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July 8, 2008

Today the Democratic National Committee and Obama for America unveiled a bold new initiative to involve the American people in the development of the Democratic National Platform. This year, for the first time, voters will have the opportunity to take part in Platform Meetings in all 50 states to help shape the Democratic Platform. DNC Chairman Howard Dean also announced that Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano will chair the Platform Drafting Committee. Michael Yaki will serve as National Platform Director and Karen Kornbluh will be the Principal Author of the Platform.

Members of the public will be invited to host and attend Platform Meetings in their communities as an opportunity to exchange ideas and share perspectives on the challenges we face. To facilitate the process, the Obama campaign and the DNC will send policy experts and DNC Platform Committee members to as many meetings as possible to serve as facilitators. Each Platform Meeting will produce a written summary that will be reviewed and considered by the Platform Committee.

"From the beginning, we said we were going bring down the traditional walls of the Democratic Convention and make this event more accessible and include as many people as possible," said Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean. "This process will empower Americans in all 50 states to make their voices heard as they help write the document that embodies our Party's values and vision for the future. Barack Obama will bring real change to Washington, and as we write the Democratic Platform, there will be a clear choice between more of the same failed policies of the Bush Administration with John McCain or real change with Barack Obama who will make the American people, not the special interests, the priority again."

"Barack Obama believes that every American should be able to contribute to the Democratic Platform, just as record numbers have participated in this campaign," said Steve Hildebrand of Obama for America. "It's not the lawmakers in Washington who live the day-to-day reality of our policies--it's workers, teachers, parents and first responders--everyday Americans who just want to the best for their families. What better way than to incorporate their voices into the process than to have them help shape the Democratic Platform, the statement of our ideals, values, and proposal for change.

"Registration is available at http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/listening/ , starting today through July 15th. The Platform Meetings will occur across the country from July 19th through July 27th.

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Recently, at the California Democratic Party E-Board meeting, in Millbrae, CA, CDP Chair, Art Torres and other Party leaders recognized and congratulated the efforts of the Del Norte Democratic Party in achieving a Democratic voter majority in Del Norte County.

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The Del Norte Democrtic Party participated in the annual Crescent City Independence Day Parade and was, for the most part, well received.

Carrying signs supporting Obama, Thompson, and Chesbro, Democratic revelers utilized an electric pick-up truck and other "alternative vehicles" through the route. Thousands of people lined the downtown streets of Crescent City.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who participated in the parade and greeted voters at the Democratic Party voter registration booth at the park following the parade! The couple hours you spent, standing up for our Party, was recognized and appreciated.

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Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger waves a money clip, announcing that 'I still have some left,' in response to a question concerning the state's budget deadline, during a bill signing ceremony at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Monday, June 30, 2008. Lawmakers failed to pass a state budget by the June 30 deadline.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

The Daily Roundup from Capitol Weekly

July 2, 2008

From our If You've Got It, Flaunt It Files
Steven Harman reports that eyebrows were raised after the governor flashed his money clip in an answer to a question of whether the state was running out of money soon.

"The gesture drew chuckles from those around him at the news conference — including Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles — but as the image got around, his communications staff tried to head off the moment by pointing out that he had already answered the question with a serious response.

"Even Bass apparently found her role — laughing, while saying, 'You have a little bit for us?' — awkward, because she is refusing to comment on the episode.

"The image of a wealthy governor — whose assets are estimated to be at least $100 million — flashing his own money, political observers said, is hardly one that will endear himself to a public increasingly struggling through financial difficulties.

"'One problem in society is the growing inequality in the U.S. economy,' said Mark DiCamillo, director of the Field Poll, whose most recent poll had Schwarzenegger holding a 41 percent approval rating. 'This aligns him with the view of the haves. I don't think you want to exacerbate it because many on the have-not side of the ledger are the most critical of the governor. It's not a good image for the governor or Republicans as we look at this election cycle.'"

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Today, in Independence, Missouri, Barack Obama gave a major speech focusing on the question of patriotism.

"I will never question the patriotism of others in this campaign.  And I will not stand idly by when I hear others question mine" he said.

He went on to say, "I believe those who attack America's flaws without acknowledging the singular greatness of our ideals, and their proven capacity to inspire a better world, do not truly understand America.

Of course, precisely because America isn't perfect, precisely because our ideals constantly demand more from us, patriotism can never be defined as loyalty to any particular leader or government or policy.  As Mark Twain, that greatest of American satirists and proud son of Missouri, once wrote, "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it."  We may hope that our leaders and our government stand up for our ideals, and there are many times in our history when that's occurred.  But when our laws, our leaders or our government are out of alignment with our ideals, then the dissent of ordinary Americans may prove to be one of the truest expression of patriotism".

As we approach the celebration of our Declaration of Independence, we should reflect on the meaning of that document and what it means for each and every one of us.

Click here to watch Obama's Independence Speech

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June 24, 2008
WASHINGTON –

Today, the House passed legislation that would significantly improve Medicare benefits for 44 million American seniors and people with disabilities.

The bill, which Congressman Mike Thompson helped craft as a member of the Ways and Means Committee, pays particular attention to recipients in areas with limited access to healthcare. In addition, the bill includes several provisions championed by Thompson that directly impact the 1st Congressional District.

“Medicare providers in rural areas like Northern California often lack the resources they need to serve the public,” said Thompson. “This bill increases payments for sole community and critical access hospitals, increases payments for rural ambulance services and ensures physicians are fairly reimbursed for Medicare services.”

CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

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Sunday 15 June 2008
by: Dan Bacher, t r u t h o u t | Perspective

    West Coast representatives and leaders of fishing groups are outraged over an attempt by the White House to yank $70 million in disaster funding from commercial and recreational fishermen in order to pay for the 2010 US Census.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

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As we go into Summer and work towards the November election, staffers are needed for the Democratic Party Office as well as voter registration tables at upcoming events. Our desire is to maintain regular office hours and participate in ALL community activities but that requires individual Democrats (of all ages!) to contribute a couple of hours of their time.
Why volunteer? Because, in addition to voting, we can get that satisfying feeling that we are making a difference. Also, it is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people. It is important to note that not one person in the Del Norte Democratic Party is paid for his or her efforts. EVERYONE is a volunteer!
So, PLEASE, take a moment and contact Debra or stop by the Democratic Office and sign up for a couple of hours. You will be glad you did!

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Hello,
When people ask me how things are going in Sacramento, I tell them it is all about the budget in the Capitol right now. Please read my June electronic newsletter for news on the state budget.
Bills on the Move
Several of my bills have passed the Assembly and are now in the Senate. Click here to learn more about my legislation.
Enjoying the Outdoors
July is national Parks and Recreation Month. Click here for more information about our state parks and important safety tips.
Homeowner & Renter Assistance Forms Available Soon at the Eureka District Office
The State's 2008 Homeowner and Renter Assistance Program filing period begins July 1st. Click here for more information.
Don't Forget
As of July 1, you must have a hands-free device to use your cell phone while driving. Click here to learn more. Happy Summer & Stay Safe!

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