After the Wu announcement, Michael wrote us and concisely described the pain and frustration of so many Democrats:

"... it doesn't seem to make much difference whether Democrats or Republicans are in power anymore. They are both gunning for what remains of the social safety net. Unless this changes pretty damn quick, don't count on my support for electing one set of plutocrats over the other."

The most dangerous thing we can do as progressives is throw in the towel and go home. This is exactly why the GOP was so successful in 2010.

Many years ago Paul Weyrich, right wing "Christian" activist and one of the founders of ALEC, said this:

"I don't want everybody to vote. Elections are not won by a majority of people, they never have been from the beginning of our country and they are not now. As a matter of fact, our leverage in the elections quite candidly goes up as the voting populace goes down."

He said this at a Christian conference in 1980, and since that time - and before - part of the strategy in the GOP and right wing play book has been to suppress voter turnout. So, the GOP delights in the fact that a good number of progressives self-suppress.

If progressives stay home for another cycle, allowing more GOP successes, we'll be doing nothing but opening the door for SCOTUS appointments that make John Roberts look moderate. Expect more full on assaults on the Big 3, as well as a mad scramble to divvy up long standing public trusts to the highest private bidder.

While I am as horrified as anyone at the debt-ceiling crisis-that-shouldn't-be, and aghast that the Big 3 have even been mentioned in the context of debt reduction, I'll be damned if I will allow the door to be thrust open wider for those that are hell bent on destroying the people' government.

If this IS to change pretty damn quick, it's is folks on the ground that need to make it happen. In CD 1 each one of the Democratic candidates, (both announced and not-yet-announced), is a strong advocate for workers, for civil rights, and for those that depend on the services that the Tea Party will undermine and curtail. GOP potential candidates ARE of the Tea party Ilk, speak the Tea Party language, and one of them even LEADS the Oregon Tea Party.

If folks like you and I aren't willing to stay in the game and beat back the Tea Party path to hell, who will?

All Democrats may not be perfect, but there are a whole gaggle of Democratic Congressional folk who fight the progressive fight every day of their lives. It's in my own moments of angst and frustration that I will look to the words of Pete Defazio, Dennis Kucinich, Barbara Lee, Jan Shakowsky, Raul Griijalva and so many more, and know that I am in the right place for this fight.

We ask DC Dems to show some spine; we need to show it, too by speaking out and staying involved. Let the foks in Dc know how you feel, and commit to the work on the ground to ensure real democratic and Democratic success.

July 27, 2011

You now know that Congressman Wu has announced his intention to resign from office, and plans to step down after the the debate on the debt ceiling is settled. As of this writing, we do not know when that date will be, but once Congressman Wu determines a specific date, he will submit a letter of resignation to Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown. SOS Brown will then officially forward this to Gov. Kitzhaber, who has determined already that primary elections and a general election will occur for the vacant seat.

In accordance with law, the primary elections must occur at least 80 days from the effective date of the resignation. Third Party candidates may file with their respective Parties to receive their Party's nomination for the General election, as well. Even moving on a rapid time clock, these elections will occur at the earliest in the late fall and winter. According to the Elections Division of the SOS office, the Election will be conducted based on the old map of Congressional District 1 - i.e. before redistricting.

As this election develops in its own special cycle, I cannot emphasize enough to you about how important it is. When Democrats volunteer, Democrats vote. When Democrats vote, Democrats win. In what may end up the first election of 2012, Oregon 1 will be regarded as a bellwether election, and politicos nationwide will look to Oregon to both forecast and frame the political horizon. Plan now to be involved - whether you're in Congressional District 1 or not, Oregon needs you.

It’s Time For Our Annual July Potluck Picnic/Meeting

 

What? Always more picnic than meeting. In fact, you know that social hour we have at the beginning of most meetings? Well, that's mostly what this is.

Where? Red Sunset Park in Gresham which is on the west side of 242nd - also known as Hogan, between Stark and Division.

When?  Thursday, July 14th, 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Who?  Local and state politicians (of the very best sort) and activists (of the very best sort) and that's why you'll fit right in.

What's to eat? Multnomah County Democrats will supply "the basics"---burgers, hot dogs, buns, condiments, grill equipment, water, soda, ice, coolers, plates, cups, utensils, napkins and table covers. The potluck part is that you bring a favorite side dish to share.

Does it cost? If you just want to bring you, a small donation ($5.00) is a great idea in lieu of the side dish, to help defray the cost. But don’t let lack of either side dish or donation keep you away. We all get tired of asking for money and being asked for money. In this case showing up is much more important than paying up!

For those doing public transportation - Bus (#20/Stark) or the MAX Blue Line to Cleveland Station will both work.

If you'd like to be picked up at a Gresham bus or Max stop, call Mel’s cell at 503-975-1139 and we’ll arrange to get you.  Or you can call ahead if you know when you will arrive at the stop.

See you there!! 

PS: Find the Multnomah County Democrats on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Multcodems

You can even sign up there for this event.

The Multnomah Democrats have passed a resolution in support of SB41, which establishes deadlines by which public bodies must respond to public records requests. Here's the resolution:

 

Resolution of the Multnomah County Democratic Party Regarding

Oregon Senate Bill 41

WHEREAS, a recent nationwide study of government openness coordinated by the Better Government Association and National Freedom of Information Coalition gave Oregon a grade of ‘F’, and,

WHEREAS, Attorney General John Kroger has submitted Senate Bill 41 to give citizens and media organizations the ability to request and obtain government records in a timely, cost-effective manner, and,

WHEREAS, SB 41 is designed to make Oregon government more open to its citizens by requiring  government to provide records at a fair cost and on strict deadlines, in order to prevent state and local governments from delaying their responses to requests or charging unreasonable and inflated expenses when asked to produce records, and,

 

WHEREAS, SB 41 is written with the public interest in mind and contains safeguards to protect government bodies from nuisance requests, and,

WHEREAS, SB 41 would benefit all Oregon citizens by providing a better mechanism for media and citizens to oversee the operations of governments at all levels,

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The Multnomah County Democratic Party strongly supports the efforts of Attorney General John Kroger to pass SB 41 and encourages its members to contact their state legislators, especially state senators, to encourage their support of SB 41.