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One of my Facebook friends is upset about the new mammogram guidelines and wrote, "This is not the change I voted for". I commented: "Close your eyes and imagine President McCain and Vice President Palin. She replied, "I see what you mean."
There is a diary here asking whether to boycott the DNC, Organizing for America and Obama's reelection campaign. People have every right to do this, as well as to criticize the seemingly slow pace of change.
I feel as frustrated as the next person, but then I realize the mess we're in wasn't created during eight years of Bush, but during thirty years of an assault on everything progressive that came before, especially the New Deal. Also during that time there has been a severe backlash against women's rights. Stupak-Pits is only the outer manifestation, the boil, if you will, on a much deeper abscess.
There is a diary up at Daily Kos outlining some of what President Obama has managed to accomplish. It's not exhaustive in that there is so much left to be done.
"It is not enough to look back in wonder at how far we have come; those who came before us did not strike a blow against injustice only so that we would allow injustice to fester in our time. That means removing the barriers of prejudice and misunderstanding that still exist in America."
- Democratic Party Platform, 2008
On Monday, November 9, 2009, on Americablog and Americablog Gay, John Aravosis & Joe Sudbay, launched a boycott (temporary hopefully) against the Democratic National Commitee, Organizing For America, and the Obama re-election campaign. They have been joined by:
Daily Kos
Jane Hamsher (FireDogLake)
Dan Savage (The Stranger & Slog)
Michelangelo Signorile (Sirius OutQ & Gist)
David Mixner
Andy Towle & Michael Goff (TowleRoad)
Paul Sousa (Founder, Equal Rep)
Pam Spaulding (Pam's House Blend)
Robin Tyler (ED, Equality Campaign, Inc.)
Bill Browning (Bilerico Project)
Their reasoning:
President Obama promised to be a "fierce advocate" for LGBT Americans. But while making modest progress on a scant few issues, on the major campaign promises made to our community, the President and the Democratic party have failed to keep their commitments.
There has been little, if any, pressure from the White House for votes on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). The administration continues to send mixed signals on the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT). And we've been told not to expect the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to even be considered until President Obama's second term. In the last two weeks alone, we were angered that the Obama administration continued to defend DOMA in the courts -- last June, the administration's lawyers even compared loving gay relationships to incest and pedophilia -- and we were saddened that the White House and the Democratic party refused to help us defeat anti-gay ballot initiatives in Maine and Washington state. LGBT Americans, our families, and our friends kept our promise at the ballot box, we now expect President Obama to keep his in the White House.
Until the Democratic Congress passes, and President Obama signs, legislation enacting ENDA, repealing DADT, and repealing DOMA, we ask you to join us in pledging to postpone contributions to the Democratic National Committee, Organizing for America, and the Obama campaign.
I don't usually do this kind of thing, join boycotts or promote them, yet I have been feeling such frustration over the national Dems and the Obama administration's handling of gay issues (beginning with the inauguration) I just had to do something.
Last Friday I posted on my blog, Dubious MindBomb Internet Radio, my feelings and concerns over the boycott being called for by Americablog's John Aravosis and Joe Sudbay. John and Joe (who was raised in Maine) worked tirelessly on Maine's No on 1 campaign! They have blogged about it constantly and raised thousands in support of "No on 1" (through Americablog and Americablog Gay). They even live-blogged from Portland on election night
The failure of Obama (or his administration) to even mention support for the civil rights effort in Maine and the DNC's failure to support it financially or to even it mention it in get out the vote e-mails (sent out on election day), were the final straws for them and should be for us! Unfortunately, there is much, much more...
I would love for you all to take a look at it, follow the links & weigh it carefully, and then join me in signing the pledge not to support (temporarily) the DNC, OFA, or the Obama campaign financially.
Turn off the gAyTM? I say, "Yes"!
This was a hard step for me to take...My blog is there, primarily, in support of my Internet Radio Station, "Dubious MindBomb", and not political action.
So please give it a read and let's stop the national politicians from taking our money with one hand and slapping us in the face with the other!
Read my full post at:
http://dubiousmindbomb.blogspo...
Sign the Pledge here: http://www.dontaskdontgive.com
Read the boycott FAQ:
http://gay.americablog.com/200...
This afternoon I drove up to Concord with Rep. Jill Shaffer Hammond (D-Peterborough) for the gathering in favor of Health Insurance Reform announced by Zandra yesterday. There was a decent turn-out in front of the State House. I'd have liked to have seen more people there, but it was okay.
Lo and behold, the gathering would have been no gathering without the tea party contingent:
At one point, the tea party contingent tried to rattle the pro reform gathering by breaking into "God Bless America". But then everybody started singing, so they got confused.
The U.S. House of Representatives will vote on a historic health care reform bill - H.R. 3962 -
a bill that includes a strong public option and numerous other provisions that will lower costs and improve care. This vote will be a moment that we have been working toward for months.
For anyone who has carried a sign, signed a petition, petitioned a stranger, found Frank Guinta not knowing how many people in New Hampshire are uninsured strange, insured yourself on the private market and then covered costs out of pocket because you were denied a claim, fought back against the claims of teabaggers, or enjoyed a cup of tea during a health care house party or a visit to a Congressional office to advocate for health care reform ... you need to be in Concord tomorrow at 2 PM.
Change that Works and Organizing for America (OFA) are hosting a public gathering in support of health insurance reform at the State House tomorrow, Saturday, November 7th at 2:00 PM.
Sen. Hassan and Peggo Hodes will be there, along with other notable New Hampshire leaders.
But, more importantly, I'm hoping you will all be there, too. We've stood on picket lines and sat in phonebanks together; let's celebrate and support this historic vote side-by-side too.
(Crunch time on health care reform. Yes we can. - promoted by Dean Barker)
Events Will Highlight the Urgent Need Among Granite Staters to Pass Health Care Reform This Year
New Hampshire's Organizing for America (OFA), a grassroots project of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) dedicated to supporting the President's agenda for change, will be hosting events throughout New Hampshire as part of OFA's 'Health Care Reform' week of action. Details about the events can be found below.
New Hampshire's Organizing for America (OFA), a project of the Democratic National Committee that is building grassroots support for President Obama's agenda for change, will hold community service events throughout New Hampshire Today, Saturday, June 27th as part of the National Health Care Day of Service. During the events, OFA supporters will volunteer in their local community and highlight the urgent need for reform. Below are suggested events for media to attend in Salem, Plymouth, Durham and Keene. These events are just a few of the many health care service events that OFA is organizing across New Hampshire and the country.
The National Health Care Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, a new initiative announced by President Obama that is challenging all Americans to help lay a new foundation for growth by engaging in sustained, meaningful community service in four key areas: health care, energy, education, and community renewal. The United We Serve summer initiative began on June 22nd and runs through the National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11th.
"Over 45 million Americans are already without health insurance, and every day more people are priced out of the system or denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition," said Timothy Arsenault. "Saturday's health care service events in the Granite State give volunteers an opportunity to take action around health care issues in their own communities and continue to engage people in frank conversations about the urgent need for reform."
On June 6th, tens of thousands of people attended OFA's Health Care Kickoffs in all 50 states. During these meetings, participants talked about the urgent need for health care reform and crafted a plan to garner grassroots support for President Obama's core principles - lowering costs, preserving choice and increasing access. OFA organized a nationwide pledge drive to demonstrate support for the President's budget and has conducted hundreds of "Listening Tours" around the country during the past several weeks. These Tours are an opportunity to engage people on the issues they care about and discuss the best ways to build support for President Obama's policy priorities in their local communities.
Suggested Health Care Service Event for press to attend are below:
Today, Saturday, June 27th
Salem, NH
OFA volunteers will participate in the 2009 Salem Relay for Life.
2:00 PM
Salem High School Field
44 Geremonty Dr
Plymouth, NH
OFA volunteers will hold a health food drive for the Community Closet's food pantry and participate in a supply drive for the Plymouth Regional Clinic.
10:00 AM
Whole Village Family Resource Center
258 Highland St.
Durham, NH
OFA volunteers will collect healthy food and hygiene items for the Cornucopia Food Pantry.
10:00 AM
Durham Marketplace and The Bagelry
7 Mill Rd
Keene, NH
OFA volunteers will participate in a fitness walk down Main Street to Ashuelot River Park in Keene.
9:00 AM
Railroad Square
82 Main St
(Posted by Victoria Bonney, Communications Director at New Hampshire Democratic Party)
From an e-mail. This is the Massachusetts version, but I imagine it's broadly applicable.
Learn More About the Issues:
You can read helpful materials at www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health_care or at www.healthcareforamericanow.org.
ATTEND a special "Healthcare Reform 101" Forum on July 18! More details soon, but SAVE THE DATE for this helpful opportunity to learn about the issues involved, the legislative process and what we can expect from the various bills, and to get your questions answered by experts. This event is hosted by OFA-MA, Healthcare for America Now and Doctors for America (formerly Doctors for Obama).
Put Pressure on Congress:
Please urge our MA Congressional delegation to support President Obama's healthcare reform priorities, including a public option. Even in MA, we MUST make it clear to our delegation that healthcare reform without a public option is not real healthcare reform! You can add your signature to our petition by sending us an e-mail at OFAMA2009@gmail.com. If you prefer, you can call your Senator or Representative. You can find their contact information at www.senate.gov or www.house.gov.
Take a Leadership Role on Healthcare Reform:
If you can commit to a significant amount of time organizing others on this issue, JOIN the OFA-MA Statewide Healthcare Reform Team. Contact us at OFAMA2009@gmail.com if you want to know more.
Show Your Support at a Local Rally on June 25
While a massive healthcare reform rally is being held on the Mall in Washington, D.C. on June 25, many local rallies will take place throughout Mass. Please come to a rally in your area! You can find a local rally by going to www.neaction.org.
Participate in a Local National Healthcare Day of Service Event on June 27
Find an opportunity to learn or help in your area. At these events, you can also sign a postcard to your Congressional representative, and meet others who want to fix our broken system. Find local events at www.barackobama.com.
We hope to see you at an upcoming event, and we encourage you to contact us at OFAMA2009@gmail.com so we can know of your interest and hear your ideas and questions.
Earlier today a group of NH's Organizing for America (OFA) volunteers, as well as representatives from the NH Young Democrats, Granite State Progress and America Works, met in a Manchester cafe over a cup of coffee to thank our First District Congresswoman, Carol Shea-Porter, for her strong support of President Obama's agenda.
Congresswoman Shea-Porter was upbeat and personable, filling us in on the immediate steps President Obama and Congress have taken to fix our economy and bring jobs to New Hampshire. She then took questions ranging from poverty to the environment and from student loan forgiveness to healthcare policy. Whatever Boss Limbaugh might want us to think, Democrats are making real progress for the American people ... and she made it clear she is working to bring the same CHANGE to Washington that propelled her into Congress and Barack Obama into the White House.
Finally, Blue Hampshire's own, the incomparable Kris Schulz, presented Congresswoman Shea-Porter with a certificate thanking her for supporting:
* Making healthcare affordable for all Americans;
* Investing in clean energy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil;
* Improving education so our children can compete in the global economy; and
* Cutting the budget deficit in half.
Congresswoman Shea-Porter is a champion for the rest of us, especially our families, veterans and young people. While the coffee was decent, the conversation was magnificent. Kudos to Kris, OFA and, of course, to Congresswoman Shea-Porter.
(Because it's worth reminding everyone all the time that Jeanne Shaheen vote to keep climate change action in the budget reconciliation process - promoted by Dean Barker)
Today a group of Organizing for America (OFA) volunteers from New Hampshire met with U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen. We did so to express our gratitude for her support of President Barack Obama's agenda, specifically her votes supporting his budget and plan for economic recovery. It went VERY well. CLICK HERE to see photos.
Most of us volunteered for both the Obama and Shaheen campaigns, which she acknowledged at the beginning of the meeting.
We had a lovely exchange with her regarding the need for accessible, affordable health care for all, as well as for a clean environment. She's a strong advocate for both of those issues, as well as for fiscal responsibility and education. Those four points are the key components of President Barack Obama's budget priorities.
