Missouri Democrats

Palin, The Picture of Pandering

Tonya — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:12:40 EDT

With McCain's advanced age, never has a VP choice been so important. Let’s see if the Republican voters will wage their persistent question at their own VP nominee. Is Sarah Palin, the self-proclaimed “hockey mom” ready to lead after being Alaska’s governor for two years? What do you think his decision says about his judgment? Will voters risk more pocket breaking policies, in a Republican attempt to create their own groundbreaking candidate to pander to Hillary‘s stanch supports?

We understand that change is contagious and that the Republican choice for VP was in response to the inspirational narratives of several of the candidates our party produced. We are pleased that we have motivated inclusiveness; something that doesn’t come naturally to the party of the status quo. While the Republicans are artful at painting a scene, it doesn’t make the picture of value or substantive.

Congratulations to Sen. Biden

Lee McD — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:17:15 EDT

Joplin for Hillary congratulates Sen. Biden on his selection as Obam's VP choice. Joplin for Hillary has endorsed Obama and wholeheartedly supports the Obama-Biden ticket. Let's all help put Missouri in the Obama column come this Fall. Lee McD

Joplin for Obama on facebook

Lee McD — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 13:52:09 EDT

For all those interested, I now run the facebook group, Joplin for Obama. Please join in as we work to elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States. wwww.facebook.com

Playing the Cards You're Dealt

Tonya — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:16:31 EDT

Throughout this Presidential election process, we have heard criticism of media bias in the content and amount of coverage given to some candidates verses others. The protest prose the question of if the media drives the story, or the story that drives the media? Could John Edward's grievance of Clinton's and Obama's coverage been driven by; the more interesting story of two groundbreaking candidates, qualities of the candidate, the popularity or notoriety of the candidates, or the boredom of covering Edward's unmodified message for the third time? The question of why Edward's even thinner resume was never an issue, but Obama's experience was and is continuously questioned was never publicly posed. Although from the start there have been racial challenges and threats waged on even the Caucasian workers of the Obama campaign, the camp made every attempt to avoid any public complaints related to racism or prejudice.

McCain, who at one time referred to the media as a part of his constituency, has even vigorously voiced his complaints of the media's coverage of both his primary and general election run. Most recently, McCain has protested what he deemed as uneven coverage of the Obama European tour. Are we suppose to have sympathy for a male that never had the deck stacked against him or societal limits on his opportunities, because he's not as interesting as his opponent?

McCain's recent negative "celebrity ad" that attempts to minimize some of Obama's "star power", diminishes his history of integrity, doesn't speak to why he's the better choice, insults Obama's supporters and reneges on his promise of a positive campaign. When there are such vast policy differences to debate, McCain just appears petty and personal. To equate Obama to the unearned celebrity contributed to the likes of Paris Hilton is to minimize the testimony of Obama's childhood, discount his professional and educational achievements, overlook his public works, disregard the power of his message of change, dismiss his leadership of an effective organization and campaign, and to ignore his miraculous rise despite historical obstacles.

Update for SMU Petition Signers, 7-14-08 [Bush Library]

Mike W — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:28:35 EDT

Update for SMU Petition Signers, 7-14-08
Monday, July 14, 2008

I am Andrew J. Weaver, organizer of the petition at http://www.protectSMU.org and an ordained United Methodist clergyman and research psychologist. I am a graduate of Southern Methodist University (SMU) and live in New York City. There are over 12,500 petition signers including thousands of SMU alumni who are deeply concerned about the future of the university. I am very grateful for your faithfulness regarding this issue.

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Breaking Story About Bush Complex and Bribery
July 13, 2008
London Times
Stephen Payne: a hotshot lobbyist who can get you into White House

A lobbyist offered access to Dick Cheney and other US leaders in return for a donation to the Bush library

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article4322719.ece

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Our Educational Effort Began

In June an intensive educational effort began regarding the Bush project at SMU. It includes a website with interactive capability. You can find the website at http://www.whatwouldjwdo.net

Our goal is to persuade South Central Jurisdiction delegates to reject the SMU/Bush Foundation lease proposal when they meet in Dallas at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, July 15-19. We are seeking to convince the "court of public opinion" through the media that the SMU-Bush linkage is injurious to both SMU and the United Methodist Church (UMC) that owns the university. Please keep this issue in your prayers over the next several days.

Growing the Petition

Finally, please continue to encourage your friends and colleagues to sign the petition. Each name is important. We need to tell officials of the UMC at every level that we find that a partisan institute honoring George W. Bush at SMU to be "utterly unacceptable."
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/protectsmu

With best regards,

Rev. Andrew J. Weaver, Ph.D.

Karl Rove's Trojan Horse among the SMU Mustangs

Mike W — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:07:50 EDT

Karl Rove's Trojan Horse among the SMU Mustangs
by Andrew J. Weaver, et. al.
June 19, 2008
http://www.mediatransparency.org/story.php?storyID=239

Summary

To obtain the George W. Bush presidential library, Southern Methodist University has been required to accept an autonomous partisan institute on campus. Karl Rove is in the middle of the planning of and fund-raising for this Trojan horse project. The institute will give Rove the resources he needs to try to re-write the narrative of the Bush presidency, as well promoting his larger vision -- the domination of the right-wing of the Republican Party in American politics. In July the United Methodist Church, which owns SMU "lock stock and barrel," has one last chance to stop Rove.

Register To Vote, And Send Voltage To DNC Convention.

Michael Tiffany — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:57:20 EDT

Register to vote, and send Voltage to play at the Democratic National Convention. We have songs that are perfect for the event already written, and I am already the number one democrat at the DNC.

United Methodists and the Bush Think Tank at SMU

Mike W — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:28:43 EDT

What Would John Wesley Do?
United Methodists and the Bush Think Tank at SMU
An Urgent Appeal to Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience
http://www.whatwouldjwdo.net

The Web site you are viewing has been created to provide information critical for understanding the year-long controversy surrounding the proposed location of the George W. Bush Presidential Library complex on the campus of Southern Methodist University.

Of particular concern is the linkage of the complex – and, by extension, Southern Methodist University and The United Methodist Church – to a proposed institute (“think tank”) dedicated to promulgating the failed policies and ideology of the Bush Administration. http://www.whatwouldjwdo.net/library.php

The "anchor" for this site is an analytical letter written to delegates to the South Central Jurisdictional Conference by prominent United Methodist theologian, the Rev. Dr. Tex Sample. Dr. Sample is a retired clergy member of the Missouri Area of The United Methodist Church. A link to his letter appears elsewhere on this page. You are invited to respond to Dr. Sample’s letter and to enter into discussion with others about it.
http://www.whatwouldjwdo.net/blog

Of particular interest, too, is the extensive library of articles
http://www.whatwouldjwdo.net/library.php
that have been written about the Library complex and the proposed research institute. I also hope you will view the link to the "Protect SMU Petition" campaign; if you’ve not already done so, you are invited to join the 12,000 concerned people who have already signed the petition.
http://www.protectsmu.org

Joplin for Obama on Facebook

Lee McD — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:50:05 EDT

For Joplin, MO, area folks, there is a new group on Facebook: Joplin for Obama. Please join and get all the latest info on the campaign in southwest Missouri. We expect a field coordinator to be named in the next week or so.

Lee McD Joplin for Obama

Joplin for Hillary

IOwnMyVote.com

Mike W — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:22:56 EDT

IOwnMyVote.com
http://IOwnMyVote.com

On Saturday, June 7, 2008, Hillary Clinton suspended her historic campaign for President. To her 18 million voters, it may have seemed like an end, but I pledge to make it a beginning… a beginning of a movement to achieve the democratic and just country that Hillary has envisioned for America.

I stand together with Hillary Clinton’s 18 million voters to demand that Senator Obama and the Democratic Party:

    * Bring us together by seating 100% of the Florida and Michigan delegations in Denver with 100% of their votes, allocated in accordance with the popular vote of each state.

    * Bring us together by adopting policies on the Platform Committee that Hillary Clinton has championed.

    * Bring us together through reform of the primary and caucus system to reflect the basic principle of one person/one vote.

    * Bring us together through outspoken denunciation of all gender bias, racism and other forms of discrimination.

    * Bring us together by fairly and respectfully including Hillary and her supporters at the Democratic National Convention in Denver by, among other things, placing her name in nomination for President, conducting a roll call vote, and providing her a prominent speaking role during prime time on August 26th, the 88th anniversary of women’s suffrage.

I own my vote. It does not belong to any party. It does not belong to any candidate. It does not belong to any mob that would impose its will on me. Only I can decide how to use my vote, and I can decide based on any criteria I choose. Therefore I pledge not to give my vote to anyone who does not earn it.

http://IOwnMyVote.com

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This site is not affiliated with Hillary Clinton for President, any candidate for president, or any political party.

Obama Campaign Manager Argues Electability

Mike W — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:34:50 EDT

Obama Campaign Manager Argues Electability
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/06/25/obama_campaign_manager_argues.html

Barack Obama's campaign manager David Plouffe today made a presentation to the press at the Democratic National Committee arguing that Obama has run up historic margins with women voters and is well-positioned against GOP rival John McCain with Hispanics. The [12 page] Power Point that accompanied the presentation can be viewed here.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/documents/obama_presentation_062508.pdf
or
http://tinyurl.com/5trp7v

Posted at 6:57 PM ET on Jun 25, 2008

[Bush library/institute] Opposition Spokesman Outlines Issues

Mike W — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:49:53 EDT

[Bush library/institute] Opposition Spokesman Outlines Issues
Posted on Jun 25 2008
Interview with William K. McElvaney
http://www.umnexus.org/?p=99

During its July 15-19 meeting in Dallas, TX, The South Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church is expected to consider a petition referred by the 2008 General Conference. The petition, from United Methodist laywoman Diane Smock of Greenville, SC, (see UM NeXus Context, June 11) asks for rejection of a George W. Bush presidential complex, including a library, museum and partisan policy institute, on the campus of Southern Methodist University. A portion of SMU land proposed for the complex is owned by the jurisdiction.

In preparation for the jurisdictional meeting, UM NeXus interviewed representatives of SMU and of a grass-roots opposition campaign that has mounted a final education effort regarding the Bush complex. An informational web site will soon be available.

In this interview, the Rev. William K. McElvaney, one of the public spokesmen, responds to questions about the opposition’s educational campaign. A retired clergy member of the North Texas Annual Conference, Dr. McElvaney is LeVan Professor Emeritus of Preaching at UM-related Perkins School of Theology at SMU and past president of UM-related Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, MO. He recently celebrated his 50th anniversary in ordained ministry. Read SMU interview...

Joplin for Hillary Joins Obama & a United Democratic Party

Lee McD — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:57:07 EDT

Thanks to all the Joplin for Hillary supporters and volunteers. We love you and Hillary loves you. The primary season is over. And, as Hillary said in suspending her campaign, "This isn't the party I planned, but I sure like the company."

Please join our Obama and other Democratic friends as we gear up for the fall campaign. We stand ready to put a Democrat back in the White House and that Democrat is Barack Obama. Joplin for Hillary is part of a united Democratic Party with a fresh burst of life and and a general election to win. Can we do it? YES, WE CAN!

Please sign up to volunteer, donate, and follow the campaign with us.

www.barackobama.com

Lee McDaniel

Moderator

Joplin for Hillary

Should We Disband?

Ron McBride — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:19:21 EDT

21 months ago we formed a “527” Pac to use as a vehicle to fund our organization and Progressive Issues and Candidates. We had a hope that there would be some large donors step forth to contribute towards the maintenance of our programs and sites. This has not happened. For that matter neither have the small donations. There have been a few but not enough to maintain an office and pay the bills.

Donate $62 to DNC and/or Obama on July 6

Mike W — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:35:11 EDT

Donate $62 to DNC and/or Obama on July 6

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You [may] have recently received a letter from [Laura Bush] along with a birthday card asking you to help the Republican National Committee celebrate President Bush's 62nd birthday on July 6. ...please take a moment to add your name to the RNC's e-card. https://secure.donationreport.com/donation.html

And if you can, please consider commemorating President Bush's 62nd birthday with a gift...
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Donate $62 to DNC and/or Obama on July 6

DNC
https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute

Obama
https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/standard

YouTube: Not Alex

Mike W — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:48:31 EDT

Not Alex
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq30lapbC9c
0:31
From: karinmoveon
Added: June 16, 2008
If you want others to see this video, help it climb the YouTube ratings. 5-star it, favorite it, comment, and pass to friends! Help get it on the air at
http://pol.moveon.org/donate/alexad.html?rc=youtube

John McCain Should Return $300,000 Raised From Donor Notorious for Sexist Remark

Mike W — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:58:43 EDT

John McCain Should Return $300,000 Raised From Donor Notorious for Sexist Remark
Saturday, June 14, 2008; 9:30 AM
Democratic National Committee
DNC Press
Press Release
For Immediate Release

John McCain Should Return $300,000 Raised From Donor Notorious for Sexist Remark

Washington, DC -- Last night, ABC News reported that John McCain's campaign has canceled a fundraiser Senator McCain was scheduled to attend at the home of a controversial Texas Republican on Monday afternoon. According to the report, McCain's campaign canceled the event after it was presented with statements from former Republican gubernatorial candidate Clayton Williams, who made inappropriate and insensitive jokes comparing rape to the weather during his failed 1990 campaign.

According to the report, the McCain campaign has refused to say whether it will return the $300,000 Williams has raised for McCain.

Video: I'm Voting Republican [satire]

Mike W — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:15:58 EDT

Video: I'm Voting Republican [satire]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiQJ9Xp0xxU
3:28
Added: June 10, 2008
http://www.ImVotingRepublican.com

I'm Voting Republican is a satirical look at the likely outcome of another four years of Republican government. The not-so-subtle message behind the film is the importance of a united bloc of citizens willing to take the time and effort to vote Democrat in order to improve America's domestic and foreign policy.

Four dollar a gallon gasoline? Why?

Ron McBride — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:39:11 EDT

On June 6th, 2008 the average price of gasoline across the nation rose to $4 per gallon. â€œThereâ€™s nothing worse for our economy than surging energy prices at record highs,â€ said Mark Zandi, Chief Economist for Moodys.com. What do Jesse James and Big Oil have in common? Nothing if you believe the legends of Jesse James, who supposedly robbed from the rich and distributed his ill gotten gains to the poor. Big Oil robs from all of us and keeps the ill gotten gains for themselves.

Ann Richards Tribute: Texas Democratic Party Convention 2008

Mike W — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:30:13 EDT

Ann Richards Tribute: Texas Democratic Party Convention 2008
Added: June 07, 2008
Tribute Video to Ann Richards played at the Texas Democratic Party Convention.
1:43
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1onD1p1I2eI

View it and give it your rating!

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40 more TDP convention videos at
http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=TXDemocrats&p=r