Posts with the tag convention

Oklahomans, Save These Dates

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:14:28 EDT

SAVE THESE DATES

Oklahoma Democratic Party

PRECINCT MEETINGS
March 12, 2009

COUNTY CONVENTION
April 4, 2009

DISTRICT CONVENTION
May 2, 2009

STATE CONVENTION
Oklahoma City
May 16, 2009

Doubts Disappearing

FRE2BME — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:10:48 EDT

I watched the convention and I have to say that Teddy's, Hillary's and Bill's endorsement of Obama convinced me that Barack is the man for the job.

I hate watching obviously "read" speeches (like McCain gives). Michelle, Hillary, Bill and Barack never once appeared to be reading their speeches. They spoke sincerely from the heart. I missed Biden's speech, but have watched the excerpts shown on the news. I loved the strength that Kennedy still shows despite his medical condition.

Barack's speech was very informative, which is what I have been (impatiently) waiting for. He not only gave his views on almost every platform, he gave a general view of how he plans to implement his ideas for change.

Barack really hit the nail on the head about McCain. McCain truly doesn't know. . . he doesn't "get it". That was made obvious today when he chose a running mate based, obviously, on gender. Since he doesn't even know the woman having only met her once and talked on the phone to her for about an hour, what else could he possibly be basing this decision on? He is a puppet of his party and big corporation interest groups. The stupidest part of it all is doesn't he know that NO ONE can compare to Hillary Rodham Clinton?

So, I am convinced that Barack will bring about a positive change for this country. As a low-income, full-time student (at 43 years old), I will see first-hand Barack's build from the bottom up theory.

Joe BTFSPLK - New Mascot for Republicans REPOST

Liz — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:31:07 EDT

[I am the one who deleted the report of the Katrina Anniversary as I see my Democrat friends have come though and the original version now appears in the highest rated posts. Following is another one that was bumped off this morning by the Republican spammer, who by the way, continues with the long posts. I guess they can dish it out but they can't take it.]

In a previous post this morning I mentioned three huge things that the Republicans have going against them. Their luck has gone from bad to worse this year, in spite of all the help they are getting from the mainstream media. [If Obama had pulled half the crap and gaffes that McCain has pulled, he would have alreay been crucified and hung out to dry.] I think the best mascot for the Republicans this year is a character from the comic strip Li'l Abner.

JOE BTFSPLK

". . .According to Capp, btfsplk is a rude sound. During public lectures by Al Capp, he demonstrated this phatic sound by closing his lips, leaving his tongue sticking out, and them blowing out air, which is also called a raspberry or Bronx Cheer . . ."

GO TO WIKI TO SEE A CARTOON OF JOE BTFSPLK.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Btfsplk

Ted Kennedy's speech last night

spencer — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:23:38 EDT

We all saw Ted Kennedy Speak last night and there is one particular quote that I found Inspirational. it was a reference to his convention speech in 1980 when he gave the famous line "The work goes on, the cause endures, the Hope still lives, and the dream will never die" when Kennedy said this in 1980 he was giving up his life long dream of becoming president, it had become clear that it would never happen, but it was the end of something more than that. It was the end of the chances that there would ever be a full Kennedy presidency. the dream composed by Jack, Robert and Ted had perished in America.

To me it was something greater than even that. To me it is all the same dream: the same dream that inspired this country to be created in the first place, the same dream that inspired Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin to fight for equality, The same dream that inspired Wilson to stay out of WWI as long as he could because he did not want a single drop of American blood (or any blood for that matter) to be spilled, the same dream that inspired Muhandus Ghandi to fight his repression with every ounce of his strength but to never raise a fist, the same dream that 20 years later inspired Sadat to offer Peace to Israel, the same dream that Mandela went to jail for 20 years to protect, The Dream that we can better our selves and, though it may take centuries,we can reach perfection.

What did ted Kennedy say that inspired me last night? "the dream lives on". this coming from Ted Kennedy after he has been diagnosed with Brain Cancer. He has never said such words for any other candidate. he is placing amazing stock and Hope in to Barack Obama. coming from the most recent American Dreamer of our times I feel obligated to act.as Kennedy him self said: "the Work Goes on, the cause endures, the Hope still lives and the dream will never die"

That's What We're Talkin' About

Barry C aka Casey — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:20:53 EDT

From the lion Teddy Kennedy to the not so silent lamb Michelle Obama, that is the way to start a convention. Baltimore's favorite Californian Speaker Pelosi let the convention know that we'll get to take on John McCain, later. [Just heard the Tonight Show audience's response to Leno's question to McCain about houses and his POW answer - Carson would have thrown them out of the theatre] Back to what I was going to say. The themes they spoke about are the ideals that first brought me to the Democratic Party. First family, seating down to dinner together, helping kids with home work, helping neighbors when they need it. The other ideal, that to who much is given, much is expected. There are two views of America - one that looks at the shining city on the hill and the other stands on the shore looking out on the horizon.

Do we need a convention?

JoeBill — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:14:51 EDT

The election process has been going on now about 18 months; now we have our candidates selected so why is the DNC spending millions of dollars on a convention in Denver? Probably because most of the delegates are successful people that make $100K or more so they can use the convention to network. This is turning more into a crowning of the king instead of a duly elected president. Will the democrats finally end the Iraq conflict? Can the democrats find an answer to the economic crisis? Can they develope a cure for the American Health Crisis? Can the democrats in Washington actually do something besides fight with the republicans to solve our problem? Face it, the convention is just an escuse for the rich people to party while the average person sits at home and try to balance their bugets so they can prevent another home foreclosure. Being the home town of Senator Gordon Smith I am proud to walk or drive around our town and see Obama 08 placards in yards, from the elite North Hill to the working class South Hill, but will we change the do nothing congress.

Look for the Return of the Power of Labor to the Democratic Party

Liz — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:29:24 EDT

We can only hope that the Democratic Party is smart enough this time to not disregard the voice of Labor and pass any trade agreement which labor actively opposes such as the Colombia Free Trade Agreement. That's what they did in 1993 with NAFTA, and they lost both houses of Congress to the Republicans. Let's hope that this year is different. The Democratic Party cannot win without Labor.

Next week, the presidential race will kick into high gear as the 2008 Democratic National Convention begins in Denver. The union movement will take the lead in defining the race and making sure Barack Obama can win this fall. Of the more than 4,200 delegates at the convention, a quarter will be active and retired union members. From rank-and-file workers to national leaders, the full spectrum of the union movement will be represented.

The week kicks off Sunday, when hundreds of union delegates and local labor activists will gather for a caucus and rally. Members attending the convention from any union are invited, as are local union activists and their families in Colorado. Some 2,000 people are expected to attend the labor caucus and rally.

National labor leaders will charge up delegates for the convention and a hard-fought election season. They’ll discuss the Labor 2008 grassroots political program and key issues in the election, including the Employee Free Choice Act.

SOURCE AND MORE:
http://blog.aflcio.org/2008/08/20/unions-take-the-lead-at-democratic-national-convention/

Democrat nee republican in Clifton Park, NY

Rob-33704 — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:58:43 EDT

Democrat in Clifton Park, NY wrote:

As a Republican I am sure my comments will fall into the 'who asked you' category, but let's start a discussion. I think if Democrat delegates want to make real 'change' they should do so by changing their minds in Denver. Why ? Because a lot has 'changed' since the primaries ended in early June; including Senator Obama 'changing' his positions on important issues.

Dear democrat nee republican in Clifton Park, NY,

As a republican this may be difficult for you to understand but the reason that shouldn't happen is because such an action would not reflect the will of the people.

Make the 2008 DNC SAFER

Obama Mama — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:53:34 EDT

In just 10 days, the nation's largest political event will be held right in SAFER's backyard. We need your help to take advantage of it.

About 15,000 members of the media from around the world are expected to descend on Denver next week for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. As the international spotlight is being cast on the Mile High City, SAFER will be doing everything possible to draw attention to its message, the vast progress we have made in the convention's host city, and the growing support for marijuana policy reform around the country.

Things got rolling last week with a column from SAFER Executive Director Mason Tvert featured in the Denver Post, discussing the upcoming convention and the hypocrisy in how marijuana and alcohol are treated in this country. However, to implement the rest of our DNC plans...

We NEED Your Help!

Please click here or visit http://www.SAFERchoice.org/donate today and make a tax-deductible donation to help SAFER create the materials we need to get our message out during the DNC.

Would you give $5 to see a story in the New York Times that highlights how marijuana is SAFER than alcohol? An interview on MSNBC? A segment on the Daily Show?

For every $5 you donate, SAFER will be able to hand a member of the media a professional-appearing folder emblazoned with "How to Have a SAFER 2008 DNC." Each folder will include:
Tips on how to have a SAFER DNC, highlighting the host city's status as the first in the nation to remove all legal penalties for the private use and possession of marijuana by adults.An envelope addressed to the City of Denver for those media members who get cited by police for making the SAFER choice to use marijuana instead of alcohol to enhance their convention experience. We hope to draw attention to the recent change in city policy that made citations for marijuana possession a simple mail-in fine (much like a traffic ticket) rather than a mandatory court appearance. Of course we will mention that this this a good start, but does not go nearly far enough.A time-line, fact sheet and news clippings, detailing the progress of efforts to reform marijuana laws in Denver, across Colorado, at the federal level, and in other cities and states around the country.Information regarding the relative safety of marijuana compared to alcohol, explaining why it makes absolutely no sense to punish adults for simply making the SAFER choice and push them toward using the more harmful of the two.
These folders will provide the media with everything they need to cover our issue during the convention, plus it will allow them to do so whenever is convenient for them, as there will be tons of other events and issues with whom we'll be competing for attention.

SAFER is powered by its supporters, and any amount you can donate will greatly increase our chances of generating some positive news coverage. So please visit our Web site today and make a tax-deductible donation of $5, $20, $50 or more, and be sure to forward this message on to others.

Volunteer in Denver During the DNC!

Along with needing help putting together the folders mentioned above, we need volunteers to represent SAFER at information booths at various demonstrations and events surrounding the DNC. If you can help us put together folders next week, or help distribute literature and Know-Your-Rights information and sign up new supporters during the convention, please contact SAFER Outreach Director Anne Catto at anne@saferchoice.org or 303-861-0033.

Other Marijuana Reform Events During the DNC
(These events are NOT sponsored by or affiliated with SAFER)

Thursday, Aug. 21 - THC National Convention
Conference: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Music/Comedy: 6 p.m.-Midnight
(Oriental Theater, Map)

Friday, Aug. 22 - March Against the Prohibition of Marijuana
Meet: 1:45 p.m. March Begins: 2 p.m.
(Meeting at Lincoln Park)

Thursday, Aug. 28 - Citizens for Safe Access Medical Marijuana Parade
Meet: 12:30 p.m. Parade Begins: 1:15 p.m.
(Staging at Lincoln Park, Map of parade route)

Only One More Week To Go

Hatfield or McCoy — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:23:31 EDT

Are you going to be at mile high?

Denver 08

The Democratic National Convention, coming to Denver Aug. 25-28, 2008, is already shaping up to be one of the biggest events in the Mile High City’s 150-year history.

Only One More Week To Go

Update on the Paulites and Demise of Republican Party

Liz — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:42:43 EDT

I am NOT promoting them. BUT I do think that it is stupid to not be aware of what is going on in the Ron Paul camp. The more I learn, the more I am absolutely convinced that they will splinter the Republican Party this year. They may take a few Democrats with them too, but not nearly as many as those from the ranks of the Republicans. I believe they will finish off the Republican Party.

I guess if Matt disagrees, he can censor my post. But just because mainstream media and the GOP want to keep their heads stuck in the sand like Ostriches over this, does not mean that we Democrats have to be so stupid.

As I mentioned earlier, the Paulites moved from the Williams arena to the Target Center--the largest auditorium in the MPLS area and instead of a one-day venue, they have increased it to a three day venue.

The Convention

Jim A. — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:49:31 EDT

starts in one month August 25th, who thinks there is going to be trouble? i.e. an actual contesting of Obamas nomination or will it be a smooth typical convention. If there is trouble will it be inside the arena, outside or both?

After FISA, I am now a Neutral Democrat

Liz — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:04:32 EDT

Today was it for me. I have lost heart in this election. That is the only way I can think to put it. I've always said that I will vote Democrat and I will and that has not changed nor will it--as at least for this election, the Democrat is our best hope.

However, prior to today, as I've said many times, I am for Obama as my third choice after Kucinich and Edwards, and that Hillary was my fourth and last choice.

Hillary was my last choice as a Democrat because she voted to authorize the war in Iraq, September 6, 2006, she voted for cluster bombs, she voted for the Kyle-Lieberman amendment and Bill Clinton is her husband. As a candidate against the Republicans, I think the Democrats will have a huge struggle to win if she is the choice. Bill Clinton has so much stuff and so many people from so many weird places that he has taken money from in the last 8 years that there would be no end to the Republican heckling and abuse of the Clintons. No way have the Clintons been vetted over the past 8 years.

BUT that being said, prior to today, I really wanted Obama to win. I really saw him as hope for a new day, a different path. After today, I see things differently. It's not that I see Hillary in some great white light (:-) It's that whereas before I saw a little daylight between the two of them, now I see none.

It's somewhat of a peaceful place to be. I no longer have to worry about what if Hillary finds some way to go backstage and finagle the delegates to vote for her and take away the nomination from Obama. I don't give a damn. Which ever one of them claws their way to the nomination--that will be the one I vote for.

McCain? are you kidding? That jackass is such a coward that he did not even show up to vote on what is likely to go down as one of the most important and far reaching pieces of legislation that will be brought before our Congress in this century. I certainly don't want four more years of someone who is not accountable in the White House.

Anyway. I'm disappointed and sad, but hey--I guess that's what they mean when they say "it's politics."

Vote For Voltage At DNC Convention, Watch on THE SET.

Michael Tiffany — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:51:07 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.

John McCain the flip-flopper.

Democrat in Palm Springs, CA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:23:45 EDT

Isn't it time the Democratic Party turned the tables on the Republicans and started using some of their tried and true gimmicks? Take the flip-flop for example. The party must use this idea at the convention in Denver... State each and every flip flop that John McCain has made over the years and accentuate it with the giant flip-flops that were used to pound John Kerry in 2004. It only makes sense to notify the American public in a way that will make it stick. Spread the word!

Super Delegates Nominate Hillary Clinton

Andrew Stergiou — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:30:23 EDT

Super Delegates Nominate Hillary Clinton The title some what fictitious but the reality of possibilities is not very far from the truth. With all the misplaced enthusiasm of adolescent perceptions in a political reality stating the world is what it is supposed to be (but is not so donâ€™t hold your breath) the world is held captive in the turmoil generated by a corporate media that seems to hold little value in truth. To judge the world by the headlines of the corporate media and most others that maintain those views which hold us prisoner to falsehood: Thinking that â€œBarack Obama has locked up the Democratic Party nomination for the 2008 Presidential electionâ€ in what is misplaced because in truth that is the farthest thing from the truth unless you support the business as usual crowd for maintaining the status quo. â€œBarack Obama has locked up the Democratic Party nomination for the 2008 Presidential election â€œ Is that really so? Is that way the Democratic Party will do it? Or is that what some would have us think in what is the jockeying for positioning related to the final voting. One Super delegate offered his vote for sale for supposed altruistic reasons I am sure he is not the only one. What all the wonderful over paid, over educated, over played, over valued, and worthless spin doctors and pundits (mainly of the mainstream corporate media) fail to state is that due to the brilliance of the National Democratic Party and its rules: Super delegates on which Barack Obama is based can vote for whom ever they feel like in views that can change as often as those delegates can change their mind in preference up until the moment they vote at the National Democratic Party Convention for as long as it takes to reach a successful conclusion. Imagine the possible headlines: â€œSuper delegates nominate FDR to run again with Bonzo as his running mate, as FDR is brought back to life due to advanced DNA cloningâ€ I do not agree with the super delegate system but as a realistic observer I am cognizant of it as a reality of real circumstances not imagined ones. In theory the super delegates do not have to vote for either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. So why have so many mainstream media sources chosen to illuminate us with such falsehoods, to simplify the political landscape so we can receive their simplified views in what is once again dumb and dumber? Surely they will rationalize truthfully that most likely delegates will do this and that but not once will they challenge the underpinnings of on which all that political trash and waste is based! Why is it that the most complicated country in the world embroiled in every corner of the world with the most subversive of intrigues is summarized into the most simplistic of explanations that most of the time is simply untrue and false, unethical and immoral? Let us ask what Jesus would do! Let us ask what Buddha would say! Let us ask what ET would say and do! But most of all let us ask why has America declined to such a low point of ignorant discussion as is maintain in the mainstream media. The fact of the matter is that without super delegates neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama has enough support to be nominated as the rules currently stand. As Barack Obama has 1,765Â½ delegates (52%) and Hillary Clinton 1,639Â½ (48%) with approx 690 super delegates deciding the outcome as it now stands though that means the Democratic Party is not expressing the will of the people but the established circles of power.. But who says that being democratic or republican means one is supposed to be fair and egalitarian? But do I hear anyone except myself discussing or calling for the elimination of the super delegate system? NOOOOOO! The fact of the matter remains that if the super delegates decide in convention to change their votes to support Hillary Clinton she will become the Democratic Partyâ€™s nominee albeit one without a full mandate from the people just like Barack Obama will not have a mandate of the people if he was nominated on which grounds I oppose them as weak wasteful candidates currently destined for defeat.

Equal Opportunity & Access??

MO Democrat — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:22:41 EDT

I would appreciate anyone else's opinion, experiences in the delegate selection process. I am quite concerned about some of the actions, rules violations that occurred during our state convention. I have yet to receive ANY RESPONSE from the state or national party to my questions. I have e mailed, called, left messages, voice mail and not a single reply. Are we the party of inclusion or is this just a myth? I never received names, addresses or any info that was requested; I made several phone calls, left one message, at least one voice message and several emails. After about two weeks, I finally received the info. I still do not understand how some individuals had access to e-mail and others never were able to access this info. I would like to ask you to address a few points/questions/observations, if it is not too much trouble: A) Selection of PLEOâ€™s- I understand the state committee decides these positions. Is a separate application â€˜a statement of candidacy with the state chairâ€™ required or is the application automatic because of a candidacy at the congressional & state level? It was my understanding that nothing needed to done, is this correct or is the statement required? B) Does the affirmative Action Committee have a financial assistance plan and what steps were taken to advise, encourage the representation & participation of low income persons? Where and to whom should requests for financial assistance have been sent. It was announced specifically that no financial assistance would be available for any delegate our county caucus. C) Who, how & why were some allowed in the expo hall to distribute, set out campaign materials and not others? D) How was the 3 minute rule for nominating speeches waived when the rules specifically state that it cannot/should not be done? E) How are low income potential delegates identified or considered for inclusion with the other â€œstatusâ€ groups. If anyone would like to address the above comments, questions, I would be interested in your opinion.

Fighting For Puerto Rico's Soldiers and Veterans

Rena Silverman — Tue, 27 May 2008 21:38:09 EDT

Fighting For Puerto Rico’s Soldiers and Veterans: During a conversation with the family of a Puerto Rican soldier who had fought in Iraq, Hillary promised that “[w]hen I’m president, we will begin ending the war in Iraq, and you won’t have to worry about [your son] going back…Our veterans deserve a commander in chief who will take care of them, and I will.”

A Plea for Compassion

Zoot — Thu, 15 May 2008 17:04:46 EDT

Okay, folks, things keep getting nastier and nastier. Many Clinton supporters are getting more shrill, and many Obama supporters are becoming insufferably boastful.

Obama supporters-- I know you think your guy has the nomination in the bag. If so, congratulations. Don't keep rubbing salt in the wounds of some very dedicated voters for the Democratic party. If not, try to remember that it ain't over until someone concedes, or the convention happens. Build the party!

Clinton supporters-- I know the other side can get obnoxious in their crowing. Don't let it get to you! You support an amazing candidate. Please remember that there are many folks out there who think both candidates are good choices-- don't blast them for not supporting Clinton, or worse, for not bashing Obama.

Peace, and Democrats in 08!!!!

Improve the Caucus System

Democrat in Redmond, WA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:44:29 EDT

JUST COUNT THE VOTES!!!

Whether you support a caucus system or voting in a primary, let's be truly democratic about it and just count the votes!!!!

We don't need to then elect delegates to represent those votes and spend hours and hours just to ultimately cast another vote!