden on Obama

Joe Biden on Barack Obama's fine personal hygiene:

Mr. Biden is equally skeptical--albeit in a slightly more backhanded way--about Mr. Obama. "I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy," he said. "I mean, that's a storybook, man."

I cannot improve on the Gawker.com snark: "It is a storybook! Can you imagine living in a world where African-Americans can speak properly, exhibit intelligence, and maintain personal hygiene? It's like something out of science fiction!"

Posted by PaulaG at 11:34 AM | Comments (27)

A meditation on the GA General Assembly

If the Georgia House and Senate were in a bar fight, who would take it?

Georgia State University students Andy Medlin, 21, and Jordan Streiff, 22, will file [video] reports every Tuesday from the Georgia Capitol. The duo won first place for a comedy in the university's Campus MovieFest last year for their film A Meditation on the Speed Limit.

Via PI. Right back 'atcha boys.

Posted by Mel at 9:45 AM | Comments (0)

Good/Bad?

The dilemma of online comments.

Salon's Gary Kamiya has a great (rather long) piece, The readers strike back. How has the two-way communication provided by the internet affected journalism and writing? Are we spiraling into a blandly written future? Or is the democratization of journalism the best things since Tang? Is the blogosphere a "first draft"? Take a few minutes to read the piece, and if you're so inclined, come back here to discuss. While I would never compare this little blog to Salon, I do think we share some of the same joys and frustrations expressed in Mr Kamiya's piece.

Posted by Catherine at 6:12 AM | Comments (0)

January 30, 2007

Fulton County State Committee Elections

Election of all Democratic Party of Georgia State Committee Members from Fulton County will be held on Saturday February 10th, 2007 at 10:00am at the Communications Workers of America Local 3204 Hall.

What: Fulton County State Committee Elections
When: Saturday, February 10th, 2007 at 10:00am
Where: CWA Local 3204 Hall

Note: The postal address for this location is 279 Logan Street SE, Atlanta 30312, but for MapQuest, Google maps and car navigation devices, the address registers as 307 Logan Street SE Atlanta 30312.

(Yes, we know this is the same day as Family Day at the Capitol (see Benson's post below), but since this has been planned for more than two months, a date change is not possible. For those from Fulton County who would like to participate in both events, we will carpool over to the Capitol after the election at around Noon.)

For more information, see below the fold or visit the Fulton County Democrats online.

How does it work?

Any Democrat who is registered to vote in, and a resident of, Fulton County may seek election to a position on the DPG State Committee. However, only Fulton County Post Seat Holders may vote in this election. State Committee terms are four years and election results are subject to residence and voter registration verification.

To ensure geographic diversity throughout the county, Democratic Party of Georgia State Committee Members are elected from Fulton County Commission Districts 3-7.

If you wish to seek one of the 23 Fulton County seats on the State Committee, please arrive on February 10th with at least one form of identification and your voter registration card or a printout of your voter file record from the Georgia Secretary of State's website.

To access your voter file record online, follow this link:
http://www.sos.st ate.ga.us/cgi-bin/Locator.asp

On the day of the election, applicants will also be required to sign an affidavit stating they believe in the goals of the Democratic Party of Georgia, are not a member of any other political party or body (as defined in the Georgia Election Code), and are not currently affiliated with any political group whose ideals, goals, and methods are incompatible with those of the Democratic Party of Georgia.

If they desire, candidates may give a brief (one minute), speech prior to the vote.

What's this State Committee thing all about?

The State Committee is the highest authority and governing body of the Democratic Party of Georgia. Members from Fulton County make up the largest contingent of the committee. Most recently, State Committee Members convened on Saturday, January 27th in Atlanta to elect the new Chair and Executive Officers of the DPG.

The recent election of Fulton County Democrats Sally Rosser, Steve Leeds, William Curry, Nikema Williams and Ben Myers to DPG leadership positions means our county will be well represented at the state party level. But we can't stop there.

Our newly elected leaders can't do it alone and they will need as much time, energy and support as we can offer in the coming years to help restore the Democratic Party of Georgia to prominence. Rebuilding the DPG will be no small task, but we must start now.

Is this for really for me?

Other than the requirements mentioned above, there are no qualifications mandated for volunteers elected to the DPG State Committee. However, to help you decide if this is right for you, here are a few questions you might want to consider:

* Do you have a reasonable amount of free time and resources to devote to: attend yearly meetings of the State Committee, to serve on a sub-committee, or attend events hosted by the Democratic Party of Georgia, some of which might be held in different parts of the state or require paid participation?
* Do you have special skills, talent, experience or training that would benefit a statewide political organization?
* Do you work and play well with others? Can you function as a productive, team oriented member?
* Do you follow current events in local government, politics and policy?
* Are you ready and willing to help our new leadership rebuild the Democratic Party of Georgia in order to elect Democrats to all levels of government?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then serving on the DPG State Committee is for you!

Still have questions?

For more information about DPG State Committee elections or the Fulton County Democratic Party, please contact Executive Director Page Gleason at 404-317-3563 or via email at: alupkg@yahoo.com.

Visit us online at www.fultondems.com!

Posted by Mel at 11:34 AM | Comments (4)

January 29, 2007

BREAKING: Family Day at the Dome, February 10

Save the date: February 10, Georgia Democrats can join their union friends at the state capitol to agitate for real family legislation: raising the minimum wage. From Tasso Knight of UFCW to my inbox to you:

Saturday, Feb 10th, 9-10 a.m on the steps (Washington St. side) of the State Capitol. We will have a
Family Day Rally and press conference, coordinated by the GA AFL-CIO and the Atlanta-N. GA. Labor Council. The legislature will go in to session that Saturday at 10:00a.m.

Our message will be: Raising the Minimum Wage is the best way to show that legislators are Family Friendly.

Remember the fun we had 2 years ago on family day with a march from the stadium to the capitol??? With this just being announced (and I am sure the short notice was intentional) we have less that two weeks to put this together. We look to have at least 200 family, friends, union and coalition members standing with us on this day.

Please spread the word about Family Day at the Capitol (personal or work email list, BLOGS, Democratic Party list serves, etc.) We'll pass along more information as it becomes available.

Thanks for all your help getting this out as soon as possible.

Tasso

Disseminate at will. See you next Saturday!

Posted by Benson at 10:03 PM | Comments (3)

Moratorium on DPG group emails...PLEASE

For the love of God, Yahweh, Mohammed, Buddha, and anything pagan - Please stop sending the group emails to the entire State Committee Membership list. Can we not enjoy 1 week without the group emails on who is a better Democrat?

If you have beef or issue with the original sender then please call him. Please Mr. Original Email Sender, it is time that you STOP sending the entire group your opinion. We earlier showed you respect because of your continued loyalty to the Democratic Party and wanted your input - the elections are over. Send your opinions to the newly elected Party officers. Let the SCM GO!! Find a few SCMs that do not mind the email exchanges and send emails only to that select group.

Let me explain this very slowly: Democrats that believe the DPG should return to 'the Party of Sam Nunn' and Progressive Democrats will never agree. Two differing philosophies that will never merge. So let's all agree to disagree...but please stop with the group emails!!

Posted by Bernita at 2:46 PM | Comments (31)

Let's go to school

This post is sort of like a list of questions about the Democratic Party structure within the state. Now that the election for Chair(woman) is over, it is time to begin to look ahead. While many of you already know this stuff, I am sure that there are some who would be interested in learning about how it works.

1- How often does the DPG Committee meet?

2- Where are these meetings held?

3- What subcommittees exist within the DPG?

4- How are committee assignments handled?

5- Who chairs these committees or how are chairs chosen?

That should be enough to stimulate the creative juices for awhile.

Posted by Peter at 2:32 PM | Comments (3)

One Day After

A message from Virgilio Perez Pascoe, found over at Peach Pulpit:

One Day After

by Virgilio Perez Pascoe

Sunday, 28 January 2007
Yes, it was a long day yesterday! For someone that has never seen this democratic process, it was very enlightening.

1. I learned that ---not everything is at it seems.

* The Unity breakfast was a bit too formal with little discussion as to what elected officials, past and present as well as party leaders, past, present and future, felt we needed to do.. The main theme, as I heard it, was that we should bury the hatchet and move steadily forward--to regain the Legislative and Executive branches of the Georgia Government. There was not enough time for questions and for clarifications. Everybody was friendly and accessible, but there was no time for substantial discussion. A pity! I don´t know how much access the party has to its elected officials at all levels of government, but clearly there should be better mechanisms for frank discussions and for setting priorities. Everyone wants success, the question is what does it look like? and how do we get there?:

* Arriving at the meeting place, I suddenly realized that campaigning for party positions is serious business. Campaign signs were out in the street, inside the rooms, and folks were delivering buttons, stickers, sheets of paper, etc. The contrast with the breakfast was startling to me---it felt to me that the gloves were off.

* The most dramatic moment was the first time we heard the results of the balloting for the Chair. There was real division, here. The funny thing, is that I don´t really understand what the division is about. I guess I will learn soon enough. I better.

2. I also learned that folks who reached out to me after the elections, expect results immediately. After Manuel´s as I was driving back to Cumming (my wife was driving the other car), and receiving some phone calls, I realized that now is the time to get things done. This is what I have decided to do:

* I will call our Chairperson Jane Kidd early Monday morning and ask her what her thoughts are.

* I will call Bernita Smith to find out what it is that made DeKalb win a 60k plurality in the last governor´s election. I want to understand what they are doing right---mostly who are the constituent groups

* I will call Dr. Constance M. Burkes, Chairperson of Dougherty Co. in the southwest of the state to understand why it was that they also beat the Republican party in the last election, even if, by a hair. What have they done, and what are the constituencies there.

* I will call Jon Flack, my County Chairperson, because we live in one of the 100 fastest growing counties in the nation, along with 11 other counties in the State of Georgia, to understand what we need to do there to build a credible Democratic counterpart to the Republican behemoth and rid this county once for all of its regressive reputation.

* I will call the Young Democrats of the State of Georgia, for irrepressible fountains of ideas, hopes and goals.

* I will call Cobb County Democrats to understand how a rapidly growing, and diversifying county, and a Republican stronghold to boot ,has developed its constituent group make up. The one breakfast I attended showed me how diverse, active, and focused various constituencies are in that Party.

* I will call Ben Myers, to see how I can get educated on labor/general employment issues and specific constituent groups there.

3. I will, over the next two weeks, thank the folks who believed in me: a total stranger, who happens to have fallen in love with this State.

4. I have the feeling that I will get plenty of advice from everyone. I need it. I am a reader junkie (yeah, I do disgusting things like take a shower, and my laptop is open, just in case, I hadn´t read something). I may not answer all the time, ´cause I am not that organized, but I listen.

5. There is some excellent Cabernet Franc, made in our own Dahlonega area, that I need to share with Jon Flack. This is, in the spirit of openness and full disclosure.

Posted by PaulaG at 1:05 PM | Comments (5)

Live outside the Columbus Courthouse

Jules is in Columbus, GA in support of some good activists and friends. Today in Columbus, sixteen human rights activists will appear in federal court to put the SOA/WHINSEC on trial. The 16 were arrested on November 19, 2006, after carrying the protest to close the School of the Americas (SOA/WHINSEC) onto the Fort Benning Military Reservation, publicly defying the laws which prevent political speech on military bases and making a bold call for justice and accountability.

She will be keeping us updated all day:
8:10 am - Yes. I was up at 6 and in the procession from the the hotel to the courthouse at 7.30 am. We processed with our white crosses, about about 100 of us.

11:50 am - First two groups have been tried. First time offenders have gotten between 30 and 60 days and no fines. This is considered very lienent, the judge has a bad cold and the speculation is mixed about why he might not be living up to his prior reputation of being a 'hanging judge'.

12:03 pm - The court has broken for lunch and we expect to be let in with the last group about 130. My friend Alice is going to recite Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven" as her statement.
Judge Faircolth apparently was acting like a judge on American Idol by critizing the singing statement from the first defendant. But it seems he didn't hold it against him at sentencing. The volunteer lawyers have done a great job prepparing the defendants
and working with the federal marshalls to keep the harrassment to a mininum. We still can't figure out why ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement - a division of Homeland Security) isn''t here.

4:41 pm - The final update from the courthouse, the last group of five is done. Three of the five got 100 day sentences, one woman got 90 days, and my friend Alice received six months. Alice's case was sentenced completely differently since this is her third offense.

No one was given a fine. The street committee's take is mixed on the reasons for the subdued sentencing. The next update will be on sitting in the courtroom and the statements the defendents made.

In orange jacket, is Mike Vosburg-Casey from Atlanta Open Door Community, Our Lady of Lourdes & Atlanta Peace and Justice | January 29, 2007

Posted by Bernita at 10:00 AM | Comments (1)

Was ist Das?!?

From this morning's AJC, it looks like Sonny and da boys are going after yet ANOTHER program to improve education in GA. Now it is foreign language programs. The thing that got me most, I think, was the hypocrisy displayed by Glenn Richardson.

House Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) has been a supporter of the pilot program in the past. However, Richardson said he's not sure how important it is to teach foreign language in elementary school.

"I had a child that had that, and I don't know it particularly helped him one way or the other," he said. "I would listen to the experts as to why we're doing it.

"I think it's probably more important that we get them to read the English language and do math and social studies."

Some days the Repugs just make it TOO easy for us to point out their foibles. And they called John Kerry a flip-flopper. Richardson displays the absolute worst characteristics of "the other side" (ie. "I got mine, now let's let nobody else get theirs"). Argue the merits of the program all you want...this is most definitely a blow to improving education in this state.

Posted by Peter at 7:13 AM | Comments (8)

January 28, 2007

Proud to be a GA Democrat

I woke up this morning with a feeling of pride. You know like the feeling you have after working on a Habitat for Humanity house - that you were a part of something that benefited the greater good. I was proud to have stood with my fellow State Committee Members to elect a diverse, progressive thinking, and action oriented Party officers. We dun good!

Georgia Republicans please take notice of what the Democratic State Committee members accomplished yesterday. We have assembled a workhorse team that:
* is not dominated by Metro-Atlanta residents. Only 2 officers are from Metro Atlanta, 2 officers are from Clarke County, 1 officer is from an exurban county, Forsyth, 1 officer is from Chatham county, and 1 officer is from South Georgia, Dougherty county.
* represents all of Georgia - North, Southwest, Southeast, West, and Metro.
* knows how to win campaigns in rural south and north Georgia and statewide.
* has support and connections in the business community, diverse communities, PACs, and with our elected officials.
* understand and can utilize technology.
* knows the importance of the grassroots community.

I can not understand how anyone can say that our newly elected officers are "more of the same". This is a 180 degree turnaround. The only group not represented is African-American women. I would suggest that an African-American women caucus co-chaired by Hattie D. and Mary L. would bring their voices to the table.

This is a grassroots oriented team! I have complete confidence that in 2010 Georgia Dems will have a solid ground game in all 159 counties. No doubt about it!

Thanks goes out to every State Committee Member that participated in yesterday's election. Thanks to our Congressional, State, and local elected Democrats that visited with us. Thanks to Carole Porter for allowing Dubose to visit with us on your 23rd marriage anniversary. Calvin, our prayers are with you tomorrow.

Georgia Democrats, this is no longer your grandfather's Party. This is OUR PARTY! Together we will succeed in making a Georgia a better place to live, work, and play.

Posted by Bernita at 1:49 PM | Comments (6)

Kidd already garnering great press

A few of the many positive press reports about new Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Jane Kidd, published today in papers around the state:

New Dem leader seeks to recapture women's vote, AJC

Democrats elect woman to lead party in Georgia, Augusta Chronicle

Ga. Democratic Party elects new chair, Macon Telegraph

And from Friday: Kidd sets goals to improve Dem's chances in state, The Athens Banner-Herald

Posted by Mel at 10:48 AM | Comments (8)

Congratulations!

Below are the results of the Democratic Party of Georgia leadership elections held on Saturday, January 27th at the IBEW Auditorium in Atlanta. It was a packed house (turnout was above 70%), as DPG Committee Members from all over the state convened to elect new officers. Congratulations the newly elected and returning officers of the Democratic Party of Georgia!

Democratic Party of Georgia Executive Officers:

Chair
Jane V. Kidd (Clarke)

First Vice-Chair
Michael Thurmond (Clarke)

Congressional District/County Liaison Vice-Chair
Sally Rosser (Fulton)

Constituency Group Vice-Chair
Virgilio Perez Pascoe (Forsyth)

Candidate Recruitment Vice-Chair
Winfred Dukes (Dougherty)

Secretary
Stephen R. Leeds (Fulton)

Treasurer
Rex Templeton, Jr. (Chatham)

SRO crowd at the IBEW Auditorium | January 27, 2007

Posted by Mel at 10:37 AM | Comments (3)

January 27, 2007

DPG leadership elections today!

UPDATE from sndeak - Jane Kidd is the new Chair of the DPG and Michael Thurmond is the Vice Chair. Sally Rosser is Vice Chair of CD and County Liaison. Virgilio Perez Pascoe is the new Constituency Chair. Winifred Dukes is the Candidate Search Chair.

At long last, the Democratic Party of Georgia leadership elections get underway at 1:00pm today in Atlanta at the IBEW Union Hall.

Several bloggers will be reporting in. Bernita will be live blogging here, Amy will be live blogging at Georgia Women Vote! and we might even see a post or two from GriftDrift playing the wry observer.

UPDATE from Shelby: cameraphoners feel free to send visual updates by MMS to gga07@cellblock.com.

Afterwards, please join the Young Democrats of Georgia (5:30ish???) at Manuel’s Tavern, 602 North Highland Avenue, Atlanta.

It's going to be a very exciting, but very long day. Best of luck and success to all the candidates!

Posted by Mel at 5:08 PM | Comments (15)

Ford & The DLC

Harold Ford is now the Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC). His announcement is below.

January 26, 2007

Dear Friend,

The seriousness of my purpose to win the Senate seat in Tennessee fell narrowly short. But the seriousness of my purpose to help our country and my state of Tennessee promote an agenda of reform, innovation and progress remains as strong as ever. So, today I am writing to let you know that I have accepted an offer to become the Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC), one of the leading Democratic think tanks in the country.

Over the last 15 years, starting with helping Bill Clinton become President in 1992, the DLC has been at the forefront of leading an effort to re-brand and modernize the Democratic Party. I would like to continue this work over the next two years by developing an agenda around a set of ideas and lasting values that address the defining challenges of our time. We need an American agenda – not a partisan agenda – that offers lasting and effective solutions to strengthen our economic competitiveness around the world and defeat global terrorism and keep America safe.

We have an opportunity to build on the gains we made in the 2006 election and shape the debate as we begin the 2008 Presidential contest. But we will only succeed in this endeavor if we win the contest of ideas and convince the American people that we are ready to lead the nation. It is my hope to offer an agenda of national purpose that works toward reviving the American Dream, providing affordable health care to all those who seek it, energy independence over the next decade, balancing our budget and tackling entitlement reform and bringing peace and stability to Iraq and the Middle East.

Public service is at the core of my life. While I will also be working in the private sector and teaching at Vanderbilt University, I will continue to find ways to help the country move boldly and confidently into the future. The DLC will be a part of my life over the next two years, and I invite your thoughts and ideas on how, together, we can positively influence the direction of the Democratic Party and the country over the next two years.

Thank you for your continued support and friendship. If you need to reach me, please call the DLC at (202) 546-0007.

Sincerely,

Harold

Posted by Jen Brock at 9:57 AM | Comments (28)

January 26, 2007

Hicks resigns from DPG 1st Vice Chair race

We are all saddened. But, he says that he will remain active and visible.

Here's the text from his email:

For the sake of our Party and for the sake of unity I humbly submit my resignation for 1st Vice Chair. I do not believe that our Party should once again be split when we are all seeking the same goal: good leadership. It is not as important for me to win as it is more important that we are unified to move Georgia Democrats forward.

Though I am no longer running for office, I submit my commitment to being a part of the solutions for tomorrow. I will remain active and visible. This is Our Party. We must demonstrate strength, unity, and focus to our competitors. Together we can rebuild Our Party on strategic leadership, strong volunteerism base, and a clear message.

Tomorrow’s election results will be the dawn of a new era in the Democratic Party of Georgia. It is critical that you elect leadership that can provide sound judgment, deliver effective messaging, and can help all Democrats win. We need officers we can trust to move us to the next level of effectiveness and just representation.

I would like to sincerely thank those that encouraged me to run, those that have pledged their support, and those that were intending to vote for me. Thank you.

Democratically yours,

Darryl A. Hicks

Posted by Bernita at 2:31 PM | Comments (4)

End of an era

Democrats' 'attack dog' leaves without regrets, from the AJC:

He likes to watch black-and-white reruns of "The Andy Griffith Show," but his tactics would make Aunt Bee and Barney blush.

When Bobby Kahn —- a force in Democratic circles for 25 years —- officially steps off the public stage this weekend, it will mark the end of a seismic era in Georgia politics.

The outgoing chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia has been called everything from a "boy genius" to "captain of the Exxon Valdez" as his party plummeted from absolute power to an also-ran in just two election cycles.

Kahn has over the decades served as executive director of the party, strategist, big-time fund-raiser and, for the last three years, its chairman and attack dog. The pudgy 48-year-old political street brawler made it clear in a recent interview that he has no regrets about his smash-mouth tactics.

"I left it all on the field," he said.

Related link from Shipp: Kahn looks back as Dems change course.

Posted by Mel at 12:32 PM | Comments (6)

Friday Open Thread

What's the carbon footprint of a Twinkie? Tesco aims to find out.

The Maverick, napping.

Diebold out-dumbs itself.

If you’ve been looking for a feminist punk-rock music festival this weekend, you are in luck.

Ten ways to avoid setting off Rusty’s bullshit detector.

Now they’ve gone and done it: Grifty is piiiiisssssed.

Duncan who?

Anything you'd like to share with the group?

Posted by PaulaG at 8:39 AM | Comments (51)

Be a Drum Major for Peace and Justice* this weekend!

Good Morning activists...
Here are a couple ways you can be "Drum Majors" in the struggle for peace and justice. I know how tempting it can be, to curl up with a good book on a cold January Sunday, but please consider doing something to help these organizations. Even if it's a simple as a small contribution, signing a petition or joining their e-mail list.

If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice; say that I was a drum major for peace; I was a drum major for righteousness. --Dr. Martin Luther King

Support the SOA 16
January 28-30, 2007 - SOA 16 Trial and Festival of Hope

On January 29, 2007 sixteen human rights activists will appear in federal court in Columbus, Georgia to put the SOA/WHINSEC on trial. The 16 were arrested on November 19, 2006, after carrying the protest to close the School of the Americas (SOA/WHINSEC) onto the Fort Benning Military Reservation, publicly defying the laws which prevent political speech on military bases and making a bold call for justice and accountability. On Sunday, January 28th we will honor our prisoners of conscience
The festival begins at 7pm
Howard Johnson Presidential Ball Room
Ph: 706-322-6641
1011 Veterans Pkwy
Columbus, GA
Event Sponsored by School of the America's Watch

Don't be distracted
Don't turn away
Don't be overwhelmed
Don't be too busy
Don't delay...
Darfur can't wait."

Those are the powerful words of actress Meryl Streep on recent events in Dafur. Will you join us for the UN Holocaust Remembrance Day to stand for the people of Darfur at our Atlanta rally?

Rally for Darfur
Sunday, January 28, 2007
2-3 p.m.
The Selig Center - 1440 Spring Street
Ample on-site parking. Overflow parking at Puppetry Arts Center
Walking distance Marta Arts Center Station

Featuring
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and
David Rubenstein, National Save Darfur Coalition, Executive Director
For further information on the Rally or the Coalition
contact Noah Levine at 404.870.1604 or Lili Baxter at 404.870.1870
email: gadarfur[at]hotmail.com

At the rally, there will be a "roll call of conscience" where we will ask representatives of each organization present to state their name and their organization's name. The names will be heard one after another to create a
powerful chorus of support for the people of Sudan.
For more info and to add your organization's name to the list, please go to the following website: Shalomatlanta

Since 2003, violence, war, and disease have killed in excess of 200,000 people. Another 2 million – mostly women and children -have been forced to flee their homes.

Posted by Juliana at 7:54 AM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2007

In praise of Young Democrats

Today's story by Kevin Duffy for the AJC, Underdog role OK to Young Democrats, is something of a mixed bag. On balance, it's a positive piece, but knowing many YDs as I do, I found it somewhat condescending and superficial. Duffy's attempt to seem cooler than the kids only translates as snark. For example, instead of reporting that YDG membership has doubled in the last ~~five~~ three years, Duffy chose to compare their numbers to those of Young Republicans, and then to quote everyone who responded that this was "discouraging". Feh.

For more, see Shelby's post on the YDAtl blog.

All I really want to say about this is that in addition to everything else the Young Democrats do for our party, they are our heart. In the four years since I've been engaged in political volunteerism, there have been many, many times when I felt like throwing in the towel and moving on to more productive things. Each time I got to that place, I only had to think of the hard work, great ideas and wonderful energy of the Young Democrats to keep this old Democrat from becoming "discouraged".

Thank you YDs for who you are and for everything you do for us.

Posted by Mel at 12:09 PM | Comments (10)

The real questions for DPG candidates are:

I'm moving the ongoing debate between Chris and JerryT to the front because it is an interesting discussion that has implications on this Saturday's election for DPG officers. Chris and JerryT are both in agreement of wanting to see the Party flourish but are in two different corners on the economics of the process. I think that their comments are pretty much reflective of the split in the Party: Chris' point is that the DPG needs more big money donors and JerryT's point is that we need to engage the small dollar donors.

I believe that the crux of problem is not who we solicit for money. It is the misunderstanding of the true financial costs it takes to run the DPG and the nonexistent economic development and operational plans from the DPG candidates, especially the Chair candidates.

The reality is that it takes around $850,000 - $950,000 in operational costs a year to run the DPG. That's about $500,000 for salaries. Before anyone goes off on how salaries are outrageous, I agree to a point. As a technology person, I personally think that the technology wing has been crapped on at the DPG and more money needs to be spent on salaries there than on people that push paper. But that's just my beef. Then you have benefits - you know even DPG employees must have health and dental benefits. Then you have labor insurance and the rest of the government expenses. Plus legal services - of course if this line item was donated by one of the many law firms then the DPG could save about $100,000 to $150,000 a year. Plus rent, parking, printing, office supplies, and technology expenses. This is an annual budget for only 8-10 people and no salary for the Chair.

Keep in mind that these are annual costs without the DPG investing into any election campaigns.

The biggest revenue generator is the annual JJ Dinner. The JJ dinner historically returns annual revenue of $650,000-$700,000.

Now that we have a framework for the costs and revenues; the primary problem as it relates to Saturday's election is that none of the DPG Chair candidates have remotely quantified how the heck they are going to realistically raise the basic $900,000 a year. But they have included additional proposals for 159 county strategies and websites, real-time voter files, quarterly newsletters and increased communications, increased travel expenses, and other stuff.

Mike Berlon has said he would reexamine salaries, but that won't decrease costs much because slashing in 1 area will not equal the costs associated with his proposals for newer technology, better communications, and satellite offices. Jane Kidd says "as the budget allows, she will expand the DPG’s fundraising operation, adding staff and increasing our universe of donors."; not good if we can't meet the basic budget numbers plus "be competitive in every State House, State Senate, and local race". Carol Jackson doesn't mention the budget; only the need for more communications which I'm guessing will come with a high price tag. Rev. Jim doesn't mention the budget or any new ideas. We haven't heard anything from Hattie Dorsey.

This year's JJ dinner is going to be the wake up call for the DPG. The money generated will be the benchmark on the health and vitality of Georgia's Democratic Party.

Money raised for the JJ Dinner is a "all hands on deck" process. If the next DPG Chair pisses off the elected officials then they are not going to make the necessary phone calls to sell tables. If the next DPG Chair pisses off the big donors then they are not going to buy tables. If the SCM elect officers who have never raised money and/or do not have connections to external donors then the DPG is screwed. If the County Parties do not feel engaged in the process and also do not buy tables or contact donors then the DPG is screwed. And if the Dem activists and volunteers are not engaged and are not solicited then the DPG is again screwed.

I believe that some questions the SCM should really ask themselves are:

1) Which DPG Chair candidate even has a real clue about the financial realities of the DPG and has clearly explained their economic development and operational plans?

2) Has any DPG Chair candidate really explained to the Dem community their financial soundness and capabilities? Not what they did in the past, but what innovative solutions for the future.

3) Should we elect elected officials who also have to raise money for their own personal campaigns - is this not the real conflict issue?

4) Should the SCM members not re-elect officers that have a proven track record of raising money and have connections to external donors; but may have been absent in State Committee meetings.

5) Should the SCM elect new candidates who have zero to very limited connections to external donors and no fundraising track record?

6) Should all candidates submit the costs and potential sources for revenue for each of their new proposals so that the SCM can assess their fundamental knowledge of program development?

7) Do your chosen candidates make you feel secure in their financial capabilities?

8) Can we end our divisiveness and support all newly elected officers on Jan. 28th? Will we be able to trust their leadership and economic development capabilities?

Many have said that the future of the DPG is in the hands of the SCM on Jan. 27th and it is very much so. If we don't elect officers that can increase the Dems financial competitiveness against Republicans than we are doomed as a Party. If the DPG candidates do not offer any new approaches based on the current political environment then our Party can not and will not be able to support future Dem candidates and compete for a better Georgia.

On. Jan. 27th, every time a candidate says "yes, I have lots of free time to travel across Georgia" ask yourself "did they ever explain how they are going to pay for the gas?". If you haven't been given an answer to a basic question like gas expenses then move on to the next candidate.

I heard that Calvin Smyre has a saying "it takes coal to run a train, but it takes gold to run a campaign". The DPG is one big campaign and if we elect officers that confuse zinc with gold then we are the fools.

This is a not a "doom and gloom" post - it's about taking Chris and JerryT's debate and applying it to the fact that something is very much absent in many of the DPG candidates' platforms - economic development and operational plans to move Georgia Democrats forward. Simply put, these absences have created most of the uneasiness and angst amongst activists, Party loyalists, big donors, small donors, and elected officials. We have to be unified to successfully implement the next DPG Chair's economic development and operational plans.

If there is no unity on Jan. 28th then just give the DPG office keys to Glenn Richardson. He can use it to house his mistresses.

One may ask why didn't I mention these absences earlier - it is simple - I'm not running for a DPG office. I seriously considered running but that's a 4 year commitment - geesh I don't have that kind of attention span. I love all Georgia Dems, but I would have to include therapy costs into my economic development plan. This whole "big tent" thing can wear a completely sane person down. God bless the winners.

Posted by Bernita at 4:11 AM | Comments (29)

ATL Rally To Oppose Escalation In Iraq

Support our Brave Troops and their Families by Rallying to Oppose President Bush's Escalation in Iraq

What: Rally / Press Conference to Support a Sensible Policy on Iraq

When: Friday, January 26 at 10:00 a.m.

Where: Georgia State Capitol Steps (facing Washington Street)

Who: U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, Rev. Joseph Lowery, State Rep. Tyrone Brooks, State Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, State Senator Nan Orrock, State Rep. Roberta Abdul-Salaam and other members of the Georgia Legislature.

Why: Any decision to escalate the war in Iraq will have a profound impact on Georgia, on our National Guard and Reserves, and on Americans from across the country.

Contact person for more info: Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield (D-Atlanta). Contact her at 512 Coverdell Office Building, Atlanta, GA 30334; by phone at 404-656-7859 or by e-mail at stuckey@mindspring.com

Posted by Bernita at 3:13 AM | Comments (0)

January 24, 2007

We interrupt the madness...

for Valentines hints...

With Valentines Day just 3 weeks away it's time to think about how to reward your beloved for a year of adoration. There are the usual things: chocolate, perfume, fine lingerie (which is really for you, remember that...); jewelry for her; or him. Flowers of course!

Nothing wrong with all that usual stuff. A little bottle of Chanel, a bauble from Tiffany, that's all good. But, if you're interested in doing something a little different, here are some ideas...

-Chocolate Cherry bread from the best damn food emporium ever!
-Tickets for a stateside getaway to someplace fun and sexy.
-There's always Paris...
-For the gadget lover - this is the must have stuff.
-And you know, if you're going do flowers - really do them.
-Best of all, roast a chicken and watch a movie.

What warms your heart for Valentines Day?

Posted by Catherine at 7:04 PM | Comments (8)

Please Join Us for the YDG DPG Officer Election After Party!

Please join the Young Democrats of Georgia for an After Party immediately following the DPG Officer Elections on Saturday! It’s going to be a long day of speeches and voting for the DPG State Committee Members so we thought it would be a good idea to have an After Party to get together with Democrats from around the state and congratulate the newly elected leaders of the Democratic Party of Georgia!

WHAT: Young Democrats of Georgia DPG Officer Elections After Party
WHEN: Saturday, January 27, 2007, Immediately following the
DPG Officer Elections (5:30ish???)
WHERE: Manuel’s Tavern, 602 North Highland Avenue, Atlanta

This event is open to all Democrats! We look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

Posted by Page at 5:07 PM | Comments (1)

Thank God

Kerry bows out of '08 presidential race

Posted by Jen Brock at 1:24 PM | Comments (2)

I <3 Jim Webb

Like, wow. The guy apparently wrote his own speech last night, and he delivered it like a pro even after only three actual weeks in office. Everyone I was watching with agreed, Jim Webb gave a *great* speech. I mean, even Pat Buchanan liked it. Apparently the best speechwriters money can buy still can't write anything other than the usual simpering drivel for Bush.

Thoughts?

Posted by Benson at 8:00 AM | Comments (12)

January 23, 2007

In Fairness to all DPG Candidates

There were 2 DPG candidates that were not at the forum last Saturday due to medical illnesses beyond their control: Senator Gloria Butler (1st Vice Chair candidate) and Sally Rosser (Congressional District/County Chair Liaison Vice Chair candidate). We, at BfD, are providing both candidates the opportunity to post their messages on this blog.

Here is Sally Rosser's statement:
I understand that Saturday’s forum was a great chance for people to meet, hear and ask questions of the candidates for State Officers of the Democratic Party. I can’t tell you how sorry I am that I missed the event. I never miss a chance to be in a room full of Democrats! I had been looking forward to hearing the other candidates and having the chance to speak about the future of the Party. I had one of the worst bouts with the flu – so much for the flu shot. I feel considerably better thanks to great medical attention and wonderful prescription medication!

I had hoped to take the opportunity on Saturday to speak as a candidate for Congressional District/County Chair Liaison Vice Chair about strengthening our Party through activism and volunteerism at the County Party level. To elect Democrats we need a vibrant, healthy team of Democrats, each contributing their own talents in their own way. The magic team includes the volunteers who knock on doors, put out yard signs, and make phone calls. It includes those who use their personal connections to open doors. It is those who support the Party and candidates financially. It is those who are elected and serve in a position of visibility. It is those who allow us to use their reputation as the community image of the Party. It takes all of these people working together as a team to breathe life into a County Party. It takes this team to spread the Democratic message throughout the community in a positive and consistent way. It takes this team to build our image and sink our roots so deep that we will not moved!

Every volunteer touching the Democratic Party should feel like they are a part of the very best service organization. For you as a volunteer it needs to be easy to find the organization, easy to get in the door, exciting to be there, rewarding to give of your time and talent, productive to you and everyone around you, you should feel the energy and the synergy, it should be fun, interesting and challenging. And when the experience is over your most vivid memory should be the appreciation and respect that you felt every step of the way. This is the way it will be.

This is our Party. It should be a Party of open, honest, transparent communication, the Party that welcomes the diversity that makes it vibrant and healthy and enduring. Every one of you have given so much, are so enormously talented, it has been a true joy to work with you. I wanted to take the day Saturday to say, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is your contributions that have made my job an extraordinary journey. If reelected, I will continue to expand the circle of volunteers who are active in County Parties and support local and Congressional District leadership.

As we move forward to the elections on Saturday let us all treat each other with respect and kindness. Put the rumors aside for a minute and remember where we are, and more importantly where we want to be.

We cannot afford to hurt each other because we do not have the time to heal the wounds once this election is over. This is not an election on rumors. We have wonderful people who have offered their time, energy, talents and reputation to move this Party forward. Look at each of them closely, read their ideas, get excited about the opportunity for change, look into your heart and vote for the candidates that you think will best serve the Democratic Party. Be prepared to offer your whole hearted support and every extra ounce of time and energy to the successful ones. Then buckle your seat belts! We will do unbelievable things together!

Sally Rosser
ssrosser@aol.com

Posted by Bernita at 11:47 PM | Comments (2)

Meanwhile in North Carolina

Democratic Party of North Carolina Chairman Jerry Meek was unanimously re-elected during a meeting of the Democratic Executive Committee held Saturday at Elon University.

From outsider to player in just 2 years
Chairman wins praise by helping reshape party for new challenges:

None of the Democratic Party big boys wanted Jerry Meek to be party chief. Not Gov. Mike Easley. Not former Gov. Jim Hunt. Not then-Sen. John Edwards or members of the congressional delegation.

So it was a surprise two years ago when Meek upset the establishment candidate to become party chairman. As the outsiders' candidate, Meek was given a mandate to shake up the state Democratic Party.

Meek is no longer regarded as the rebel-in-chief. Meek is given high marks by some Democrats for leading the party through its best election in years, for bridging differences between traditional power brokers and the more liberal Howard Dean wing of the party, and for proving to be a competent fundraiser.

"The state party had been run as though we were still a one-party state -- a one-party state where Democrats rule," Meek said in an interview in the Goodwin House, the 1903 house a block from the Capitol that serves as party headquarters.

"The idea was that the party should disappear into the background. We now have a two-party state. The party has to be more savvy about how it uses its resources. It needs to be more aggressive. The party, as an institution, has to have its own voice, because there might be times down the road when we don't have a Democrat in the governor's mansion or we don't have control of the General Assembly."

Meek said he sought to change the party in several respects:

• From a top-down party run by governors to one that is more responsive to local Democratic Party activists. The party has hired three field coordinators, helped counties set up Web pages, stepped up local training on organizing and other skills and instituted monthly conference calls with county chairs.

• From a patronage-based system to an ideological-based system of organization. "People nowadays don't get involved in the party because they have any expectation of getting an appointment to a position," Meek said. Meek said he will push the party to take positions on five or six issues that will likely be considered by the legislature.

• From a party that relied on older, big donors and traditional business interests to one more attuned to young activists, many of whom engage in politics through the Internet.

• From targeting party money primarily in swing districts to spreading some of it into traditionally Republican counties that the party has tended to ignore.

Any of this ringing any bells? It should.

Posted by Mel at 11:14 PM | Comments (33)

Document your SOTU Watch

Party on, people! Sorry for the late notice, but chances are a lot of you are near the computer in preparation for the SotU. If you happen to have company, and one o' them newfangled picture-phones, send pictures and video clips of your get together to sotu07@cellblock.com to share your thoughts/group photos/obscene gestures at the TV. To view the montage, go to http://cellblock.com/watch.htm?id=1403.

Your friendly local Web2.0 shill. :-)

Posted by shelbinator at 8:39 PM | Comments (0)

Scooter on Trial

Is there anything more fun than watching Republicans turn on each other like a bunch of wet cats in a burlap sack? In Act I, Scene i of the I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby trial, we have the accused playing the victim, and turning his vitriol toward the real villain, Karl Rove:

"They're trying to set me up. They want me to be the sacrificial lamb," attorney Theodore Wells said, recalling Libby's end of the conversation. "I will not be sacrificed so Karl Rove can be protected."

Cheney's notes from that meeting underscore Libby's concern, Wells said.
"Not going to protect one staffer and sacrifice the guy that was asked to stick his neck in the meat grinder," the note said, according to Wells.

The description of the White House infighting was a rare glimpse into the secretive workings of Bush's inner circle. It also underscores how hectic and stressful the White House had become when the probe was launched.

By pointing the finger at Rove, whom he referred to as "the lifeblood of the Republican party," Wells sought to cast Libby as a scapegoat.

h/t to JerryT

Posted by PaulaG at 4:56 PM | Comments (3)

The Fugees

Over the weekend, someone commented on Clarkston banning soccer. Although, we all know this isn't a fight over just some field. If you haven't read the New York Times article, please do so. After you do, you'll be compelled in chip in to help the Fugees Family. I've excerpted part of the article below:

Refugees Find Hostility and Hope on Soccer Field
CLARKSTON, Ga., Jan. 20 — Early last summer the mayor of this small town east of Atlanta issued a decree: no more soccer in the town park.

“There will be nothing but baseball and football down there as long as I am mayor,” Lee Swaney, a retired owner of a heating and air-conditioning business, told the local paper. “Those fields weren’t made for soccer.”

In Clarkston, soccer means something different than in most places. As many as half the residents are refugees from war-torn countries around the world. Placed by resettlement agencies in a once mostly white town, they receive 90 days of assistance from the government and then are left to fend for themselves. Soccer is their game.

But to many longtime residents, soccer is a sign of unwanted change, as unfamiliar and threatening as the hijabs worn by the Muslim women in town. It’s not football. It’s not baseball. The fields weren’t made for it. Mayor Swaney even has a name for the sort of folks who play the game: the soccer people.

Caught in the middle is a boys soccer program called the Fugees — short for refugees, though most opponents guess the name refers to the hip-hop band.

The Fugees are indeed all refugees, from the most troubled corners — Afghanistan, Bosnia, Burundi, Congo, Gambia, Iraq, Kosovo, Liberia, Somalia and Sudan. Some have endured unimaginable hardship to get here: squalor in refugee camps, separation from siblings and parents. One saw his father killed in their home.

The Fugees, 9 to 17 years old, play on three teams divided by age. Their story is about children with miserable pasts trying to make good with strangers in a very different and sometimes hostile place. But as a season with the youngest of the three teams revealed, it is also a story about the challenges facing resettled refugees in this country. More than 900,000 have been admitted to the United States since 1993, and their presence seems to bring out the best in some people and the worst in others.

The Fugees’ coach exemplifies the best. A woman volunteering in a league where all the other coaches are men, some of them paid former professionals from Europe, she spends as much time helping her players’ families make new lives here as coaching soccer.

Posted by Jen Brock at 2:40 PM | Comments (9)

Strange bedfellows

In an attempt to keep an eye peeled on the "opposition", I signed up for the Georgia Christian Alliance's (Sadie Fields' joint), newsletter a couple of months ago. Most of the spew that comes out of The House of Fields is barely readable, much less printable. Today's message was different and reminded me of the rare and strange ways in which our causes can sometimes overlap.

Senate strikes restrictions on grassroots activism from lobby reform bill.

The U. S. Senate voted last night to delete a provision (Section 220) from the Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007 (S. 1), a lobby reform bill that threatened grassroots activists with harsh restrictions and punishments. Sen. Robert Bennett (R-UT) introduced Amendment 20 to remove the provision that would have punished grassroots activists with fines and imprisonment for encouraging citizens to be involved in lobbying their Senators and Congressmen. The amendment passed by a vote of 55-43 with 2 not voting.

Senator's Chambliss and Isakson voted for Amendment 20 that stripped the bill of Section 220. We greatly appreciate our GA Senators for standing up for the rights of all citizens to have a voice in their government. If you would like to call their office to thank them - Sen. Chambliss can be reached at 202-224-3521 and Sen. Isakson can be reached at 202-224-3643.

Posted by Mel at 10:03 AM | Comments (3)

Marshall? Barrow? What's wrong with energy?

I had a moment to get on the Internets while on my break at the plant and saw that 4 Democrats voted "no" to the Creating Long Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act. 2 of the 4 Democrats that did not vote for this Act were Jim Marshall and John Barrow. Wow, what gives?

Posted by Bernita at 12:29 AM | Comments (41)

January 22, 2007

Local discussion groups

Okay...I am thrilled with the discussions that have taken place here in the last few days. Yes, there is an election for Chair of the Democratic Party coming up this week. But let's extend a bit here.

How many of us are involved with local discussion groups that deal with progressive political issues? and how many people are involved with those groups? I am in a DFA group that meets once a month (currently) and has 6 members. That is probably going to go up since we just elected a progressive slate of officers at the county level (a FULL slate). It would just be interesting to see.

Posted by Peter at 9:34 PM | Comments (4)

Video from Metro DPG Candidate Forum

Metro Atlanta Democratic Party of Georgia Candidate Forum at Horizon Theatre on January 20, 2007.

All video clips of introductory remarks from participating cadidates are posted here. Individual clips are linked below the flip. Q&A from Chair's panel can be found at the end of this entry.

Thanks to TVjay for shooting, editing and producing DVDs of the forum. A DVD of the entire forum is available to any participating candidate or event host who would like a copy. Please email me to request yours. Include a phone number and (if outside the Metro area), include your postal address. Otherwise, you'll need to pick up your copy at our studio in Midtown.

Chair
Michael R. Berlon (Gwinnett)
Hattie B. Dorsey (Fulton)
Carol Jackson (Habersham)
Jane V. Kidd (Clarke)
Jim Nelson (Chatham)

First Vice-Chair
Gloria S. Butler (DeKalb)
Darryl A. Hicks (Fayette)
Angela Moore (DeKalb)
Michael Thurmond (Clarke)
Doug Stoner (Cobb)

Congressional District/County Liaison Vice-Chair
Randal Mangham (DeKalb)
Sally Rosser (Fulton)
Cheryl Williams (Gwinnett)

Constituency Group Vice-Chair
Virgilio Perez Pascoe (Forsyth)
James Quarterman (Douglas)
Terrence Samuel (Thomas)

Candidate Recruitment Vice-Chair
Winfred Dukes (Dougherty)
Danita P. Knowles (Coffee)

Secretary
Patricia Barlow-Ivry (Habersham)
Stephen R. Leeds (Fulton)

Treasurer
Rex Templeton, Jr. (Chatham)

...........................................

Q&A with DPG Chair Candidates

Q: How will you handle party switchers? ANSWERS>>

Q: For those candidates for Chair not residing in the Metro area, do you anticipate any difficulties managing the staff from afar? ANSWERS>>

Q: How will you ensure that difficult and divisive issues do not split the party? ANSWERS>>

Q: What is your plan to notify all party members about what is happening? ANSWERS>>

Q: How will you ensure a diverse, qualified staff to manage day-to-day operations at the state party? Give us your comments on the matter of salary for position of Chair? Do you think there should be a salary for the Chair? ANSWERS>>

Posted by Mel at 10:49 AM | Comments (9)

The Real Question.

Not are we ready...?

The January 2007 issue of GQ Magazine features a long article about Rahm Emanuel. Kiss The Ring covers Mr Emanuel's journey from the rough Chicago political scene to chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Here's the money quote, in my opinion:

It drove Rahm and Carville nuts. “The thing that stuns me,” Carville says, “is that this is supposed to be a rigged deal—chairman of the party! The congressional leadership, the fund-raisers, people like that are supposed to decide. You [the state-party chairs and DNC members] are supposed to get a call and are told who to vote for! You’re not supposed to really vote on this shit!”

Questions abound of late: Is the country ready for an African American President? A Latino President? A Woman President?

Isn't the better question: Can the country withstand the Presidency of another rich White guy?

Can we continue to let the Carville's, O'Reilly's; Bush's; Murdoch's and Porter's of our country remain in control? In addition to talking about how African Americans, Women, Latinos, LGBT, get more access - let's also talk about how to limit access for the rich white guys.

Posted by Catherine at 5:48 AM | Comments (55)

While we were busy with DPG stuff

A lot of interesting things occurred this weekend in the world of Democrats. Lots of folks seem to want that crazy job called the President of the United States. Get in line folks, everybody is joining the Prez 2008 race.

So Hillary Clinton is IN - and as her email stated apparently she is "In to Win". Hillary says "she wanted to be president because she was “worried about our country” and wanted to “put it back on the right course.”

Sidenote: I received her email on the ol' crackberry during the DPG forum and thought is was one those joke emails. Didn't pay it too much attention since I never signed up for anything "Hillary Clinton" related in my lifetime. Damn those ladies at the Women Campaign School at Yale. Damn them. I bet it's going to be like my "I can't get my email address removed from the John Kerry site for 18 months after he lost" episode.

Note to Hillary's campaign folks: if I want to raise money for her I certainly do not want to be called a "Hillraiser" That is just too dumb!

And Bill Richardson is also IN. Bill has a lot going for himself - his experience as governor, dealing with budgets, health care, the environment, drunken driving, a proponent of renewable energy sources, working to arrange a cease-fire this month between the government of Sudan and rebels in the Darfur region, and meeting several times with officials from North Korea to discuss nuclear weapons.

Another Sidenote: The Political Best-Seller list:
Based on sales from 12/16 through 1/13 2007
1. The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama. (Crown, $25.) The Illinois junior senator proposes that Americans move beyond their political divisions.

"Oh, Oh, Oh," I'm just saying...hahaha

Oh yeah one more funny thing, the Republicans now have Senator Sam Brownback, a Kansas Republican, in the race for Prez 2008. Ya'll bad!!

The NYT asks this

"Thus now seems like an appropriate time for those classic questions: Is America ready for a black president? A female? A Hispanic? What about a combination in a presidential/vice-presidential ticket?"

Posted by Bernita at 12:15 AM | Comments (2)

January 21, 2007

Random Thoughts (I)

I have been reading Friedman's The World is Flat and I got to thinking that there are some things we all can apply to our current political situation, both here in GA and nationally. To successfully achieve the "takeover" that we, as progressives, envision, we have to be able to give up ownership of both ideas and offices, if necessary. As discussion and debate take place and concensus/compromise is achieved, there may be instances when our candidate or our idea gets overturned by someone else. The process of discussion and concensus building is the critical factor that we are searching for.

Open government calls for all individuals to have access to a platform to state their views. We have to be ready to concede defeat if our candidate is bested in an election. We have to be ready to join in support of a candidate who we did not initially support (witness the Cox/Taylor debacle). True, oftimes in elections, things are said and done that hurt (lo, that we could always have clean well-fought elections). If we are to succeed, we have to be able to put those sorts of things behind us. The vindictiveness of "the other side" cannot be allowed to taint our mission.

As for ideas, it is less important "who" gets the credit than it is that the idea gets its airing and, ultimately, acceptance. Once we learn that the process is what makes the progressive agenda work, we will be much better off and much more successful.

I realize that this is sometimes a tough pill to swallow, but it is one that we will have to take before we can hope to gain support and control. Government is supposed to represent the people and that means ALL the people. Only by keeping our eyes on THAT goal can we involve everyone and successfully attain true representative government.

Posted by Peter at 3:15 PM | Comments (4)

Moratorium

This is the last week before the Democratic Party of Georgia leadership elections. Those of you who are engaging in negative campaigning need to give it a rest. From here forward, any negative comment about ANY of the candidates seeking DPG positions will be deleted.

If you have a problem with something a candidate has said or done, you can contact the candidate directly.

I encourage all of you in the lefty blogosphere to follow the same policy this week. Don’t give the haters a venue, especially those who don’t even have a vote in the election, but have hidden agendas and vested interests.

To the haters, if you think tearing down the other guys helps your candidate or helps our party, then there’s little anyone can do to help you. Take your playa hatin elsewhere. I’m sure the Republican blogs will be more than happy to oblige.

Posted by Mel at 12:53 PM | Comments (65)

January 20, 2007

Thank you!

Kisses all around!

The DPG Candidate Forum today was a big success in large part to the organizational skills of Bernita Smith. Many helped, but without her ideas and her drive to make it happen we never would have pulled it off. We here at Blog for Democracy extend our sincere thanks to Bernita, Horizon Theater, Doug Monroe, and Bobbie Paul for helping to make it happen. We couldn't have done it without you! These folks, along with the many organizations and individuals who assisted (I think you know who you are!) deserve a big thanks for helping to keep the discussion going and party moving ahead.

And many thanks to the candidates who participated and all of you who attended. Wasn't it great to be in a roomful of Democrats?

Posted by Catherine at 6:54 PM | Comments (20)

January 19, 2007

DPG Candidate Forum: Metro Atlanta

Please join us for a Democratic Party of Georgia Candidate Forum on January 20, 2007. For DPG State Committee Members from the Metro area, this will be a good opportunity to learn more about each of the candidates running for important DPG leadership positions prior to the election on January 27th.

Everyone is welcome, but DPG State Committee Members who are eligible to vote in the upcoming party elections are especially requested to attend. And if you are considering seeking a DPG State Committee Seat for the first time in February 2007, this forum will be a good introduction to Democratic Party Politics.

What: DPG Candidate Forum
When: Saturday, January 20th at 10:00am
Where: Horizon Theatre
1083 Austin Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
MAP

The theatre is located at the corner of Euclid & Austin Aves. (Little 5 Points) in a beige brick renovated historic school building.

Help us plan for a great event and RSVP NOW.

All candidates running for Democratic Party of Georgia Chair, First, Second and Third Vice Chairs, Secretary and Treasurer will be invited. The event is free, but small donations to the community theatre will be appreciated.

Event Hosts: Fulton County Democratic Party, Cobb County Democratic Party, Young Democrats of Georgia, Young Democrats of Atlanta, Atlanta Stonewall Democrats, Red Clay Democrats, Georgia for Democracy PAC, Blog for Democracy, Georgia Podcast Network, Forsyth County Democratic Party, Clayton County Democratic Party, Dekalb County Democratic Party, Gwinnett County Democratic Party, and Douglas County Democratic Party.

Master of Ceremonies: Doug Monroe.

For more information, contact:

Bernita Smith
bernita[at]bdonasmith.com
404-867-0066

Catherine Smith
catherine[at]georgiafordemocracy.org
404-755-4701

Posted by Mel at 4:24 PM | Comments (2)

DPG Chair Update

After speaking with Donzella James, she said that she is no longer running for DPG Chair. She says that she is only running for the 13th Congressional Chair seat.

and now we are down to 5 people in the front car.

See extended entry for complete list of candidates.
(added by Catherine 1/19/07 3:25PM)

Chair
* Michael R. Berlon (Gwinnett)
* Hattie B. Dorsey (Fulton)
* Carol Jackson (Habersham)
* Jane V. Kidd (Clarke)
* Jim Nelson (Chatham)

First Vice-Chair
* Gloria S. Butler (DeKalb)
* Darryl A. Hicks (Fayette)
* Angela Moore (DeKalb)
* Michael Thurmond (Clarke)
* Doug Stoner (Cobb)

Congressional District/County Liaison Vice-Chair
* Randal Mangham (DeKalb)
* Sally Rosser (Fulton)
* Cheryl Williams (Gwinnett)

Constituency Group Vice-Chair
* Virgilio Perez Pascoe (Forsyth)
* James Quarterman (Douglas)
* Terrence Samuel (Thomas)

Candidate Recruitment Vice-Chair
* Winfred Dukes (Dougherty)
* Danita P. Knowles (Coffee)

Secretary
* Patricia Barlow-Ivry (Habersham)
* Stephen R. Leeds (Fulton)

Treasurer
* Rex Templeton, Jr. (Chatham)

Congressional Chairs (only one candidate)
* District 1 - Dennis W. Marks (Lowndes)
* District 2 - Margaret Tyson (Grady)
* District 3 - Ernest C. Broadwell (Fayette)
* District 4 - Linda Edmonds (DeKalb)
* District 6 - Ben E. Myers (Fulton)
* District 7 - Tasso Knight (Gwinnett)
* District 8 - Keith Moffett (Bibb)
* District 9 - Bob Barton (Lumpkin)
* District 11 - David McLaughlin (Floyd)
* District 12 - Tony Center (Chatham)

5th Congressional District Chair
* William Curry (Fulton)
* Sheila Jones (Fulton)

10th Congressional District Chair
* R. Terry Holley (Columbia)
* Patty Payne (Franklin)

13th Congressional District Chair
* Donzella J. James (Fulton)
* Sukari Scott (Clayton)
* Nikema Williams (Fulton)

Posted by Bernita at 12:40 PM | Comments (0)

Friday Open Thread

House Democrats cross the finish line on their 100-Hour Pledge, with 58 hours to spare.

There are now two go-to sources for answers to your questions about offensive racial stereotypes. Ask a Mexican covers all things Latin, while The Ethnicist picks up the rest of the melting pot.

Colbert takes on Papa Bear. Twice. In one night.

Habeas corpus shmabeas shmorpus.

Mei Lan is on limited exhibit! Also, she can now pee on her own.

Posted by PaulaG at 10:34 AM | Comments (17)

Help save PeachCare for Kids

Voices for Georgia's Children has issued an action alert to help save PeachCare for Kids:

Georgia's PeachCare for Kids program is facing a $131 million federal funding shortfall and could be forced to shut down unless Congress acts quickly to appropriate the necessary funds.

Urge Congress to save healthcare coverage for Georgia's lower-income children immediately. The state may stop the program entirely by March 2007 unless Congress acts within the next several days.

Related link from Political Insider: Democrats to the rescue:

A delegation of state legislators, led by state Rep. Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus) has quietly slipped away to the District of Columbia to meet with newly elected House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — or someone in her office. We haven’t heard how high they were able to reach.

The bipartisan group’s purpose is to get Pelosi’s backing for making a federal funding fix that would fill a $130 million-plus hole in PeachCare, the state’s insurance program for the children of working families.

Posted by Mel at 10:23 AM | Comments (6)

Local blogs

Lawmakers turning to blogs, by Brian Hughes| Morris News Service. Not much of a story really, but Peach Papa sure looks glum.

Posted by Mel at 10:17 AM | Comments (1)

More of the Same

From this morning's AJC, a conceptual plan for improvement of the ROAD systems on Buford Highway and Tara Boulevard. The fixation of the ARC on roads continues.

"The Buford study envisions transforming the road so that it carries more local traffic. Drivers traveling longer distances would be encouraged to use near-by I-85 or Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, which is a limited-access road between I-285 and Holcomb Bridge Road"

The plan further calls for multi-use trails from Griffin to I-75. The estimated cost (I assume in today's dollars) is $500 million. How much of that could be spent on commuter rail from Athens/Lovejoy and we could then encourage commuters to use the bus/train? Our regional thirst for roads, apparently, knows no bounds.

Posted by Peter at 7:50 AM | Comments (0)

January 18, 2007

Amen, Brother Flack

This was posted by Jon Flack on his blog, Peach Pulpit. I am reposting it here because I think many Georgia Democratic State Committee members (SCM) have similar feelings regarding the upcoming DPG elections. I think many SCM are tired of feeling belittled, that our opinions do not matter, and that there are others who know what is best for us.

Our opinions do matter and our votes do count and we are taking this DPG election very seriously. We are not children. We are free-thinking and able bodied adults. Respect us for doing our part in moving the Democratic Party of Georgia forward.

Note to Georgia Democratic Elected Officials and Power Brokers Written by Jon Flack Thursday, 18 January 2007
Dear Sir or Ma'am,

The Democratic Party of Georgia does not exist as a subjugated entity to elected officials. I did not, nor did many others, decide to become a Democrat because of a State Senator or State House Rep.

The Democratic Party should not rise and fall on the relative merits of a few elected officials who view the party apparatus as a means to exert power and influence.

The next time someone like Mr. Butler suggests that only locally elected Democrats can revitalize a county party, I would like them to explain to me what happens in a county that has none.

The "Party" is responsible for cultivating and growing strong candidates. Nobody is suggesting that should change. But let's be very clear about something...

You derive your power and success from us, not despite of us. "Grassroots" stuffs envelopes, knocks on doors, makes phone calls, shakes hands, etc... for you. It's time you loosen your grip and allow us a seat at the table. You have your job, now let us do ours.

That can only happen with a strong and independent state party. The sooner you embrace it, and empower us to help you, the better.

Hugs and Kisses,
Jon

P.S. It's time for folks to sack up and start talking straight. When I get something that says "...someone running for DPG Chair..." it's insulting to me as a voter on the matter. If you don't have the sack to name names, you might as well keep it to yourself.

This passive aggressive shit is getting on my nerves. We are all grown ups here and you only damage your own message if you are unable or willing to stand up and be straight. The time for being coy in this race is over.

Posted by Bernita at 10:02 PM | Comments (13)

March on Washington, etc

Let me take a moment to introduce myself here. You may know me as 'yardman5508", but I have been invited to participate as a semi-regular contributor here. I hope that I will not be too redundant,again but I will attempt to add my scholarly, suburban viewpoint on the news.

Having the business out of the way, Move On has announced that there will be a "peace/anti-war" march and demonstration in Washington on January 27. Check out their site for more info (sorry for not being able to furnish a link yet, but my course on Blogging 101 has not gotten to that chapter yet). Move On is also soliciting funds to help defray the cost of bus transportation for those interested in attending. Just like the old days...get on the bus, travel 20 hours, march, travel 20 hours home. All we are saying, is give peace a chance.

Posted by Peter at 3:08 PM | Comments (3)

Ethics complaint against Speaker Richardson dismissed

InsiderAdvantage is reporting the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee has dismissed the ethics complaint filed against House Speaker Glenn Richardson by outgoing Democratic Partyy Chairman Bobby Kahn, saying it found insufficient probable cause.

Here are the links.

Posted by Mel at 11:04 AM | Comments (18)

Rule of law

U.S. official terrorizes Atlanta firms, by Jay Bookman for the AJC:

Stimson, a deputy assistant secretary of defense, recently complained that major American law firms were daring to provide free, or pro bono, legal assistance to detainees at Guantanamo Bay who otherwise would not have access to legal help. In a particularly outrageous act, Stimson even insinuated that some of the firms might be taking pay for their work from terrorist groups.

Stimson then listed a few of the targeted law firms, including Atlanta-based Alston & Bird and Sutherland Asbill & Brennan.

Posted by Mel at 9:46 AM | Comments (4)

Color Blind

Tonight at the Carter Center, a creative brief on design and diversity hosted by the Atlanta chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts.

What: Color Blind, Diversity Panel & Discussion
Where: The Carter Center, Cyprus Room
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30307
Free parking
When: Thu, Jan 18th at 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Members: $10 / Student Members: $5
Non-Members: $15

January 17, 2007

House Resolution 39

Earlier this week, the US House of Representation voted on a resolution congratulating the University of Florida Gators on their National Championship. It passed 414-1. The lone nay vote? Representative Jack Kingston (R-1st). My former Congressman has done me proud. For once. [Hat tip to Rusty.]

Posted by Jen Brock at 4:33 PM | Comments (3)

The DPG Candidate Roster

As of 2:39 pm today, here is the list of candidates seeking positions within the Democratic Party of Georgia:

Chair:
Mike Berlon - Gwinnett county - male/white - (chair of Gwinnett County Dems and 2004 PSC candidate)
Rev. Jim Nelson - Chatham county - male/white - (2006 1st Congressional District candidate)
Hattie Dorsey - Fulton county - female/black - (current 1st Vice Chair of the Party)
Jane Kidd - Clarke county - female/white - (former State Rep. and 2006 State Senate candidate)
Carol Jackson - Habersham county - female/white - (former State Senator and 2006 State Senate candidate)

1st Vice Chair:

according to the State Bylaws, a gender balance must be preserved between the Chair and 1st Vice Chair positions. Such that, if a man is elected Chair then State Committee members will only be allowed to vote for female 1st Chair candidates and vice versa if a woman is elected as Chair.

Senator Gloria Butler - DeKalb county - female/black - (State Senator)
Angela Moore - DeKalb county - female/black - (2006 Secretary of State candidate)
Darryl Hicks - Fayette county - male/black - (2006 Secretary of State candidate)
Senator Doug Stoner - Cobb county - male/white - (State Senator)
Commissioner Michael Thurmond - Clarke county - male/black - (State Commissioner of Labor)

Congressional District/County Liaison Vice-Chair:
Sally Rosser - Fulton county - female/white - (current Congressional District/County Liaison Vice-Chair)
Cheryl Williams - Gwinnett county - female/white - (Gwinnett County Democrats)
Representative Randal Mangham - DeKalb county - male/black - (State Representative)

Constituency Group Vice-Chair:
Virgilio Perez Pascoe - Forsyth county - male/hispanic - (Forsyth County Democrats)
James Quarterman - Douglas county - male/black - (Douglas County Democrats)
Terrence Samuels - Thomas county - male/black - (current Constituency Group Vice-Chair)

Candidate Recruitment Vice-Chair:
Danita Knowles - Coffee county - female/white - (2006 State Representative candidate)
Representative Winfred Dukes - Dougherty county - male/black - (current Candidate Recruitment Vice-Chair and State Representative)

Secretary:
Patricia Barlow-Ivry - Habersham county - female/black - (Habersham Democrats and former City Councilwoman)
Steve Leeds - Fulton county - male/white - (current Secretary)

Treasurer:
Rex Templeton - Chatham county - male/white - (former Chair of Chatham County Democrats)

Congressional Districts Chair:

1st - Dennis Marks
2nd - Margaret Tyson
3rd - Ernest Broadwell
4th - Lindi Edmonds
5th - Will Curry
5th - Representative Sheila Jones
6th - Ben Myers
7th - Tasso Knight
8th - Keith Moffett
9th - Bob Barton
10th - Terry Holley
10th - Patty Payne
11th - David McLaughlin
12th - Tony Center
13th - Nikema Williams
13th - Donzella J. James
13th - Sukari Scott

RSVP to hear the candidates speak on Saturday, January 20th at the Horizon Theater from 10 am - Noon.

Posted by Bernita at 2:39 PM | Comments (41)

Interlopers in Memphis!

While strictly a non-partisan event, the Media Reform Conference in Memphis this past weekend was decidedly critical of the current administration and the right-wing media that serves it so well. From Bill Moyers and Jesse Jackson on Friday; to Bernie Sanders and Amy Goodman on Saturday; to Jane Fonda and Van Jones on Sunday, the Democrats, progressives, left-leaning, and far left were well represented. NCMR Video and NCMR audio now posted. On several occasions during the sessions I wondered if right-leaning media representatives were among us, taking notes. Sure enough!

Conservative writer and commentator, Cliff Kincaid, has much to say about the conference, and media reform in this piece from the oddly named Family Security Matters. His piece rambles on about the hot-button issues of "fairness" and "security", and makes George Soros sound like the Kaiser Solzay of American media:

In addition to the creation of what he calls a “New World Order” under U.N. auspices, Soros’s causes include abortion, drug legalization, and special rights for immigrants, homosexuals, felons, and prostitutes. An atheist, Soros is promoting the complete breakdown of traditional values and morality in America.

In ending he expresses concern:

This is what passes for “progressivism” these days. It is a clear danger to freedom at home and abroad.

Posted by Catherine at 12:24 PM | Comments (4)

dkosopedia

Those of you who splash around in the dKOS pool might want to help clean this mess up.

All wikis are sort of a work in progress, but even so, this is a random collection of Georgia Democrats, with little or no information about each. What information there is, is outdated or incorrect.

For example, Nan Orrock's bio is a single sentence:"One of the few white democrats of Georgia who deserves to be called a Democrat."

Jim Martin's is also a single sentence: "Jim Martin is the much trusted, low key Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia in 2006."

All that's required to edit a page is to create an account via the little link at upper right of the page.

Posted by Mel at 11:10 AM | Comments (6)

Podcamp

Podcasting and Politics? Discuss.

Posted by Mel at 10:49 AM | Comments (5)

Oh, Oh, Oh, Obama

Oh how so delightful!

Just in case you were sleeping yesterday, here's his video

Here's what you receive when you sign up:

Dear Bernita,

Thank you for signing up to our email list.

Running for President may be a step that I take, but it is a journey I
cannot hope to complete without the energy and talents of people like you. A glance across history and my own past as a community organizer on the streets of Chicago has taught me that sweeping change never comes from one person or program, but always from the will and passion of countless voices, working and fighting and marching towards that better place.

This is your chance to lead that change, and I encourage you to participate and ask others to join our effort.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to continuing our conversation in the weeks and months to come.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

I'm telling you, he's the ONE!!

Posted by Bernita at 12:13 AM | Comments (18)

January 16, 2007

DPG State Committee signatures needed

~~UPDATE: Virgilio only needs one more signature!~~ He has his 30 signatures. Thanks to all who signed!

Tomorrow is the filing deadline for candidates seeking Democratic Party of Georgia leadership positions. Non State Committee Members who wish to run are required to get 30 signatures from current DPG State Committee Members to qualify.

If you are a DPG State Committee Member, please help Mr. Virgilio Perez Pascoe qualify to run for Constituent Group Vice Chair. You can email him at vpepascoe@adelphia.net. More background information may be found here.

Virgilio (pronounced ver-hil-e-o), would be an excellent addition to the DPG leadership team! Please help him qualify.

Posted by Mel at 10:24 AM | Comments (8)

How did your Congressperson Vote this week?

Georgia Association of Educators offers this really cool feature on their website called MegaVote. Once you plug in your info, they provide weekly emails on Congressional Votes and Upcoming Congressional Bills for your Congressperson. I started receiving these emails last year and think this a valuable and informative service. I'm going to make this a weekly post, so sign up on GAE and keep us updated on how your Congressperson voted:

Recent Congressional Votes -
* House: Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act - Vote Passed (299-128, 8 Not Voting) - This House bill is intended to implement the remaining 9/11 Commission homeland security recommendations.
Rep. John Lewis voted YES

* House: Fair Minimum Wage Act - Vote Passed (315-116, 4 Not Voting) - This House bill would raise the minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $7.25 over the next two years.
Rep. John Lewis voted YES

* House: Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act - Vote Passed (253-174, 8 Not Voting) - This House bill would expand federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.
Rep. John Lewis voted YES

* House: Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act - Vote Passed (255-170, 10 Not Voting) - This House bill would require the government to negotiate Medicare prescription drug prices with pharmaceutical companies.
Rep. John Lewis voted YES

Upcoming Votes

* S.1 - Ethics Reform bill - The Senate is scheduled to continue work on this ethics bill that would require the disclosure of earmark sponsorship and tighten lobbying rules.

* H.R.5 - To reduce interest rates for student borrowers - This bill would cut the interest rate on subsidized undergraduate student loans from 6.8% to 3.4%.

* H.R.6 - To end subsidies for big oil and invest in renewable energy - The House is scheduled to take up this bill that would end certain oil company incentives.

Posted by Bernita at 12:13 AM | Comments (4)

January 15, 2007

Bringing Social Media Optimization to the democratic blogosphere

I hate to cross-post myself again, but I want everyone to have the opportunity to check out the Super Cool add-this-post-to-my-bookmarks feature that has been added to the YD Atlanta blog. Everyone with a Blogger blog can do the same thing in about five minutes - I'm more than willing to send the template code to anyone that asks for it. As for other blog providers, I don't know whether it's possible to do it that same way; I'm pretty sure it can't be done like that for y'all using CampaignWindow blogs. The good news is that as long as you can embed JavaScript into your blog posts (and you can do that with CampaignWindow), you can get those same neat icons with only minimal extra effort. An example of how to use the embeddable script I wrote for this purpose is on display on the latest YD Cobb blog post (you'll want to do a "view source" to see how it's done, or I can explain it via e-mail).

The bottom line is that there's nothing standing in the way of every blog in the Georgia Democratic blogosphere from being instantly bookmarkable with minimal (or no!) effort on the part of individual bloggers once things are set up. So go forth, ye denizens of the blogosphere, and be fruitful!

(P.S. If you see any mistakes I made in setting this stuff up, by all means tell me, this is still very much beta software!)

Posted by Benson at 10:14 PM | Comments (3)

MLK

In honor of MLK Day, Sarah sends the following excerpt from a speech given by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on April 4, 1967 (in the midst of the Vietnam War), at Riverside Church in New York City on the subject Beyond Vietnam—A Time to Break Silence. It as as relevant to US actions in Iraq today as it was 40 years ago to US actions in Vietnam.

At this point I should make it clear that while I have tried in these last few minutes to give a voice to the voiceless in Vietnam and to understand the arguments of those who are called "enemy," I am as deeply concerned about our own troops there as anything else. For it occurs to me that what we are submitting them to in Vietnam is not simply the brutalizing process that goes on in any war where armies face each other and seek to destroy. We are adding cynicism to the process of death, for they must know after a short period there that none of the things we claim to be fighting for are really involved. Before long they must know that their government has sent them into a struggle among Vietnamese, and the more sophisticated surely realize that we are on the side of the wealthy, and the secure, while we create a hell for the poor.

Somehow this madness must cease. We must stop now. I speak as a child of God and brother to the suffering poor of Vietnam. I speak for those whose land is being laid waste, whose homes are being destroyed, whose culture is being subverted. I speak for the poor of America who are paying the double price of smashed hopes at home, and death and corruption in Vietnam. I speak as a citizen of the world, for the world as it stands aghast at the path we have taken. I speak as one who loves America, to the leaders of our own nation: The great initiative in this war is ours; the initiative to stop it must be ours.

Posted by Mel at 12:25 PM | Comments (2)

January 14, 2007

Yet more DPG candidate video...

...but including the guys you've never heard of, but maybe wish you had. I've posted the videos to the Cobb County YD's site, but maybe the site stayed idle too long or something, because it hasn't shown up on LeftyBlogs. So here is the video.

Dare I say

About

January 31, 2007

Sad - Molly Ivins dies

Biden on Obama

A meditation on the GA General Assembly

Good/Bad?

January 30, 2007

Fulton County State Committee Elections

January 29, 2007

BREAKING: Family Day at the Dome, February 10

Moratorium on DPG group emails...PLEASE

Let's go to school

One Day After

Live outside the Columbus Courthouse

Was ist Das?!?

January 28, 2007

Proud to be a GA Democrat

Kidd already garnering great press

Congratulations!

January 27, 2007

DPG leadership elections today!

Ford & The DLC

January 26, 2007

Hicks resigns from DPG 1st Vice Chair race

End of an era

Friday Open Thread

Be a Drum Major for Peace and Justice* this weekend!

January 25, 2007

In praise of Young Democrats

The real questions for DPG candidates are:

ATL Rally To Oppose Escalation In Iraq

January 24, 2007

We interrupt the madness...

Please Join Us for the YDG DPG Officer Election After Party!

Thank God

I <3 Jim Webb

January 23, 2007

In Fairness to all DPG Candidates

Meanwhile in North Carolina

More video from DPG Metro Candidate Forum

Document your SOTU Watch

Scooter on Trial

The Fugees

Strange bedfellows

Marshall? Barrow? What's wrong with energy?

January 22, 2007

Local discussion groups

Video from Metro DPG Candidate Forum

The Real Question.

While we were busy with DPG stuff

January 21, 2007

Random Thoughts (I)

Moratorium

January 20, 2007

Thank you!

January 19, 2007

DPG Candidate Forum: Metro Atlanta

DPG Chair Update

Friday Open Thread

Help save PeachCare for Kids

Local blogs

More of the Same

January 18, 2007

Amen, Brother Flack

March on Washington, etc

Ethics complaint against Speaker Richardson dismissed

Rule of law

Color Blind

January 17, 2007

House Resolution 39

The DPG Candidate Roster

Interlopers in Memphis!

dkosopedia

Podcamp

Oh, Oh, Oh, Obama

January 16, 2007

DPG State Committee signatures needed

How did your Congressperson Vote this week?

January 15, 2007

Bringing Social Media Optimization to the democratic blogosphere