The Grand Democrat

Fall 20091
The Grand Democrat
T he
Grand Democrat
From the President
President- Larry Levinson
623 594 0010
[email protected]
Vice-President-Jim Chrest
623-556-4522
[email protected]
Secretary-Jonita Bigelow
623-256-6093
[email protected]
Treasurer-Harriet Kahn
650-200-6169
[email protected]
Members at Large
Barbara Nelson
623-556-0415
[email protected]
Jack Hitchcock
623-975-4664
Since I have a couple of other pieces in this newsletter, Iʼll keep it
brief. We have had a good year in the Grand Democrats. The
Surprise Club is up and running, our Veteranʼs campaigns have
gone well, and we have begun our work with Thompson Ranch
Elementary School. Many of the Grand Dems worked hard with LD
4 in their campaign to encourage voters to go PEVL. We initiated a
Blue Breakfast series (on first Thursdays) for people who are
unable to attend our evening activities. We participated in the
Spring garage sale in Grand.
This has been slightly easier year for us. Perhaps, for the State or
Nation, not so much. But, as we transition into another election
year, we must be prepared to again work hard to elect local and
Statewide Democrats. Some candidates have already announced,
others will do so shortly.
We will need many volunteers to work on our committees, to help
candidates, to serve as PCʼs (we have one opening each in
Mountain View and Grand precincts)—please email or call me if
you are willing to serve in any capacity.
One more thing, there are close to 3000 registered Democrats here
in Sun City Grand. We have nearly 300 members. Wouldnʼt it be
great if we could grow from 10% to 20% of local Democrats?
Would you be willing to bring one new person to one of our
meetings or Blue Mondays or Blue Breakfasts? One Democrat
who would want to join our club? Please think about it.
Please enjoy this newsletter. Itʼs the first time we are doing a
predominantly electronic distribution. Let us know what you think.
Take care. Larry
[email protected]
Margie Thompson
623-322-3943
“Democracy is not a spectator sport.
It takes action to get changes made.” anon
[email protected]
Grand Democrats
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The Grand Democrat
Fall 2009
A Philosophical Issue about
Health Care Reform
•
I have spoken to many people about
health care reform in this country. I have
heard some positive things about the
need for such reform, from both
republicans and Democrats. I have,
however, heard something from our
fellow Democrats that bothers me and I
wanted to discuss this subject openly.
Several people have stated that they are
ambivalent about such reform because
they donʼt think it will benefit them
individually. This is not an issue about
them or me; itʼs an issue of benefit to
our community, state, and federal
governments. So, many factual
interviews and articles today
demonstrate the need for reform.
•
These are all real issues, both hidden
and very transparent, and we should
seriously consider the beneficiary: US.
We need to consider the whole, that is
the collective health of our country, not
just how it affects us individually. We
should be migrating to a philosophy of
“least of my brethren,” not the “ME”
generation. I trust that some of the talk I
heard was idle chatter, but sometimes
that chatter is inappropriate.
Many people in our community depend
on government-run social programs,
such as Social Security, Medicaid and
Medicare. What would happen if:
•
•
•
•
Social Security benefits donʼt
increase for two years while
Medicaid and Medicare costs –
our out of pocket costs –
increase dramatically?
A doctor prescribes a medication
that is non-generic and has no
generic equivalent. The
medication is expensive so we
have to pick up the difference.
The number of those with no
insurance continues to grow, not
directly affecting us but indirectly
affects the rising costs of drugs,
doctorʼs office calls, and hospital
bills.
Is it really fair that we can go to
Mexico or Canada and buy the
same prescription drug for a
fraction of what we could buy it
for in this country?
Grand Democrats
We have residents at Sun City
Grand who have to pay their own
insurance because they are
retired but yet not eligible for
Medicaid or Medicare. They are
beginning to see their private
insurance rates rise without a
commensurate increase in
income. Their concern is
expressed by the necessity of
cutting back on other perhaps
essential needs in order to
continue paying the insurance
bills.
Insurance is a gamble, them
against us. Who is benefiting
overall?
Come on, Democrats! Letʼs band
together and get this thing done!
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The Grand Democrat
Fall 2009
If you want to be a part of the fun and
social status of the evening, we urge
you to purchase your tickets early. We
do not have unlimited tickets, the theatre
can only hold a specific number of
people, and we know the demand will be
great.
Bits and Bites---LD 4
Fundraiser
November 20, 2009 is a date that we
hope you will all mark on your calendar
as important.
November 20th is the date for Legislative
District 4 Democrats 1st Annual Event,
“Bits & Bites of Broadway”. It will be the
Social and Political Event of 2009. A fun
evening, an evening for socializing,
meeting local and state candidates, and
being able to interact with them on a one
to one basis without political speeches,
enjoy a catered dinner and be
entertained by professionals. We will
have a silent auction with many great
items to bid on as well.
Come, enjoy the fun, get to know the
candidates, enjoy your friends, savor the
food, and delight in the entertainment.
This is a fund-raiser for District 4
Democratic Committee and we are
required by law to obtain the mailing
address, occupation and employer
information for each individual
contributor. Contributions are not tax
deductible for State and Federal tax
purposes
Please join us on November 20, 2009 at
the Arizona Broadway Theatre, located
in Peoria, at 7701 W Paradise Lane, one
block south of Bell Rd at 77th Ave.,
conveniently located and easy to get to.
The evening begins at 5:30 PM with
cocktails (cash bar), followed by a full
dinner with table service, and
professional entertainment by actors
from the Arizona Broadway Theatre.
Good News for Progressive
Radio Listeners
Many of us were disappointed earlier
this year when our progressive radio
station, 1480 AM, left the air. They are
back!!! See schedule below or go online
to http://www.kphx.com/ .
Weekday Schedule:
Additional information and tickets can be
obtained by calling Roger or Barbara
Grossbard at 623-975-4422, e-mail
[email protected],
The Bill Press Show... 3:00AM-6:00AM
Stephanie Miller…….
Thom Hartman…….. 9:00AM-12:00PM
Tickets are $55.00 each, maximum table
size is six. The price includes your meal
and entertainment, truly a bargain. We
will accommodate your requests to be
seated with your friends, but you must
purchase your tickets early. Tickets can
also be purchased from Sharon Forbes,
Jonita Bigelow, Michael Vorters,
Stephanie Rogall, and Connie & Jim
McManus
Grand Democrats
6:00AM-9:00AM
Randi Rhodes……… 12:00AM-3:00PM
Mike Newcomb…….
3:00PM-6:00PM
Mike Malloy………..
6:00PM-9:00PM
Ed Schultz………..
9:00PM- 12:00AM
To listen go to KPHX 1480 AM.
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The Grand Democrat
Fall 2009
fellow Americans. We may not have
another chance in our lifetime.
Empathy
(em-puh-thee); Noun. The intellectual
identification with or vicarious
experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or
attitudes of another.
We can stand together and end the war
in Iraq, revitalize the economy and
provide affordable healthcare to all
Americans.
There have been poems and works of
people far more eloquent than myself
about why they are Democrats. For me,
the reason is empathy. I chose this
Party because of the long history of
having empathy for those less fortunate
than me.
If we can embrace true and deep
understanding of the least among us,
then we can be greater human beings.
Our time is now to do everything we can
to stand together, be courageous, lead
by example, be empathetic and we
must demand no less from our
Democratic leaders in Congress.
I am reminded of Ted Kennedyʼs ability
of connecting with people in all walks of
life even though he was born to
privilege. Why? Because he had
carried on in spite of depths of despair
with deaths due to hatred and life
mistakes that come with being human.
He was a great man because he had
“been there” and possessed empathy in
its truest form.
What are Blue Dog
Democrats?
Every political coalition needs a catchy
name. The 1840s had the KnowNothings, the 1980s had the Boll
Weevils, and now there are the Blue
Dogs, a group of 52 fiscally conservative
Democrats in the U.S. House of
Representatives.
I chose to be a Democrat because the
leaders in my Party were empathetic
and always in the forefront of life
changing legislation that helped the
least among us.
When the Democrats lost Congress in
1994, some Representatives blamed the
defeat on a party they felt had shifted
too far to the left. These disgruntled
Democrats decided to form a coalition to
stand against their more liberal party
members. They held meetings in the
office of former Louisiana
Representative Billy Tauzin, who
reportedly had one of Cajun artist
George Rodrigue's famous Blue Dog
paintings hanging on his wall. The Blue
Dog Coalition's website cites the 1928
term Yellow Dog, used to refer to a
Southern Democrat who was more likely
to vote for a dog than for a republican.
Instead of being blinded by party loyalty,
this new group complained that it had
been "choked blue" by its own party.
I admired my grandparents for their
sacrifices and their support of the New
Deal. I respected my parents for the
criticism and ridicule they endured to
make the Civil Rights Act, Medicare and
Medicaid, aid to education and the War
on Poverty realities as part of the Great
Society.
It is our turn. Will our grandchildren be
able to say the same about us? We
have a chance to make a real difference
in the lives of the least among us. We
have an opportunity to carry on a great
legacy of service and caring for our
Grand Democrats
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The Grand Democrat
Fall 2009
Originally having just 23 members,
mostly from Southern states, the Blue
Dogs supported the republicans'
Contract with America and complained
that the Clinton White House was too
liberal. Blue Dog numbers expand and
contract with every election, and new
members are referred to as Blue Pups.
Gabrielle Giffords, District 8, and Harry
Mitchell, District 5.
To contact the BlueDogs as a group,
send an email to:
[email protected]
Blue Dogs tend to come from
conservative areas of the country, where
voters see them as a non-threatening
alternative to republicans. They
frequently provide the only bridge in an
increasingly partisan political climate
and are highly courted by other
Democrats who need their votes to pass
bills. They forced Obama to institute a
pay-as-you-go budget plan for his $787
billion stimulus bill. Now, seven of the
eight Blue Dogs on the House Energy
and Commerce Committee have
threatened to vote down Obama's
health-care legislation.
Sue Dolphin Announces for
Arizona Senate
In general, Blue Dog Democrats are
elected in moderate or conservative
districts. They need Democratic votes,
but the Democratic voters in the district
also tend to be fairly conservative many are Democrats by tradition more
than by philosophy. Quite a few were
elected last time in districts that had
previously been held by a republican.
I am honored to announce that I am
your candidate for the Arizona State
Senate in 2010. I believe that we need
“real leadership” NOW! The public
education system is being destroyed by
our current elected officials so that they
can privatize education for profit. Our
most vulnerable citizens are being
victimized by massive budget cuts to
programs that are vital to their
existence. We are giving tax cuts to the
wealthiest at a time when our deficit is
over $3 billion with no end in sight.
Our state is in the worst financial crisis
in our history. Our elected officials are
fighting amongst themselves instead of
working together to improve the lives of
Arizonaʼs citizens. Arizona must have
strong leaders that will work together to
resolve these horrendous issues that
our state is currently undergoing.
In 2008 the American people voted for
change, including in health care policy. It
would be a bad mistake for any
Democrat not to support legitimate
reform. Any blue dog who does not
support the president, will not be elected
in 2010; republican is not a choice and
the party of No is out.
To influence the vote of the Blue Dogs,
one can send a letter or email message
or can call the Congressmanʼs office.
The Arizona members of the group are
Grand Democrats
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The Grand Democrat
Fall 2009
In addition, we are being stereotyped as
a ”gun-loving vestige of the old Wild
West.” Our future is at stake and
Arizona needs leaders that care about
you, its citizens, not their own personal
agendas. I am that leader!
With your support I know we will
succeed in making Arizona a state that
we can be proud of now and in the
future.
Thank you
Sue Dolphin
Social committee: Suggest ideas for
activities for our members, make
members and visitors welcome at our
activities, participate in bringing cookies
to meetings or recruit other donors,
show creative talents in creating themes
and decorations for our events.
Telephone committee: Participate in
making phone calls to remind members
of our meetings if they do not have email
or web access, make calls about special
events and/or serve as chair of this
committee to coordinate calling.
The Grand Democrats Need
YOU!
Coming up soon is the 2010 election.
What is at stake? The list of issues is
too long; however, here are a few.
Locally we have serious air quality
problems, deficient roads and bridges,
poor education, and lack of teacher
support. At the State level, we have
many of the same issues. Looking at
the Arizona budget mess, you know we
need more seats in the House and the
Senate. We also need to elect a
Governor, Attorney General, Secretary
of State and Superintendent of Public
Instruction.
The Grand Democrats have no paid
staff – just people like you! Please join
us by volunteering to help the Grand
Democrats grow and become a real
presence in this community.
If you participate in any of the Grand
Democrats activities, please lend a
hand. We try to accommodate your
varying schedules by offering Blue
Monday, Blue Breakfast, Social Drop-Ins
and our monthly meeting in addition to
occasional special functions like the
Governorʼs event.
The Grand Democrats have no paid
staff – just people like you. Right now
the GRAND DEMOCRATS need your
support. Please help in ANY way that
you can!
We need individuals to help in several
specific areas to support the Grand
Democrats. Our current volunteers are
wearing out!
Call or email or talk to any of our Board
members about what you can do to
help.
Membership committee: Assist the
chair at meetings with the check-in so
people arenʼt delayed at the door; help
in making visitors and members feel
welcome at our events.
Never doubt that a small group of
committed citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it is the only thing that
has.
Program committee: Identify potential
speakers for our meetings, arrange for
speakers and/or serve as Chair of the
committee.
Grand Democrats
Margaret Mead
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The Grand Democrat
Fall 2009
Congress is going to be addressing this
issue, as well as health care and others,
shortly. We need to learn what really
works and what is merely a sop to
politicians and special interests and
insist that our representatives do the
right thing. Itʼs bad enough that we are
leaving our children and grandchildren a
mountain of debt. It is inexcusable that
we would leave them a planet unable to
recover from the depredations of
humanity.
PS—while we sometimes complain
about our Blue Dog Democratic
Representatives in AZ, all Democrats in
AZ voted for the bill and all republicans
voted to kill it.
It's not only Health Care,
Folks
We have been paying so much attention
to the health care brouhaha that we may
have neglected other important
legislation in the pipeline. An issue
facing this country that is probably more
important than health care in the long
run, although not immediately, is the
issue of energy conservation and the
need to assure that climate change does
not do irreparable damage to our nation.
Jeffrey Sachs, writing in Scientific
American, points out that the Housepassed Clean Energy and Security Act,
while addressing a number of critical
issues, does not prioritize them. Sachs
says that the portion of the bill putting a
price on carbon is very important; he
indicates, however, that it is done in a
less than optimum way. Rather than a
straight carbon tax, the House proposes
cap and trade, which, while better than
nothing is not the best way to approach
the problem. (He doesnʼt point out that
the bill is overly generous to polluters.)
Sachs argues for, in order, more
nuclear, improving clean coal
technology, developing solar (we could
meet half the energy needs of the
country with a large solar array in the
Mohave desert), moving our vehicle fleet
to all electric (and developing the
capability in the US to design and build
those vehicles so we do not need to
import them), and developing more fuel
efficiencies in our use of electricity
(motors, appliance, heating and
cooling).
He criticizes the inclusion of expanded
corn based biofuels (the data is clear
that corn based is well down the line in
terms of energy efficiency—it uses
almost as much power to generate corn
based power as it gets from the corn
based product).
Grand Democrats
ACLU Celebrates 50 Years By
Honoring Clients Who
Fought for the Rights of
Students
For Savana Redding and Mary Beth
Tinker, the rights of young people are
worth fighting for – no matter what.
Both women served as ACLU clients in
two landmark U.S. Supreme Court
cases handed down 40 years apart.
Both women were only 13 when they
had the courage to stand up against
actions by schools officials who violated
their constitutional rights.
Redding and Tinker will serve as guests
of honor during the ACLU of Arizonaʼs
50th Anniversary Celebration from 5 to 8
p.m. on Saturday, November 7th at the
Home of Janet and Michael Valder,
6211 N. 20th Street, in Phoenix.
Tickets are $50 and must be purchased
in advance by visiting the ACLU of
Arizonaʼs Web site at www.acluaz.org or
by calling Lindsay Nordstrom at 602650-1854 ext. 105.
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The Grand Democrat
Fall 2009
“Weʼre extremely honored to be able to
celebrate our 50th Anniversary alongside
these two courageous women,” said
ACLU of Arizona Executive Director
Alessandra Soler Meetze. “Mary Beth
Tinker broke the path that students –
like Savana Redding – have followed
and itʼs because of them that
generations of students have been
introduced to the ACLU.”
wearing black armbands to school to
protest the war in Vietnam. Represented
by the ACLU, the students and their
families embarked on a four-year court
battle that culminated in the landmark
Supreme Court decision: Tinker v. Des
Moines. On February 24, 1969 the Court
ruled 7-2 that students do not "shed
their constitutional rights to freedom of
speech or expression at the
schoolhouse gate." Mary Beth Tinker is
now a registered nurse, an active leader
in her union, and holds masters degrees
in public health and nursing.
Both of their cases established
important legal precedents protecting
the rights of students to be free from
unreasonable searches and to express
themselves at school.
Contributors to this Edition
Sharon Beard-Editor
Jonita Bigelow
Sharon Forbes
Roger Grossbard
Walter Hopkins
Harriet Kahn
Penny Kotterman
Sharon Levinson
Savana Redding and her mother, April,
are plaintiffs in the case Safford Unified
School District v. Redding, decided by
the U.S. Supreme Court on June 25,
2009. The Court ruled that school
officials violated Savanaʼs constitutional
rights when they strip searched her
based on a classmateʼs uncorroborated
accusation that she previously
possessed ibuprofen. Savana was 13years-old at the time of the incident.
Now 19, Savana is a college student
currently living with her father in Hobbs,
New Mexico.
Larry Levinson
Jim McManus
Alessandra Soler Meetze
Connie McManus
Barbara Nelson
John Nuerenburg
The quickest way to spoil a good
discussion is to include someone who
Tinker was a junior high school student
in December 1965 when she and a
group of students were suspended for
Grand Democrats
actually knows what he is talking about.
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The Grand Democrat
Fall 2009
issues in Arizona. After the meeting a
committee was formed to look into how
the Grand Dems could help. After some
discussion and exploration, we decided
as an organization to “adopt” a school.
Thompson Ranch School in Surprise
was selected as it was a failing school at
that time. (Since then it has improved to
Performing+.)
Reprinted from the Arizona
Republic
On Tuesday, August 25, I attended John
McCainʼs “Healthcare Town Hall” in the
naïve belief that Senator McCain was
holding a town hall in order to hear from
all of his constituents.
Instead, from the introductory remarks
from the Mayor of Peoria to the opening
statement from Senator McCain, it
became obvious that the supposed
“Town Hall Meeting” was, in actuality,
just a rally against health care reform.
Senator McCain stated that it was the
people who attended these meetings
who would kill health care reform.
When President Obama asked all of us
to think about what we could do to as a
service to others, I gathered up my
courage and signed up to volunteer at a
local elementary school. I wanted to
help, in some small way, ensure that we
look to the future and work today to
provide strong leaders, scientists,
technicians and teachers for tomorrow.
Senator McCain, not all of the people at
the meetings were there to protest
healthcare reform – some were there in
the mistaken belief that you really cared
about the concerns of ALL of your
constituents. Next time you have a
meeting, please remember that we have
laws concerning truth in advertising and
call your “town hall meetings” what they
actually are – nothing more than a
political rally against quality healthcare
for all Americans.
The experience has been rewarding to
say the least and has opened my eyes
to the incredible job our teachers do
every single day. We are who and what
we are today because our parents and
teachers cared enough to make sure we
received a quality education.
Today our class listened to the
Presidentʼs Education Speech. The first
and second graders in our class listened
carefully to what the President had to
say. As young as they were, they got it.
These children, who come from homes
where English is a second language,
understood that they needed to work
hard and pay attention to their teacher.
These kids heard the message that
everyone has something they can do
well. (They also got the message that
they need to wash their hands to avoid
getting sick).
Most Americans, by the way, have not
had the opportunity to have had
government provided healthcare for their
entire life as have you.
Connie McManus
Surprise, Arizona
Volunteering at Thompson
Ranch School
Even if you do not have the time to
volunteer in our schools, or if you are a
retired educator who has “put in their
time” there are ways to support our
schools.:
Earlier this year, the Grand Democrats
held an education night with two
excellent speakers discussing education
Grand Democrats
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The Grand Democrat
•
You can support school bonds
and taxes that keep our public
schools competitive.
•
You can challenge the legislature
in this State to support our
schools.
•
Fall 2009
2009, it is estimated to be over $1
trillion.
National Debt - Sum of all deficits (and
surpluses) accumulated since 1789.
Right now it is over $11.8 trillion.
Supplemental Appropriation - an
expenditure not included in the original
yearly budget. Also referred to as "off
budget". All Obama expenditures are in
budget - therefore a more accurate
description of fiscal truth.
You can fight for smaller classes.
If you are interested in something more
“hands-on” there are many ways to help
our local schools. Contact Barbara
Nelson at [email protected] for more
information about participating with the
Grand Dems at Thompson Ranch or
visit Dysartʼs Volunteer web site
http://www.dysart.org/Departments/Com
munityRelations/volunteer
Of the total national debt, the
approximate dollar amount and
percentage by recent administrations
are as follows:
Kennedy/Johnson - $72.1 Billion 0.64%
Nixon/Ford
$718.6 Billion 6.4%
Carter
$310.0 Billion 2.8%
Reagan
$1.8 Trillion 16.3%
Bush I
$1.5 Trillion 13.8%
Clinton
$1.4 Trillion 12.4%
Bush II
$5.4 Trillion 48.3%
There is nothing more powerful than an
idea whose time has come. Victor Hugo
Fiscally Responsible?
Borrow and Spend?
Figures Every Democrat
Should Know
Remember that Clinton inherited a huge
debt and deficit. By the end of the
Clinton Administration, the annual
deficits had been replaced with
surpluses which were projected to
nearly half the National Debt. There
were actually economists projecting the
dire consequences of severely reducing
the national debt.
The following is a description of the
United Stated financial position relative
to debt at the end of the last 7
Presidential administrations – the plate
that had been set for Barack Obama.
Are You Mad Yet?
First some definitions and explanations:
You didn't get mad when the Supreme
Court stopped a legal recount and
appointed a President.
Deficit - Expenditures exceed revenue.
This can be covered by either borrowing
or bankruptcy. Thus far, the US
government has borrowed a net amount
in excess of $11.5 Trillion. Usually
discussed in terms of annual deficit. For
Grand Democrats
You didn't get mad when Cheney
allowed energy company officials to
dictate energy policy.
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The Grand Democrat
Fall 2009
Politics Has Interested Me
From an Early Age.
You didn't get mad when a covert CIA
operative got outed.
For the past decade, I’ve detected some
very troubling signs for our democracy.
Senator Bernie Sanders stated recently
that 90% of the talk shows on radio are
conservative. One must conclude that
the conservatives are getting the word
out. Problem is, much of the information
is not fact-based and is often designed
to stir up the fringe element to carry the
water, so to speak, for special interests.
Consider the following:
You didn't get mad when the Patriot Act
got passed.
You didn't get mad when we illegally
invaded a country that posed no
threat to us.
You didn't get mad when we spent over
600 billion dollars (and counting
to 2 trillion +) on said illegal war.
-Obama is not a U.S. citizen, he’s
Kenyan
You didn't get mad when over 10 billion
dollars just disappeared in Iraq.
-Under the “Obamacare” plan, death
panels will determine if senior citizens
stay alive
You didn't get mad when you saw the
Abu Grahib photos.
You didn't get mad when you found out
we were torturing people.
-If the Government runs a public plan,
there will be a bureaucrat between you
and your doctor.
You didn't get mad when the
government was illegally wiretapping
Americans.
-Health insurance will be denied to
republicans
You didn't get mad when we didn't catch
Bin Laden.
-Obama may attempt to put liberal or
socialist ideas in our children’s heads,
similar to Hitler Youth
You didn't get mad when you saw the
horrible conditions at Walter Reed.
Citizens are bombarded with ideological
precepts and outright untruths, and
many accept propaganda on its face. In
order for our country to be brought
together again, citizens must be
presented with factual information so
that they can make an informed
decision.
You didn't get mad when we let a major
US city drown.
You didn't get mad when the deficit hit
the trillion dollar mark.
The Indiana University Center for Health
Policy and Professionalism said that the
White House may be losing the battle in
exposing the myths surrounding health
care. They said that 91% of republicans
and 37 percent of Democrats believe
that government involvement will
increase wait times for things like
surgery. 78% of republicans and 30% of
Democrats believe that reforms will
You finally got mad when the
government decided that people in
America deserved the right to see a
doctor if they are sick. Yes, illegal wars,
lies, corruption, torture, stealing your tax
dollars to make the rich
richer are all okay, but helping other
Americans... well screw that.
Grand Democrats
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The Grand Democrat
Fall 2009
result in health care coverage for illegal
immigrants. 53% of republicans and
14% of Democrats believe that the
government will require the elderly to
make decisions about how and when
they will die. 79% of republicans and
21% of Democrats believe that the
public option will increase health care
costs. Most of the statements have been
debunked by factcheck.org.
What Is Your Answer?
A very famous American philosopher,
Robert Zimmerman (also known as Bob
Dylan) once said: ʻThe times they are a
changin.” Folks, we ainʼt seen the half
of it.
We have all lived through the move from
the industrial revolution, through
automation, to what we call the
“knowledge economy.” Although, there
sure doesnʼt seem like there is a lot of
knowledge out there, sometimes. We
are entering another era and we are not
sure what it is, what it is going to be and
we are really unsure about whether we
are going to like it.
The danger to our democracy is real. To
correct this, the citizens across the
political spectrum need to be offered
factual information versus dogma and
ideologies. We need to make the media
more accountable. Perhaps
factcheck.org could assume that role.
Perhaps political science professors
from top universities could research and
correct misinformation on a CSPAN
channel. Or, perhaps you have good
ideas on how to fix the problem.
Some of the change is cyclical,
Democrats replace republicans who
replace Democrats who… We have
been dealing with this process for
decades. We are clearly moving from a
more conservative way of thinking as a
nation to a more liberal or more
progressive one. It will probably take
more than the 8 months that the
President has been in office to realize
what we Democrats see as the fruits of
that change.
I get an uneasy feeling at the ugliness in
today’s politics. Although I don’t like to
think of the possibility, perhaps racism
can explain some of what’s happening
today. You begin to feel that one side
wants to destroy the other (the
incumbent) rather than work for the
people. This must be addressed,
because our democracy is in jeopardy if
we have a misinformed citizenry.
Republicans are beside themselves.
They canʼt imagine not being in control
and they are losing support among the
people. They donʼt know what to do, so
instead of trying to deal with the massive
changes we face, they respond like the
English king who tried to hold back the
tide. Didnʼt work then, not gonna work
now.
What you want to do, you do. The rest
is just talk.
John Cleek
Working with the republicans are many
large corporations, particularly in the
energy and health care industries. They
have bought many of our elected
officials with campaign contributions. In
West Virginia they bought a judge.
Grand Democrats
12
www.granddems.org
The Grand Democrat
Fall 2009
Over $1.4 million is being spent daily on
the health insurance reform legislation
by big Pharma and the insurance lobby.
We know the environment is changing.
We know that climate change (not just
global warming) is going to affect the
way we live our lives and for many of us,
not for the better. Congress is working
on poorly designed legislation around
cap and trade. China has set higher
mileage goals for its cars than we have.
We are going to run out of “reasonably”
priced petroleum within the next decade.
We donʼt support alternative energy
sources as a nation.
unwilling to discipline members who
work against what the party stands for.
By the way, I havenʼt even begun on the
travesty that is the Arizona Legislature
and Governor. The republicans that
control the State House and Governorʼs
office are even worse than most of those
in Congress. They are still living in the
1870ʼs and trying to legislate as if we
were a small independent group of
pretty much self-sufficient ranchers and
small business people. Itʼs not
Tombstone any more folks. Get with it,
Some experts say that food prices are
going to rise as the population of the
planet increases and the cost of fuel and
petroleum based fertilizers increases.
Our financial system may have been
pulled back from the edge of chaos, but
it is still in trouble. We are told that the
way out of the recession is for
consumers to spend more. A few years
ago we were told that Americans donʼt
save enough. Credit card companies,
owned by banks that were bailed out by
the government raise fees to make it
more difficult for people to use credit.
Banks make it more difficult for people
and businesses to borrow money. Yet,
bonuses and obscene salaries are still
paid out to the fortunate few.
My question to you is simple: what are
we going to do about this? How can we
work to assure that the world /nation/
state we live in will survive and prosper
and how can we work to assure that the
world we leave our children will be a
good one.
What should we as individuals do about
this?
President Obama campaigned on many
of these issues. We elected him and a
Senate and House of Representatives
with large Democratic majorities. Yet,
we do not see the kind of progress
necessary to help us adjust to a new life
that for many of us could seem as alien
as the move from an agricultural based
society to an industrial one. Instead,
what we see are Blue Dog Democrats
almost as intransigent as republicans.
We see a White House that is unable or
unwilling to lead. We see a party
Grand Democrats
What should the Grand Democrats as
an organization be doing to help? What
about the Maricopa and Arizona
Democratic parties? What should they
do?
I value your input. If you have ideas you
would like to share or work you would
like to do, please email me at
[email protected].
13
www.granddems.org
The Grand Democrat
Fall 2009
Approval of this override will
provide the financial
resources needed to maintain
student orientated programs
addressing Technology and
Safe School initiatives not
financially feasible in an
economic environment
strained by limited state
resources.
Approval of this override will
assure the continuation of
sound educational practices
that center upon the number
of teachers to students at all
grade levels.
Dysart School Override
Renewals
I donʼt know of anyone who enjoys
paying taxes. It would be nice if the
price of all goods and services were
lower – we would all like high income
and low costs. The fact is that goods
and services cost money; the ideal is
that money be spent well and that
our needs and desires are logically
prioritized.
My top priority in Arizonaʼs state
funding is the education of our
children – the maintenance of our
stateʼs future. Our stateʼs
educational funding is inadequate as
it is – apparently it will be lower in
the future. We have the opportunity
to prevent further erosion if the
Dysart School Override Renewals
are approved in the November 3
election. Two overrides are on the
ballot. These are as follows:
These are not new tax initiatives.
These are continuances of overrides
passed in 2000 and 2004. These
overrides are investments in our
children and the future of our state.
Please support these overrides.
Casino Trip
K-3 Override
Supports Dysartʼs award-winning
K-3 reading program focusing on
early intervention and prevention
by providing additional
resources. Early intervention
and prevention are the best
methods in preventing reading
failure and promoting success for
all students.
Maintenance and Operations
Override
Approval of this override will
allow the District to maintain the
improvements made to student
programs in art, music, physical
education and band as well as
support for staff salaries.
Grand Democrats
Join Dems and Friends on Wednesday,
11/11 for a day at the all new Wild Horse
Pass Casino. The bus will meet us at
SCG Cimarron Center for a fun-filled
day. Donation is $10.00 per person.
Please contact Judith Bridges at 623556-2084 or [email protected] for
more information and to sign-up.
Hunky Heroes and Cheap
Little Tarts
Say what?! Dems will cater your Super
Bowl Party on February 7th with a sub
sandwich and sweet little tarts for
dessert. You can reserve your sub now
by contacting Cathy Andrews at 623256-6038 or [email protected].
14
www.granddems.org
The Grand Democrat
Fall 2009
Penny Kotterman Appeal
My name is Penny Kotterman. I am
seeking the office Superintendent of
Public Instruction in 2010 because I
can make a real difference for our
schools and for public education in the
state of Arizona. There is no greater
foundation for our children and young
adults than an excellent education that
prepares them to be successful and
thrive and gives them the opportunity to
make choices about their future. As
Superintendent of Public Instruction, I
can help create those opportunities for
the next generation of Arizona students.
Upcoming meetings
Cimarron center 6:00 PM
10/28
11/18
12/1616
A lifelong educator with over 30 years of
experience as a classroom teacher,
mentor, and district program facilitator, I
currently work providing policy and
program support in the areas of teacher
quality and professional development for
K-12 educators. In addition to nearly 20
years of practical classroom experience,
I have a decadeʼs worth of experience in
education advocacy and policy
development here in Arizona.
Blue Monday
2nd Monday
Dillonʼs 5:00PM
Blue Thursday
JBʼs
1st Thursday
9:00 AM
Grand Dems Web Site: Check It Out!
Get the latest local information about
future meeting dates, on-line newsletter,
minutes and reports, Democratic and
candidate links, as well as other helpful
government organization links. Check
us out at: www.granddems.org
As president of the Arizona Education
Association for 6 years, I helped build
many of the policies central to education
in Arizona today, including AZ LEARNS,
Proposition 301, and teacher
certification. I have provided policy
advice and support Governor
Napolitanoʼs committee on teacher
quality, the Arizona P-20 council, and
the State Board of Education, among
others.
Our meetings are the 4th Wed. of the
month (with the exception of Nov. &
Dec. which are on the 3rd Wed.) at the
SCG Cimarron Center, Aqua Fria
room, at 6:30 PM.
If we believe in high standards and
high expectations for our children, our
teachers and our schools, we must
invest our efforts and resources in their
success. I encourage you to go to our
website www.PennyKotterman.com to find
out more about our campaign.
Grand Democrats
The Air We Breathe
Election Landscape 2010
Holiday event
Printing of this Newsletter paid for by
the Grand Democrats, Harriet Kahn,
Treasurer.
15
www.granddems.org
The Grand Democrat
Fall 2009
2010 GRAND DEMOCRATS ~ MEMBERSHIP
FORM
Dues are $20 per year per person for 2010.
Please Print
Send Membership form and check payable to Grand Democrats to:
Mary Beth Chrest
15265 W. Sierra Vista Dr.
Surprise, AZ 85374-2089
NAME:
Last:___________________________________ First:___________________
NAME:
Last:___________________________________ First:___________________
ADDRESS:
Street:__________________________________ City _____________________
State:_________________________ Zip ______________
TELEPHONE:________________________ FAX:______________________
E-MAIL: _____________________________ SCG ASSN. # ________________
VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED
Your Grand Democrats need your help! Please volunteer for a committee or two.
Do as little or as much as you wish. Please check if you have an interest, & we
will contact you. Thank you!
____Social
_____ Fundraising (assist with picnic,
(bake for meetings, set-up, etc.)
garage sale, dance, etc.)
____Phone Tree (reminder calls for Grand Dem events)_____ Literature Distribution (passing
out literature in your area)
____Election/Organizing (door-to-door chats, precinct chairperson, voter registration, etc.)
Grand Democrats
16
www.granddems.org