Greetings! Good Morning Make sure you reserve your tickets for the Texas Democratic Women of Collin County 3rd Annual Dinner Blue Boots Bash and Silent Auction for Saturday, October 24, 2009. Check out the other great events that you are invited to attend ! Thanks so much and we need sponsors for November ! Please! Nancy Cunningham northtexasprogressive@gmail.com | The Progressive Center of Texas | "Second Chances" free legal clinic Saturday, October 24th, 9:30am check-in, 10:00am to Noon event The Progressive Center presents "Second Chances" - a free legal clinic focusing on special criminal justice programs that may help people avoid jail time and get their lives back on track if they have legal troubles, as well as associated issues. This informative program features Judges John Creuzot, Judge Bill Mazur, Judge Tracy Holmes, Judge Jeff Rosenfield and attorneys Cass Callaway, Tina Yoo and Davey Lamb. Topics include the DIVERT and Re-Entry Court Programs and the Road and Bridge Program. Special guest Aaron Michaels, a spokesperson for the Texas Justice Network, will also discuss "deferred adjudication". To RSVP, email goodlegalclinics@gmail.com. | Oranizing for America : Time to deliver events October 20th | With health insurance reform finally ready for consideration before the full Congress, we've set a big goal for this Tuesday: 100,000 calls to Congress made or committed to in a single day. We'll make our voices heard above the din created by the insurance industry's campaign of misinformation and fear and make sure our representatives know it's finally time to deliver on health reform. But here's the thing -- if we're going to get there, we need your help to reach out to friendly folks who still need to speak up in support of reform. We're holding "Time to Deliver" call parties and neighborhood outreach events across the country. We'll get together in living rooms and community centers, and reach out to supportive voters whose voices are particularly critical in this debate. We'll talk to them about the President's plan, and then we'll ask them to call on their representatives to support reform and thank those already doing so. http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/oct20hostattend/ | TDWCC Dinner - RSVP deadline this Tuesday | There are lots of reasons to join Texas Democratic Women of Collin County at Southfork next Saturday night, Oct. 24th. 1. The money we raise goes to GOTV efforts for 2010 Democratic candidates. Time to get fired up for 2010 elections! 2. Speaker will be great - State Sen. Wendy Davis. 3. Good food and great company. 4. Really cool silent auction items - homemade quilt, custom-painted mural in your home, travel blankets with Pres. Obama emblem -- see more here http://www.qvtmail.net/tdwcc/auctionItems.html Buy your tickets now: http://www.tdwcc.org/3rdDinnerRSVP.html Texas Democratic Women of Collin County 3rd Annual Dinner Blue Boots Bash and Silent Auction /Saturday, October 24, 2009 6:30pm Southfork Ranch 3700 Hogge Road Parker, Texas Featuring Guest Speaker Texas State Rookie Senator of the Year Wendy Davis | Rick Perry Can Run, But He Can't Hide: Pressure Builds to Admit Texas Executed An Innocent Man | By now you've probably heard of Cameron Todd Willingham, the Texas man who was executed in 2004 for supposedly setting a fire that killed his three young daughters. His conviction was based on junk science, prejudice, and wild allegations about his homicidal tendencies based on his tattoos (really). The arson investigation that sent Willingham to the death chamber has been thoroughly debunked by no fewer than six arson experts, leading to one inevitable conclusion: Texas killed an innocent man. read on | Medea Benjamin and North Texas Code Pink rally! | Medea Benjamin founder of CodePink, local Code Pink members, other activists and the amazing 'Billionaires for Bush' serenaded in front of the George W. Bush home and at the office of Kay Bailey Hutchinson where they stressed 'Healthcare now warfare' ! | Democracy Now | *"Love Is Worth It": Iraq War Vet Facing Discharge for Violating "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Helps Lead Massive Rally for Gay Rights President Obama has once again pledged to repeal "don't ask, don't tell," which bars openly gay men and lesbians from serving in the military. But many queer activists are frustrated with Obama for neither following through on previous vows nor offering a new timetable. We speak with West Point graduate and Iraq war veteran Lieutenant Dan Choi, who's facing discharge from the military for revealing he is gay. He was among tens of thousands that marched in Washington, DC on Sunday for gay rights. Listen/Watch/Read Author Barbara Ehrenreich on "Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America" In her new book, author Barbara Ehrenreich documents what she says is the destructive power of the positive thinking movement in the United States, from breast cancer to the workplace, to the economy, to politics as a whole. Ehrenreich opens the book by writing about her own experience with breast cancer culture after being diagnosed with the disease in 2000. She says in the prevailing positive thinking culture of America, breast cancer patients are urged to avoid feeling angry and instead find meaning and even uplift in the disease. She writes, "In the most extreme characterization, breast cancer is not a problem at all, not even an annoyance-it is a 'gift,' deserving of the most heartfelt gratitude." Listen/Watch/Read | Texans for Peace: 12 Reasons to Leave Afghanistan Now! | 1. The U.S. War has increased anti-US sentiment. As the U.S.-led war and occupation in Afghanistan enter their 9th year there is clear evidence, including acknowledgement by military leaders, that the war strategy has led to an increase in anti-US sentiment throughout the region including destabilization of Pakistan. Al Qaeda has decentralized its command structure, and without a focus upon it as an international terrorist conspiracy - instead of as a military conflict - will continue to be a threat. So long as the war and occupation continues, the potential for future violence and radicalization among disaffected young people in the region remains high. | The Dallas Democratic Forum Presents Our Response to H1N1 - Will It Be Enough? | The Panel:John T. Carlo, MD, MSEMedical Director Dallas County - Health & Human Services Dennis Dorsey Director of Security, North Park Mall Harvey O. Perriot Protective Security Advisor, Department of Homeland Security for the North Texas District Scott Chase - Moderator Attorney, Board Certified in Health Law Thursday, October 22, 2009 Belo Mansion - Ross and Olive 11:30 Registration and Buffet Lunch 12:00 Noon Program 2009 Forum Patron/Sustaining Members: Free 2009 Forum Regular Members: $25 Guests: $35.00 RSVP here or 214-855-7151 | North Texas Progressive Book Suggestion | Farewell, My Subaru: An Epic Adventure in Local Living Hardcover ~ Release Date: 2008-03-25 Buy Now In this memoir of mishaps and lessons learned, Fine shares his yearlong trek to turn his newly bought New Mexico ranch into a green and sustainable environment with as little carbon fuel as possible. From using two very lovable goats for his organic food production to transitioning into a biofuel engine for his truck and even installing solar panels, Fine balances the troubling decisions Americans must consider while also revealing a host of unexpected benefits. He advocates that a gradual process, despite having to deal with moments of hypocrisy, is essential for it to work. Fine's wry narration blends well with his often humorous and sarcastic tone. The energy and enthusiasm of his reading indicates that Fine not only relished the events but is happy to share his experience with listeners. Amazon ***Farewell, My Subaru' author speaks Oct. 22 in Rosebud Doug Fine, author of Farewell, My Subaru: An Epic Adventure in Local Living, will talk about his adventures in sustainability at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, in the Rosebud Theatre at the E.H. Hereford University Center. The lecture is free and open to the public. Fine's book recounts his harrowing and humorous adventures after leaving New York City and taking up a ranch lifestyle in New Mexico to live a greener life. His appearance is in conjunction with the OneBook program, which adopted Bill McKibben's Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future for 2009-10. Other OneBook <http://www.uta.edu/uac/one-book/one-book-events> programs are listed online. | Air America and Progressive Talk Radio News | Cenk Uygur | How Alan Grayson and Michael Moore Changed the Conversation It's not the answer that matters, it's the question. So when Alan Grayson suggested that the Republican's health care plan was for people to die quickly, he began a conversation that the Democratic Party couldn't lose and the Republicans couldn't win. Because then the question being debated was: Do Republicans want people to die quickly? For the whole ... [Read more] Air America Launches New Website from Radioink Air America Media has relaunched www.airamerica.com, offering original and aggregated news updated around the clock, audio and video commentary, multimedia streams and a clip library, and on-demand content. Social media, such as interactive chats with hosts and producers, are also a feature of the new site, developed by Alexander Interactive. The three streaming audio channels include a live stream of Air America Radio hosts, a stream of Air America affiliate WZZA-AM/Washington, and a "classics library" with shows from early Air America hosts Al Franken -- now a U.S. Senator from Minnesota -- Janeane Garofalo, Thom Hartmann, and Randi Rhodes. A live streaming video channel offers Air America's New York-based programming, including Lionel and Montel Williams. "The new AirAmerica.com features a re-designed look and mobile accessibility that will make it easy for listeners, viewers, and readers to access our content anytime and anywhere," Air America Chief Digital Officer Michael Bassik said. "In addition to the upgraded features and functionality, this new site will facilitate our talent to post original content and interact with their audience." Rachel Maddow, voice of America from Guardian UK Rachel Maddow first came on my radar in the spring of 2004, when she, along with Lizz Winstead and Chuck D of Public Enemy hosted an early morning radio show called Unfiltered on the newly minted Air America, an attempt to counter rightwing talk radio with liberal programming. Radio has this ability to make the listener feel like they share a secret with the hosts and the few, hard-to-know listeners out there. I hoped people tuned in to listen to the hosts trade jokes and talk about politics and music, and mostly I wanted other people to learn about this Maddow character, who brought to every episode a dynamic mix of sparkling good humour, intelligent analysis and a broad view of what issues should matter. Unfiltered didn't make the first round of reshuffling at Air America, but Maddow hung in, hosting her own eponymous radio show and eventually moving to television, first as a guest pundit and now as a host of her own night time political talkshow on MSNBC. read on | FAITH AND REASON is proud to present "God and Imperial Power, Jesus and Economic Injustice | FAITH AND REASON is proud to present "God and Imperial Power, Jesus and Economic Injustice" featuring scholars John Dominic Crossan and Joerg Rieger. There is an option of purchasing a boxed lunch for Saturday, October 24. October 23-24, 2009 First United Methodist Church / 503 North Central Expressway /Richardson, TX 75080 Phone: 972-235-8385 $35 per person / Register , maps and schedule HERE | | It all begins in less than four weeks. On Tuesday, November 3, our destination site goes live (http://www.texastribune.org) -- and the whole world gets to see the plans and schemes we've been hatching in secret. Actually, there's nothing mysterious or mischievous in play here. As we've said all along, we mean to achieve our mission (to promote engagement and discourse on matters of statewide concern) in two ways: by publishing ambitious, inventive, aggressively multi-platform public interest journalism, and by staging on-the-record, open-to-the-public events from an annual ideas festival to a weekly conversation series featuring elected officials and other newsmakers. Trust me: We can't wait to get started. | North Texas Democrats : Notes and News | Monday, October 19, 2009 RCDP ( Rockwall Dems) Monday Night Discussion When: Monday, October 19, 2009 6:30 PM - mingle w/ fellow Democrats 7:00 PM - Discussion to begin Where: Community Center, Harry Myers Park, 815 E Washigton, Rockwall, TX Our focus for the month of October is educating our members about the November 3rd election. This month's Monday Night discussion occurs on the first day of Early Voting, so it is a prime day for a discussion about each of the 11 Propositions up for vote! Please join us as we promote the importance of casting your vote in EVERY election as well as making sure we are all informed about our vote! For more information, please respond to this email or call the Rockwall County Democrats phone at 469.865.9205 Thursday, October 22: North Dallas Texas Democratic Women Featured speaker, Dallas County Commissioner, John Wiley Price. (6:45 PM, Northaven United Methodist Church, 11211 Preston Rd., Dallas) PRECINCT CHAIR TRAINING 201Open to all precincts. This is a more advanced training class to help prepare Democratic Precinct Chairs how to organize their precinct and increase the number of people voting Democratic in their area. (9 - 11:30 AM, La Madeleine, 3906 Lemmon Ave, #110, Dallas) Tarrant County Democratic Women Annual Picnic and Chili Cook-off $10.00 donation. (1 - 3 PM, Longhorn Park in Benbrook, off Dirks Rd.) Texas Democratic Women of Collin County 3rd Annual Blue Boots Bash Dinner and Silent Auction. Guest Speaker Texas State Senator Wendy Davis, Texas Monthly's "Rookie of the Year". Tickets $50; sponsorships available. More info at this page. (6:30 PM, Southfork Ranch) | Animated Map: The Geography of Jobs 2004 to Present | This animated map provides a striking visual of employment trends over the last business cycle using net change in jobs from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on a rolling 12-month basis...By animating the data, the map highlights a number of concurrent trends leading up to the nation's present economic crisis. The graphic highlights the 100 largest metropolitan areas so that regional trends can be more easily identified. The timeline begins in 2004 as the country starts its recovery from the 2001 recession, following the bursting of the dot-com bubble. At first, broad economic growth was apparent across most of the country. Two notable exceptions are the Bay Area - the hub of the tech boom that drove job growth during the prior decade - and several metropolitan areas within the Midwest. The map reveals that much of the industrial Midwest never fully recovered from the previous recession, as manufacturers continue to shed jobs while other parts of the country were adding them in large number." | | | | Rebranding America by Bono for New York Times | | A FEW years ago, I accepted a Golden Globe award by barking out an expletive. One imagines President Obama did the same when he heard about his Nobel, and not out of excitement. When Mr. Obama takes the stage at Oslo City Hall this December, he won't be the first sitting president to receive the peace prize, but he might be the most controversial. There's a sense in some quarters of these not-so-United States that Norway, Europe and the World haven't a clue about the real President Obama; instead, they fixate on a fantasy version of the president, a projection of what they hope and wish he is, and what they wish America to be. Well, I happen to be European, and I can project with the best of them. So here's why I think the virtual Obama is the real Obama, and why I think the man might deserve the hype. It starts with a quotation from a speech he gave at the United Nations last month: Read on | North Dallas Texas Democratic Women | | please get involved! Lenna Webb, President North Dallas Texas Democratic Women www.nddw.org You can buy great t-shirts and more from the NDTDW cafe press shop with the cool new 'donkeys with attitude' design. | 2009 North Texas Salute to Speaker Jim Wright a huge sucess | Nearly 200 North Texas Democrats honored Speaker Jim Wright Saturday evening at the 2009 North Texas Salute to Speaker Jim Wright, hosted by the Mid-Cities Democrats and the Tarrant County Democratic Party. Populist author and commentator Jim Hightower, the evening's featured speaker, rallied the Tarrant County base, urging them to follow the lead of their neighbors to the east, discussing the 2006 Democratic sweep of elected offices. Hightower then led a reminiscence program with Speaker Wright. Discussing how to inspire area youth, Speaker Wright told the story of how his mentor Sam Rayburn appealed to his better nature, encouraging him to defy the powerful Strom Thurmond and other Southern Democrats to vote for racial equality. Wright praised the Mid-Cities Democrats as the "crown jewel of Tarrant County", organizing and guiding youth into leadership. "It is working," he said. | Rockwall County Democrats | Get involved with one of the best Democratic groups in North Texas ! website http://www.rockwalldems.com/ Rockwall County Dems Book Club Dr. Stephen Taylor's blog at Rockwall County Democratic Doctor | The Progressive Talk Station of North Texas! | KMNY (1360AM) Schedule Monday through Friday 5-7 AM The Bill Press Show 7-9 AM Rational Radio Report /Bishop 9-11 AM The Radio Shopping Show 11 AM - 1 PM Thom Hartmann Show 1-4 PM Pugs and Kelly 4 PM - 6 PM The Richard Hunter Show 6 PM - 7 PM The Ed Schultz Show 7 PM - 8 PM Point Blank Tunde Obazee 8-11PM Mike Malloy You can also stream online here | We need you to be a sponsor! | Progressive Newsletter / Media / Radio Sponsor an edition today | FRONTLINE INVESTIGATES THE ROOTS OF THE FINANCIAL CRISIS FRONTLINE Presents The Warning | FRONTLINE INVESTIGATES THE ROOTS OF THE FINANCIAL CRISIS FRONTLINE Presents The Warning Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at 9 P.M. ET on PBS www.pbs.org/frontline/warning | Donate today to the North Texas Progressive using PayPal | Please sponsor a newsletter edition today! Email me to send a check! northtexasprogressive@gmail.com | Do you know someone who would like to receive this newsletter ? | Support Progressive Radio | Air America Media | Democrats and Schools by Nicholas Kristof NYT | Good schools constitute a far more potent weapon against poverty than welfare, food stamps or housing subsidies. Yet, cowed by teachers' unions, Democrats have too often resisted reform and stood by as generations of disadvantaged children have been cemented into an underclass by third-rate schools. Read on | RCDP October Community Service Project | The Rockwall County Democrats will be helping out the Royse City Animal Shelter throughout the month. The Royse City Animal Shelter has had it's budget cut by 75% and is in need of many upgrades. If you are interested in helping donate money or time to helping with these improvements, please contact us ASAP. Our goal is to raise approximately $200 to help buy paint and set up a day at the shelter for a "Paint Party"! We'll also be collecting supplies at this month's breakfast meeting - for more information about the shelter's "wish list" please check out the Community Service page on our website. For more information, please respond to this email or call the Rockwall County Democrats phone at 469.865.9205. ************* Terri StClair Chair, Rockwall County Democratic Party chair@rockwalldems.com www.RockwallDems.com Follow us on Twitter! @RockwallDems 469.865.9205 - RCDP Cell Phone 519 E I-30 #702, Rockwall, TX 75087 - RCDP Mailing Address Donations are accepted anytime by contacting me or online 24/7 at our ActBlue Donation website | | |