Communications Advisor, Ben Rhodes, outlined the President’s itinerary for his upcoming trip to Asia. The President’s plan to spend a portion of Veteran’s Day in Alaska has been changed due to the memorial at Fort Hood. According to Rhodes, they will be making the first stop of the trip in Alaska on Thursday, Nov 12 — “it’s actually the President’s first stop in Alaska” said Rhodes. The President will speak troops at Elmendorf Air Force Base, and take the opportunity to thank them for their service.From there the President will travel on to Tokyo, arriving on Friday, Nov 13. This is the President’s first trip to Asia and he has a full agenda as he attempts to renew America’s alliances and forge new partnerships in the region. The issues to be addressed include economic recovey; efforts in Afghanistan, which are supported by several Asian partners; nuclear weapons, and clean energy and combating climate change.
Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director & Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) announced some “big news” this afternoon. The President signed THE VETERANS HEALTH CARE BUDGET REFORM AND TRANSPARENCY ACT, permanently changing the funding process for VA healthcare.
According to Rieckhoff, the legislation was the IAVA’s number one priority for the year, legislation they’ve been fighting for since January. Rieckhoff says “The new law requires Congress to pass the VA healthcare budget one year in advance. It means no more rationed care for veterans- regardless of what year it is, or what party is in power. Period.”
Activists are using every opportunity to reach the President, the most recent group bought tickets to a San Francisco fundraiser to deliver a peace petition to the President.
Code Pink made news recently when the Christian Science Monitor reported that co-founder Medea Benjamin was suggesting that there might be room for alternative strategies and an extended timeline for the military in Afghanistan.� Co-founder Jodie Evans quickly clarified this in an interview with Scott Horton, saying that Kabul should be the model “It’s the only safe place in the country … people can get healthcare and education … we need to expand the success of Kabul to the rest of the country.”
The President has reminded us in every townhall, just as he did throughout last year’s campaign season, that change is never easy, but that it always starts with us. He has asked us to “knock on doors and spread the word.” He has told us he needs us to “stand against the politics of fear and division”, and “fight for the security and stability of quality, affordable health care for every American”. So it’s time for everybody to jump in with the same kind of enthusiasm and tenacity that we had in November and get this legislation to President Obama’s desk.
While some planned protests against “death panels” that don’t exist, others began lining up as early as 3:00 pm on Wednesday for what many believe is simply “a cool thing to see”. A sitting President doesn’t often visit any part of Montana, let alone the small town of Belgrade.
But mostly they were like Kathie Lehman of Belgrade who works at the Flying J and got in line after her 3 a.m. shift, still dressed in her work uniform. ‘I was 65th in line,’ she said. ‘At 5:30 a.m., there were about 135 people in sleeping bags sleeping.’ She gave up her dual Japanese citizenship in order to vote for the President, “I think he gives us so much hope.”
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Health Care Reform meeting yesterday in Bend. What a great response! For such a beautiful day with so many other fun things going on in Central Oregon, we were happy to see over 45 people in the Brooks Room.
We followed the general guidelines provided by OFA for the meeting. After overcoming a few technical difficulties, we watched President Obama's welcoming video with a message from the spokesperson for OFA. Rob Cohen walked us through a power point presentation that gave some historical background of the current U.S. health care ‘system.' We broke into groups and shared our own health care stories. When we came together again, several people shared stories from their groups. Finally, we held a brainstorming session to plan our community service event for June 27th.
Here are some of the ideas we talked about:
The majority in attendance committed to participate in our event on June 27th. A steering committee was formed to pursue these ideas and come up with an action plan. Volunteers are: Mike Schmidt, Marjorie Lickley, Jim Davis, Loye Dice, Ray Miao, Ed Lee, Rob Cohen, Mary Ann Hart, Gwenn Wysling, Patty Pachtman and Linda Mathison.
Robert Gibbs announced the President's schedule for the week. On the President's agenda in Las Vegas, sometimes funny man responds, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." This week's events include the wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and a meeting with Palestinian President Abbas.
Full Week after the jump.
President Obama addressed the graduating class at Annapolis Naval Academy this week, offering some light-hearted commentary before delivering a thoughtful and deferential address.
"Now, I know it’s customary at graduation for guests to bring a gift. And I have. All midshipmen on restriction for minor conduct offenses are hereby officially absolved. (Applause.) I did say “minor.” (Laughter.)
Midshipmen, I’m told that the extra ribbon on your chest is for the honor you earned, for only the second time in the storied history of the Naval Academy — the Navy’s Meritorious Unit Commendation Award. So I’ve consulted with Admiral Fowler, and I can make this announcement: For all you midshipmen returning next fall, I hereby grant you something extra — an extra weekend. (Applause.) I should stop now. (Laughter.)"
jump
The senior boys of Marshfield High School, in Coos Bay, OR, will be pleased to know they are in prestigious company with their fundraising efforts for the Share Bear Snack Pack program.
April 18, 200911am - 5pm
Saturday April 18, 2009
There will be an Earth Day Fair and Procession of the Species Parade which starts at 11am on Louisiana and runs along Bond and Wall back to Troy Field. The parade will end at Troy Field with the traditional drum circle in front of the stage.
ACTION ITEMS FOR CENTRAL OREGONIANS:
Congress voted last week to approve President Obama's budget along straight party lines. It was a big test not only for President Obama, but for our entire movement. Take just a few minutes to call our Senators and let them know how much we appreciate their crucial votes.
Let Congressman Walden know how disappointed you are that he did not support a budget that tackles the long-term challenges to our prosperity.
Rep. Gregg Walden (R-OR-02)
CALL: 202-225-6730
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)
CALL: 202-224-5244
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
CALL: 202-224-3753
Deschutes County Town Hall Meeting
Residents of Deschutes County are invited to attend an open forum Town Hall Meeting with Senator Ron Wyden to ask questions and voice their concerns. Senator Wyden has been holding town halls in each Oregon county every year since 1996. The event in Bend is town hall number 509.
Date: Monday, April 6, 2009
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Bend Elks Club
63120 Boyd Acres Rd. (Off of Empire Blvd)
SAVE THE METOLIUS
A pivotal public hearing for saving the Metolius will be on April 7th at 3:00pm in our Capitol in Salem. (Hearing Room E)
This is our chance to show members of the Legislature that the Metolius is a special place worthy of strong protection. We need them to pass HB 3100 in order to protect against two proposed large scale developments that truly threaten the Metolius as we know it.
Any help you could provide to get lots of people to the hearing would make a tremendous difference. Some of the potentially swing legislators aren't personally familiar with the Metolius and don't necessarily realize that a lot of people from all over Oregon view it as a treasure. We have a great deal of support from many legislators, but as of now the final vote looks to be very close. It could well hinge on the strength of our collective voices.
THANK YOU for all of your work!!!!
-Jonathan Manton
541 729-2923
For information about the American Recovery and Revitalization Act and how it can be tapped to grow the green economy please note the following websites:
· The federal government's ARRA website is: http://recovery.oregon.gov/
· Oregon State's ARRA website is: www.recovery.gov
· The Oregon Department of Energy's direct ARRA website is: www.oregon.gov/energy/Stimulus2009.shtml
The Oregon Green Jobs Initiative, spearheaded by 3EStrategies, now has a bill number -- HB 3300. HB 3300 would require the Oregon Workforce Investment Board to prioritize its focus on green jobs and to develop a comprehensive green jobs development strategic plan to be presented to the Oregon Legislature in early 2010.
The Oregon Employment Department has identified a green job as one that provides a service or creates a product in any of the following categories:
-Increasing energy efficiency;
-Producing renewable energy;
-Preventing, reducing or mitigating environmental degradation;
-Cleaning up and restoring the natural environment; or
-Providing education, consulting, policy promotion, accreditation, trading and offsets, or similar services supporting any of the other categories.
Upcoming Event:
Green Building: The New Economy and the Future of the Building Industry with Jason McLennan, at COCC, 5:30pm, Sunday April 12
For links to more information on these events, visit:
3EStrategies Events Page
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Department of State announces the recipients of the third annual Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage. This is the only award within the Department of State that pays tribute to outstanding women leaders worldwide. It recognizes the courage and leadership shown as they struggle for social justice and human rights.This year, the Secretary of State will pay tribute to honorees representing Afghanistan, Guatemala, Iraq, Malaysia, Niger, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. They are among over 80 exceptional women nominated by U.S. Embassies worldwide for their extraordinary work in advancing human rights. The women will be in Washington from March 8 – 12 for a program of meetings with government officials, NGOs and the media. The Office of International Visitors is partnering with the Office of International Women’s Issues on this project.
CENTRAL OREGON FOR CHANGE ONLINE CALENDAR LAUNCHES
In an effort to find an easy way to let folks know about events, important actions, meetings and opportunities for making real change a reality, we are putting together an online calendar.
If you would like to list something in the calendar, please send a short description of your event (50 words or less is best), the time, location and any other important information, such as links to more detailed info, to kymberli4change@gmail.com. Check the calendar often -- as some actions need to happen very quickly, such as making immediate phone calls to legislators to express views and concerns on pending legislation. Now, you can stay on top of how you can be an ongoing part of making change happen!
You can view the ‘centraloregon4change’ calendar from any web browser using this link: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=centraloregon4change%40gmail.com&ct.
Fired Up and Ready To Go -
Kymberli Colburne
Kymberli4change@gmail.com
OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN IN CENTRAL OREGON:
Become involved in your community, volunteer for a city or county committee. Committee openings are advertised in the newspaper or call the city or county and ask about what openings are coming up. Put your best foot forward, learn about what the committee does before you interview or apply. You will learn, meet new people and perhaps have fun.
Judy Clinton
317-8472
METOLIUS RIVER UPDATE
Leaders from across of the state are working diligently on proposals to protect and preserve the Metolius River. The Land Conservation and Development Commission (“LCDC”) recently issued a second draft proposal to designate the Basin and a buffer zone as an Area of Critical State Concern. Under this proposal, an agency management plan would prevent large scale developments, including both destination resorts that have been proposed. LCDC will make a final recommendation to the legislature some time in March. The legislature can accept, amend, or reject LCDC’s plan. Meanwhile legislation is forthcoming which will accept the LCDC’s recommendation to create an Area of Critical State Concern and ensure that no development in or near the Basin will adversely affect the Metolius, its tributaries, fish and wildlife. Jonathan, Central Oregon LandWatch, and a host of other conservation-oriented organizations are likely to urge strong support for this legislation. Once it is finalized and announced publicly, there will be lots of opportunities to contact key legislators to express your opinions.
Stay tuned! And contact Jonathan (541) 729-2923 (jmanton2008@gmail.com) any time with questions, concerns, or comments.
Deschutes County Voters Ballot Deadline Tue March 10th
As March 10 nears and the voters of Deschutes County decide whether or not to retain the Local Rule that seeks to reduce additional nitrate inputs into the groundwater and local rivers, we encourage voters to review the information provided by the U.S. Geological Service and Deschutes County prior to making their decision. Two good sources are: http://www.deschutes.org/cdd/gpp/ and http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2007/3103/. A ‘Yes’ vote on March 10 would retain the Local Rule and help protect the Little Deschutes and Deschutes Rivers from nitrate pollution. A ‘No’ vote would repeal the Local Rule.
Notice of Organizational Meeting
of the Deschutes County Democratic Central Committee
The MARCH Organizational meeting of the Deschutes County Democratic Central Committee will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at Bend's Community Center, 1036 NE 5th Street, Bend, Oregon.
Social time will begin at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is expected to run from 7 to 9 p.m.
Please feel free to contact Craig Wilhelm, Vice-Chair, Executive Steering Committee, at craig.wilhelm@gmail.com or 541.633.7878
if you have any questions regarding attendance.
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
PTAC (Public Transit Advisory Committee) public hearing on proposed elimination of all weekend BAT (Bend Area Transit) and DAR (Dial-a-Ride) service, fare hikes and route changes will be held at City Hall, 3:30 to 5:30 pm, Tuesday, March 17, 2009. More info at www.bendareatransit.com and 317-3039. This is a good opportunity for people to express their concerns about BAT service cuts.
RECOMMENDED READING
For a better understanding of where we are economically and why a BIG stimulus is necessary, H. Joe Cornett of Prineville recommends an excellent book by Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize winning economist, Professor of Economics at Princeton, and columnist for the NY Times. The Book, "Return of Depression Economics", is actually an update of his earlier 1999 book reviewing the 90s economic crisis in Asia. In the earlier book Krugman predicted the possibility of our current crisis. Check out his blog at http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/
Lisa Jackson, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, announced a new initiative to further measure levels of toxic air pollution near many schools across the country for better protection. EPA and its state partners will prioritize and monitor schools for more extensive air quality analysis, looking closely at schools located near large industries and in urban areas.
Arms. Who would have guessed that in the middle of an economic collapse while we’re engaged in two wars and the ecology in jeopardy, anybody would even think to make an issue about a woman’s arms. But reporting every minute detail of the President and his family has been going on since “Lady Washington” went shopping for “new fashioned” shoes as she traveled to her new home in New York, at 58 years old. Mrs. Lincoln, as well, was criticized at every turn, for everything from her expensive clothing to her “loud and unrefined” nature, by a new generation of female journalists whom she dubbed the “vampyre press.”
Sadly, that tradition hasn’t changed either, as the harshest critics of Mrs. Obama’s arms have come from women who have written of her arms with headlines that shout “call to arms”, “right to bare arms”, and the unbelievable “buff-arm fetish”.
Euphoric! And isn't it mind-blowing to get up every day and say "What Wonderful Thing Did Our New President Do This Morning!" I live on the west coast so he has a few hours head start on me.
Here's some pictures and videos from reactions from around the world.
http://www.obama-mamas.com/inaugural-videos.htm
National Geographic
It isn’t often that a teacher gets to educate kids on a topic that already has them captivated and enthused. The Inauguration of Barack Obama is just such an occasion and presents a number of avenues a teacher can take, from civil rights to government to Presidential history. Children have been involved in this election in a huge number and in so many creative ways. Some sang songs of courage and unity, some sang rounds of “yes we can”, others did their own version of “baracknroll”. They drew pictures and sold their home-baked cookies and some even emptied their piggy banks. Little Damon William even got a press credentials to the inaugural activities.
With kids already this excited, introducing lessons on the Presidents, the Inauguration, or the Government has never been easier. The Presidential Inaugural Committee has joined with the two teachers unions to present lesson plans, as have a number of other organizations. Obama-Mamas.com has compiled a list of resources that are free and have downloads and complete lesson plans.
The response to President Obama’s call to serve is already taking off in a big way, according to Nicola Goren, of the country’s service organization, The Corporation for National and Community Service. They are working with the Presidential Inaugural Committee to organize the greatest day of service in the country’s history. President-elect Obama, Vice President-elect Biden, and their families will also serve on the January 19 holiday in the Washington D.C. area.
