W May 27- Women's Club - 5:30 pm at the Allen County Democratic Party Headquarters, 1920 Bluffton Road. Pot Luck meeting with Sofia Rodriguez Mirwaldt, as the special speaker.
The Woman's Club meets every two months on the last Wednesday.
S May. 30 - 3rd Dist Dem. Breakfast
Third District Democratic Breakfast Club - For those interested in what is going on in the Third Congressional District. Meetings are the 4th Saturday of the month. Meetings are held at Brevin's Restaurant, 200 S. Main Street, Churubusco. It is important that your RSVP to 3rd District Treasurer Randy Schmidt (260-432-8215). There is a $5 fee and your breakfast.
SJune 13th- ACDP Breakfast Club
8:30am at the Allen County Democratic Party Headquarters, 1920 Bluffton Road. Coffee and Doughnuts with fellow Democrats. Non-perishable food collected for local food bank.
S June 13 - THIS IS YOUR LIFE, TOM HAYHURST
An opportunity to honor one of our own longtime community servants on June 13 for a Tribute Dinner and Tribute presented by Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Cindy Henry and the Allen County Democratic Party. It will be at the Marriott Hotel in Fort Wayne.
Please call 260 478-8239 or email information@allencountydemocrats.org for tickets or sponsorship information.
W June. 24 - ACDP Luncheon Club 11:30am at American Legion Post 82, Harris Road at Goshen, $5.00 annual membership fee. Attendees pay cost of own lunch order. The speaker will be Representative, Winfield Moses
Click below to Help President Obama
* "When people have said 'poverty is no excuse,' my response has been, 'Yes, you're right. Poverty is not an excuse. It's a condition. It's like gravity. Gravity affects everything you do on the planet. So does poverty.'"
- Gerald Bracey
There will be an informational meeting for health care this Wednesday June 24th at 6:00pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1101 South Lafayette Blvd. We hope you can attend along with Tom Hayhurst and many others interested in health care. Will be a showing of "Sick Around the World", the 45-minute synopsis from TR Reid. Dr. Tom Hayhurst and Eve Bratton will lead a discussion afterwards.
==========================================
The Tank Man - After all others had been silenced, his lonely act of defiance against the Chinese regime amazed the world. What became of him? And 20 years later, has China succeeded in erasing this event from its history? Read the story and watch
Obama speaks of tensions with Muslim world
" If we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth. The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security."
- - Barack Obama
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL ALLEN COUNTY DEMOCRATS:
Saturday Breakfast Club Special Meeting:
On June 13, announcements begin at 8:30 and we will go directly into our important program.
This will be a breakfast meeting different than any other!
This is a Not-To-Be-Missed Meeting that could change the way the Party operates forever! This meeting will be your opportunity to participate in a critical discussion about priorities and goals for the future.
MOST Importantly this meeting marks a shift in procedure to a much more action oriented operation and direction for the Allen County Democratic Party. This is a very exciting time to be a part of this ground floor planning and implementation!
If you always attend-don't miss this one!
If you haven't been there for awhile--this is the time to make a return visit!
If you have friends who want to know more about the Party--this is the time to invite them!
If YOU want to get more involved and haven't found the right path--You may here!
The Party feels so stongly about the importance of and the opportunity presented by this meeting that we have invited professional facilitators to assist in leading this effort. You can be sure that this will be a productive, valuable meeting.
PLEASE NOTE: This meeting will likely run longer than usual. Please allow time if at all possible. If you can only attend for a portion though, we do still need you there!
Remember, it begins at 8:30 rather than 9:00 and we will go directly into our program.
If you are interested in a local group that provides tools to people with disabilites so they can organize themselves and tackle common problems. Maybe you should consider Fifth Freedom - a local group to empower people with disabilities to remove the barriers that thwart their potential. They are assembling a cast of thousands statewide who are willing to invest a little time to make a big difference.
President Barack Obama Picked Judge Sonia Sotomayor For The Supreme Court
Judge Sotomayor has made the American dream her own. (4:12)
Born and raised in a South Bronx public housing project to Puerto Rican parents, Sotomayor has distinguished herself in academia, as a big-city prosecutor, and as a leading figure on the federal bench. If confirmed, Judge Sotomayor would start with more federal judicial experience than any new Justice in 100 years.
First appointed to the Federal District Court by President George H.W. Bush, and then elevated to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals by President Bill Clinton, Judge Sotomayor is widely admired as one the finest legal minds in America today. As a trail-blazing Latina whose career has spanned nearly every aspect of the law, Judge Sotomayor will show fidelity to the Constitution while bringing to the Court a common sense understanding of how our laws affect the daily realities of people's lives.
Obama showed he was willing to pick a fight with his choice — Republicans do not consider her a “consensus” nominee and had signaled that they considered her the most liberal of the four finalists.
He played smart base politics with the historic selection of a Hispanic (a first) and a woman.
And he fulfilled his pledge to pick someone with a common touch by nominating someone who was raised in a Bronx housing project, and lost her father at age 9.
As the most arguably liberal of the four finalists, Sotomayor provides the most fodder for conservative groups, which have vowed to spend millions of dollars on television advertising. Leaders hope a court brawl will help rebuild their movement.
— Democrats like that Justice David Souter is being replaced by a Hispanic woman, and feel sure she’ll be confirmed. As insurance, they note that when she was confirmed for the federal appeals court in 1998, among those voting for her were then-Sen. Bill Frist and then-Sen. Rick Santorum, both of whom are abortion opponents.
Democrats contend that Sotomayor does not have a long paper trail on hot-button social issues, especially abortion. In one case, the administration will argue she came down on the side of judicial restraint.
Other arguments the administration will be making in support of Sotomayor:
— Her incredible American story and three decades of distinguished career in nearly every aspect of the law provide her with unique qualifications to be the next Supreme Court justice.
— As a prosecutor, litigator and trial and appellate judge, Sotomayor brings more federal judicial experience to the Supreme Court than any justice in 100 years, and more overall judicial experience than anyone confirmed for the Court in the past 70 years.
— Sotomayor is widely admired as a judge with a sophisticated grasp of legal doctrine and a keen awareness of the law’s impact on everyday life. She understands that upholding the rule of law means going beyond legal theory to ensure consistent, fair, common-sense application of the law to real-world facts.
Open Public Forum in New Haven
Tuesday, June 16 at 7:00pm in the Police Training Room
Residents of New Haven can meet with City Council members and offer input on city waste collection on Tuesday, June 16 at 7:00pm in the Police Training Room. Call Councilman Terry Werling at 749-5609 for more information.
Call Roger McNett if you are interested in less trash and more recycling in New Haven - 749-4987 . . . or email: ourdems@yahoo.com
Know anyone in Minnesota?
Write them a letter because we as well as Minnesotans want Al Franken seated
Story Minnesotans have come to the conclusion that Norm Coleman lost the state’s Senate race to Al Franken, and that he should soon concede.
A Minneapolis Star-Tribune poll out today shows that 64 percent of voters believe that Coleman should accept the recount trial’s ruling that he lost the election by 312 votes. Only 28 percent of voters believe his appeal to the state Supreme Court – which leading Senate Democrats have been willing to grant him – is appropriate.
Nearly three-quarters of Minnesotans (73 percent) believe that Coleman should concede if he loses his appeal at the state Supreme Court. And only a narrow majority (57 percent) of Republicans support Coleman’s appeal to the state Supreme Court.
A second poll conducted by a Democratic firm shows similar majorities calling on Coleman to concede – with 58 percent would raise serious doubts” towards GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty if he refuses to sign an election certificate assuming Coleman loses his appeal to the state Supreme Court.
That’s a sharp shift in public opinion from January, when Franken took the lead in the recount. Back then, a Research 2000/Daily Kos poll showed 53 percent of voters supporting Coleman’s contest of the race – or at least weren’t opposed to it.
Now Minnesota voters – including many Republicans -- believe Franken was fairly elected as the state’s second senator, and should be sworn in as soon as possible.
.
Conservative Radio Show Host Waterboarded . .
says it was "absolutley torture."
.
Sofia will speak at the Third District Breakfast - Saturday, May 23
If you are in town this weekend, please take a little time to come to the 3rd District breakfast at Brevins restaurant in Churubusco. Sounds further than it is...it's not that far out of town at all.
Sofia Rodriguez Mirwaldt will be speaking this weekend and for the guys who won't be able to attend the Women's Club on Wed the 27th, this is a chance for you to hear what things are happening right here in Indiana and how we are working to help the President.
3rd District Breakfast, guest speaker Sofia Rodriguez Mirwaldt
SATURDAY, May 23rd at 8:30am
Place: Brevins Restaurant, 200 S. Main Street Churubusco
(take Goshen Road/Hwy 33 out of town, turns into Main St. Churubusco)
So What did they say about Guantanamo Bay? You can listen to both speeches.
Dick Cheney speaks on Guantanamo Bay detention camp - 36 minutes
Great Web Site to Help Children Learn About Our Courts
When retired justice of the Supreme Court, Sandra Day O'Connor spoke at the IPFW Omnibus Lecture Series in Fort Wayne, she told of a web site she has started for teachers and students. It has civics games, lesson plans, comprehensive resource links, civics-in-action projects and more to help children learn about our courts. With less emphasis on civics in schools, this is her attempt to support teachers with lesson plans and guide children with new and exciting ways to learn.
There is all sorts of information about the court system, the different branches of government and even helpful information about tribal governments and how they relate to our governmnet. You can see it and kids can learn at ourcourts.org
.
Some Thoughts About The News
Watching TV for political information must be divided between real news and comment. Local news on TV is pretty poor, generally just pictures and emotion. Our newspapers do it better. But for national news, sad to say, most cable/satellite sources are tainted. I grew up thinking that reporters were special and told us what was really happening, Today they often entertain us with what they think about what is going on in our community and our country.
Many years ago, the United States began two experiments - Public Television and Public Radio. They have worked, they follow the rules for accurate reporting and quality appreciation of the intelligence of their listeners and viewers.
They are supported by listeners like you (us). So send them a check to keep quality information coming.
New Haven Residents Question Sex Shop Around Children - UPDATE: IT IS GONE
Does an adult novelty sex shop where school busses stop and on a street where 13 children live belong in New Haven? I think not, but apparently, Cupid's Castle LLC will be selling their materials next to our kids, so let us consider some of the issues. Read our whole story and opinion here.
.
Buffett says government is doing the right things OMAHA, Neb. – Billionaire Warren Buffett spent Saturday praising the decisions U.S. officials made to right the economy in the midst of a "financial hurricane" and defending the ones he made to help his company navigate the storm. Read more
Reserve Saturday, June 13 to attend
“THIS IS YOUR LIFE, TOM HAYHURST”
Plans are being finalized to honor one of our own longtime community servants on June 13for a Tribute Dinner and Roast presented by Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Cindy Henry and the Allen County Democratic Party. You are invited to celebrate Dr. Hayhurst’s dedication and lifelong commitment to our community on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at the Marriott Hotel in Fort Wayne.
Invitations will go out in a couple weeks and tickets will be available soon for the dinner and roast $50/person and a private reception and sponsorships are also available.
Download a flyer (below) with information about the evening for your convenience. ALSO it would be nice of you to share this with anyone you think might be interested - - Tom is well known and well loved so this should be a wide range of people!
AND let Deb Morrone know if you have questions/comments/a roast idea or two and REMEMBER the party is still looking for silent aution items!!
Download a flyer with information about this special evening - as a pdf document OR a Word document.
- - I suspect there will be newer flyer when all the information is finalized.
Dr. Tom Hayhurst Supports Passenger Rail in Fort Wayne
Dr. Tom Hayhurst spoke at the Democratic Luncheon Club on Wednesday, April 22 about the importance of getting passenger rail service back in Fort Wayne. He stated that while public funding gives strong support to highways and air travel, there is very little financial aid to rail roads. Because rail is the least expensive (other than bicycle) way to travel, it is essential that we support this opportunity for a better future, a better environment and a better economy.
Michigan, Illinois and Ohio are all fighting hard for improved passenger rail service and they are having success. Indiana, at this point, is not. It is urgent to contact your representatives and Governor Daniels to get passenger rail back in Fort Wayne. Don't put it off if you care about this transportation opportunity, the environment and saving money. Without you, it will not happen.
Passenger Rail as an alternative to flying would help the environment as well as our economy. It is even a better alternative than driving a car. With the new ball park, people could walk to the ball diamond from the station (assuming it was at the traditional place) to watch a baseball game, and then go home on the train. It is a lot easier than going by train to Chicago for a Cubs or White Socks game. Another consideration is that the Olympics will be in Chicago in 2016. Passenger rail from Fort Wayne would make a massive impact on our city. Wherever the station would be, it would help the people of Allen County.
The energy used by rail compared to cars per traveler mile is significantly less. As fuel prices rise, rail travel looks better and better. Bringing passenger rail to Fort Wayne will improve our image, help travelers, local business, and the city of Fort Wayne and Allen County. Help make the difference. Write your state representative and Governor Daniels.
An Unforgettable Day on the Golf Course
You never know who you might meet on a golf course.
In December, 2008, Jim Kimsey, a retired teacher from Vanderburgh County, Indiana, was in Palm Springs, California with his wife. They went to play golf and discovered there were few other golfers there in the morning. The starter asked if they would like to play with a "regular" named "Faye" who comes out almost every day and was an accomplished golfer. Jim and his wife said, "Fine," and away they all went.
Faye introduced herself, gave a firm, athletic handshake and asked Jim and his wife where they were from. He said, "Indiana. where the weather is more than 30 degrees colder." She explained the course was empty because the locals view 55 degrees as too cold to play. She went on to say that the cool temperatures don't bother her because she hails from Alaska.
Jim Asked her "What part of Alaska," and she replied, "Wasilla." Jim followed up with the obvious question - - "Do you know Sarah Palin?"
Faye looked him directly in the eyes and said, "Sarah married my son, Todd. My last name is Palin. My husband Jim and I are the Palins of Wasilla, Alaska. Sarah married into our family." - - Jim got par on the first hole and Faye bogied it.
Walking to the carts from the green, Faye said, "Something you need to understand about me. Although my husband and I did campaign for Sarah for a week in Colorado, you probably didn't hear much about us. You see, Jim and I are both well-known independent Democrats in Wasilla, Alaska!"
Needless to say, he was quite impressed and the round of golf was quite enjoyable. On leaving the course, he stopped by the pro shop and the gentleman, anticipating his question, stated, "Yes, you just played 18 holes with Sarah Palin's mother-in-law!"
- - - From an article in The Chalkboard, an ISTA-Retired Newsletter from Feb./Mar. 2009
This has nothing to do with Democrats, but for you who have flown or think about it, you might like this.
It is a flight attendant who raps to inform passengers. It is well worth the watch.
Warren Buffett: Don’t expect miracles from Obama
You may have already seen the Warren Buffett interview on Dateline from last Sunday. In it, he gives a sober analysis of what to expect from the new Obama Administration in terms of economic policy. The long and short of it is that we shouldn't’t expect a miracle turnaround. The recession will be deep and protracted regardless of how well Barack Obama’s team deals with economic issues. Their policy response will make the difference between a long and protracted recession and a downward spiral to depression.
Allen County Democrats Elected Party Officers Saturday, March 7
Sat. March 7 - On this day, the Precinct Committee persons elected the leadership positions of the Allen County Democratic Party. There was at this meeting a great deal of interest and questions from within our party. As with Democrats in general, questions and accountability were important. There are fences that NEED to be mended, stories that NEED to be corrected and most importantly, people need to be APPRECIATED for what they have done to get the best people elected. . . . Allen County Democrats have a reputation of being dynamic, accepting and understanding by all people. Democrats in Allen County do not belive in using fear, hate or flat out lies to manipulate people or damage reputations. This election was tempered by those who had greater expectations of the party. Change happens - the Democrat voters believe in change. The parry will change, grow and make a difference. We wish Mike Bynum the best in positive change.
Our Reorganization Results were
Chair: Mike Bynum
Vice Chair: Deb Morrone
Secretary: Sandy Kennedy
Treasurer: George Guido
There is an understanding and appreciation that ALL Democrats respect diversity, appreciate what others do to help the party and just open up to understanding others. It is our city, our county and our country. We must work together and get along to make a positive difference.
$400,000 a year is enough for our president - what about big business?
The richest 400 in the U.S. saw there income double during the Bush Administration. Did your income double?
This Is Our Time: Young Voices from the Inauguration www.yesworld.org
Young people voted for Obama in record numbers. A group of young leaders and filmmakers came to Washington, DC for the inauguration to ask the "Obama generation" what this moment in history means to them, and what opportunities are opening up for America and for the world. Featuring interviews on the subways, on the streets, at the inaugural balls, and with young leaders like Van Jones, Derrick Ashong, Maroon 5, Goapele, and others, this film is packed with inspiring wisdom and hope for challenging times.
Where there are great problems - there are great opportunities. Find yours by being a part of the movement.
Support everyone because we are all one. We respect ourselves and others and we become more responsible.
Am I wrong or what? Don't Democrats want all people to be healthy? We want people, companies and corporations that kill people to stop selling things that hurt us?
Processed People -- New VegSource Documentary!
This is well worth the 3 minute watch
Processed People features in-depth discussions with leading health experts detailing why so many of us are sick, and offers solutions to our current devastating health crisis. Tragically, many Americans are victims of a "health care" system and way of life which is devastating to our overall well-being. To those running our system, the bottom line on the dollars we're able to spend is more important than the bottom line on our health. We're caught in a perpetual grinding machine, unable to escape
Mother Nature's Crying (Short version) by Lil Peppi If you haven't heard of Lil' Peppi yet, you're in for a big surprise: This third-grader from Florida is putting eco-rap on the map with his talent for crafting rhymes for the times! His first single, Mother Nature's Crying, is a You Tube sensation,
Obama speaks of tensions with Muslim world
Obama showed he was willing to pick a fight with his choice — Republicans do not consider her a “consensus” nominee and had signaled that they considered her the most liberal of the four finalists.
Watching TV for political information must be divided between real news and comment. Local news on TV is pretty poor, generally just pictures and emotion. Our newspapers do it better. But for national news, sad to say, most cable/satellite sources are tainted. I grew up thinking that reporters were special and told us what was really happening, Today they often entertain us with what they think about what is going on in our community and our country. 
New Haven Residents Question Sex Shop Around Children - 