I'm supporting John Edwards, Will You?

I have voiced my support for John Edwards since he announced his candidacy for president. The next week is very important for any campaign. The FEC deadline is just 11 days away and John Edwards needs your help. Can you contribute to his campaign. Every penny helps. If everyone on in my online network (facebook, myspace, etc.) just donates $5 or $10 dollars, we can easily raise $10,000 for Senator Edwards by the June 30th. I'm a firm believer in the Senator's message and think that he can eat any republican in 2008.

Click here to contribute

Mike Jacobs....no surprise so what's next

Everyone has heard about Mike Jacobs switching parties by now. That was no surprise and I won't even discuss his reasons. My only question is, who is running against him in '08?

Genarlow Wilson Prayer Vigil

Join State Senator Vincent Fort along with,
Sen. Emmanuel Jones, SCLC, Rainbow/Push Coalition, GA Coalition for the People's Agenda, NAACP, GABEO, and others for a Prayer Vigil For Genarlow Wilson

When: Today, June 14, 2007
Where: State Capitol Steps
Time: 6:00 PM

For more information, contact Senator Vincent Fort's office at 404-656-6091

I'm sorry... I couldn't resist...

UPDATE: Genarlow Wilson not so free after all

As Everyone probably knows by now, Attorney General Thurbert Baker is appealing the decision to free Genarlow.

Of course, I'm mad as Hell, but I'm not surprised at all. Thurbert, when will you take off the tap shoes and top hat (not a dig at his bad hairpiece) and start doing what's right?

I just left a press conference with Rev. Joseph Lowery, Rev. James Orange, Ms. Janice Mathis of Rainbow/Push, Mr. Edward Dubose of Georgia NAACP, B.J. Bernstein (Genarlow's attorney), Sens. Gail Davenport and Vincent Fort, and Reps. Tyrone Brooks and Randall Mangham where everyone took a vote of No-Confidence of Attorney General Baker and had in hand a letter asking for his resignation.

Random Sidenote: Hillary Clinton Boasts Baker as one of her Georgia Supporters. I'm not sure if that is such a good idea.

Genarlow Wilson Freed!!!

Monroe County Superior Court Judge Thomas Wilson reduced 21 year old Genarlow Wilson's sentence to a misdemeanor today and hopefully will be freed within 48 hours. I'm glad that a judge finally stepped in and did something about this since our "do-nothing" legislature was too busy showing their backsides to get any real legislation passed this year.

Justice Has been Served!

For once, the justice system works!!!!

Legislative Action Alert-Crohn's and Colitis Foundation

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America just sent out this legislative Action Alert for support of increasing the the budget of the NIH. Below I included some information about Crohn's and Colitis and the action alert follows it.


Taken from `Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Enhancement Act'.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

The Congress finds as follows:

(1) Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are serious inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

(2) Crohn's disease may occur in any section of the gastrointestinal tract but is predominately found in the lower part of the small intestine and the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the innermost lining of the colon. Complete removal of the colon in patients with ulcerative colitis can potentially alleviate and cure symptoms.

(3) Because Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis behave similarly, they are collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease. Both diseases present a variety of symptoms, including severe diarrhea; abdominal pain with cramps; fever; and rectal bleeding. There is no known cause of inflammatory bowel disease, or medical cure.

(4) It is estimated that up to 1,400,000 people in the United States suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, 30 percent of whom are diagnosed during their childhood years.

(5) Children with inflammatory bowel disease miss school activities because of bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain, and many adults who had onset of inflammatory bowel disease as children had delayed puberty and impaired growth and have never reached their full genetic growth potential.

(6) Inflammatory bowel disease patients are at high risk for developing colorectal cancer.

(7) The total annual medical costs for inflammatory bowel disease patients is estimated at more than $2,000,000,000.


SUPPORT AN INCREASE IN FUNDING
FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

The House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education is expected to mark-up its FY08 funding bill this week. This bill provides annual appropriations for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

All Crohn's & Colitis Foundation advocates are encouraged to contact the members of the House Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee and ask that the FY08 bill provide a 6.7% funding increase for NIH. In addition, please contact your own member of the House of Representatives and ask them to encourage the members of the Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee to provide a 6.7% increase for NIH.

This increase would halt the erosion of the nation's medical research enterprise, and enable investigators to accelerate the momentum of discovery for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. The 6.7% proposed increase has been endorsed by hundreds of the nation's leading medical research organizations and patient advocacy groups -- including the Foundation.

The members of the House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee are listed below. If you do not know who your specific Representative is, please go to www.congress.org and enter your zip code. Phone numbers for all congressional offices are also listed on www.congress.org. Calling works best, but if you prefer to communicate via e-mail, you can do so through www.congress.org.

Some tips for calling congressional offices:

1. Ask to speak with the legislator's Health Aide.
2. Introduce yourself and explain what IBD is and how it impacts you and your family.
3. Emphasize how important research is to improving the quality of life for IBD patients.
4. Specifically ask the legislator to support a 6.7% increase for the NIH in FY08. If that member is not on the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, ask him/her to communicate their support for a 6.7% increase to the Subcommittee.
5. Give the aide your contact information and ask to be kept informed of the legislator's actions on your request.

Thank you! Please keep us informed at advocacy@ccfa.org of the e-mails you have sent, and the responses you have received.

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE LABOR-
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES-
EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE

Representatives and phone numbers:

Chairman: David R. Obey (D-WI): 202-225-3365
Nita M. Lowey (D-NY): 202-225-6506
Rosa DeLauro (D-CT): 202-225-3661
Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (D-IL): 202-225-0773
Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI): 202-225-4911
Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA): 202-225-1766
Barbara Lee (D-CA): 202-225-2661
Tom Udall (D-NM): 202-225-6190
Michael Honda (D-CA): 202-225-2631
Betty McCollum (D-MN): 202-225-6631
Tim Ryan (D-OH): 202-225-5261

Ranking Member James Walsh (R-NY): 202-225-3701
Ralph Regula (R-OH): 202-225-3876
John E. Peterson (R-PA): 202-225-5121
Dave Weldon (R-FL): 202-225-3671
Michael K. Simpson (R-ID): 202-225-5531
Dennis Rehberg (R-MT): 202 225-3211

Paypal vs Click and Pledge

Ok. Does anyone have a preference of paypal or click and pledge for campaign websites?

Thanks!

Fw: Volunteers Needed!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----
From: "Mike Cantone, Field Director" <mikec@democraticpartyofgeorgia.org>
Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 21:11:07
To:javierabrown@gmail.com
Subject: Volunteers Needed!


 
<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xvt6b4bab.0.4low76bab.sgom86bab.15959&ts=S0242&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.democraticpartyofgeorgia.org%2F>

Volunteers Needed for Democratic Action!
 

The Democratic Party of Georgia is putting a call out to all interested volunteers.

 

The best way to turn Georgia blue again is to get involved with the DPG!

 

Upcoming volunteer opportunities include:

 

** Phone Banking in the 10th Congressional District**

-          The special election for the 10th CD will be held on June 19th.  In a special election turnout is usually very low, making it crucial to turn out our Democratic base.  The DPG will be calling Democrats in the district, to remind them to vote on June 19th.  (click here: <mailto:volunteer@democraticpartyofgeorgia.org?subject=10th%20District%20Phonebanking> to volunteer)

 

** Data Entry**

-          The Democratic Party of Georgia strives to be the voice for all Democrats in Georgia.  A major function of the DPG is to keep track of Democratic voters, so we can turn them out during election years.  The DPG needs help entering data, from the 10th Congressional race, into the voter-file.  (click here: <mailto:volunteer@democraticpartyofgeorgia.org?subject=Data%20Entry> to volunteer)

 

If you are interested in volunteering, please email volunteer@democraticpartyofgeorgia.org: <mailto:volunteer@democraticpartyofgeorgia.org> or call Ted Terry at 404-870-8201.

** Apply for a Summer Internship **

-          Intern at the DPG and help turn Georgia blue again!

-          Interns will have the opportunity to help build the DPG from the local level up and gain valuable experience in Field, Communications, Tech and Finance.
If you are interested in internship opportunities, please email intern@democraticpartyofgeorgia.org: <mailto:intern@democraticpartyofgeorgia.org> or call Ted Terry at 404-870-8201.
 

I look forward to the great work we are going to accomplish together.

Mike Cantone

Field Director, Democratic Party of Georgia

   

  Paid for by the Democratic Party of Georgia, 1100 Spring St. NW, Suite 408, Atlanta, GA 30309.
Jane Kidd, Chair; Michael Thurmond, Vice-Chair; Rex Templeton, Treasurer.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

 



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Still at the capitol

Now I'm listening to Dubose Porter speak in favor of the Private cities bill. Are we even a party anymore?
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Mike Jacobs. WTF!

I'm sitting in the capitol listening to Mike Jacobs support a SCHOOL VOUCHER bill!!! Geesh! Who is going to run against this guy?
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

East Point Community Meeting

Senator Vincent Fort invites you to a
Community Meeting
About
Georgia Power Gas Pipeline
SHAME ON GEORGIA POWER!!!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
7:00 PM
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
2870 Headland Drive
East Point, GA 30344
Find out what Georgia Power doesn’t want you to know about how the pipeline will hurt your property values and quality of life.
• Come and get the latest updated information

• If approached by Georgia Power, don’t be rushed to sell your home!!! Don’t be intimidated!! Don’t let them low ball you with a bad price for your property!!!

• Don’t Sign Anything


For More information Contact Senator Vincent Fort’s office at 404-656-5091

Payday loan ACTION ALERT!!!!

By now everyone has probably heard of the hb163, the payday loan bill. I am not going to repeat everyone else's arguments of why this is a bad bill. It will be up for reconsideration in the house next week and we need to contact these Democrats and tell them to vote against this bill and let them know that we are watching them. Below are the Democrats that are supporting this bill and if we contact them enough this week, we may be able to sway a few votes.

Tyrone Brooks 404.656.6372
Keith Heard 404-656-0220
Mike Jacobs 404-656-0325
Joe Heckstall 404-656-0220
Lynmore James 404-656-0116
Sheila Jones 404-656-0323
Pedro Marin 404-656-0314
Billy Mitchell 404-656-0116
Ron Sailor 404-656-0287
"Able" Mable Thomas 404-656-0314
Al Williams 404-656-6372

Let them know that we are watching their votes and we need them to stand up for everyday Georgians by saying "NO" to the payday loan industry.

Confederate History Month

By now I hope everyone has heard of the bill in the Georgia Senate to create a Confederate History Month. I was prompted to write this post after reading other blogger's comments about the Bill.

I think this is a horrible bill and I'm scared that this is moving forward.

The historical context of the confederacy has a serious racist background. The confederacy represents a divided nation that split due to slavery. After the civil war ended as well as reconstruction, the idea of such a strong pride of the confederacy died down. At the beginning of height of the Civil Rights Movement, there was an emergence of the Confederate flag as well as the idea of the Confederate states. This was a symbol of rebelling against the idea of equality for blacks.

Now the Republican-led Georgia General Assembly is race baiting with the idea of commemorating this dark side of American history. I think its deplorable that anyone would even consider an entire month to celebrate this. I'm hoping at least 8 republicans vote against this. If the General Assembly passes this, I think they would have to concurrently pass a resolution apologizing for slavery.

Another factor we must examine is the financial impact of something like this. There will be calls from numerous civil rights organizations to boycott Georgia. On the bright side, this may energize the Black community in a remarkable way. We may see turnout in 2008 explode and make a serious impact in many elections.

How A Democrat can beat Saxby in '08

I think we have a good chance to start chipping away at the Republican gains in Georgia in 2008 but we must start today. I think we need a member of Congress to run against Saxby. Preferably Jim Marshall but I think that Sanford Bishop and John Barrow will work too.

We need them to meet with the house leadership and come up with the funding gap for Peachcare. Then they have a big press conference with the party leadership and a bunch of kids and parents in the background.

The line to be used in the media should be something like "While the Georgia Legislature decided to take a recess and ignore thousands of innocent children, we were fighting to make sure that every child in Georgia has access to healthcare". We use this issue in working family homes throughout the state to show that Democrats have the same values as everyday Georgians.

We also need a presidential candidate with an actual pulse who will not kill every Democratic candidate in Georgia.

The 10th district race is also very important for 2008. If we make this seat competitive now, we lay the groundwork for an excellent field campaign for other races to come.

We also need our safe congressmen to campaign like they are in for the fight of their lives. If they campaign hard, they can energize our base in those districts and increase voter turnout.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Alabama Centennial By Naomi Long Madgett

In honor of Black History Month and the struggle for civil rights in America, I must post one of my favorite poems.

ALABAMA CENTENNIAL, by Naomi Long Madgett

They said, "Wait." Well, I waited.
For a hundred years I waited
In cotton fields, kitchens, balconies,
In bread lines, at back doors, on chain gangs,
In stinking "colored" toilets
And crowded ghettos,
Outside of schools and voting booths.
And some said, "Later."
And some said, "Never!"

Then a new wind blew, and a new voice
Rode its wings with quiet urgency,
Strong, determined, sure.

"No," it said. "Not 'never,' not 'later."
Not even 'soon.'
Now.
Walk!"

And other voices echoed the freedom words,
"Walk together, children, don't get weary,"
Whispered them, sang them, prayed them, shouted them.
"Walk!"
And I walked the streets of Montgomery
Until a link in the chain of patient acquiescence broke.

Then again: Sit down!
And I sat down at the counters of Greensboro.
Ride! And I rode the bus for freedom.
Kneel! And I went down on my knees in prayer and faith.
March! And I'll march until the last chain falls
Singing, "We shall overcome."

Not all the dogs and hoses in Birmingham
Nor all the clubs and guns in Selma
Can turn this tide.
Not all the jails can hold these young black faces
From their destiny of manhood,
Of equality, of dignity,
Of the American Dream
A hundred years past due.
Now!

[From Star by Star by Naomi Long Madgett.]

Why Blacks won't necessarily back Obama

Mr. Earl Ofari Hutchinson has written an impressive article at The Christian Science Monitor about why Black voters won't necessarily support Barack Obama's campaign for POTUS. Below is an excerpt. I think he brings up some good points and starts a dialouge about Black voters and Obama that isn't dealing with Sen. Obama's "Blackness"

Why blacks won't necessarily back Obama
As recent history proves, political interests trump race.
By Earl Ofari Hutchinson

LOS ANGELES - Political interests trump race. That's the hard lesson likely 2008 presidential candidate Barack Obama will soon learn. Those who think black voters will automatically support one of their own need to think again. Recent history proves that point.

A survey in January 1996 showed that the so-called black president, Bill Clinton, nosed out Jesse Jackson and Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan in popularity among blacks. Eight years later, when Al Sharpton made his presidential foray in the South Carolina Democratic primary, he barely nudged out eventual Democratic presidential contender John Kerry among black voters. State and national black leaders put their muscle behind Senator Kerry or John Edwards.
In the 2006 midterm elections, Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, pro football great Lynn Swann in Pennsylvania, and Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele – all Republicans – banked heavily on getting black voter support to beat their white Democratic opponents in state races. They failed miserably.

Blacks were enraptured with President Clinton and have supported white Democrats for good reason. They believed these seasoned politicians would deliver on their promise to fight for jobs, education, and healthcare. And they either held office or were good bets to win. Interests and electability trumped color.

The same rules apply to Senator Obama. Blacks may puff their chests with pride at the prospect of him breaking racial barriers, but they'll shttp://www2.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=9820158till judge him on two crucial questions. Can he deliver on bread and butter issues? And can he win?

(Click Here for the Entire Article)

Norwood Declines Further Hospital Treatment, Returns to Augusta Home

Congressman Norwood's Office has issued a Press Release stating that he has refused further treatment for lung cancer and will return home and set up hospice care. My prayers are with his family, friends, and staff.

Focus on Prevention Rally!

This was taken from Bernita over at BFD.

Planned Parenthood of Georgia
Put Prevention First!

What: 2007 Legislative Lobby Day, Press Conference, and Rally

When: Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Where: 9AM: Meet & Energize-State Capitol, Room 230

10AM: Press Conference & Rally-Steps of the Capitol

11AM: Lobby Training & Legislative Briefing-State Capitol, Room 230

11:30AM: Lobby your Legislators!!

RSVP: Rashad Taylor at 404-688-9305x317 or email at rashad.taylor@ppfa.org