Coloradans for Obama

CALL TO ACTION FROM PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

Debbie — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:33:57 EST

Friend --

As we head into the final stretch on health reform, big insurance company lobbyists and their partisan allies hope that their relentless attacks and millions of dollars can intimidate us into accepting the status quo.

So I have a message for them, from all of us: Not this time. We have come too far. We will not turn back. We will not back down.

But do not doubt -- the opponents of reform will not rest. So I need you, the members of Organizing for America, to fight alongside me.

We must continue to build out our campaign -- to spread the facts on the air and on the ground, and to bring in more volunteers and train them to join the fight. I urgently need your help to keep Organizing for America's 50-state movement for reform going strong.

Can you donate $25 or whatever you can afford today?

https://donate.barackobama.com/FinalStretch

Let's win this together,

President Barack Obama

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
Contributions or gifts to the Democratic National Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.

Help the Governor Feed CO's Kids, Monday in Aurora/Centennial area

Nancy Cronk — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 13:28:42 EST

Living Liberally is proud to partner with

****** Colorado's Governor Bill Ritter******

in the ""Campaign to End Childhood Hunger". 7pm Monday December 7th, 2009, Bistro Al Vino, Centennial

Our Special Guest speaker is Jim Carpenter, Governor Ritter's Chief of Staff. Come learn about the Governor's campaign to increase the number of children enrolled in school breakfast and summer lunch programs and to end childhood hunger in Colorado by 2015.

We will also be collecting canned goods for the Rocky Mountain Food Pantry. Please bring something non-perishable to donate.

This event will take place at Bistro Al Vino, one block east of Orchard and Parker Roads in Centennial. Everyone is welcome! Separate tabs apply.

Please come to honor Gov. Ritter's work to feed children at the holidays, and all year through. Meet local progressives while you're there.

(Legal disclaimer: Under federal law, Living Liberally does not endorse any candidate, candidate's campaign or political party.)

Event Organizer: Ray Springfield 303-815-8468

Living Liberally Hosts: Nancy Cronk and Sharon Withrow.
Please RSVP to Nancy at 303-680-6243

Nancy Cronk
Progressive Activist
720-341-8964 cell
303-680-6243 home

MEET ANDREW ROMANOFF, OUR NEXT U. S. SENATOR!

Debbie — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:50:53 EST

Dear Volunteer,
Now that the busy holiday season is in full swing, we hope you can still find time to show support for Andrew. Please join us for our upcoming Romanoff for Colorado fundraiser:

Andrew After Hours!
Wednesday, December 2 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Mercury Cafe
2199 California Street
Admission: $10 at the door
Live music, appetizers, and cash bar

Please join us!
Invite your friends!

Please review the following opportunities for our volunteers throughout Colorado and let us know how you'd like to help and what hours you are available.

Metro Denver Volunteers
Office Support: We are looking for volunteers to provide general clerical support while the office is open (Monday-Friday 10-6, Saturday-Sunday 12-5). Duties will include greeting visitors, answering phones and administrative tasks.

Phone Bank: We will be holding phone bank hours this weekend (12/5 and 12/6) on Saturday, 12-2 and 2-4, and Sunday, 2-4. If you are not available at these times, but would like to make calls during the week, please let me know and we will get you scheduled.

Data Entry: We are in need of assistance in updating our voter and volunteer databases.

Web -Based Research: Help our staff by providing on-line research.

Greater Colorado Volunteers
If you live outside the Denver area or are unable to come to the campaign office, we currently have the following volunteer opportunities:

Host a House Party: Invite your friends for a gathering to build grassroots support for Andrew's campaign.

Become a Precinct Organizer: Generate support for Andrew among those within your community.

Virtual Phone Bank: Call from home, using our online calling tool.

Join the 2010 Club: Join our grassroots fundraising effort by gathering support from your friends and family.

Please respond to this email or leave a message on our campaign line at 720-319-8683 to let us know how you'd like to help out this week. Thank you for contributing your time and energy to Romanoff for Colorado.

If you would like to donate to Romanoff for Colorado, you can contribute on-line at www.andrewromanoff.com">http://www.facebook.com/l/8a7c6;www.andrewromanoff.com or send a check to "Romanoff for Colorado, 191 University Blvd., #721, Denver, CO 80206.

Have a great week!
Jenny Nate
Volunteer Coordinator
Romanoff for Colorado
720-319-8683
jenny@andrewromanoff.com

YES WE CAN ELECT ANDREW ROMANOFF AS OUR NEXT U. S. SENATOR!

Debbie — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:04:57 EST

Dear Volunteer,
Our grassroots network is rapidly growing and we need your help to continue building the momentum. Our new campaign headquarters are located at the Villa Monaco Shopping Center, Unit E8, at 2223 S. Monaco Parkway (corner of Monaco and Evans). It will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. This week, the office will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday.

As we continue to move forward, you will be receiving e-mails with upcoming volunteer opportunities each week. Please review the following opportunities for our volunteers throughout Colorado and let us know how you'd like to help.

Metro Denver Volunteers

Office Support: We are looking for volunteers to provide general clerical support while the office is open (Monday-Friday 10-6, Saturday-Sunday 12-5). Duties will include greeting visitors, answering phones and administrative tasks.

Phone Bank: We will be holding phone bank hours this weekend, on Saturday, 12-2 and 2-4, and Sunday, 12-2 and 2-4. If you are not available at these times, but would like to help out during the week, please let me know and we will get you scheduled.

Data Entry: We are in need of assistance in updating our voter and volunteer databases.

Fundraising Team Support: Assist our fundraising staff with donor relations and data entry.

Web -Based Research: Help our staff by providing on-line research on a variety of topics.

Greater Colorado Volunteers

If you live outside the Denver area or are unable to come to the campaign office, we currently have the following volunteer opportunities:

Host a House Party: Invite your friends for a gathering to build grassroots support for Andrew's campaign.

Become a Precinct Organizer: Generate support for Andrew among those within your community.

Virtual Phone Bank: Call from home, using our online calling tool.

Join the 2010 Club: Join our grassroots fundraising effort by gathering support from your friends and family.

To let us know how you'd like to be involved, please respond to this email or leave a message on our campaign line at 720-319-8683. Thank you for contributing your time and energy to Romanoff for Colorado. It is because of your hard work that Andrew will be our next U.S. Senator.

If you would like to donate to Romanoff for Colorado, you can contribute on-line at www.andrewromanoff.com or send a check to "Romanoff for Colorado, 191 University Blvd., #721, Denver, CO 80206.

Have a great week and a happy Thanksgiving!
Jenny Nate
Volunteer Coordinator
Romanoff for Colorado
720-319-8683
jenny@andrewromanoff.com

Listen to Ed live on AM760 Thursday morning

Debbie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:55:19 EST

Ed will be joining host David Sirota for a full hour Thursday morning on AM 760 discussing health care reform, financial regulatory reform, and other topics. Hope you can tune in!

WHO: Congressman Ed Perlmutter with David Sirota
WHAT: Radio AM 760 morning show
WHEN: Thursday, November 12, 2009
9:00 – 10:00 am

Please contact me at http://www.facebook.com/l/00c11;303.459.4729 or at hannah@perlmutterforcolorado.com if you have any questions or if you need any more information!
Thank you

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MITCH!

Debbie — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:51:29 EST

Friend --

The House's first full vote on health reform legislation may come as early as this week. It'll be the first time in more than 60 years that the full body votes on comprehensive reform, and we expect it to be very close.

But with just a few days before the vote, the insurance industry and their allies are putting extraordinary pressure on every representative to defeat it. We know that their expensive lobbyists will be dashing to each congressional office, attempting to twist arms. The only question is whether the phones will be ringing off the hook with constituents supporting reform while that happens.

Can you call your representative right now and tell them to vote in favor of real health insurance reform? Then, click here to report your call. According to our records, you live in Colorado's 7th congressional district.

Please call: Rep. Ed Perlmutter at 202-225-2645

(Not your representative? Click here to look yours up.)

The House bill incorporates the best ideas from Democrats and Republicans to guarantee security and stability for those with insurance, provide affordable options for those without -- including the choice of a public insurance option -- and reduce costs for families and small businesses, all while decreasing the deficit.

Many representatives are standing with the President and fighting hard for reform. They need to know that they have our thanks and our support.

And we need to remind the rest of Congress that Americans need them to rise above partisan divides and stand up to the special interests. Please call:

http://my.barackobama.com/HouseVote

It's down to the wire. Your hard work helped bring us to this historic moment. Now let's bring it home.

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Send your bills to Lieberman and other Senators

Nina — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:57:54 EST

My own personal healthcare campaign: Pick an expensive hospital bill or denial letter, cross out any personal info, and send it to the wavering Dems and evil Lieberman... Here's the one I sent last night (I added the names for each Senator by taping an extra piece of paper on before each fax). Hope some of you will do the same!!!! Fax #s: Lieberman 202-224-9750, Lincoln 202-228-1371, Nelson 202-228-0012, Bayh 202-224-1377, Landrieu 202-224-9735, Collins 202-224-2693, Conrad 202-224-7776
Send a fax every day!!!

I wrote: "Here you go... You pay! Since you take money from the insurance industry and since you have government run insurance and since you don't think I need it, why don't you pay my bills? Don't block the healthcare reform bill unless you plan to pay my bills. Public Option or Bust." Then I circled the amount due, wrote what it was for (an ER visit) and the fact that it was with insurance, and wrote "Please pay! Reform long overdue"

Thank you Speaker Pelosi for protecting the weakest and most vunerable amoung us and not yielding to greed and contributions of the pharmacutical like the Republicans who sold us down the tube!

Lillene Ebanks — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:26:44 EDT

Thank you from the people who elected you to protect us! Getting a Bill ready to vote is an achievement.

Thank you Speaker Pelosi for protcting the weakest and most vunerable amoung us and not yielding to greed and contributions of the pharmacutical like the Repuvlicans who sold us down the tube!

Lillene Ebanks — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:41:23 EDT

Thank you from the people who elected you to protect us! Getting a Bill ready to vote is an achievement.

All men do not know what it is to find out you are pregnant so put abortion in our health care bill and do no listen to men who can not talk about pregnancy!

Lillene Ebanks — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:29:19 EDT

Shame on you men wanting women to be butchered in allies or to endure a cheap abortion in the raw after spending a night with Letterman to keep a job to stay alive or the likes of him! Who would want a baby with that rude guq who insulted Governor Palin' precious young daughter! What do you think Gov. Palin? Everyone would say it was for money!

LET'S WALK WITH CONGRESSMAN ED PERLMUTTER

Debbie — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:17:09 EDT

Ed’s network of FRIENDS!
FRIEND: Fostering Relationships In Every Neighborhood of the District

Please join Congressman Ed Perlmutter walking door-to-door to catch up with his constituents
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Who: Congressman Ed Perlmutter and Supporters
What: Precinct walking
When: 1:30pm-3:30pm
Where: Contact Hannah at the campaign office for details
Details: Don't forget to wear your Perlmutter Tee-Shirts if you have them!
We will arrange carpools from the campaign office. Contact Hannah for more information.

If you have any questions please contact Hannah at the campaign office at http://www.facebook.com/l/6e04a;303.459.4729
or at Hannah@perlmutterforcolorado.com
Thank you!

Support the Public Option publicly, Mr. President!

Roland Madore — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:24:05 EDT

October 16, 2009

Dear Mr. President,

Please strongly support the Public Option publicly now! We need to hear your voice. The People are counting on you to back up the promises you made.

We don’t want the insurance and drug companies to win at our expense again because we’ll lose, and so will you. I’d like to continue to support you, but won’t if you sell your “soul to the company”, man. For all the work you do, thank you, and congratulations for winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Here’s where you can start earning it.

Respectfully,

Roland Madore

1725 C Spring Meadows Ct.

Fort Collins, CO 80525-1164

P. S. Hooray for Michael Moore!

Hannity with is "token Liberal" harrassing his audience by constantly interjecting propaganda like "Liberal Enemy's List and Leglislative Retribution" CRAM REPUBLICAN just say No

Lillene Ebanks — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:01:43 EDT

0Hannity said President Obama won the award for thrashing America. Are you and your surporters believing this ignorance! 1ell, you know young people don't buy it or vote for it so sink your ship! I love it!

A CALL TO ACTION FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA

Debbie — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:02:25 EDT

Friend --

This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

CALL TO ACTION!

Debbie — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:40:18 EDT

Friend --

After months of negotiations, the entire House and Senate will soon start debating the final plans for health insurance reform. You've called your representatives, but we can't stop there -- if the American people are going to drown out the D.C. lobbyists, we need everyone who supports reform to weigh in. So here's the plan:

On Tuesday, October 20th, OFA volunteers will gather at "Time to Deliver" Call Parties in living rooms like yours across the country. We'll call friendly voters whose voices matter in this debate, talk to them about the President's plan, and ask them to call on their representatives to support reform.

Our goal? 100,000 calls to Congress placed or committed to in a single day. It's an ambitious goal, but the stakes couldn't be higher -- and if we hit it, we cannot be ignored.

The whole plan begins by finding a place for OFA volunteers to gather -- in Aurora and across the country. And that's why I'm turning to you.

Can you host a Time to Deliver Call Party on Tuesday, October 20th?

Hosting a call party is surprisingly easy. No special experience required, and we'll provide simple step-by-step instructions. If you can print out some call sheets and info about the President's plan -- and make sure volunteers have a comfortable place to sit -- you can host a successful Call Party.

You can invite your friends, we'll invite other OFA supporters in your area, and together you'll have a great time while making a huge difference.

If we can get 100,000 calls to Congress placed or committed to on a single day it will set a new OFA record -- and really shake up the debate in Washington. But it won't be easy. Everything hinges on finding volunteer leaders like you who are willing to open your doors and give supporters in your area a place to gather.

Can we count on you? Please sign up to host a Time to Deliver Call Party on October 20th:

http://my.barackobama.com/deliver

Thanks for making it happen,

Jeremy

Jeremy Bird
Deputy Director
Organizing for America

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Colorado Roots Leaders

Jenn from Denver, CO — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:25:11 EDT

Hello everyone,

For those of you who don’t know me, I was the Colorado New Media director for the Obama campaign. I’m now working with an organization called ProgressNow, which works to advance progressive politics and fight back against right wing propaganda in Colorado. We’re also working closely with OFA.

We know OFA is probably keeping you busy these days fighting for health insurance reform and we are working hard on those efforts too, in collaboration with OFA. We’ve been working to grow a listserv we call our GrassRoots Leaders. It’s made up of activists across the state and organizational leaders. And we’ve used this list to share information about events, local happenings and organizational happenings. The group also offers you a place to ask questions, find out more about the issues and learn about ways to get involved in local political action.

We’d love for you to join. Click on the link below and sign up.

http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/s/rootsleaders

By further building this group, we will to develop a comprehensive network that will give people the opportunity to stay informed and connected. We hope the Roots Leaders group will become a forum where people can discuss issues, build activism and support for local political movements in Colorado.

Thanks

Jenn

MESSAGE FROM MITCH

Debbie — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:12:20 EDT

Friend --

The cavalry is here -- and they're in white coats and scrubs: More than a half a million doctors and millions of nurses are joining forces to help pass real health reform.

Americans listen to their nurses and doctors when it comes to health reform -- and for good reason. If we can help them amplify their voices, it'll be a huge boost to our campaign for change.

So we're working on a new television ad featuring their voices explaining why doctors and nurses so strongly support President Obama's plan -- and asking Congress to pass it. We'll run the ad in key states and districts all around the country to show folks where health professionals stand, cut through the spin, and build even greater support for reform.

But to produce and air the new ad before the Senate starts debating a final bill, we'll need to raise $300,000 by Thursday. Can you donate $25 right away?

The American Medical Association, Doctors for America, and a dozen other physicians groups representing 500,000 doctors are endorsing reform. So are the American Nurses Association and other organizations representing millions of nurses.

They're speaking out because they see the shortcomings of our health care system firsthand, every day: patients denied the care they prescribe, families losing access to their doctors, and a system that forces them to spend more time with paperwork and less time with patients.

These voices need to be heard -- with so much deception out there clouding the debate, it's critical that medical professionals are able to focus the country on the simple fact that health reform is good medicine.

But the final congressional committee could vote on their reform bill as early as Wednesday -- and debate on final legislation could start by the end of the week. So if we're going to help make these doctors and nurses' voices heard, we'll need to do it right now. Can you chip in $25 or more to help get our ad on the air?

https://donate.barackobama.com/HealthAd

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

RALLY FOR ROMANOFF

Debbie — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:17:12 EDT

As we finish our “Dialing for Dollars” event tonight we are thrilled with the outcome! Over the past two days volunteers have called over 600 of Andrew’s past donors – but there are still more donors to call before the September 30th FEC reporting deadline. We are hoping to call every past donor and ask them to contribute to Andrew’s campaign by midnight tomorrow!

We are adding a day to our Dialing for Dollars event and would like to invite you to join us again:

When: Wednesday, September 30

Where: 1020 Olive St., Denver

Time: 3:30 pm – 8:30 pm (or any portion thereof)

What to bring: Your cell phone and charger

If you know right now that you’ll be able to join us, please reply to this email and I’ll put you on our list. If you’re not sure, don’t worry about the reply and come when you can!

Thanks!

Liz Adams

Romanoff for Senate

P.S. Remember – every contribution counts. If you’d like to contribute to Andrew’s campaign go to www.andrewromanoff.com and click DONATE.

Tags:

RALLY FOR ROMANOFF

Debbie — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:14:37 EDT

As you may know, Wednesday, September 30 is the end of the current federal campaign finance reporting period. Since his announcement a week and a half ago, Andrew has been working the phones to raise money for his campaign. In these last few days before the reporting deadline, we’d like to give Andrew a little help. So, we’ve planned a “Dialing for Dollars” event at Sue and Tim Damour’s home.

I’m hoping that you can join us on Monday, September 28 and/or Tuesday, September 29 from 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm to make phone calls on Andrew’s behalf. We will be calling Andrew’s past donors and asking them if they’d be willing to contribute to his campaign by the September 30 deadline. If you bring your cell phone, we’ll provide refreshments, a script and a list of people to call!

We’d love you to join us for some or all of the “call time.” If you are able to join us, please RSVP to Liz Adams Romanoff for US Senate 720-319-8683. She will then send you a confirmation email with directions to the Damour’s home. Please let us know:

1. If you’re available on either or both days.

2. For what length of time you are available.

Please RSVP to Liz Adams Romanoff for US Senate 720-319-8683.

Thanks so much!

Maria Delgado

720-837-0929

PS Our goal is to demonstrate the strength of Andrew’s campaign by getting as many people as possible to contribute before the deadline. If you have friends who might be interested in joining us, please forward this email to them!

Tags:

A CHALLENGE FROM NATALIE

Debbie — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:47:47 EDT

Friend --

In many ways, the fight for health insurance reform comes down to a battle over information. The more people know about how broken the system is and the President's plan to fix it, the more they want change. But there are an awful lot of lies to cut through, and a whole lot of truth to get out.

So today, we're proud to announce a powerful new way for you to help: Organizing for America's Health Reform Video Challenge.

This is your chance -- you ingenious, insightful, funny people out there -- to make a 30-second ad telling the story about why the status quo has got to go, or explaining how the Obama plan will ensure we get the secure, quality care we need without breaking the budget.

The top submissions will be voted on by the public and a panel of experts, with the winning ad aired on national television. This is your opportunity to add your voice and creativity to the debate, get some great exposure for your work, and make a huge difference.

Click here to get started.

No experience is needed -- if you have an idea, we want you to give it a shot. And if you know someone who is especially handy with a camera, please forward this note along right away. Just make sure you submit your ad by October 18th.

Your video could be as simple as you talking straight into the camera, as complex as a full-blown production with a script and special effects, or anything in between.

We're looking for serious videos: You can tell your personal story about how the broken health insurance system has affected you. You can illustrate the big picture about what's wrong now and how the President's plan will help with animations, charts, and facts.

We're looking for funny videos: You can parody those trying to scare us into inaction (between the lying pundits and the insurance company spin doctors, they've given us some good stuff to work with).

And we're looking for new ideas we never would have thought of but we know will blow us all away.

We know that compelling videos can touch people in a way that words alone simply cannot. The messages that regular people put together will make a bigger difference than any false smears or slick ads the other side can dream up. And who knows -- your creative, powerful, or touching video could help tip the balance in favor of health reform.

So go get started today!

http://my.barackobama.com/videochallenge

I can't wait to see what you come up with,

Natalie

Natalie Foster
New Media Director

Olympia Snowe is 1 Senator Out of 100

Nina — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:02:11 EDT

I am so furious with the recent demand by Olympia Snowe that Congress "take the public option off the table." Just who do Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats think they are? Public polling shows overwhelming support for the public option. Why do the minorities: the right wing fringe, the Senate Finance Committee, the Republican politicians still in office, think they have the right to dictate the kind of reform or lack of reform that all Americans receive? Four out of five Congressional committees have created bills with a public option, and the Senate Finance Committee isn't so powerful that they get to determine the direction of reform with their faulty, Group of Six panel. I just cannot stand how much coverage they get in the media and how much importance they're given in this debate. It isn't accurate and it isn't right.

Message to the Blue Dogs

Nina — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:41:44 EDT

Stand with your President, stand with your Party, stand with your People, allow the passage of a public option. You have no right to limit my choices. Stop being power-hungry and disloyal.

MEET CONGRESSMAN ED PERLMUTTER IN ARVADA

Debbie — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:22:52 EDT

Subject: Please join Congressman Ed Perlmutter in the Arvada Harvest Festival Parade!

Ed’s network of FRIENDS!
FRIEND: Fostering Relationships In Every Neighborhood of the District

Please join Congressman Ed Perlmutter in the Arvada Harvest Festival Parade!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Who: Perlmutter Supporters
What: Arvada Harvest Festival Parade
When: Saturday, September 12, 2009
We will lineup at 8:00am on 57th at Field St in Arvada. Parade begins at 9:00am.
Details: Look for us wearing Perlmutter Tee-Shirts.
Don't forget to wear your Perlmutter Tee-Shirts if you have them!

If you have any questions please contact Hannah at the campaign office at http://www.facebook.com/l/;303.459.4729
or at Hannah@perlmutterforcolorado.com
Thank you!

Hannah Warfield-Ruffatto
Perlmutter for Congress
2801 Youngfield St Suite 151
Wheat Ridge, CO 80401
http://www.facebook.com/l/;303.459.4729 o
http://www.facebook.com/l/;303.233.3530 f
http://www.facebook.com/l/;720.352.5912 m

Don't Let Fear Win

Nina — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:23:40 EDT

Fear is powerful and it is loud, but we CANNOT let it dictate the way this nation moves forward into the future. If we do, we will not progress or prosper--we will give in to the worst impulses: lies, paranoia, selfishness. Now is the time to lead this country out of this morass of fear, Mr. President. Please, please, act boldly on healthcare reform, support and demand a public option, listen to the polls of the American people which show a majority in favor of a public plan, and listen to the 65 million votes that put you into office on the promise of such reform. We will support you. The media and Congress are presenting a totally skewed picture of where the American people stand on this issue. Please use your office to move us past this paranoia to a place of hope. We absolutely need a strong voice supporting change.

Apply for OFA ColoradoTraining

Linda B. — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:58:18 EDT

Apply for Training (OFA Colorado)

If you want to learn how to organize while helping make Health Insurance Reform a reality in 2009 then please apply for Community Organizer training with OFA Colorado by filling out this form. http://www.ofacolorado.com/apply-for-organizer-training

Fort Collins Presidential Health Care Address Watch Party

Linda B. — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:06:45 EDT

Wednesday Night Watch President Obama address Congress

President Obama is going to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday September 9th.

This is a critical moment for us to build our movement here in Fort Collins.

Since our OFA Summer Organizer, Samantha, left we have had a slow going building our group and recreating the incredible organization we had during the campaign.

But, summer is over and we need to get back to work...
Following the speech we will have a special call with David Plouffe, who will discuss the speech and give us a blueprint for how to win this battle.

Time to be announced...check back to this site for updates...

Go to mybo, find an event near you.....and RSVP

MESSAGE FROM MITCH

Debbie — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:41:37 EDT

Friend --

Opponents of health insurance reform have power. Some reap huge profits from the status quo. Others take large campaign contributions from those who profit.

So they'll do anything to keep the current system in place. When fact-based arguments don't work, they attack President Obama with outlandish lies about a government takeover and euthanizing the elderly. And once that doesn't work, they'll go even further.

We don't know what they'll do next. What we do know is that we'll have to be prepared for anything -- ready to set the record straight, ready to make sure the media and Congress see the overwhelming support for reform, and ready to pass real reform this year.

But we'll need the resources to do it -- to pay for rapid-response ads in key districts and states, organizers to put together large rallies and grassroots events throughout the country, and the best technology available to empower volunteers -- all at a moment's notice. Please chip in $5 or more to help us pass real reform, this year.

This was never going to be easy. As candidate Obama said just three days before the election: "Don't think for a moment that power will concede without a fight." Now, we're seeing how true that really is.

These same well-financed forces have killed reform in the past, and they're aiming to do it again.

But here's why this time can be different: There are folks like you, all around the country, who are ready to go toe-to-toe with the special interests, even when they're not fighting fair.

And we'll keep at it, because we know that the work we're doing together right now can make the lives of hundreds of millions better for decades to come.

But we need your help to keep it up. Please donate $5 or more to help beat the special interests:

https://donate.barackobama.com/power

There's too much at stake for any of us to sit this one out. Please chip in.

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee

Health Care Rallies

Nina — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:42:18 EDT

I attended the Bus Tour rally in Denver this Friday, and we had a great 1500-person turnout. I hope that everyoe who attended that event will also attend one of tomorrow night's vigils (there's one in Confluence Park in downtown Denver). Here is a link to some of my pics and videos from Friday's event:

(Just click on the cover picture to open the album!)

http://picasaweb.google.com/ninanina1313

A Further Insight on Honduras

"Obama Doug" Evans Betanco — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:01:32 EDT

The military junta, all schooled in the CIA's School of America in the 80's at Ft. Benning, Georgia, were pretty quick to back-pedal on their Supreme Court's ruling calling Zelaya a constitutional criminal, once they heard the balance of 2009 US aid to Honduras might be cut if they did not let him back into the country.

Since most of the remaining aid is earmarked as military credits, allowing the Honduran military to shop our WalMart of defense toys for free, it's not surprising that they're starting to cave on their legitimacy as custodians of Honduran Democracy: every one of those elite leaders has been taking personal kickbacks to their secret bank accounts for making their purchases from our defense industries!

This country really needs to examine how our our military aid to Latin America gets spent: NO country in Latin America needs anymore airplanes or baksheesh to the generals. What they need is humanitarian aid distributed by human justice workers to all the starving masses south of us. Who, exactly, is going to attack any country in Pan-America, except us? Our military aid has been going to the elites of each country for 60 years, to support THEM against the people of their countries and to prop up our military/industrial/intelligence/financial complex. How tacky! Hardly AID.

Baksheesh is the Central American way of doing business, and, believe me, I know this is pervasive in Central American culture. Even the campesinos at the bottom of the beanstalk charge 10% baksheesh on every financial transaction I make through them. If I send $1000 to my "parents" for food in care of my sister in Jalapa, nearest to Western Union, who then taxies it to Teote to another sister, who then has other sisters in the family walk the money out to Quacamaya, about $200 goes into at least 3 families' coffers before the diminished amount gets to don Ramon and dona Eva. They accept it as the Nicaraguan way, and at least my money supports the family.

It's just a given, Nica-style, unfortunately. I've stopped sending money. I'll help my "parents" in other ways.

So, no surprise that the coup leaders are filled with anxiety that they won't be able to live in palaces anymore, while their citizens are living hand-to-mouth, if aid is cut. Perfect timing, SoS Clinton and Primo Prez! Turn that screw another iota and Zelaya will finish out his legitimate term, and, then, hopefully, get lost to history, as a more progressive, citizen-chosen candidate becomes President in January. This coup has raised the consciousness of the Honduran electorate to value its vote, rather than seeing it as a way to make money from the highest bidder. Last I heard, a Honduran vote in the provinces was going for $35, enough to feed a family for half a week.

Zelaya should run the elections, and the Devil-Take-Him if he creates fraud or steps in as a candidate. Even he is not foolish enough to try that, now.

The idea that the current cadre of CIA-trained generals could run a presidential election fairly is ludicrous, and everyone in Latin America and North America and the Beltway Bubble knows it! Hardly anyone in Honduras would vote for Michiletti or a henchman, and, yet, he'd win, wouldn't he? Hmmmmmm? Few would vote for Zelaya, either, who has shown himself to be a non-thinking puppet of Chavez, a fool among big-mouthed fools. No Honduran wants to be engined by Venezuela, even despite the cheap gasoline.

Tighten, tighten, tighten! GOBAMA!

Gracias, ObamaDoug

PO,F8GY and Hillary, too!

Scrolling Down CITA Is Extraordinary Now!

"Obama Doug" Evans Betanco — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:11:35 EDT

What a great, meaningful blogsite we have! It takes me almost as much time to scroll down CITA's blog to my last post as it used to take me to scroll the MyBO Community Blog: Thanks to all you intrepid posters! Our passion is working miracles of transformation as we communicate from our hearts with each other, and "That," believe me, "Ain't Shabby"! "Hoo-Hah," from the Cosmic Cowboy!

Gracias, ObamaDoug

PO,F8GY!

More Breaking News from Honduras!

"Obama Doug" Evans Betanco — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:56:59 EDT

The Quixote Center has just released the following announcement and plea for activism (underlining mine):

Since June 28th, you have joined with our friends in Honduras to help return democracy to their country. As a result, your actions are now bearing fruit.

Earlier this week, the SOA graduate-backed Honduran military coup regime refused all diplomatic options to return democracy. The U.S. State Department responded by asserting that visas to Hondurans would no longer be granted under the coup. Late yesterday State Department officials made it clear that they are considering legally defining the situation as a "military coup." This would create an automatic cut-off of all remaining aid to Honduras. The coup regime immediately responded by saying that they would allow the rightful President Zelaya to return with amnesty, but not as president. Clearly the coup leaders are caving to the pressure. We need you to act now to return democracy to Honduras. Please make two very important phone calls this morning!

1.) Call the State Department at 202-647-5171 or 1-800-877-8339 and ask for Secretary Clinton. Deliver the following message: "Legally define the de facto regime in Honduras as a military coup and cut off all aid to Honduras until President Zelaya is unconditionally reinstated."

2.) Call the White House at 202-456-1111 and repeat the same message "Legally define the de facto regime in Honduras as a military coup and cut off all aid to Honduras until President Zelaya is unconditionally reinstated."

Thanks,

The Staff of the Quixote Center

ObamaDoug Notes:

Just having these phone numbers on your speed dial helps, though leaving a message can be time-consuming. The State Department's answering mechanism is acting crazy; the White House is easier. Go for it, CITA. These calls are what we're on this blog site for, to support democracy, rule of law, and social justice for all Americans, North, Central and South! I'm excited! There was a time, you all may remember, when the United States would have been paying for the coup: not any more! No more coups!

Gracias, ObamaDoug

PO,F8GY!

Call SoS Clinton!

"Obama Doug" Evans Betanco — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:48:23 EDT

This request just came in from Just Foreign Policy. Let's act on it, for the sake of the Honduran people, who have been deprived of the rule of law. NO MORE COUPS!

Here's the request:

Thank you for the actions you've taken to increase U.S. pressure on the coup regime in Honduras. In response to pressure from the U.S. public, Congress, and from Latin America, the Obama Administration is starting to move.

Late yesterday Reuters reported that State Department officials have recommended to Secretary of State Clinton that she formally declare what took place on June 28 in Honduras a "military coup." [1] Under U.S. law, this would cut off all remaining non-humanitarian U.S. aid to the coup regime.

Could you make a phone call today to Secretary Clinton, urging her to follow the recommendation of her staff, and formally declare that a military coup has taken place in Honduras?

Call the State Department at 202-647-5171. Deliver the following message: "Secretary Clinton, please follow the recommendation of the State Department. Legally define the de facto regime in Honduras as a military coup and cut off all non-humanitarian aid to Honduras until President Zelaya is reinstated."

Please forward this message to anyone you know who you think will take action.

Thank you for all you do for a just foreign policy,

ObamaDoug Notes:

I've just made my call. It's easy, though it took some time getting to an open "mailbox" to leave my message. It was worth it. How about you?

Gracias, ObamaDoug

PO,F8GY (and SoS Clinton, too!)

Naomi Klein's Shock Doctrine Details CIA Torture Manual

"Obama Doug" Evans Betanco — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:38:12 EDT

Anyone on CITA looking for details of CIA interrogation techniques gained through the Freedom of Information Act need look no farther than Naomi Klein's horrifying but very realistic book, The Shock Doctrine (Picador, 2007). Part 1, Chapter 1, "The Torture Lab," details the $25 million dollars the CIA paid Dr. Ewen Cameron of McGill University (Canada) to treat his patients as guinea pigs in psychological investigations centered on electrocution, overdoses of mind-altering drugs, and sensory deprivation, supposedly leading to states of brain-washing mind control. From this disgusting work, the CIA created a manual of interrogation known as KUBARK, which was used by the CIA to teach Central American National Guardsmen how to get information from leftist prisoners during the 80s. The methods so terrify me, sitting in my easy chair, that I know I'd confess to anything. I won't mention them here.

Read this book, CITA members, and you will understand why many in the world consider the United States government to be the PRIMO terrorist nation-state, using shock, awe, and personal trauma to get its way. You'll understand the Bush tactics. You'll understand Iraq and Katrina.

You'll understand, but, if you're like me, you'll hate this information. I love my country but am deeply ashamed at what has been done in the world in our names for the last 60 years. It is, however, better to know the worst in order to work for the best in the future, as Primo Prez is doing. His action to remove interrogation of prisoners from the CIA to the FBI (with government oversight) is a first step. At least the FBI attitude tends to elicit information from prisoners through kindness and better treatment, according to NPR's Amy Goodman, rather than mind/body devestation.

Maybe diehard Beltway Bubble sadists in positions of power, Limbaugh-esque talking heads in media, and CEOs of inhumane mega-corporations need some humanistic counselling prior to their hiring? When did we lose sight of the Golden Rule?

Gracias, ObamaDoug

PO.F8GY!

RIP: Senator Edward Kennedy

"Obama Doug" Evans Betanco — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:25:18 EDT

Primo Prez sent this email to American Obamans this morning:

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me. In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy. I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom. His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives. For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family. Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still. Sincerely, President Barack Obama

ObamaDoug Notes:

Ted Kennedy, most likely, will push buttons from beyond the grave to help our President to finally achieve Kennedy's 40 year-old-dream of America accepting the moral obligation to provide health access to all Americans (as every other developed country already does). Perhaps our values of money and power block our hearts from recognizing the mutual needs of our citizens and our culture, something Kennedy never forgot, despite his privileges.

Gracias, ObamaDoug

PO,F8GY!

OFA National Health Insurance Reform Bus Tour and Celebration!!

Nancy Cronk — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 06:29:05 EDT

OFA National Health Insurance Reform Bus Tour and Celebration!!

With OFA National Director Mitch Stewart

and other high-profile VIPs, to be announced.

Friday August 28th, 5pm
Tivoli Commons, Auraria Campus
900 Auraria Parkway
Denver, CO
80202

Millions of people all across the country, and hundreds of thousands across Colorado, support President Obama's call for Health Insurance Reform. The OFA national bus tour is making stops across the country in critical states and cities to show the broad- based support for reform. We will be sending off the bus with tens of thousands of petitions we have collected in Denver, on the way to Washington to be delivered to our legislators. Please plan on attending. This will be a fun event!

Come early if you can. We're expecting a crowd!

Please pass this on to other progressive groups and individuals.

Thank-you!

Sponsored by Colorado Organizing for America

HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM RALLY WITH MITCH STEWART

Debbie — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:54:22 EDT

What: OFA National Health Insurance Reform Bus Tour
with National Director Mitch Stewart
Friday August 28th, 5pm
Tivoli Commons, Auraria Campus
900 Auraria Parkway
Denver, CO
80202
Why:
We need to show our strength. Millions of people all across the country, and hundreds of thousands across Colorado, support President Obama's call for Health Insurance Reform. The OFA national bus tour is making stops across the country in critical states and cities to show the broad based support for reform. Please plan on attending. NOW is the time to have our voices heard.

--
Mike Hamrick
Chair

Here's the Guy Who's Running OFA: Great!

"Obama Doug" Evans Betanco — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 01:00:11 EDT

Jeremy Bird, who is the travelling head of Organizing for America, the DNC arm of the Obama Administration, had this profile written about him yesterday:

Grass-Roots Battle Tests The Obama Movement
His Supporters Play Catch-Up on Reform

By Eli Saslow
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, August 23, 2009

RACINE, Wis. -- The last three years had unfolded in an unrelenting series of what Jeremy Bird called Big Moments, and here began the latest on a sweltering afternoon earlier this month. Another rental car, another unfamiliar highway, another string of e-mails sent from his BlackBerry while driving 70 mph. Bird took a sip from his coffee and looked over at Dan Grandone, a co-worker riding in the passenger seat.

"I don't know about you, but I'm running on adrenaline right now," Bird said. "I love this feeling that we're on the verge of something crucial."

Bird had lived at that precipice ever since joining Barack Obama's campaign as a top organizer in 2007, but rarely had he faced a challenge so daunting as the one awaiting in Racine. As deputy director of Organizing for America, a national network of Obama supporters, Bird was scheduled to speak with a group of volunteers who had been threatened at town halls, outshouted at local rallies and weakened by a general sense of post-campaign fatigue. With one 90-minute visit, Bird hoped to leave them confident, empowered and reenergized.

"We want these people to feel like they can control almost anything that happens in government," said Bird, who had traveled from his office at Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington to spend two days visiting volunteers across Wisconsin. "They should feel like there's no barrier between the regular people out in the states and the power players in D.C."

The outcome of the health-care debate weighed partially on Bird's success, and on the effectiveness of Organizing for America (OFA) in general. When Bird was named deputy director of OFA last year, he became the vanguard of much more than 13 million e-mail addresses collected from supporters during Obama's campaign. He became one of the people most responsible for validating Obama's campaign ethos: that grass-roots support can power government and shape legislation.

It is a theory that now faces a defining test. Conservatives have waged an angry and effective battle against Obama's health-care legislation, and OFA has responded by asking its volunteers to visit congressional offices and flood town hall meetings in a massive show of support. This month, Obama sent an e-mail to OFA members: "This is the moment our movement was built for," he wrote.

When Bird arrived at a Racine coffee shop called Cup of Hope and sat down with 10 OFA volunteers, he spoke with similar urgency.

"We need to flex our muscles on this, and we need to act fast," he said. "We always said in the campaign that this was not just about one election but about a chance to make some major changes. Well, here's the chance."

Bird had a lifetime of experience thriving against long odds, and he relished the role. The son of conservative Baptists, Bird grew up in a Missouri trailer park before attending Harvard Divinity School. He organized underfunded schools in Boston, worked for Howard Dean's presidential campaign in 2004 and started a company that lobbied Wal-Mart -- his mother's former employer -- to improve its benefits and wages. On behalf of Obama, he had moved to five states, helping the candidate overcome racism in South Carolina and Islamophobia in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

When Bird arrived in Wisconsin last week, he recognized all the familiar hallmarks of an underdog fight. Gone were the 44 field offices across the state where Obama organizers had worked during the campaign; now Bird spent his visit searching for power outlets in Wisconsin coffee shops and conducting conference calls at sidewalk cafes. Gone were the 100 paid staffers who orchestrated an Obama victory in the state; now OFA employed one person in Wisconsin, Grandone, who hoped to hire two or three assistants if the budget allowed.

"Right now," Grandone said, "we are kind of building this thing as we fly it."

Around the table in Racine, Bird listened as the volunteers rattled off evidence of OFA's growing pains. Local membership was relatively stagnant because Racine residents were exhausted after volunteering during the long presidential campaign. Newspapers had focused their coverage of health-care town halls on the most vocal conservatives, even when the crowd contained more Democrats. One OFA member said he was now the target of repeated threats. "I've had a guy say to me, 'Why should I be afraid of a liberal when I have a .357?' " said Ryan Gleason, 32.

"It's starting to feel like we're always on the defensive," Gleason said.

Bird responded by citing data aimed at demonstrating OFA's impact. Since the organization sent an e-mail to its members asking for help on health care in May, more than 1.3 million have visited a phone bank, shared their personal health-care stories on the Internet or attended one of 12,000 local rallies. More than 150,000 people have given an average of $38 to OFA's health-care campaign. This month, Obama spent an hour providing OFA members with "bullet points" for the debate during an Internet video.

"Usually, when a campaign ends, everybody is exhausted and people just go their separate ways," Bird told the volunteers assembled in Racine. "But we knew from the beginning that this could be different."

Bird and other top Obama operatives had decided as much during the first days after the election, when they began conceptualizing OFA at a conference held in Chicago. They polled thousands of Obama volunteers through a sequence of surveys and conference calls and sought advice from David Plouffe, the architect of Obama's campaign. By the time of Obama's inauguration, Bird and OFA Director Mitch Stewart had settled on a basic vision: OFA would get by with limited staff by relying on volunteers who would work as many as 30 hours a week to ensure grass-roots activity in each U.S. voting precinct.

Bird and others decided that OFA would succeed almost entirely based on the enthusiasm of its volunteers. In that spirit, he asked each person at the coffee shop in Racine to share a "how-Obama-inspired-me story." There was the mother of two young children who now works as a lead community organizer for OFA, taking her children with her from one event to the next. There was a registered independent voter who had volunteered for Obama only once, on election night. There was Racine's newly elected mayor, John Dickert, who had been inspired to run for office after volunteering for Obama.

These were now the key operatives in OFA's health-care campaign. Bird's visit coincided with the launch of two OFA initiatives. The group's Web site offered artificial appointment times for volunteers to visit their congressional offices, prompting 15 or 20 OFA volunteers to pile into waiting rooms across the country. Bird also asked the supporters in Racine to attend as many congressional town hall meetings as possible in an attempt to drown out the vocal and disruptive opposition.

"Remember to stay classy, like we did during the campaign," Bird said. "We want an educated debate. We are not going to outshout them."

"Do you really think these things will have a big impact?" volunteer Glenda Alexander asked. "I guess it can't hurt to try, but the chances that this debate will be determined by one person showing up at a congressman's office -- and not even seeing the congressman -- seem pretty tiny. It's like buying a lottery ticket."

"It might seem small when it's just you, but it's big when you add up everybody who is going," Bird said.

"But right now, we're getting outshouted," Gleason said.

"We can't let that stop us," Bird said.

"We are battling these false messages every day now," Gleason continued. "It is getting to the point where some people are so angry that our safety is becoming a concern."

"We can't let that stop us either," Bird repeated. "Look, it's nasty because we are on the brink of a change and people are getting scared. If you stick with this, I'll promise you: We will get health care passed this year."

Some of the volunteers stood up and began to applaud. For a moment, at least, Bird had restored their optimism. He thanked the group, picked up his notebook and walked out. There were more volunteers to meet 45 minutes down the road at a restaurant in Milwaukee, another big moment.

"That went well," Bird said to Grandone as they climbed into the rental car. "Now we just have to do the same thing again, and again."

ObamaDoug Notes:

I met with an Obama OFA volunteer today at the Palisades Renaissance Faire outside of Grand Junction. She was dressed as a lady in waiting to the Queen of the Faire. She showed me pictures of the Obama Town Hall meeting, where she was on the stage with HIM because of her OFA volunteerism since the election. She shared with me that looking in his eyes while shaking his hand had concreted her determination to fight for Obama, whatever. The man has the most charismatic, clear eyes, as I know, from shaking his hand in Grand Junction about this time a year ago. HIS EYES CHANGED MY LIFE, from a man who never looked at current events and gave the finger to politics, into an activist.

I'll say, kudos, to Jeremy Bird!

Gracias, ObamaDoug

PO,F8GY!

The FORCES of EVIL

BRYANLT — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:33:26 EDT

The FORCES of EVIL in AMERICA are ACTIVE AGAIN, THEY COME SLITHERING OUT FROM UNDER ROCKS and DARK CREVICES to SPREAD FEAR ,LIES VENOM and HATE LIKE ALWAYS WHEN AMERICA TRIES TO MOVE FORWARD for the BETTERMENT of AMERICA. AS A VIETNAM VETERAN I MAKE ABSOLUTELY NO APOLOGIES FOR STATING THAT these evil RIGHT WING PEOPLE are GOP NAZIS,BECAUSE THATS WHAT they ARE. IF they WANT A WAR TO GET their EVIL NAZI AGENDA PASSED, BRING IT ON ,,MY FAMILY HAS FOUGHT in EVERY SINGLE WAR in AMERICAN HISTORY WE REAL AMERICANS WILL PUT THEIR LIGHT OUT. HISTORICALLY every SINGLE TIME in AMERICAN HISTORY ,,AMERICA HAS TRIED to MOVE FORWARD with any GOOD IDEA ,, these GOP NAZIS SLITHER OUT from under their ROCKS. HERE WE ARE AGAIN in 2009 and ALTHOUGH MOST of that HUMAN GARBAGE has been BURIED , there are PLENTY LEFT. I KNOW the VAST MAJORITY of AMERICANS are DECENT PEOPLE ,, even a LOT of GOPS,, BUT WE MUST FIGHT NOW HARDER than EVER ,, to HELP PRESIDENT OBAMA and the DEMOCRATIC PARTY SUCCEED in PASSING HEALTH CARE REFORM . WHY? BECAUSE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM in AMERICA presently is a NATIONAL DISGRACE. OVER 60 YEARS have PASSED in DEBATE SINCE FDR FIRST STATED that WE MUST FIX HEALTH CARE . EVERY SINGLE PROGRESSIVE FREE COUNTRY on EARTH has FIXED this PROBLEM and PROTECTS the HEALTH of ALL THEIR CITIZENS , except THE U.S.A. SO, DEMOCRATS ,GET ANGRY ,GET REAL ANGRY, GET UP and GET GOING TELL YOUR DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATIVES and INDEPENDENTS TO PASS HEALTH CARE REFORM ,,EVEN if they have TO DO IT ALONE over USELESS GOP . WE HAVE THE POWER,,NOW ,,,USE IT YES, WE CAN.

I Support Obama's Healthcare Plan

Diane — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:03:07 EDT

Case in point ... our insurance company, that supposedly covered us for our daughter's care, dragged us along with continual bait and switch tactics, repeatedly denied our claims, denied our appeals, and finally denied paying for $40,000 plus in health care for our daughter. For a lot of families that would have meant losing their home, becoming bankrupt, and possibly homeless. How does the free-market health care system help us or the millions of other families like us?

PLEASE JOIN US

Debbie — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:45:58 EDT

FRIEND: Fostering Relationships In Every Neighborhood of the District

Please join Congressman Ed Perlmutter in the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival Parade!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Who: Perlmutter Supporters
What: Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival Parade
When: Saturday August 15, 2009
We will lineup at 9:15am on the corner of 38th and Ames Streets in Wheat Ridge. Parade begins at 10:00am.
Details: Look for us wearing Perlmutter Tee-Shirts.
Don't forget to wear your Perlmutter Tee-Shirts if you have them!

If you have any questions please contact Hannah at the campaign office at http://www.facebook.com/l/;303.459.4729
or at Hannah@perlmutterforcolorado.com
Thank you!

Health Care is a Moral Obligation

Bennet for Colorado — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:13:51 EDT

We have an urgent moral obligation to change the health care system in this country so that every American has access to affordable, quality health care.

Yet at a town hall in Pueblo on Saturday, Sen. Michael Bennet was greeted by a self-described "mob" with chants of "Health care...NO!" and "I hate Obama-nation."

While we should have a substantive conversation about health care, we cannot back down in the face of these intimidation tactics.

Any health care reform bill should control costs, allow people to keep their own medical plan and their own doctor, increase competition, and increase coverage -- all in a fiscally responsible way.

Providing patients with a public insurance option -- that increases competition and drives down prices -- would help to achieve these goals.

Watch the video from Michael's town hall in Pueblo and sign the petition to support health care reform today.

You Are Invited to Mike Coffman's Town Hall Meeting!

Nancy Cronk — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:37:17 EDT

Congressman, Mike Coffman Announces Town Hall Meeting · Who: Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Aurora) · What: Arapahoe / Jefferson Counties town hall meeting · When: Wednesday, August 12, 6:00 p.m. · Where: East Hearing Room, Arapahoe County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, CO, 80166 Please come, whatever district you live in, and help us send a message our democratic voices WILL NOT be drowned out by those of people paid by the insurance companies. We can have lots of people there representing sanity! Option: Car pool from in front of the closed Linens and Things at the corner of Parker and Arapahoe Roads at 5:15pm. If you can't make it please write or call him and let him know how you feel about health care reform: Phone: (303) 791-6453 Fax: (303) 791-6451 info@coffmanforcongress.com Make your Town Hall experience a success: 1. Make a sign. Their signs are homemade and look like they are real constituents (some of them are constituents, but some are paid to be there). 2. Positive educational signs work best, rather than sarcastic ones or nasty ones. Their "facts" are based in complete Fox-news style ignorance. Remember WE are the sane, educated side. These rallies are photographed and the media will print or publish great signs. (Some ideas: Every week, 14,000 Americans lose their health care. No Rush - health care reform has been on the table since 1949. Reform means choice. Keep your own plan if you want it. Health Reform NOW. Thank-you Barack Obama. Everyone deserves Health Care. Health Care for all - it's the moral option. Jesus would not deny anyone. Every other modern country insures everyone - why not U.S.?) The media calls us all "protesters". If you come with a sign, you will be obvious as a supporter. Otherwise, they assume you are with the "reform protesters". Bring a few signs if you can, and give them away to others on our side. 3. Do not argue with people who are overly emotional. If you lose your temper, push someone, block their sign, etc., it makes our side look bad. People are taking photos everywhere. We chant, we sing, we smile, we look like we know we are on the side of justice and morality (because we are). We do not fight, and we don't let them catch us looking like crazies. Let them look like the crazies. 4. Sing something patriotic. It drowns out their arguing and tells the world we are there for peaceful protest. "God Bless America", "We want, we want Health Care!" ... whatever you like. 5. Bring your camera and post your photos of supporters and their signs on flicker or facebook or send them to friends by email. Let everyone know how many health care reform supporters are really out here. Surveys show we are the majority. Let's make the media reflect what is TRUE.

Legislation Introduced by Michael Bennet to Protect Military Families Passes Senate

Bennet for Colorado — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:28:24 EDT

Washington, DC -- Legislation introduced by Michael Bennet to protect the eligibility of military families for income sensitive child nutrition programs passed the Senate yesterday.

Bennet introduced the Military Family Nutrition Protection Act of 2009 so military families will not be penalized for their service to our country.

Under previous guidelines the additional pay received by military personnel when deployed was factored into determining eligibility for several child nutrition programs. These programs include the National School Lunch Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). WIC provides health care and nutrition assistance for mothers and infants, including vouchers for food.

"Taking away these nutritional benefits to kids and families when a loved one is being deployed doesn’t make any sense. Our military families are already struggling in these tough economic times and the challenges only increase when a family member is deployed,” Bennet said. “This bill is a common-sense fix that will make sure our kids aren’t denied access to healthy foods when their family members are bravely serving our nation in combat overseas."

Bennet introduced this bipartisan legislation with Mike Johanns (NE-R) and Bob Casey (PA-D).

CALL TO ACTION FOR CONGRESSMAN ED PERLMUTTER

Debbie — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:09:55 EDT

Please join Congressman Ed Perlmutter walking door-to-door in Brighton

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Who: Congressman Ed Perlmutter and Supporters
What: Precinct walking in Brighton to let neighbors know about Government in the Grocery (scheduled for later that day)
When: 10:00am-12:30pm

We will meet at 10:00am in the parking lot of King Soopers.

Where: King Soopers 500 Bromley Lane Brighton, CO 80601

Details: Don't forget to wear your Perlmutter Tee-Shirts if you have them!

We will arrange carpools from the campaign office. Contact Hannah for more information.

If you have any questions please contact Hannah at the campaign office at 303.459.4729
or at Hannah@perlmutterforcolorado.com
Thank you!

Hannah Warfield-Ruffatto

Perlmutter for Congress

2801 Youngfield St Suite 151

Wheat Ridge, CO 80401

303.459.4729 o

303.233.3530 f

720.352.5912 m

Bennet Pushes for Health Reform at St. Joseph Hospital

Bennet for Colorado — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:42:28 EDT

Denver, CO -- Michael Bennet continued his push for health care reform during a visit on Monday to St. Joseph Hospital in Denver.

Bennet pointed to runaway costs as a problem underlying all aspects of our health care system.

"Having to plan around a double-digit increase every year is simply intolerable," said Bennet.

Bennet stressed that our current system must be changed to empower doctors, nurses and patients, rather than insurance companies.

Our current health insurance structure was cited by the medical professionals in attendance as a source of increased medical costs. The Denver Post has more:

Medical providers talked about the costly and time-consuming process of processing insurance claims.
Dr. Janet Steele of Larimer County said she deals with 65 different insurance companies, all with different rules, "at an enormous cost to the bottom."
Bennet noted the problem is even worse in rural Colorado.

Bennet Discusses Education Reform; Stresses Importance of Great Teachers

Bennet for Colorado — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:37:32 EDT

Michael Bennet discussed the factors he thinks are essential to improving performance in our schools in a National Journal blog post on July 30.

Bennet emphasized that great teachers are the key factor in improving student performance. For that reason, it is important that the best talent is drawn into the teaching profession. To ensure this happens we need to reexamine and improve the way teachers are recruited, hired and compensated.

Bennet also urged that improving student performance starts with sending our kids to school ready to learn. Increasing the access and quality of early childhood education will mean more kids are prepared when school starts. We also need to make sure our children aren't going to school hungry or sick because that makes learning more difficult.

Bennet stressed that meaningful education reform is going to be a community effort. From the National Journal:

Our schools should be centers for communities, delivering services, providing opportunities for families to learn together, and engaging entire communities in raising expectations for our students.

If we expect failure from our schools, that's exactly what we'll get. Communities must own outcomes, and challenge the status quo. If a city does not pick up the trash, or shovel the snow, there is public outrage. Surely, we can muster that kind of outrage in response to what is happening to our kids.

When I was a superintendent, I was often asked if I was afraid of the unintended consequences of the changes we were making. My reaction was, and still is, that the burden of proof is not on the people who want to change the system. The burden is on people who resist change, and work to keep the system the same. We have to break free from existing policies that don’t work and never will, and we have to learn from our mistakes. Our kids are depending on us to show the courage to change. Let’s get to work so we can meet this challenge.

Bennet to Fight Deficit by Introducing Pay-go Legislation; Solidifying a Reputation as “Deficit Hawk”

Bennet for Colorado — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:44:11 EDT

Washington, DC -- Michael Bennet took steps this week to fight our enormous budget deficit by voting against wasteful government programs, and introducing legislation to guarantee more responsible spending by Congress.

Bennet explained that, “Coloradans have been forced to tighten their fiscal belts. It’s time the government did too.”

The Denver Post has more on the efforts by Bennet to reduce our budget deficit:

As he defines his still fuzzy political persona, Sen. Michael Bennet is honing in on the words "deficit hawk," with two significant moves in that direction this week.

On Tuesday, he voted to strip $1.75 billion in additional funding for the F-22 fighter jet. And Wednesday, Bennet scored a coup, announcing that he would be the primary co-sponsor in the Senate of the "pay as you go" legislation that just passed the House.

"One of his highest concerns is the deficit and debt, and how we're going to lower it. He believes that's a huge economic problem for our country," said Bennet's spokeswoman, Deirdre Murphy. "That's pretty much ground zero."

Known as pay-go for short, the legislation would require new spending to be offset by increased taxes or cuts in other programs. If that doesn't happen, automatic cuts kick in — giving the process more teeth than current Senate rules meant to do the same thing.

Organizing for America Supporters Join Michael Bennet in Calling for Urgent Health Reform

Bennet for Colorado — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:41:16 EDT

Denver, CO -- More than 50 supporters of Organizing for America gathered for a conversation about the urgency of reforming our health care system at Michael Bennet's Denver office today.

Today's health care conversation comes the day after President Barack Obama held a prime time news conference pressing the need to reform our health care system.

President Obama emphasized that reforming health care will improve the lives of millions of Americans, "This is about the woman in Colorado who paid $700 a month to her insurance company, only to find out that they wouldn't pay a dime for her cancer treatment; who had to use up her retirement funds to save her own life."

Michael Bennet spoke earlier this month in Colorado Springs about the principles he believes should guide health care reform: lowering costs, making coverage available to all Americans and not passing the costs of reform onto our children. Click here to see footage of Bennet’s comments.

Organizing for America supporters have been holding events nationwide to show opponents of change that Americans want health reform now. Earlier this week opponents of health care reform predicted its defeat will be President Obama's "Waterloo moment".

Bennet Votes Against $1.75 billion in Government Waste

Bennet for Colorado — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:12:10 EDT

Washington, DC -- Michael Bennet took a strong stand against wasteful government spending yesterday by voting for an amendment offered by Senators John McCain and Carl Levin to eliminate $1.75 billion of funding for the F-22 Raptor fighter jet.

Michael Bennet voted to eliminate the program at the request of the Department of Defense. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates urged that the program is wasteful and the funding should be redirected to other, more useful programs. He said lawmakers need to abandon the Cold War mentality of military spending.

Bennet agreed with Gates, "We should be listening when the Air Force tells us not to put any more money into this program. These planes were not used in Iraq or Afghanistan and our military leaders are telling us they don't want the funding. It is only common sense that we redirect the money to weapons and equipment that our troops can actually use to keep our country safe."

President Barack Obama told lawmakers he would veto the military spending bill if the $1.75 billion to purchase more F-22 fighter jets was not eliminated.

"To continue to procure additional F-22s would be to waste valuable resources that should be more usefully employed to provide our troops with weapons that they actually do need," President Obama wrote.

CALL TO ACTION!

Debbie — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:35:52 EDT

Friend --

With health care negotiations moving quickly, the news out of Capitol Hill can be confusing. But one thing is clear: special interest lobbyists will stop at nothing to block reform.

Every day, opponents of reform spend millions of dollars to spin the facts, distort the issues, and attack good plans.

But here's how we fight back: thousands of calls from the folks your representatives trust most on health care -- small business owners like you.

Thousands of small business owners are calling for reform today -- will you pick up the phone and join them?

According to our records, you live in Colorado's 7th congressional district. Please call:

Rep. Ed Perlmutter at 202-225-2645.
Sen. Mark Udall at 202-224-5941.
Sen. Michael Bennet at 202-224-5852.

(Not your representatives? Click here to look yours up.)

Your calls will be a powerful reminder to your representatives that businesses and families back home are depending on them to fix health care in 2009. And as a small business owner, your voice has added weight with elected officials.

Each call will only take a minute or two. Just tell the staff person who answers who you are, where you're from, what you do for a living, and that you support real health care reform that cuts costs, ensures access for all Americans, and guarantees choice of plans -- including a strong public insurance plan.

There are mere weeks left before Congress leaves Washington and heads back to their states and districts. Make sure they pass health care reform first -- please, pick up the phone today:

http://my.barackobama.com/sbocall

Thank you for your commitment to making change a reality,

Addisu

Addisu Demissie
Political Director
Organizing for America

ARAPAHOE COUNTY IS ALL FIRED UP!

Debbie — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:51:18 EDT

Executive Committee Members,

Good afternoon! I hope everyone is having a great summer! I am passing on a couple of events that are coming up for the Arapahoe County Democrats. We would love to see you all at these events

1) Arapahoe Picnic Sunday July 19th, Westlands Park, 5701 Quebec, Greenwood Village 12-4PM. I have attached a flyer for those inclined to sent to your email lists. Thank you to all the house district chairs who have agreed to bring items for the picnic. We still have a few items we could use assistance with.

2) Arapahoe County 3rd Annual Pat Schroeder Dinner, Aug 14th, Red Lion Hotel, 3200 S. Parker Road, Aurora. Special guest speaker will be Governor Bill Ritter. Invitations will be mailed next week for this event.For more information, please see our web site early next week or give me a call.

3) We will have a booth at the Arapahoe County Fair again this year. We are asking for house districts and elected officials to staff a shift again this year. If you or your folks are available to assist, please contact Peggy at prstahl@msn.com

4) The locks have been re keyed at the office. We distributed these at the July executive meeting. If you need a replacement key and did not receive one, please contact me for a new key to the office.

3) Reminder. Our Executive Committee Meetings are the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm.

Thanks for all that you do!
--
Mike Hamrick
Chair
Arapahoe County Democrats
303-518-1733

Our Summer Organizer Samantha has been busy with Health Care Reform....but it is up to us to keep working for Change....

Linda B. — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:15:17 EDT

Fort Collins Wednesday Statewide Canvass (Health Care Canvass)Our weekly Wednesday Statewide Canvass! Come join us during this critical month of July aout on what might very well be one of our final opportunities to push for real health care reform legislation and gain support for the President's three principles. We will meet at Mugs Coffee Lounge and hand out walk packets to individuals/groups for neighbor to neighbor canvassing as we aim to collect pledges, express our support for reform, share our stories, and provide our community members with the necessary information and resources for them to contact their congressional representatives and urge their support.Time:Wednesday, July 8 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMHost:Samantha AstudilloContact Phone:909 223-3202Location:Mugs Coffee Lounge (Fort Collins, CO) 261 S. College Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80524 Maps:

Directions:At the intersection of Olive and College in Downtown Fort Collins

RALLY FOR HEALTHCARE REFORM

Debbie — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:41:30 EDT

www.ArapaHope.org

Friend,

On July 9, there will be a rally in support of the Public Option at Senator Mark Udall's office. You are invited to join them, to send the message to Senator Udall that healthcare reform is needed now! This rally is being sponsored by MoveOn.org.

Public Option Now! Health Care Rally
When: Thursday, July 9, 11:45 AM
Where: Senator Mark Udall's office, 999 18th Street, North Tower, Suite 1525, Denver Map
Details: Join us at Senator Mark Udall's office for a healthcare rally in support of the public option. Let Senator Udall know that healthcare reform is important to us!
Sponsored by: MoveOn.org

Meet downstairs out front first to make sure that everyone is assembled. If there is anyone who wants to speak, feel free to email the organizer of this rally directly at chronicallyfabulous@gmail.com.

If you are driving into Denver, remember that parking can be difficult downtown, so allow some extra time. Most parking is metered, so bring quarters and remember there is a two-hour limit on most parking meters, and the Denver parking police are merciless. (Of course this meeting will be kept short because most people will have to rush back to work.)

Meet downstairs outside, unless the heat is too oppressive, and go in to the Senator's office together.

- Donna Galassi
www.ArapaHope.org

WashPost Today Exemplifies Yesterday's Posts

"Obama Doug" Evans Betanco — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:00:29 EDT

While this article from today's WashPost does finally get the news to the NEWS, as usual, there's something missing in this otherwise apt reportage: neither the ALBA meetings in Managua yesterday nor the RIO meetings today are NAMED as such: no "ALBA," no "RIO," in print.

Read the article: it underscores the Hemispheric importance of these meetings in conjunction with the Honduran coup, Gracias, William Booth and Juan Forero: the Western Hemisphere (and the world) is aligned to protect constitutional law within its borders.

New Honduran Leadership Flouts Worldwide Censure

By William Booth and Juan Forero
Washington Post Foreign Service
Tuesday, June 30, 2009

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, June 29 -- Honduras's new government vowed Monday to remain in power despite growing worldwide condemnation of the military-led coup that ousted President Manuel Zelaya.

As leaders from across Latin America met in Nicaragua to demand that Zelaya be returned to office, hundreds of protesters in the Honduran capital were met with tear gas fired by soldiers surrounding the presidential palace. The new government ordered the streets cleared, and shopkeepers barricaded their doors. Residents rushed home as a 9 p.m. curfew was enforced.

Although the United States and its allies condemned the coup, the most vocal opposition -- along with threats of military intervention -- came from Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, who led a summit of leftist allies in Nicaragua that demanded Zelaya be reinstated. The Venezuelan populist, who led a failed coup in his own country in 1992 and survived one in 2002, said the Honduran people should rebel against the new government.

"We are saying to the coup organizers, we are ready to support a rebellion of the people of Honduras," Chávez said. "This coup will be defeated."

Chávez spent Monday in the meeting in Managua, attended by the leaders of Ecuador, Bolivia, Nicaragua and other countries allied with Honduras. "We have to be very firm, very firm. This cannot end until José Manuel Zelaya is returned to power, without condition," he said.

Three of Honduras's neighbors -- Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua -- said Monday that they would suspend overland trade with Honduras for 48 hours. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, reading a statement, said the suspension was a "first step" against the new government.

Chávez also said his country is cutting off oil shipments to Honduras, which has received Venezuelan petroleum under beneficial terms.

Earlier, Chávez had pledged to "overthrow" Roberto Micheletti, a Honduran congressional leader and member of Zelaya's party who was sworn in as president Sunday afternoon.

On Monday, Micheletti responded to Chávez's threat on Honduran radio, saying, "Nobody scares us."

Chávez's growing belligerence marks a clear challenge to the Obama administration to reverse the coup or suffer a loss of clout in the region.

Senior Obama officials said an overthrow of the Zelaya government had been brewing for days -- and they worked behind the scenes to stop the military and its conservative, wealthy backers from pushing Zelaya out. That the United States failed to stop the coup gives antagonists such as Chávez room to use events to push their vision for the region.

At dawn on Sunday, heavily armed troops burst into the presidential palace here, broke through the door of Zelaya's bedroom and roused him from bed. He told reporters guns were pointed at him and he was escorted from his official residence in pajamas. Later he was put on a Honduran military plane and flown into exile in Costa Rica.

Honduran leaders who supported his removal say Zelaya had overstepped his presidential powers by calling for a nonbinding referendum on how long a president can serve here. His critics say Zelaya was intent on using his populist rhetoric to maintain power after his term officially was to end in January.

Honduran military helicopters circled the capital all afternoon, as Micheletti met with his supporters and began to make appointments for a new cabinet, a signal that organizers of the military-led ouster of Zelaya were planning to hold firm.

"I am sure that 80 to 90 percent of the Honduran population is happy with what happened," Micheletti said, adding he had not spoken to any other Latin American head of state.

The coup appears to have been well organized. Sunday morning, as Zelaya was being ousted, local TV and radio stations went off the air. Cellphone and land-line communications remain jammed, and many numbers offered only a busy signal.

Zelaya, speaking to reporters in Managua, demanded that he be restored to power but said that violence was not an option.

He also said that many Hondurans had no idea about the worldwide condemnation of the coup because private television stations in his country blacked out coverage, playing cartoons and soap operas.

By early Monday night, another meeting of Latin American nations had begun in Managua, with such heavyweights as Mexico and the secretary general of the Organization of American States, José Miguel Insulza, criticizing Zelaya's opponents.

Across the Americas and Europe, leaders called for Zelaya's reinstatement. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, president of Brazil, said his government would not recognize a Honduran administration not headed by Zelaya. "We in Latin America can no longer accept someone trying to resolve his problem through the means of a coup," Lula said.

The United Nations condemned the coup and said Micheletti should make way for Zelaya's return. Zelaya was invited to address the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday. Zelaya also said he planned to return to Honduras and reclaim the presidency.

The ouster in the poor, agricultural country of 7 million people revived memories of coup-driven turmoil in Latin America. Zelaya, who has spoken frequently with reporters, has been quick to mention the political chaos that military overthrows have traditionally caused.

"Are we going to go back to the military being outside of the control of the civil state?" Zelaya said. "Everything that is supposed to be an achievement of the 21st century is at risk in Honduras."

ObamaDoug Notes:

Apparently, Latin America's desire to break free from a half-milennium of economic, political and anthropological oppression (thus the "Bolivarian Alternative." as Simon Bolivar liberated much of South America from Spain's colonial grasp) is NEWS not quite fit enough to be named--or, perhaps, thought too scary a concept for the typical North American to read. No one up here needs to know, I guess, that significantly powerful segments of Latin America are linking in solidarity to brush off the dandruff of neo-colonialism from their brand new guayaberas, marching towards self-determination, the Latin American way.

The United States, of course, individuated as a nation on its acts of self-determination against Great Britain in 1776. We honor our own self-determination politically, economically, geographically, psychologically, with fervor. We raise our children to stand alone, men and women against the sky.

In the past, though, we haven't often honored the national self-determination of Latin American peoples as well. The Contra War in Nicaragua is only one example. That the rule of law is being honored unilaterally in the Western Hemisphere today is NEWS, amigos. This has not truly happened, before. It marks not only a transcendence of Latin America's former penchant for military coups as solution, but also a transformation of North America's stance vis-a-vis its southern neighbors: least we forget, we've helped to engineer military coups as a way to destabilize and manipulate Latin America for a century.

Let's take this hemispheric support for the rule of law to heart as well as to mind: it's simple Golden Rule behavior, spread hemispherically, from one life to the collective life of the Americas. And, thank God, even though unnamed, it's GOOD NEWS.

Gracias, ObamaDoug

PO,F8GY!

And, Furthermore, . . . .

"Obama Doug" Evans Betanco — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:48:13 EDT

In the history of the Western Hemisphere, today has been a milestone, and, yet, no one has reported it: the US President, the US Secretary of State, the Organization of American States, and the Presidents of Latin America represented in ALBA are in exact alignment, all calling for the return of Manuel (Mel) Zelaya to his Presidency of Honduras. This is truly newsworthy, especially after the Shrub years of Spin and Terror. So, of course, this truly NEW Hemispheric unity is not in the news, though easily accessible to anyone with Google.

This is a very bright, transformational step on the part of our Transformative President Obama. Hallelujah!

Gracias, ObamaDoug

PO,F8GY!

Gracias, James!

"Obama Doug" Evans Betanco — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:39:22 EDT

I had so much fun reading JAMES's last entry that I wrote him a longish comment; I liked my response enough that I'm sharing it with CITA. Believe me, we are all powerful people here, working powerful webs of compassion, intellect and authentic truthtelling, and we are being heard. If that makes me a cock-eyed optimist, fine: a few soothsayers, sharing as one, spin the world more rightly, every day:

Asking the right question - - -"The Persian Persuasion" - - - Anthropology Rules! A very full essay, my friend.

I believe there is truth being spoken, certainly here on CITA if not much in the media or governmental press releases. Billions of times everyday on this planet, Truth is spoken, and every tiny speck of that truth IS being heard, exactly where it needs to be heard. Whether the press ever picks up on it is a very different story.

For me, the presence of truthtellers in this one blog group on MyBO transforms the world with every post.

Gracias, friend James, OD

Bennet Engages in Conversation with Arapahoe County Young Democrats and ArapaHope Community Team

Bennet for Colorado — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:11:56 EDT

Centennial, CO -- Michael Bennet engaged in a wide-ranging conversation with the Arapahoe County Young Democrats and the ArapaHope Community Team on Saturday, June 27. A large number of the crowd's questions for Michael concerned fixing our dysfunctional health care system.

Bennet told the crowd that changes must be made to our health care system because too many people aren't getting the care they need. He stressed the urgent need for health care reform that provides affordable access to quality health care for all Coloradans. Bennet said he is open to any fiscally responsible solution, including a public option, that will put an end to soaring health care costs while preserving patient choice.

Photo courtesy of Gena Ozols, President, Arapahoe County Young Democrats.

Health Care Reform Advocated by Michael Bennet

Bennet for Colorado — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:07:13 EDT

Washington, DC -- Michael Bennet pushed the case for reforming our broken health care system during a floor speech on June 25. Bennet cited skyrocketing health care costs as a barrier that prevents increasing numbers of Coloradans from receiving the medical services they need.

During his speech Bennet called for responsible solutions to our health care problems that won't "pass on the cost to the next generation in the form of increased deficits and debt." Bennet said the usual political gamesmanship -- on both sides of the aisle -- will need to be set-aside for meaningful, positive reforms to be enacted.

Bennet singled out the story of a woman in Pueblo as an example of what is wrong with our current health care system. The Pueblo Chieftain has more on her story:

Bennet, a freshman Democrat, said the real median income of American families has declined over the past decade while the cost of health insurance nearly doubled.
He cited as examples the cases of Theresa Trujillo of Pueblo and the small town of Blanca, in Costilla County.
In Trujillo's case, Bennet noted the young woman was forced to take out a loan to pay for breast cancer chemotherapy when her company-paid health coverage ran out.

Sen. Mark Udall Endorses Michael Bennet

Bennet for Colorado — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:55:51 EDT

Thornton, CO -- Sen. Mark Udall provided a key endorsement for Michael Bennet on Saturday, June 20. Udall says Bennet is, "The right person at the right time." He went on to say he looks forward to working with Michael to get things done in Washington. Click here for video of Udall's comments.

Health care reform

Michelle Foster — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:03:15 EDT

Twenty people came to the Organizing for America Healthcare Reform Kickoff house meeting I hosted yesterday. I only regret I forgot to take photos. What an amazing group! Nobody seemed to mind the tight fit of my small condo. We were too busy sharing stories about the need for reform.

One woman shared the full time job it was getting her mother into long term care. "As a single woman, who will do that for me when it's my turn? We need an easier system." A young 25-year-old said "I have had Type I Diabetes my whole life. Yet, I've never worried about my health - only my healthcare coverage." One college graduate, in spite of a full-time job, spends $500 a month on private insurance.

Clara, 80-years-old discussed the donut hole in medicare...the gap between what is covered and what is not covered. "I thankfully have a pharmacist who helps me know which drugs to ask the doctor to prescribe to save me money. I thank her with lottery tickets...but why can't my doctor be prescribing the least expensive options? What would I do if I didn't have a good relationship with pharmacist?"

What amazed me is that so many people attended this meeting. Different ages; different stories; one goal: pass healthcare reform NOW. I can't remember the last time a newly elected president called on supporters to continue their involvement through service and civic engagement. We are honored to answer that call and work for the best policy possible.

We will keep meeting and keep working until Obama's healthcare reform is passed. All agree this is the year - we can no longer afford to sit back and let congress do its work. WE must be our own best lobbyists and stay as active as we were during the campaign.

We will meet again June 14. See events. We are planning a video library project of healthcare stories. Please contact me if you have experience with video editing. We want to capture stories from around Denver. michelle.joy@comcast.net

Thank you all!

-West Fort Collins - Health Care Kickoff Meeting-- We are covering all areas of the City for Health Care Reform !!

Linda B. — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:31:41 EDT

There is a Health Care Kickoff meeting on the west side of town, at Larry and Cathy Watson's house (same time as the meeting at Linda Berger’s on east side of town). 9:00 to 11:00 AM on Saturday the 6th. Please attend one or the other, rsvp at my.barackobama.com.

We will be sharing stories.

Discussing Obama’s principles on reform.

Planning a day of service event.

Please join if you can.

Larry and Cathy Watson 1439 Catalpa Ct.Fort Collins CO 80521RockySoft Corporation www.rockysoft.com(970) 493-0868 X101

Health Care House Parties Hosts Needed

Linda B. — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:11:00 EDT

June 6th Organizing for America

Would you be able to host a Health Care Organizing Kickoff?

Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee was formed after the campaign to support the President’s agenda for change.

On Saturday, June 6th, people like you will be hosting meetings across the country to talk about health care reform and the President’s three core principles, share personal stories, and plan a health care Day of Service for June 27th.

If you are able to host a Kickoff, all of the materials you need for a successful event can be found on our website my.barackobama.com/HCKickoffHost

you can also register your event so others in the community can sign up and attend. If you cannot host an event, please find an event near you and participate…

Biden Hosts Town Hall Meeting on Middle Class, Green Jobs; Makes Surprise Visit with Bennet to Local Restaurant

Bennet for Colorado — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:03:38 EDT

Denver, CO -- Vice President Joe Biden hosted a town hall meeting at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on Tuesday, May 26. Sen. Michael Bennet joined Biden in a discussion about strengthening the middle class through building a green energy economy in Colorado and across the entire United States.

Programs to retrain workers for green jobs and retrofitting buildings to be more energy efficient were highlighted as ways to jump-start the push for a green energy economy. Significantly, Biden announced that $500 million in federal funds will be used to get these programs off of the ground. For more information visit the White House’s website.

Bennet and Biden were joined on-stage by Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, Deputy Secretary of Energy Dan Poneman, and United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk. Also in attendance were Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, state House Speaker Terrance Carroll, state Senate President Brandon Shaffer, former Sen. Gary Hart and former Denver Mayor Federico Peña.

Following the town hall meeting Biden and Bennet paid a surprise visit to M&D’s Cafe on 28th Avenue. The pair found time to order fried green tomatoes between shaking hands and posing for photos. At one point Biden even took a patron’s cell phone to talk to her very surprised husband on the other end.

For more photos of the visit to M&D’s Cafe visit our flickr page or Michael's Facebook profile. Photos of the town hall meeting at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science are also available on flickr and Facebook. For video of the town hall meeting visit the Denver Post.

And, well!

"Obama Doug" Evans Betanco — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:56:26 EDT

I do need to thank every one of you for your incredibly sweet writing this last 4 months.! So much to catch up on! Great for all of you! Happy, happy, happy! And, we have a President who just nominated the first Hispanis woman ever to the Supreme Court and I am just crying for joy about the significance of that!!!!!! Hooray! ObamaDoug

Hey!

"Obama Doug" Evans Betanco — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:46:20 EDT

All you beloved sweeties! I am back in the States and can not even possibly begin to imagine how grateful I am for the infrastructure we take for granted here! The Streets! The sidewalks! The divided highways! My God! Life is incredible! We here in the States have so much to be grateful for, including the best President of the United States we have ever had! GOBAMA, 2012! ObamamDoug

ANOTHER ONE ON BOARD FOR ANTHONY GRAVES:)

Debbie — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:02:28 EDT

Former SD 33 State Senator Penfield Tate just annouced his support for
Anthony Graves for SD 33

Statement By Sen. Bennet on the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act

Bennet for Colorado — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:35:05 EDT

Colorado homeowners need real help right now. That’s why I am proud to have voted for the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009, which will help middle class families stay in their homes. This Act takes real action to stem the tide of foreclosures, assist homeowners and strengthen our housing sector. This legislation will also help homeowners by making it easier for lenders to modify mortgages.

Earlier, I voted against one amendment to the overall bill, the Durbin amendment, also known as “cramdown.” I voted against this amendment for three simple reasons -- it was not tailored narrowly enough to those who need it most, it would have raised interest rates, and it would have slowed down the housing recovery. The last thing working families and our fragile economy needs to face is higher interest rates.

Thousands of Colorado families continue to be at risk of losing their homes and financial ruin as a result of unscrupulous lending practices over the past few years. They need our help now to protect their futures. That’s why I voted against this specific amendment that would have given debt relief to people with million dollar homes, and would likely cause a spike in interest rates that could cripple the housing recovery.

And that is why I have taken on the credit card industry and in March, I placed the deciding vote for passage of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act out of committee. Endorsed by virtually every consumer protection organization, the legislation will protect consumers from confusing, misleading and predatory practices by credit card companies. I am now working with Senator Udall to ensure that the legislation passes the Senate.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR DEAR DR. BOB:)

Debbie — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:41:48 EDT

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Booooooooooooooob, Happy Birthday to you. AND MANY MORE! Thank you for all you do for us and Colorado Dr. Bob.

Hugs,

Debbie Fischer

EMPLOYEE OPPORTUNITY

Debbie — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:07:45 EDT

I highly recommend Gena for any position she seeks. She is young, energetic and a fantastic speaker!

Gena "Oz" Ozols

GenaOzols@gmail.com

22316 E. Dorado Place Aurora CO, 80015

720-984-4612 (Cell Phone) 720-870-1772 (Home Phone)

720-984-4612 Gena “Oz” Ozols genaozols@gmail.com

Education- Aurora Community College (Aurora, Colorado) Years Attended: 2007-Present

Areas of Study: Economics and Speech

Prior Work Experience

Karen Middleton, Majority Caucus Chair/Representative HD 42 (July 2008-Present): Legislative Intern

Contact: Laura Hoeppner, Legislative Aide

303-866-3911 Laura@KarenMiddleton.com

Campaign Manager

Contact: Karen Middleton, Candidate

720-866-3911 Karen@KarenMiddleton.com

Arapahoe County Young Democrats (June 2008 - Present):

President

Contact: www.ArapahoeDems.org

Vice-President

Contact: Nicki Van Veen, President

720-298-5307 Nicki.VanVeen@Yahoo.com

Colorado Coordinated Campaign/Forward Colorado (January 2008- April 2008):

Office Intern

Contact: Johnny Merrill, Field Organizer

970-449-3781

Pamela Bennett for Aurora City Council-At-Large (Sept. 2007 to November 2007):

Campaign Consultant

Contact: Pamela Bennett, Candidate

720-270-9666 Pamela5660@Yahoo.com

Interests: Working with people, Environmental Services, Handling constituent/voter complaints (I like the challenge), Civil Rights Movements, Voter Outreach, Online Outreach, Economic Policy, Campaigns and Organizations that use Grassroots Methods.

Skills: Microsoft Word, GoogleDocs, Powerpoint, ColoradoVan, Knowledge Messenger, Newsletter design, Letter writing, Public speaking, Training others to be more affective public speakers, Energizing volunteers, Script writing, Dealing with difficult voters/constituents, Multi-tasking, Problem solving, Communication, Organization and keeping people on the same page.

Additional References

Janet St. John: Healthcare Consultant

Relation: Friend of the Family

Work Location: Catholic Health Incentives, Aurora CO

303-949-6435 JanetStJohn@catholichealth.net

Michael Hurst- Service Manager

Relation: Friend of the Family

Work Location: Brakes Plus, Centennial, CO

720-427-3351 Taramike111@aol.com

Callee Grabinski – Small Business Owner

Relation: Owner of Callee's Lillies

Work Location: Callee's Lillies, San Jose CA

408-309-3330 goddess_calee@yahoo.com

HEALTH CARE FOR ALL COLORADO (NOTE DATE CHANGE)

Debbie — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:10:35 EDT

Health Care For All Colorado (HCAC)
Denver Chapter Meeting

Saturday, May 9, 2009 *** NOTE - 2nd Saturday ***
10:00 AM - 12:00 noon

Location: Kirk of Bonnie Brae Church, 1201 S. Steele St., Denver
(between University & Colorado Blvd, just north of I-25, 1 block south of
Mississippi on Steele).

Because of the large number of health care related events occurring on May 2nd (see below the May 9th announcement), we've moved the Denver HCAC chapter meeting to May 9th

Agenda For Saturday, May 9th - 2nd Saturday

10:00 to 10:20 Brief Introductions around the room (Name and one sentence)
10:20 to 10:25 Health Care For All Colorado - who are we and what are we trying to do
10:25 to 10:40 Brief announcements--limited to three minutes (we may cut these short)

10:40 to 11:10 Health Care For America Now (HCAN)
- Before we debate - let's learn something about it
- Rally 2 - 4 pm at Sunken Gardens - 8th and Speer - NW corner

11:10 to 11:20 Break

11:20 to 11: 35 National Single-Payer Efforts
- HR 676 and S. 703

11:35 to 11:45 Colorado Single-Payer Strategy
- 2010 Campaign
- Relation to National Efforts
- Relationship to other Health Care Reform efforts like HCAN

11:45 to 12:00 Wrap-up and Project Teams Meet

Denver Chapter meetings are open to the public - this is a great opportunity to introduce your acquaintances to our health care reform movement. Please bring your friends. Why not carpool ?

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
HEALTH CARE EVENTS ON OTHER DAYS - Below
*** be sure to recruit for single-payer.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

MAY 2 - Town Hall Meeting - Jefferson County - Rep. Sara Gagliardi - HD 27

ON SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2009, 10:30 TO NOON, Arvada West High School - 11325 Allendale Dr, Arvada. The topic is Healthcare and Affordable Housing. Governor Ritter, Dr. Irene Aguilar, Dr. Harriet Hall, Tay Kaponis an Advanced Practice Nurse and Bruce Eisnhauer with DOLA and Kathi Williams with the Division of Housing.

= = = = = = = = =

May 2 - Town Hall Meeting - Adams County - Rep. Judy Solano - HD 31

The community Town Hall meeting that Representative Judy Solano is having is from 10:00 -12:00 at the Northglenn Recreation Center - 11801 Community Center Dr Northglenn, CO. has been moved to May 2nd. The Colorado Progressive Coalition will be there representing Health Care For America Now (HCAN) and Dick Barkey, from Health Care For All Colorado, will represent the single-payer perspective on health care reform.

= = = =

Also, the following house district meetings are happening and it is good to attend, but health care reform may n ot be on the agenda

May 2 - House District 2 - 9:30 to 11:00 http://denverdems.org/node/2801
State Democratic Party HQ - 777 Santa Fe Dr

May 2 - House District 4 - 9:00 to 10:30 http://denverdems.org/node/2739
Argyle Senior Center - 4115 W. 38th Ave

How about some Republican Party or other meetings ??

= = = = = = = = = =

Sunday, May 3rd - 1 pm to 3 pm - HCAC Speakers Workshop

Pipefitters Local 208
6350 N. BROADWAY
DENVER, CO 80216

Health Care for All Colorado supporters who are part of our local chapter speakers bureaus or who wish to be single payer health care advocate speakers are invited to participate in this special workshop.

Speakers should prepare a short presentation of 6 to 8 minutes in length. The short speeches will be critiqued by evaluators from a local Toastmasters organization who are highly experienced in speaker development. If you wish to participate please send an email to Dick Barkey (email: dickbarkey@HealthCareForAllColorado.org ) and indicate that you wish to give a short speech.

= = = = = = = = = =

Denver HCAC Chapter Webpage

Dewey Walker
303-623-1953
DeweyWalker@HealthCareForAllColorado.org

Dave Bean
303-777-0395
Dave@HealthCareForAll Colorado.org

Health Care For All Colorado
P.O. Box 280767
Lakewood, 80228-0767

CALL TO ACTION!

Debbie — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:16:39 EDT

www.ArapaHope.org

Friend,

ACTION ALERT

ASK CO LEGISLATORS TO APPEAL TO OBAMA AND 111TH CONGRESS

TO SUPPORT CONYERS H.R. 676, EXPANDED AND IMPROVED MEDICARE FOR ALL

State Senators and Representatives are joining together to appeal to President Obama and members of the 111th Congress to support national single-payer health care as offered in John Conyers H.R. 676. Please read the appeal and the accompanying letter to the legislators in the upper left-hand corner on this website www.healthcare-now.org, under Campaign Resources. Then contact our Colorado legislators and ask them to sign on to this appeal. Note that Rep Kefalas and Senator Foster are initiating sponsors. Our primary foci should be:

Senator Linda Newell 303 866-4846 linda.newell.senate@gmail.com

Representative Spencer Swalm 303 866-5510 spencer.swalm.house@state.co.us

Representative Joe Rice 303 866-2953 joe.rice.house@state.co.us

Senator Nancy Spence 303 866-4883 nancyspence@qwest.net

But feel free to contact other representatives and senators, especially those you may have met or communicated with in the past. You can find a full list at Colorado General Assembly under the Legislative Directory link. I've also included a list of Arapahoe County Representatives and Senators at the bottom of this email.

Talking points include:

We need a complete overhaul of our current broken health insurance system, one that simplifies and equalizes benefits and assures a standard bill-paying procedure.
This is the only kind of reform that will allow us to cover every American and still save money.
Providing basic health care to all Americans is a moral responsibility for our society and our for-profit insurance system is not up to the challenge.
2/3 of people want a single-payer system and 59% of physicians do too
The rest just need solid leadership from Washington and good educational efforts to convince them it's the right move. Please lead our people.
Mandated insurance will not be well-received by the people as they no longer trust insurance companies and it does not contain costs. It is not sensible to try to make that system work when it has failed seven times at the state level.
Piecemeal efforts to reform health care such as improvements in IT connectivity, paying doctors by outcomes, and covering preventive care are nice, but they are bandaids and this country cannot afford just bandaids. We need surgery!
- Carol Blackard, MD
www.ArapaHope.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arapahoe County Representatives

Spencer Swalm (R) (HD 37) spencer.swalm.house@state.co.us 303-866-5510
Joe Rice (D) (HD 38) joe.rice.house@state.co.us 303-866-2953
David Balmer (R) (HD 39) david.balmer.house@state.co.us 303-866-2935
Cindy Acree (R) (HD 40) cindy.acree.house@state.co.us 303-866-2944
Nancy Todd (D) (HD 41) nancy.todd.house@state.co.us 303-866-2919
Karen Middleton (D) (HD 42) karen@karenmiddleton.com 303-866-3911
Anne McGihon (HD 3) anne.mcgihon.house@state.co.us 303-866-2921
Lois Court (D) (HD 6) loiscourt@msn.com 303-866-2967
Joe Miklosi (D) (HD 9) joe@joemiklosi.com 303-866-2910

Arapahoe County Senators

Linda Newell (D) (SD 26) linda.newell.senate@gmail.com 303-866-4846
Nancy Spence (R) (SD 27) nancyspence@qwest.net 303-866-4883
Suzanne Williams (D) (SD 28) suzanne.williams.senate@state.co.us 303-866-3432
Morgan Carroll (D) (SD 29) morgan.carroll.senate@state.co.us 303-866-4879

Tags: a, as, change!, continue, for, must, our, people, we, work

WE AREN'T DONE YET!

Debbie — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:43:40 EDT

Friend --

This week, don't miss the opportunity to join the Colorado Listening Tour when we're on the ground in your neighborhood.

Please join us, and let us know how you'd like to see Colorado organized. If we're going to help pass an agenda that will put our nation back on track, we need your suggestions for creating the specific plans that will work in your neighborhood.

Your effort was crucial in getting us this far. Now we can't let up -- it's just too important.

Sign up now to join the Listening Tour:

http://co.barackobama.com/ListeningTourCO

I look forward to seeing you,

Gabe

Gabe Lifton-Zoline
Colorado State Director
Organizing for America

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

UPDATE FROM NAT TROY

Debbie — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:36:48 EDT

Hi Debbie,

In case anyone asks, our regular menu (NM southwest cuisine) will also be available. I realize not everyone wants to eat crawdads. And, obviously, there's no charge for the entertainment.

For adults, it's $22.99 for all the crawfish they can eat; $12.99 for children 12 and under.

I can't wait to see everyone this Saturday.

Nat

On Sat, Apr 25, 2009 at 6:47 PM, wrote:

FUN, MUSIC, CRAWFISH BOIL, LET'S GO SAY HI TO NAT TROY AND HIS FAMILY:)

I just wanted to let you know that my family's restaurant in Highlands Ranch is putting on an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil on May 2. The band 'Felix and Los Gatos' will be performing. It will start at noon and go until the crawfish is all gone.

Here are the details:

date/time: May 2, Sat - noon
location: Old Blinking Light, 9344 Dorchester St, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 (right off of Highlands Ranch Parkway, next to the Tattered Cover bookstore)

For more info about our restaurant go to: www.oldblinkinglight.com.

I hope you can make it. I'm coming into town for it and would love to see you again.

Best,

Nat

--
Nat Troy, Jr.

777 7th St NW, Apt 736
Washington, DC 20001
(703) 489-1542

Tags: a, as, change!, continue, for, must, our, people, we, work

LET'S FIRE IT UP IN SUPPORT OF OUR MILITARY

Debbie — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:04:32 EDT

Jeffco Young Dems is organizing military care packages for soldiers (male and female) serving overseas. It is important to support those who volunteer their efforts to protect us. We are asking members in our communities to donate items listed below to one of our drop-off locations and we will ship them out.

Items:
Personal Hygiene Items: Razors, Toothpaste, Baby Wipes, Feminine Hygiene Products, etc.
Clothing: T-shirts, White Socks
Games and Puzzles
Books and Fitness Magazines
Movies
Letters
Batteries
Coffee, Sugar and Creamer (Hazelnut and Vanilla)
Healthy Snacks
Sweet Snacks: M&Ms, Reese's Pieces, Sour Candy
Jim Bean Beef Jerky Pepper Jack
Popcorn
Koolaid (ready 16.9oz packets)
Ravioli Microwavables
Instant Soup

In addition to the listed items, we also are asking for monetary donations to help cover the cost of shipping. Please, if you can, donate a few dollars in addition to your donated items. To make a monetary donation, please bring cash or check to any of the drop off times and locations listed below. You may also send checks by mail:
Please make checks payable to Jefferson County Democratic Party
Please note in the memo of your check Jeffco Young Dems
Mail checks to Jeffco Young Dems c/o Jeffco Dems Treasurer 8745 W 14th Ave Suite 110 Lakewood, CO 80215
Drop off times and locations:
Mon, Wed and Fri, 9am-1pm from now until May 8th
Jefferson County Democratic Party Headquarters
8745 W 14th Ave Suite 110 Lakewood, CO 80215

May 9th, 8:30am (Jeffco Dems 2nd Saturday Breakfast)
American Legion
1655 Simms St Lakewood, CO 80215

Please sign up and pledge your support here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptgjj

For more information, please go to www.jyd.jeffcodems.org.

Thank you for your support!
Shara Johnson
President - Jeffco Young Dems

Tags: a, as, change!, continue, for, must, our, people, we, work

ATTENTION MILITARY FAMILIES AND FRIENDS

Debbie — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:39:22 EDT

Hello everyone!

Happy Spring! It has been awhile since we've been in touch and we hope that you have all been well (and less crazed than we have been!).

We wanted to follow up with those of you who were involved in the campaign (or who have contacted us since then) to see if anyone would like to be involved with Blue Star Families moving forward.

Blue Star Families has transitioned to a NON-PARTISAN organization, and seeks to be a VOICE for military families -- a bridge between military families, the shapers of policy affecting military life, and our nation at large. To read more about the new mission, please visit the website at: www.BlueStarFam.org.

We would like to have a very informal gathering (at Barnes & Noble?) in the near future to share what issues or concerns we may have (e.g., multiple deployments? PTSD? Education?), determine our levels of interest in being involved with Blue Star Families, and, to just see one another again!

Please take a few minutes to answer the following:

1. Are you, or anyone you know, interested in being involved with Blue Star Families? If so, please provide contact information for each.

2. What day(s) during the week would work for you to get together?

3. What time(s) of day are you available?

We hope to see you in the near future!

Tiffany Hays & Kimberley Taylor-Beer

Blue Star Families, CO Chapter

Tags: a, as, change!, continue, for, must, our, people, we, work

FUN, MUSIC, FOOD AND FRIENDS...NAT TROY IS COMING TO TOWN:)

Debbie — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 18:45:11 EDT

I just wanted to let you know that my family's restaurant in Highlands Ranch is putting on an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil on May 2. The band 'Felix and Los Gatos' will be performing. It will start at noon and go until the crawfish is all gone.

Here are the details:

date/time: May 2, Sat - noon
location: Old Blinking Light, 9344 Dorchester St, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 (right off of Highlands Ranch Parkway, next to the Tattered Cover bookstore)

For more info about our restaurant go to: www.oldblinkinglight.com.

I hope you can make it. I'm coming into town for it and would love to see you again.

Best,

Nat

--
Nat Troy, Jr.

777 7th St NW, Apt 736
Washington, DC 20001
(703) 489-1542

Tags: a, as, change!, continue, for, must, our, people, we, work

my other blog!

Beth from ColoradObama — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 14:04:22 EDT

I have not been here for four months! I was busy fighting the good fight for President Obama over at digg until I got banned! I've also been busy with my own blog at www.liberalfatbroad.com.

I can be the real me and speak freely on my blog. I may be vulgar at times, but I'm passionate about liberal causes and President Obama, and this is evident on my blog.

But I will make it a priority to visit MyBO on a regular basis! I'm glad we're thinking ahead to 2012! We have to make sure those midtem elections go in our favor too!

VOLUNTEER VIDEO OP

Debbie — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:11:30 EDT

We have a Tech meeting at 6:30 tonight at the Arapahoe County Headquarters.

Next to Sam's Meats on the Northeast corner of Iliff and Chambers.

Is anyone available to take pictures and or video???

Please contact John Fulton at utahooksem@comcast.net if you are able to help out.

Thank you,

Debbie Fischer, Communtiy Activist:)

JEFFERSON COUNTY LISTENING TOUR!

Debbie — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:00:28 EDT

Calling all Jeffco4Obama and Jeffco4Change Citizens & Volunteers!

Colorado is fortunate to have paid staff "on the ground" ... Gabe Lifton-Zoline, State Director (and Colorado native), and Jen Cheyne ("chain"), State Field Director. Currently, they are working out of the Colorado Democratic Party headquarters. In order to "hear" from Colorado Obama volunteers, they are traveling the state on a "listening tour". Organizing for America (OFA) - Colorado understands how important Jeffco was (and is) to the success of President's Obama's mission ... winning the election, and now, changing the direction of our country and the way "we the people" influence and intersect with Washington.

Gabe and Jen initially set up two listening sessions in Arvada and Golden; we jointly decided to add a third option, to accommodate daytime folks or those who want to avoid traffic. Please choose one of those sessions and RSVP below. It's important that we know who's coming, so we can prepare properly. If you cannot attend any sessions on this date, others are set up in the Denver-Metro area over the coming days.

A note about OFA ... many fine progressive, activist organizations are operating in Colorado; OFA is unique in that it is our best and most direct link to President Obama and to his staff in Washington.

OFA Mission Statement:

Organizing for America's mission is to advance President Obama's legislative agenda for change and to build on the grassroots foundation created during the campaign. To accomplish this mission, we will focus our organizing work on three basic, ongoing initiatives:

Growing and strengthening the OFA organization
Mobilizing OFA's volunteers and volunteer leaders to take action in support of President Obama's legislative agenda
Civic Empowerment

Please join us! (All Jeffco events are being held on Thursday, April 30th)

Golden/Jeffco 3-5pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/meeting/gptg7g

Arvada 5:30-6:30pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/listeningtour/gptghv

Golden/Lakewood 7:30-8:30pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/listeningtour/gptghj

+++++++++++++++++

Saoirse Charis-Graves
OFA - Colorado Volunteer
303.709.7529
saoirsecg@gmail.com

Tags: a, as, change!, continue, for, must, our, people, we, work

HB09-1358 postponed until April 24th at 1:00 PM

Debbie — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:20:35 EDT

Health Care For All Colorado

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**** News Flash ****

Colorado HB09-1358, the insurance mandate bill, was postponed today and is scheduled to be heard Friday, April 24th at 1:00 PM. If you haven't yet had a chance to telephone and email the Representatives on the Business Affairs and Labor Committee listed in Tom Russell's previous announcement below, please do.

One Representative told us today that it would be good to have a larger number of people come and testify against the bill on Friday. If you do plan to come to the Capitol to testify against the bill, please let us know at info@HealthCareForAllColorado.org so that we can help to coordinate the subjects of testimony.

HB 1358 is strikingly bad. The Bill would require even programs that have been in place for decades, like Medicare and Medicaid, to flow through private insurance companies (see bill page 6 - Tier 2.) Read HB 1358 yourself using the link from the Oppose HB 1358 webpage and keep up with the latest news: http://healthcareforallcolorado.org/?p=70

Finally, we have opened the 2010 campaign for a bill that will bring efficient, universal health care to all Coloradans. Please support this effort—and help to pay for the 2009 push for HB1273 by donating $25 today

Dave Bean, Co-Chair, Denver HCAC Chapter
303-777-0395
Dave@HealthCareForAllColorado.org

Health Care For All Colorado
P.O. Box 280767
Lakewood, 80228-0767

O pt Out from HCAC announcement emails

= = = = = = = = = = = =
Previous Announcement Below
= = = = = = = = = = = =

April 21, 2009

Dear Debbie,

The Health Care for All Colorado board has voted to oppose HB 09-1358, a bill that Rep. Joe Rice introduced yesterday. The House Business Affairs and Labor committee will hear the bill tomorrow (Wednesday, April 22) in committee. Please call and email the members of the committee to let them know that you oppose the bill.

Briefly, HB1358 is an insurance mandate. The bill is built upon the framework of HB1273, but instead of universal health care using a single-payer mechanism, the bill mandates that all Coloradans purchase insurance and then penalizes those who don’t. The bill also includes single-payer-like mechanisms for preventive and catastrophic care.

Here are specific reasons that HCAC is unable to support HB09-1358.

1. Increased reliance on for-profit insurance will increase the cost of health care in Colorado.

2. Colorado should not mandate the purchase of for-profit insurance.

3. Colorado should not penalize those who do not purchase for-profit insurance with fines, loss of driving privileges, and compulsory community service.

4. Colorado cannot afford to subsidize the purchase of for-profit insurance.

5. Mandating the purchase of minimum benefits plans will increase the number of people in the state who are under-insured.

6. In Massachusetts, state subsidy of compulsory health insurance has taken money from the safety net resulting in the closure of Community Health Centers and a Public Hospital. We cannot allow that to happen in Colorado.

7. For profit-insurers under this plan will increase the cost o f claims by pushing those claims to either the preventive or catastrophic tiers.

Please contact the members of the House Business Affairs and Labor and ask them to vote against the bill on Wednesday in committee. Please note that Rep. Joe Rice, the sponsor of HB 1358, is the chair of the committee.

House Business Affairs and Labor Committee

Joe Rice-D (HD38) 303-866-2953 joe.rice.house@state.co.us

Edward Casso-D (HD32) 303-866-2964 edward.casso.house@state.co.us

Sara Gagliardi-D (HD27) 303-866-2962 sara.gagliardi.house@state.co.us

David Balmer-R (HD39) 303-866-2935 david.balmer.house@state.co.us

Laura Bradford-R (HD55) 303-866-2583 laura.bradford.house@state.co.us

Larry Liston-R (HD16) 303-866-2965 larry.liston.house@state.co.us

Kevin Priola-R (HD30) 303-866-2912 kpriola@gmail.com

Su Ryden-D (HD36) 303-866-2942 su.ryden.house@state.co.us

Christine Scanlan-D (HD56) 303-866-2952 christine.scanlan.house@state.co.us

John Soper-D (HD34) 303-866-2931 john.soper.house@state.co.us

Amy Stephens-R (HD20) 303-866-2924 amy.stephens.house@state.co.us

Please click on the following link to send email to the entire committee except for the chair. (Note that this link may not work in some browsers.) except for the chair. (Note that this link may not work in some browsers.)

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by reply email or on my cell phone at 720-841-4665

Yours sincerely,
Prof. Thomas D. Russell, J.D., Ph.D.
Vice-President, Healthcare for All Colorado
TRussell@HealthCareforAllColorado.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Health Care For All Colorado

Tags: a, as, change, continue, for, must, our, people, we, work

HEALTH CARE RALLY TODAY!

Debbie — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:58:51 EDT

We have just received word about this rally.

Please support our friends at the colorado communityhealth network by attending the Tuesday rally if you can.

Dear CCHN Advocates,

Thank you for your continued assistance in the fight to protect against additional budget cuts to health care in Colorado. But, our work is not yet finished. Please join your fellow health care advocates to speak out against the proposed safety net provider budget cuts.

Tell the Legislature and the Governor that cuts to Colorado's health care system are NOT the way to balance the budget!

WHAT: Health Care Rally and Press Conference

WHEN: Tuesday, April 21 at 12:00pm (Speakers will begin at 12:15pm)

WHERE: Children's Medical Center, 1625 Marion Street, Denver

Speakers include:
Dr. Jay Markson, Pediatrician at Children's Medical Center
Senator John Morse, Majority-Leader Elect
Pete Leibig, President/CEO of Clinica Family Health Services, Inc.
Christy Blakely, Family Voices
Community and Consumer Representatives

Questions? Contact Katie Jacobson at 303-5165 x 240 or katie@cchn.org.

Please join Colorado's health care community in OPPOSING further budget cuts!

Dick Barkey
303-808-8504
DickBarkeyHealthCareForAllColorado.org

Health Care For All Colorado
P.O. Box 280767
Lakewood, 80228-0767

Tags: a, as, change!, continue, for, must, our, people, we, work

RAY RODRIGUEZ IS AN OUTSTANDING LEADER

Debbie — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:32:26 EDT

http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1050562944792#/note.php?note_id=95962890218&id=1053693675&ref=share

Tags: a, as, change!, continue, for, must, our, people, we, work

PROTEST OF EXCEL lerated rate increases

Debbie — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:42:58 EDT

www.ArapaHope.org

Friend,

Rally at the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to protest Excel raising their rates and Comanche 3, their coal fired power plant

For those interested, a rally will be held on Monday, April 20 at 1560 Broadway, downtown Denver, where the free mall shuttle bus begins at 16th and Broadway. The rally will preceed the Public Utilities Commission 4:00pm public hearing. The hearing will be held at the PUC office, 1560 Broadway, on the second floor. Please be aware that Xcel intends to start another rate increase filing on May 1st. This is after their own financial records show annualy increasing profit, the last about $100 million more than the previous year.

The rally will be in protest of Excel's Comanche 3 coal fired power plant. Here are some facts

We are increasing CO2 significantly when we should be going in the other direction. Xcel's new Comanche 3 coal fired plant will increase Xcel's Colorado CO2 emissions by a stunning 9%, increasing the CO2 emissions by 4-5 million tons per year.
In Colorado, we currently get more of our electricity from coal, when compared to the national average. Colorado gets about 73% of our electricity from coal, versus 50% for the U.S. overall
The costs of Xcel's Comanche 3 is staggering. Econometric models show that with Xcel's proposed modest carbon tax of $20/ton and increased coal costs, the plant will cost about $1 billion per decade.
Capital costs versus fuel costs: Big difference between renewable energy (RE) and fossil fuel (FF) plants: whereas 85% of an RE plant is for capital costs -- i.e. to BUILD the plant; while 85% of a FF plant is for FUEL -- and the fuel goes up in smoke and pollution...how smart is that?
Bottom line is that we need to REDUCE CO2 -- not bring another coal plant online.
Please contact me if you have any additional questions about this event.

- Donna Galassi
www.ArapaHope.org

Tags: a, as, change!, continue, for, must, our, people, we, work

LET'S FIRE IT UP FOR THE MILITARY AND JEFFCO YOUNG DEMS

Debbie — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:06:07 EDT

Military Care Packages
Host: Jeffco Young Dems
Type: Meetings - Club/Group Meeting
Network: Global
Start Time: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 9:00am
End Time: Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 9:00am
Location: See Drop-Off Locations
Email: cunninjo@gmail.com

DescriptionJYD is organizing military care packages for three groups of soldiers serving overseas. It is important to support those who volunteer their efforts to protect us. We are asking you to donate items listed below to one of our drop-off locations and we will ship them out.

In addition to the listed items, we also are asking for monetary donations to help cover the cost of shipping. Please, if you can, give a few dollars in addition to your donated items.
* Make sure you specify that the donation is to the Jeffco Young Dems

Please visit our website for a list of the items needed:
http://jyd.jeffcodems.org/

Drop-Off Locations:

Jefferson County Democratic Party Headquarters
Mon, Wed & Fri 9am-1pm until May 8th
8745 W 14th Ave. Suite 110
Lakewood, CO 80215

2nd Saturday Breakfast - May 9th 8:30am
American Legion
1655 Simms St.
Lakewood, CO 80215

Tags: a, as, change!, continue, for, must, our, people, we, work

Obamas Economic Speech?

christina sampson — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:45:14 EDT

Hey what do you guys think about the economic speech that he gave today? Do you think it adequately dispells the fears and anxities of the american public?

WELCOME HOME GABE! WE ARE STILL ALL FIRED UP!

Debbie — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:34:50 EDT

Dear Friend,

My name is Gabe Lifton-Zoline, and I'm the new Colorado State Director for Organizing for America.

Since Inauguration Day, Organizing for America has been dedicated to making real the change we fought for during the election. But to be successful, we need to hear from you -- your effort and commitment are the backbone of this movement and this organization.

That's why I'm so excited to announce that we're back on the ground in Colorado and, starting this week, we'll be hosting Listening Tour Town Halls across the state.

Will you make your voice heard and join us on the Listening Tour?

At Listening Tour meetings, you'll get a chance to meet new state staff members, hear about some lessons learned during the general election, and offer your thoughts on how we can organize Colorado going forward. Your ideas will be used to write a Colorado-specific plan for Organizing for America in 2009 and beyond.

The campaign brought an unprecedented number of new voices into the process -- we need to make sure those voices remain at the center of the debate as the President and Congress work on providing solutions for our economy.

But these meetings are not just for folks who were involved in the campaign -- we're hopeful that every Coloradan will get involved.

We can't stop growing our movement now. We've never had a better opportunity to shape our future -- and just like during the election, we'll do it from the bottom up.

Sign up now to attend a Listening Tour event:

http://co.barackobama.com/ListeningTourCO

I look forward to seeing you,

Gabe

Gabe Lifton-Zoline
Colorado State Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- If you can't make it to a Listening Tour event, you can still get involved with Organizing for America in Colorado. Let us know how you'd like to see Colorado organized:

http://co.barackobama.com/LTsurvey

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
This email was sent to: DFisSheana@aol.com

To unsubscribe, go to: http://my.barackobama.com/unsubscribe

Tags: a, as, change!, continue, for, must, our, people, we, work

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS:)

Debbie — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:07:43 EDT

http://obamamae.ning.com/

CALL TO ACTION!

Debbie — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:22:52 EDT

--------------------
Subject: You did it again!!

Senator Udall just announced his support for the Employee Free Choice Act

Great job everyone!!

We still need Senator Bennet's support-
Make sure you and your friends call, email and try to meet with him!!

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://bennet.senate.gov%2Fpublic%2F%3Fp%3DTransitionalSiteOfficeInformation

Thanks again for your support!!

Arthur
------------

MESSAGE FROM MITCH!

Debbie — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:58:46 EDT

Friend --

Congress will begin voting on President Obama's budget today. It's a big test not only for President Obama, but for our entire movement. Taking just a few minutes to call Congress now could make a major impact on this crucial vote.

Will you call your elected representatives to let them know you support a budget that tackles the long-term challenges to our prosperity?

According to our records, you live in zip code 80014, Colorado's 7th congressional district.

Please pick up the phone today and ask Rep. Ed Perlmutter, Sen. Mark Udall, and Sen. Michael Bennet to pass President Obama's budget.

Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO-07)
CALL: 202-225-2645

Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO)
CALL: 202-224-5941

Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO)
CALL: 202-224-5852

Click here when you're done calling.

With this vote, we have a historic opportunity to create jobs, restore our economy, and invest in energy, health care, and education for our future.

Don't let this important moment slip away.

After your call, please record your feedback here:

http://my.barackobama.com/callreport

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- If you don't live in CO-07 or think you have different members of Congress to call, you can look up your representatives' contact information here:

http://my.barackobama.com/callcongress

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

NO GAMBOL WITH CANTER FOR CONGRESS 2010

Debbie — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:47:06 EDT

I frequently look up the word of the day in the dictionary. In doing so today I found it was gambol. I read one of the definitions, which I will post below.

The bad news is that while most of us gambol in the sun, there will be much wringing of hands in environment-hugging circles about global warming and climate change.
-- Derek Brown, "Heatwaves", The Guardian, June 16, 2000

In reading this I thought of David Canter's run for Congress 2010. David continues to educate himself on the issues that affect not only our economy, healthcare, infrastructure, but the world's safety for the future of our children and our children's children. Together we can repair not only the communities, but the Nation and the World. Now let's join David and make change happen!

YES WE MUST CONTINUE OUR WORK AS A PEOPLE FOR CHANGE!

And that is why we need David Canter in Congress

Now let's go to http://www.canterforcongress.com/ and support our candidate

While you are there, please hit the donate button:)

CALL TO ACTION

Debbie — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:38:21 EDT

Hello Everyone,

Tomorrow (Thursday) Congress is scheduled to vote on President Obama's proposed budget to renew our economy by investing in energy, health care, and education. Passing this budget is essential to our movement for change.

It is important that we use these last precious hours to let our representatives in Congress know that we support the President and ask that they do the same.

Please take a couple moments right now to call your representatives. You can find their contact information here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/callcongress/budget/

By taking action together, we can send a powerful message to Congress and help President Obama pass this budget.

Thank you,
Keith Ferguson
Volunteer State Liaison
Organizing for America

P.S. Please help spread the word by forwarding this e-mail on to other supporters you know.

CANTER CALL TO ACTION!

Debbie — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:20:50 EDT

Dear Friend,

Wow! Your response has been amazing! We set a fund raising goal of $9750 by midnight tonight and so many of you came through, we're almost there. If you haven't already, can you HELP NOW?

As I said yesterday, tonight's deadline is an important milestone in the 2010 Congressional race. With your help, I'll be able to reach my goal and keep my campaign going strong!

Whatever you can give will be appreciated. Believe me, I know what I'm asking. My family, like many of yours has experienced some of the difficulties of the economic crisis. We are struggling with the very real concerns of how to pay for college and afford the high cost of medical care.

I'm asking you to make an investment in a better future for your family and mine. Send me to Congress and I will be a voice for people. That's what I've done for the last 20 years and that's what I'll do for you in our nation's capitol.

We have just 6 hours left to reach our goal!!! We're almost there!

Your donation today of $50, $100 or $250 will help us reach out to voters throughout the district in print, radio and television ads. A recurring monthly donation of $10, $15 or $25 will help with postage.

I am amazed by your support and encouragement. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Warmest Regards,

David Canter, Candidate for US Congress

ps--check out the interview by AJ Vicens in this week's issue of the Columbine Courier. There's a link on our website. Better yet, pick up a copy and support our local newspapers. Stay tuned for more new and exciting updates from the campaign in the days and weeks to come!

canterforcongress.com

Please forward this email to friends and family

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paid for by Canter for Congress

LET'S FIRE IT UP FOR ED PERLMUTTER!

Debbie — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:43:50 EDT

Subject: Fundraiser with Ed Perlmutter Update!

One Week Away!

All Ages Are Welcome For A Fun Night With Congressman Ed Perlmutter on April 7th!

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS!
The Arapahoe County Young Democrats needs help signing people in and setting up the Copper Club for our event. Anyone interested in volunteering please email ArapahoeCountyYoungDemocrats@gmail.com

WANT TO HELP OUT FROM HOME?

DONATE YOUR FACEBOOK/TWITTER STATUS OVER THE NEXT WEEK! And make sure to click "INVITE" to all of your friends!

JUST COPY AND PASTE THIS INTO YOUR STATUS BOX!

"Is excited for the Young Dems Fundraiser On April 7th! http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=58931823965&ref=ts "

PLEASE RSVP to the event invitation if you have not already done so.

Also Note: The Latino Initiative is looking for Volunteers to help run their 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt being held on Saturday April 11. The event runs from 1pm to 3 pm. Anyone interested in Volunteering for this event please contact Justin at Justino.herrera@gmail.com OR (303) 731- 2096

We cannot wait to see you on April 7th!

Gena Ozols, President
Chris Smith, Vice-President
Tracie Sheppherd, Secretary
Nathan Reynolds, Treasurer
--------------------

To reply to this message, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox/readmes....90efa0G647d27G0

CALL TO ACTION!

Debbie — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:33:02 EDT

Dear Friend,

In a little over 24 hours, we will reach an important milestone of the 2010 election--the first quarter FEC filing deadline. How much money I report may be a yardstick by which analysts and political odds-makers may measure not only my strength as a candidate, but how seriously others are taking this Congressional race.

We must raise just $9,750 to reach our fund raising goal. Can you DONATE now?

Whether making college more affordable for students and their families; or helping small businesses thrive in the New Energy Economy; or fighting to preserve water resources in our communities; or ensuring that every American has access to quality, affordable healthcare, I'll go to Washington to represent your values, your interests, your ideals.

Your contribution today of $50, $100 or $250 will help me reach my goal of $9,750. Your recurring monthly contribution of even $10 or $20 will help us reach out to voters, purchase postage and maintain our competitive edge.

Help me today to send a clear message to the naysayers in Colorado and elsewhere. Tell them it's time for someone to fight for those things that you believe in.

Please DONATE today. Remember, the deadline is midnight March 31, 2009.

Thank you so much for your help and continued support. As always I appreciate it.

Warmest Regards,

David Canter, Candidate for US Congress

canterforcongress.com

Parallel Universes

Dianne Perea — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:38:22 EDT

Hello, President Obama.

The events of my life over the past six months have shown me the incredible parallels between my personal world and that of your journey to the White House and the path the United States is on today. I have moved through a personal crisis where life as I once knew it was utterly destroyed and I have had to rebuild my life from the ground up. There were days when I didn't see how I would be able to cope and didn't see how my life could possibly recover from such a devastating loss and blow. But day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute I have picked myself and my children up out of this mud and we've moved on, inch by inch toward the light of a new dawn. Today I can see the hope of better and brighter future. But getting to this moment has taken an inner strength and faith that I truly didn't know existed within me.

Over the past year, I have had to relearn everything I thought I knew about life and people, most importantly myself. When days became more frightening than I could bear, I thought about you, your campaign, and the work my children and I did with this great community to see the day when you would become our President. Working on your campaign during the summer of 2008 kept me alive while a part of my personal life was collapsing. The energy and hope that you brought into my world kept the embers of who I am going long enough to see me through the darkest moments of my life. And for this, I am eternally grateful to you.

God bless you, President Obama and your family. Thank you for the work and sacrifices you have made and continue to make on behalf of this country and people like me. You have changed my life in more ways than you will ever know.

Dianne Perea
Colorado Springs, Colorado

CD6 CALL TO ACTION! PLEASE SUPPORT

Debbie — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:32:40 EDT

http://www.canterforcongress.com/

CALL TO ACTION!

Debbie — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:20:24 EDT

Subject: A Rebuke To Working People-

We can not let big business railroad all of the tens of millions of people who want change in America!!

A decision was made in Pennsylvania today that will greatly affect your children's future-
Sen. Arlen Spector decided he will vote against the Employee Free Choice Act-

The Employee Free Choice Act is an important part of President Obama's Agenda to rebuild the American Middle Class and it is supported by 73 percent of the public. To pass legislation in the Senate 60 votes are needed.

So every vote is critical that's why you must call Sen. Bennet and Udall and urge them to support the Employee Free Choice Act-

Please tell your friends to call, email and try to meet with Senator's Bennet and Udall-

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://markudall.senate.gov%2Fcontact%2Fcontact.cfm

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://bennet.senate.gov%2Fpublic%2F%3Fp%3DTransitionalSiteOfficeInformation

We must act!

CANTER FOR CONGRESS

Debbie — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:27:03 EDT

The Beard: A candidate who listens and embraces change

I announced my candidacy on Nov. 5, the day after the last election because I felt it was important to get an early start addressing the enormous problems facing our country.

But I found one issue dominating some of my conversations with voters. My beard.

Because "The Beard" became such a distraction, I shaved it off. I even made a short video showing different styles of facial hair as the beard came off. Take a look for yourself. I think you'll enjoy it. And don't forget to vote for your favorite style.

And let's get back to talking about the real issues -- jobs, the economy and health care, for example.

Why I'm running

It's the first question every candidate gets: Why are you running?

I'm running because the 6th Congressional District deserves a representative in Congress who will stand up for the people and businesses who call CD6 home.

I may not be a career politician, but I do know firsthand the issues that are facing this nation. People are struggling, and my family is no different. Due to the current economic crisis, my wife has been placed on notice that she may lose her job. My son, a senior in high school, has been accepted to college but we're confronted with the uncertainty of whether we can now afford the price tag associated with higher education. When my daughter twisted her ankle recently, we had to choose between the high cost of medical care and the less expensive alternative of home remedies like ice bags and Ibuprofen.

These are the issues we face as families and the issues we face as a country. The economic crisis. Affordable education. Quality health care. In my law practice I work tirelessly to advance and protect the interests of my clients. As a United States Congressman, I will work tirelessly to advance and protect your rights, your interests, your ideals, your values.

Our new congressman's only been in office a few months and he's already voted against equal pay for women, against expanding health care coverage for children and against an economic stimulus program that will bring jobs and other economic benefits to CD6. His answer to everything seems to be "just say no."

I hope to earn your trust and your vote by representing you. We need to get beyond the politics of "just say no" or "just say yes" based on party. Unlike our current congressman, I'll represent the people of the Sixth District -- not a party or an ideology. I hope you'll support me because I'm right on the issues you care about.

But I need your support to bring real representation to CD6. Please donate, volunteer or help spread the word.

EFCA: A Step Toward Rebuilding Our Middle Class

Congress is taking up the debate on the Employee Free Choice Act and I'm supporting this important piece of legislation.

I see it as taking a stand for America. We need to support America's businesses as we rebuild our economy. But we also need to support American workers and begin rebuilding a strong middle class. We can't continue the race to the bottom that drives high-paying jobs overseas and forces too many Americans to settle for jobs that pay less and offer fewer benefits.

EFCA will make it easier for American workers to organize. That's not a popular issue here in Colorado or in CD6, where I'm running. And I suspect we won't see a lot of new union activity in Colorado as a result of EFCA even if it becomes law. But I'm supporting it because it's a step toward strengthening workers' bargaining rights and saving our middle class.

Coffman Watch

Colorado's new Independent Ethics Commission recently held a hearing on complaints against Congressman Coffman related to, among other things, the activities of an employee on the State Elections Staff when Mr. Coffman was Colorado's Secretary of State and the certification of a voting machine vendor who had done consulting work for Mr. Coffman's campaign.

Mr. Coffman called the complaints that led to the hearing frivolous. But there's nothing frivolous about ensuring that everyone's vote is counted. Our elected officials should never put their own personal interests ahead of the people they're elected to represent, and the allegation that Mr. Coffman may have done that deserved a serious and fair hearing -- regardless of the outcome.

We'll be keeping tabs on Mr. Coffman during the course of this campaign. And we'll give you regular updates on what we find.

Best regards until next time,

David Canter

Candidate for US Congress

Contact Us | Donate | Get Involved | David's Schedule | Subscribe | Map of CD6

www.canterforcongress.com

YOUR ACTION DOES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!

Debbie — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:23:42 EDT

YES WE CAN

www.ArapaHope.org ArapaHope Community Team.

Yesterday, we held our Citizen Advocacy Training. It was a huge success and thank you to all that attended. For those of you that did not attend, Senator Morgan Carroll was one of our presenters and talked about relationship-building with our legislators. She feels strongly about citizens reaching out to our elected officials to get our voices heard.

Colorado House Bill 1224

Senator Morgan Carroll recently introduced a bill that would end gender discrimination in health insurance rates. It is house bill 1224. HB 1224 will prohibit insurance companies from using gender as a factor when determining rates for health insurance in Colorado's individual market.

Currently, Colorado law allows women who buy health insurance to be charged more than men for equivalent coverage because gender can be used to determine insurance rates. Elminating gender as a rating factor would reduce health insurance rates for some women. Women are more likely to have lower incomes than men, but have more health care costs and higher out-of-pocket expenses as a share of their income. If passed, HB 1224 would mean more women would be able to receive health insurance coverage.

Call To Action

During the meeting, Senator Morgan Carroll issued an action item to all ACT members. She asked that we contact three of our state senators, whose support for this bill has waivered, and urge them for their support. On Monday, March 23 at 9:00 AM, it is scheduled to be voted on. We have one day to make a difference. Without the support of these three senators, this bill will not move forward.

I am sending out to everyone the contacts she urged us to make this weekend - by tomorrow, Monday, morning. I urge everyone to send an email and to call (and leave a message to) all three of these senators. Here is their contact information:

Who to Contact

Senator Dan Gibbs (D) 303-866-4873 dan.gibbs.senate@state.co.us
Senator Jim Isgar (D) 303-866-4884 isgarsenate@frontier.net
Senator Linda Newell (D) 303-866-4846 linda.newell.senate@gmail.com

Senator Carroll's blog details the information on this bill: http://senmorgancarroll.com/blog/?p=110 (Please note that I've also included this information, directly from her blog, at the end of the email.)

Thank you for helping out on this important issue.

Donna
www.ArapaHope.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Background Information

(Please note this was taken directly from Senator Morgan Carroll's blog at http://senmorgancarroll.com/blog/?p=110)

End Gender Discrimination in Health Insurance Rates

On Monday the Colorado Senate voted to join several other states in seeking to ban gender discrimination in insurance rates. (HB09-1224 Rep. Sue Schafer & Sen. Morgan Carroll). The National Women's Law Center recently released a comprehensive study documenting pervasive and significant discrimination against women in insurance rates. The bill will likely be debated by the full Senate on Friday.

Colorado was the 2nd state to recognize women's right to vote in 1893 and leads the nation with the number of women elected to the state legislature (40%), yet many are surprised to learn gender discrimination in insurance rates remains legal in Colorado.

Women earn $0.78 on the dollar for every $1.00 men earn yet pay 30 - 40% more in individual health insurance plans, despite the fact that maternity coverage is not included in those plans.
Federal law has prohibited gender discrimination in employer-provided health insurance since the Civil Rights Act 1964 but that does not protect those who must purchase on the individual health market.
Colorado acted to prohibited race and ethnicity discrimination in ratings, but not gender.
More than 130,000 women in Colorado between ages 19 - 64 received health insurance through the individual market in 2006 - 2007 and paid more for comparable coverage.
This price discrimination increases the number of women (and their dependent children) who are uninsured.
Women who can not get insured here get pushed into public programs which we all pay for. It is better public policy to end the discriminatory pricing and get more women covered through private insurance.
While the insurance industry opposes the measure, it has garnered support from:

Colorado Women's Bar Association
AARP
Colorado Consumer Health Initiative
National Women's Law Center
Denver Women's Commission
9 to 5, National Association of Working Women- Colorado
Women's Lobby of Colorado
Planned Parenthood of Colorado
National Council of Jewish Women
NARAL
Bell Policy Center
Insurance Commissioner Marcy Morrison

Health Care in Us....Returning the Economy to Growth.

bestofeverythingdenver.com — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:22:13 EDT

Today I presented to Walgreens Pharmacy the following message....'I have three main complaints... 1) When I come to buy Crest Toothpaste you have everything but the regular 8oz "classic" Crest....this freshens my breath, comes out of the tube easily, and causes me to hunt and hunt....wasting my time and forcing me to come away with a very dissatisfying product... and makes me register my complaint.... 2) When I try to buy Old Spice Deoderant, I instead get some gargage "endurance" product....no longer the "classic"....3) When I contacted Vicks about a product which was very helpful to immediately stop dreadful coughing spells common to old people...Vicks Formula 44D Cough Drops (which you no longer carry)....they said they stopped making them in 1991.......'

When Russia (the old Soviet Union) did surgery.....they packed a body in ice water in place of anesthia......China uses accupuncture in place of anesthia......they have 1 Billion people and spend a much reduced % of Gross Domestic Product on health care......people in the know go to South East Asia to have excellent care and low cost surgery from a hospital there....China also handles crime in a very efficient way (marketing spare body parts after the execution) quickly dispatching antisocial behavorialists in a cost effective way of "crime fighting" which they do not tolerate.....it is no wonder the Swat people in Packistan have rejected our form of laws.......slow, expensive Criminal Justice parctices.....whereas Great Britian serves to determine the truth of the matter by their defense and prosecution attornies, not so the two sides of our "justice" system......for example, the many legislatures in the US may create a law saying three copies of a piece of pornography is illegal.....while creating dysfunctional sexual performance requiring "medical care"

Underground archicture reduces the heating and cooling bills for our citizens....something the many Public Utilities Commission of the various states could do....but do the opposite....guaranteeing a minimum of 10% or more "profit" to interested parties....our housing Deeds of Trust and Mortgages in other states could restore the economy by buldozing blighted neighborhoods......forcing reconstruction and a return to stop the hemoraging of lost counties, states, and federal tax base.......