Archive for September, 2009From The Pitch: KC Priest Criticizes Bishop Finn Missouri Democratic Party | http://www.missouridems.org/ <http://www.missouridems.org/> MDP Online Newsletter | September Change Commission seeks to increase participation in the nominating process By Sen. Claire McCaskill <http://connect.missouridems.org/images/connect/senator-mccaskill.gif> For decades, a question has plagued the Democratic Party nearly every year that we nominate a presidential candidate – is the primary and caucus system fair? This past summer, a new effort to study that question kicked-off in Washington D.C. The Democratic National Committee’s Democratic Change Commission, which was established by President Barack Obama, hosted its first meeting to ultimately recommend improvements to the way the Democratic Party nominates our candidate for President of the United States. As one of the Commission’s Co-Chairs, alongside Congressman James Clyburn, I can say that the Commission is a diverse group with varied experience and a common goal of strengthening our nation and our Democracy. As a Commission, we are tasked with helping to ensure that the Presidential nominating process continues to be a fair process that will energize and activate as many voters as possible. That includes examining the timeframe and order of primaries and caucuses, the number of unpledged delegates, and generally improving the current caucus process. While the current Democratic Presidential Primary calendar did give every state the opportunity to cast votes for a Democratic nominee in 2008, previous presidential election years that have utilized a similar calendar have left voters out of the system and frequently were not as representative of the national electorate. I look forward to looking into the history of the primary and caucus voting systems, examining the needs and resources of our Party, and making reasonable recommendations to improve our nominating process moving forward. My hope is that we’ll have continued progress to report as the commission takes its effort across the country. For more information on the Change Commission visit the website at: http://www.democrats.org/page/content/changecommission Busy End of the Summer for the Robin Carnahan for Senate Campaign It has been a busy end of the summer for the Robin Carnahan for Senate campaign. Robin visited with folks all over the state from Tipton to Nixa, and Butler to Portageville with many other stops in between. <http://connect.missouridems.org/images/connect/Horse-Robin-happy-4749.gif> Recently, Newsweek called the open Missouri Senate race one of the “hottest” in the country and we expect it to be a close race in 2010. While we as Missouri democrats are united behind Robin Carnahan, the Republicans look set for a primary between Congressman Roy Blunt and State Senator Chuck Purgason. Congressman Blunt, the ultimate Washington insider, is known for his ties to corporate special interests and pay-to-play style politics. Senator Purgason sponsored the bill that cut thousands of Missourians off their health care in 2005. Our families cannot afford the priorities that Congressman Blunt or Senator Purgason represent. But Robin Carnahan, who has a track record of protecting Missourians from investment fraud and saving money for Missouri businesses, puts Missouri families first. Join our team! Help us build our grassroots campaign to make a difference for Missouri families. Please sign-up at www.RobinCarnahan.com and follow the campaign on Facebook and Twitter, too. UPDATE FROM ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA Greetings, The past few months have been very exciting for Organizing For America. During the month of August, we continued to organize around health insurance reform by gathering declarations of support for the President’s three principles for reform: to reduce costs, guarantee choice in a plan and in a doctor, and to insure quality, affordable care for all Americans. In addition to our phone banks and canvasses, we increased our focus on engagement of our congressional representatives during the August recess. We have encouraged our supporters to go out and visit their representatives and senators to voice their support for reform. In one week, 68,000 supporters nationwide visited their representative’s or senator’s offices in person. In addition, OFA has been sending supporters to Democratic members’ town hall meetings. As the month progressed, we have seen our supporters outnumber protesters at many town halls across the country. As part of our “Let’s Get It Done Heath Insurance Events” for the end of the recess, we held a rally in St. Louis with over 1500 people coming out to show their support for Health Insurance Reform. The rally was part of the OFA Health Insurance Reform Bus Tour and volunteers presented Congressman Russ Carnahan with the declarations from his district and thanked him for his support and his work towards reforming health care. As Congress continues to work in Washington, OFA will continue its campaign and we will get health reform passed in 2009. For more information, go to healthcare.barackobama.com or email OFAMissouri@dnc.org. Dan Herman ________________________________
Please read how President Obama’s health insurance reform plan will help those who currently have insurance: · Ends discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions. Over the last three years, 12 million people were denied coverage directly or indirectly through high premiums due to a pre-existing condition. · Limits premium discrimination based on gender and age. The President’s plan will end insurers’ practice of charging different premiums or denying coverage based on gender, and will limit premium variation based on age. · Prevents insurance companies from dropping coverage when people are sick and need it most. The President’s plan prohibits insurance companies from rescinding coverage that has already been purchased except in cases of fraud. · Caps out-of pocket expenses so people don’t go broke when they get sick. The President’s plan will cap out-of-pocket expenses and will prohibit insurance companies from imposing annual or lifetime caps on benefit payments. · Eliminates extra charges for preventive care like mammograms, flu shots and diabetes tests to improve health and save money. The President’s plan ensures that all Americans have access to free preventive services under their health insurance plans. · Protects Medicare for seniors. The President’s plan will extend new protections for Medicare beneficiaries that improve quality, coordinate care and reduce beneficiary and program costs. · Eliminates the “donut-hole” gap in coverage for prescription drugs. The President’s plan begins immediately to close the Medicare “donut hole” – a current gap in its drug benefit – by providing a 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs for seniors who are effected. ________________________________ Links to more information on health care reform: Visit the Organizing for America page on health care: Visit the DNC page on health care: Learn fact vs. fiction at this page developed by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging: Visit the President Obama’s “reality check” website to get the facts on health care reform: UPCOMING EVENTS Friday, September 25th, 2009 Lincoln County Democratic Grassroots Rally Time: Event lasts from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Saturday, September 26th, 2009 Missouri Democratic Party State Committee Meeting Time for events: Location: Contact: Kellie Freeman <mailto:kfreeman@missouridems.org> 417-894-4413 Saturday, September 26th, 2009 Meet-Up “Party in the Park” Time: Event lasts from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 2009 Hall of Fame Time: Event lasts from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM For more information, please check http://www.missouridems.org/events.php.
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Our mailing address is: Phone: 573-636-5241 Copyright (C) 2009 Missouri Democratic Party. All rights reserved.
Sep
23
2009
“If this was easy, it would’ve happened a long time ago. ” A Message from Senator Claire McCaskillPosted by Jessica Podhola in UncategorizedFrom Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill Tensions are running high in Washington as the debate rages over health insurance reform. And I get it. Health care is such a personal issue. Access to good quality, affordable care – or the lack of it – can change your life. So we can’t get swept up in the negativity that Washington interest groups specialize in or close our minds based on fear and misinformation, or draw imaginary lines in the sand. We’ve got to keep our heads. I owe it to you, my bosses in Missouri, to tell you where I’m at in this debate. Here are my top priorities for healthcare: * Provide you more choices I invite you to send me your priorities for insurance reform. I’m representing Missouri the best way I know how – by looking at each issue on its merits and coming to an independent decision. But I’m convinced, now more than ever, that we must get a bill because the price of doing nothing is way too high. None of the bills proposed have been perfect, and they’re all likely to change significantly before the end. And with so many proposals now up for discussion, we have to remember there is so much agreement on most of the reforms we’re considering. Finding agreement on everything won’t happen, but I’m optimistic we will make a meaningful difference in healthcare and health insurance reform this year. Tell me your thoughts on healthcare now. I give you my word that I’ll keep fighting for what I think is right, and for Missourians like you. All best, Senator Claire McCaskill Read my blog at http://clairecmc.tumblr.com.
Sep
23
2009
Reason #2152 Why Roy Blunt and the Missour GOP won’t fight for the average Missouri familyPosted by Jessica Podhola in UncategorizedBecause they are too busy, groveling with their rich buddies, and bring in Newt for a high dollar fundraiser. Newt, to raise funds for Blunt and the MO GOP  http://penroseonpolitics.wordpress.com/
Sep
22
2009
The Insurance companies need our help!Posted by Jessica Podhola in Favorite Videos, Healthcare, Humor
Sep
21
2009
The fringe is defining the GOP…or how Roy Blunt redefines himselfPosted by Jessica Podhola in Blunt, Favorite Videos, GOPCongressman Roy Blunt…so much to say, so little time: Rachel Maddow on the “ Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy I have been traveling alot recently, dealing with some family health issues. I missed this, forgive me…. “Congressman Blunt on Washington Monkeys” I am willing to give Blunt some credit, I doubt Congressman Blunt had racist thoughts when he told this story, of course the fact that he told this story shows his lack of judgement and forsight. Here is the video:
Will Congressman Blunt join with Congressman Wilson next at the Missouri Republican Assembly? Will he continue to stoke the fringe movement of the far right? As I see it, if you can only fire up the fringe of your base then you have a problem with your message and your platform. I am unapologetically liberal. More moderate than my friends on the east and west coast, more liberal than my friends down south. I recognize however that we can not allow the fringe to dictate how we govern or even our party platform, when will the GOP? We need to renew this program it is vital. Please check out this article from Kansas City Star.
Sep
17
2009
Rep. Wilson is coming to Missouri, what would Miss Manners say?Posted by Jessica Podhola in UncategorizedRep. Joe “You Lie” Wilson will be in Springfield, next moth to address the ” Missouri Republican Assembly”, an ultra-conservative activist group, accompaning Mr. Wilson?? Dick Morris, yep that Dick Morris. Tsk, tsk Mr. Wilson….”you lie” down with dogs, you get up with fleas.
Sep
16
2009
Congratulations to Kansas City’s own Representative Mike TalboyPosted by S.Bough in Uncategorized
Congratulations to Kansas City’s own Representative Mike Talboy, who was elected by his peers to be the leader of the House Democrats, according to the KC Star. The Jackson County Democratic Committee is committed to working to make Rep. Talboy the Speaker of the House rather than the minority leader. Rep. Talboy is doing a great job working to protect our Democratic incumbents and to take out the weak Republicans. Along with the great efforts by our Governor and the Missouri Democratic Party to get fabulous candidates for open seats (we have three term-limited Republicans right here in Jackson County), we have an excellent chance of making Rep. Talboy into Speaker Talboy. Please join your Jackson County Democratic Committee right now in making a positive difference in our candidates’ campaigns. Stephen R. Bough The Law Offices of Stephen R. Bough 917 W. 43rd St., Suite 100 Kansas City, Missouri 64111 Phone (816) 931-0048 Fax (816) 931-4803
The Time for Healthcare Reform is NowBy: State Representative Jason Holsman Representative Jason Holsman District 45 As President Obama looks to regain control of the national debate on healthcare reform that has been taking place in town halls across the county, here are a few points for us all to consider. There is no single healthcare bill. Special interest groups and talking heads on TV that claim “the healthcare bill” will have this or that dire outcome are trying to provoke outrage to aid their own agenda. This critically important debate deserves better than the fear mongering that has become the only consistent agenda of the opposition. Every measurable indicator shows that the United States is in pressing need of comprehensive health care reform. Consider the following figures. These are facts, not opinions, and describe why our current system is failing our country. The cost of health coverage is increasing at a much faster rate than the average income. Since 2000, insurance premiums have increased 5% to 14% each year, while wages have increased 2% to 4% each year. We spend more money on healthcare than any other industrialized nation in the world. The return on our investment is atrocious: we rank 41st in the world in life expectancy and 29th in infant mortality. In 2005, the costs for emergency room visits by those without health insurance reached $27 billion. It is estimated that uncompensated costs factored almost 5.6% of hospitals total expenses in 2004. The costs, which are passed onto taxpayers, are expected to continue to increase by 6% annually. I could go on, but the story is the same. Not passing comprehensive healthcare reform hurts our economy. President Obama has made a concerted and noble effort to allow the Congress to debate and write the best healthcare reform bill its collective judgment yields. I do not question his attempt to achieve a bipartisan solution by deciding not to submit a pre-written bill to Congress, which was one of several missteps from Bill Clinton’s attempt at healthcare reform in 1993. Unfortunately, Congress is failing to work together in good faith to pass comprehensive reform, with competing plans distracting us from the core debate and spawning an epic misinformation campaign aimed at intimidating undecided citizens. The Republicans have become the Party of “No” and are determined to fight against any suggestions without ever offering an idea of their own. As gloomy as it looks, there is still time to pass the reform our country deserves, and reports today suggest that President Obama is ready to reset the debate. It looks as though having seen the process get bogged down in various congressional committees he will now play a more active role in setting the policy agenda. As he articulates his stance, here are my suggestions to all our national leaders: Don’t worry about your next election. The window of opportunity is short, and it will be years before it comes again. The time for reform is now, regardless of the potential political effects. Have your bill drafted by independent experts, not politicians. If the leading studies and research on healthcare systems find that the best solution involves a public option, then include that in your plan, regardless of opposition from interest groups. Advocate for what is best for the country despite insurance companies, special interests, party factions, and public popularity. Focus on educating us all on the benefits and consequences of your plan. Change is always scary because of the fear of the unknown. You can lessen the misinformation and ease our understandable apprehension of any plan by talking to the American people regularly and honestly. We look to your leadership to find an honest objective solution based on what works and not what is politically expedient.
Sep
08
2009
DEMOCRATS NEED TO “TAKE-A-KNEE” By Reggie MarselusPosted by Jessica Podhola in UncategorizedDEMOCRATS NEED TO “TAKE-A-KNEE” In the last four years, Democrats have witnessed a history making shift in the majorities of both houses of Congress and the Whitehouse. We have seemingly escaped the clutches of the so-called permanent Republican majority. What a dizzying and wonderful time it is. Since President Obama’s election, we have all been elevated by his willingness to do everything possible to get our nation going another direction. He has made monumental progress in steering our “Ship-of-State” during a violent storm. His Captain’s ability is proving stalwart in every crisis. He’s doing great. But the chorus of opposition to any leader of a nation has never been louder, or more virulent than it is now. The President’s agenda is under constant and rabid attack. And the attacks come from more than just the traditional Congressional roadblocks. He is experiencing a virtual furnace that’s been heated “seven times hotter”, as the Old Testament puts it. From every direction, in all media- radio, television, newspapers, magazines, the internet blogs, through the mail, over the phone, billboards, placards, and bumper stickers. There’s no end in sight for the Anti-Obama message. Unfortunately, even Democrats are lining up to oppose the President in some of his actions of late. We have seen the rise of a group of conservative Democrats in Congress called, “Blue Dogs”. They oppose financially irresponsible legislation. But it’s the President who is getting their heat. Other liberals are also getting in on the fray by pressing their respective hot-button issues. There are special interest groups from every part of the nation gearing up to take on everybody, including President Obama, to get what they want. Organized labor is one of those interest groups. We did help President Obama win the election. But so did a lot of other groups and constituencies. We did provide a great deal of assistance to the campaigns of Democrats all over the country. It’s entirely true that many of them owe us a debt of gratitude. We got them there. But that’s what all the special interest groups are saying. President Obama does not need to be splattered by his own supporters while he is in legislative combat with his most vehement opposition. We need to calm down. Do you remember high school or college sports? Do you remember what the coach used to say when he felt it was time to have a chat with the players? Do you recall how the coach got their attention so they would listen to him or her? The coach would blow the whistle calling for a gathering of the entire team. “Take a knee”, the coach would say. The team would gather in as tight a group as possible, kneeling, while the coach outlined his thoughts and inspirations. Well, it’s time for us to “Take-A-Knee”. Democrats are in danger of committing the exact same politically damaging moves as our opponents did over the last two decades. And if we don’t get some perspective, we won’t survive this historical shift in political fortunes long enough to change the names in the phone books. Starting in 2006, Barack Obama’s run for the office took him two years of hard campaigning. That was unprecedented in American political history. No one had ever announced his candidacy for President as soon after a national election. Why did he begin so soon? He knew it would take that long to convince America to put him in office. And he was right. The shift in polling of independent voters did not occur until just a few weeks before the election. He saw how hard the job was going to be. And he did it. Now that he is our President, he knows that actually governing the nation is tougher than running for office and getting elected. Few of us regular citizens can even conceive of the enormous responsibility that comes with the highest elected office in the land. His priorities and agenda are merely backdrop to all the “set-in-concrete” pressures that he, or any President, must deal with on a daily basis. He does not need his own party to start heaping more on him right out of the gate. We need to take a larger view of what has been accomplished and what lies ahead before we dive into the filthiest of endeavors- making laws. There is a reason for the old saying, “There’s two things you never want to see manufactured- laws and sausages”. Let’s get some perspective. Back in 1994, the Republicans won their majority in the House of Representatives and began the newest version of the conservative revolution. They presented a list of priorities dubbed the “Contract With America”. They then proceeded to implement the contract as immediately as possible. And what was the result? They shut down the government in 1995. Then they impeached a President just a short time later. That’s what a revolution was all about. In 2002, the Republicans won a majority of seat in the U.S. Senate. Now they had it all, both houses of Congress and the Whitehouse. You remember how that worked out, don’t you? Democrats do not need a revolution like that. We have endured, survived and finally defeated the conservative revolution that was started way back in the 1960′s. If we play our cards right, the revolution can stay defeated. If not, we will have learned nothing. We need to swallow a huge dose of patience down our collective throats. We need to step back, take a deep breath and truly discover what it is we have won. We will not survive by the predatory politics that defined Reaganomics and the Bush/Cheney imperialism. We cannot do to them what they did to us and expect a different outcome. As Democrats, we need to make sure that President Obama knows he has our full support and our true backing. He needs us as much as we need him. He is in desperate need to have his supporters actually support him. Yes, we have issues. Yes, we have desires. Yes, we have demands. But these issues, desires and demands will serve us no good if we cannot undo what has been done in the past. And our best hope of undo-ing what has been done is to allow President Obama to get on with the job of governing. Is that to say we should put aside our various needs? Not at all. But Barack Obama will be the President of the United States for, at least, the next three and half years, and possibly four more after that. He’s only been in office for much less than a year. Let’s “Take-A-Knee” and do some hometown grownup reflecting. Before we start demanding that President Obama carry out all of the promises- all at once- in one fell swoop- with one phone call- in one instant, all in one day- let us take time to understand. Barack Obama proved that a positive campaign can achieve a positive result. May we, his supporters, allow him to keep up that positive campaign. Why? He deserves it. [Reggie Marselus is a retired electrician and President of the Retirees Club of IBEW Local Union 124. He lives in Lenexa] |
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