Monday, February 06, 2006
Blue Hearts 10.2.6.06
Hey all,
Here's the lastest. Notice it's heavy on humor to make up for my appalling lack thereof in the last blog.
Also, please note, our next Blue Hearts meeting is on March 8th, Wednesday, at 7 PM. I'll send you an email with details but wanted you to get that on your calendar ASAP. The evening time frame is to accomodate the many Blue Hearts who can't make it during the morning hours. So, don't dissapoint. Please be there!!!
Happy reading!
Kristin
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HUMOR:
http://www.thefrown.com/frowners/becomerepublican.swf
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Particularly funny. Please don't miss this one! K
http://www.devilducky.com/media/38792/
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Groundhog Day and the State of the Union Address
This year, both Groundhog Day and the State of the Union Address fell on the same day. As Air America Radio
pointed out: "It is an ironic juxtaposition: one involves a meaningless ritual in which we look to a creature of little
intelligence for prognostication, and the other involves a groundhog."
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John the farmer was in the fertilized egg business. He had several hundred young layers (hens), called pullets and eight or ten roosters, whose job was to fertilize the eggs.
The farmer kept records and any rooster that didn't perform went into the soup pot and was replaced. That took an awful lot of his time so he bought a set of tiny bells and attached them to his roosters. Each bell had a different tone so John could tell from a distance, which rooster was performing.
Now he could sit on the porch and fill out an efficiency report simply by listening to the bells. The farmer's favorite rooster was old Butch, a very fine specimen he was, too. But on this particular morning John noticed old Butch's bell hadn't rung at all!
John went to investigate.
The other roosters were chasing pullets, bells-a-ringing. The pullets, hearing the roosters coming, would run for cover.
But to Farmer John's amazeme! nt, Butch had his bell in his beak, so it couldn't ring. He'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the next one. John was so proud of Butch, he entered him in the county fair and Butch became an overnight sensation among the judges.
The result...
The judges not only awarded Butch the "No Bell Piece Prize" but they
also awarded him the "Pulletsurprise" as well.
Clearly Butch was a politician in the making.
Who else but a politician could figure out how to win two of the most highly coveted awards on our planet by being the best at sneaking up on the populace and screwing them when they weren't looking?
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George W. Bush and a secret service agent are taking a stroll when
they come upon a little girl carrying a basket with a blanket over it.
Curious, Bush asks the girl, "What's in the basket?"
She replies, "New baby kittens," and she opens the basket to show him.
"How nice," says Bush. "What kind are they?"
The little girl says, "Republicans." Bush smiles, pats the little girl
on the head and continues on.
Three weeks later, Bush is taking another stroll, this time with Karl
Rove. They see the little girl again with the same basket. Bush says,
"Watch this, Karl; it's really cute."
They approach the little girl. Bush greets the little girl and asks
how the kittens are doing, and she says, "Fine."
Then, smirking, he nudges Rove with his elbow and asks the little
girl, "And can you tell us what kind of kittens they are?"
She replies, "Democrats."
Aghast, Bush says, "But three weeks ago you said they were Republicans!"
"I know," she says. "But now their eyes are open."
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Here's what Cindy says AND below is how it was reported. Scary stuff. K
What Really Happened
By Cindy Sheehan
t r u t h o u t | Perspective
Wednesday 01 February 2006
As most of you have probably heard, I was arrested before the State of the Union address last night. I am speechless with fury at what happened and with grief over what we have lost in our country. There have been lies from the police and distortions by the press (shocker). So this is what really happened:
This afternoon at the People's State of the Union Address in DC, where I was joined by Congresspersons Lynn Woolsey and John Conyers, Ann Wright, Malik Rahim and John Cavanagh, Lynn brought me a ticket to the State of the Union address. At that time, I was wearing the shirt that said: 2245 Dead. How many more?
After the PSOTU press conference, I was having second thoughts about going to the SOTU at the Capitol. I didn't feel comfortable going. I knew George Bush would say things that would hurt me and anger me, and I knew that I couldn't disrupt the address because Lynn had given me the ticket, and I didn't want to be disruptive out of respect for her. I, in fact, had given the ticket to John Bruhns, who is in Iraq Veterans Against the War. However, Lynn's office had already called the media, and everyone knew I was going to be there, so I sucked it up and went.
I got the ticket back from John, and I met one of Congresswoman Barbara Lee's staffers in the Longworth Congressional Office building and we went to the Capitol via the underground tunnel. I went through security once, then had to use the rest room and went through security again.
My ticket was in the 5th gallery, front row, fourth seat in. The person who in a few minutes was to arrest me, helped me to my seat.
I had just sat down and I was warm from climbing 3 flights of stairs back up from the bathroom so I unzipped my jacket. I turned to the right to take my left arm out, when the same officer saw my shirt and yelled, "Protester." He then ran over to me, hauled me out of my seat, and roughly (with my hands behind my back) shoved me up the stairs. I said something like "I'm going, do you have to be so rough?" By the way, his name is Mike Weight.
The officer ran with me to the elevators, yelling at everyone to move out of the way. When we got to the elevators, he cuffed me and took me outside to await a squad car. On the way out, someone behind me said, "That's Cindy Sheehan." At which point the officer who arrested me said, "Take these steps slowly." I said, "You didn't care about being careful when you were dragging me up the other steps." He said, "That's because you were protesting." Wow, I got hauled out of the People's House because I was "Protesting."
I was never told that I couldn't wear that shirt into the Congress. I was never asked to take it off or zip my jacket back up. If I had been asked to do any of those things ... I would have, and written about the suppression of my freedom of speech later. I was immediately and roughly (I have the bruises and muscle spasms to prove it) hauled off and arrested for "unlawful conduct."
After I had my personal items inventoried and my fingers printed, a nice Sgt. came in and looked at my shirt and said, "2245, huh? I just got back from there."
I told him that my son died there. That's when the enormity of my loss hit me. I have lost my son. I have lost my First Amendment rights. I have lost the country that I love. Where did America go? I started crying in pain.
What did Casey die for? What did the 2244 other brave young Americans die for? What are tens of thousands of them over there in harm's way for still? For this? I can't even wear a shirt that has the number of troops on it that George Bush and his arrogant and ignorant policies are responsible for killing.
I wore the shirt to make a statement. The press knew I was going to be there, and I thought every once in awhile they would show me, and I would have the shirt on. I did ! not wear it to be disruptive, or I would have unzipped my jacket during George's speech. If I had any idea what happens to people who wear shirts that make the neocons uncomfortable, that I would be arrested ... maybe I would have, but I didn't.
There have already been many wild stories out there.
I have some lawyers looking into filing a First Amendment lawsuit against the government for what happened tonight. I will file it. It is time to take our freedoms and our country back.
I don't want to live in a country that prohibits any person, whether or not he/she has paid the ultimate price for that country, from wearing, saying, writing, or telephoning any negative statements about the government. That's why I am going to take my freedoms and liberties back. That's why I am not going to let BushCo take anything else away from me ... or you.
I am so appreciative of the couple of hundred of protesters who came to the jail while I was locked up to show their support. We have so much potential for good. There is so much good in so many people.
Four hours and 2 jails after I was arrested, I was let out. Again, I am so upset and sore it is hard to think straight.
Keep up the struggle ... I promise you, I will too.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sheehan Arrested before Speech
By Clarence Williams and Allan Lengel
The Washington Post
Wednesday 01 February 2006
Activist Cindy Sheehan was arrested last night after demonstrating in the spectators gallery of the House of Representatives as part of a larger war protest that was held outside the Capitol.
Sheehan, who was apparently given a gallery ticket by a member of Congress, began to attract notice about 30 minutes to an hour before President Bush's State of the Union speech.
Sheehan, whose son was killed in Iraq, opened her jacket to reveal a T-shirt that, according to a supporter, gave the number of U.S. war dead and asked, "How many more?"
She was also vocal, said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Terrance W. Gainer, and after she ignored instructions to close her jacket and quiet down, she was led out and arrested. Demonstrating in the House gallery is prohibited.
Sheehan's sister Dede Miller told a reporter that Rep. Lynn C. Woolsey (D-Calif.) had invited Sheehan as her guest. Woolsey could not be reached immediately for comment.
Late last night, about 50 protesters marched to the Capitol Police station to demand Sheehan's release. One of them was arrested. Miller said Sheehan was being processed early this morning.
Earlier last night, a band of banner-waving antiwar demonstrators clustered outside the Capitol and took the start of Bush's speech as a cue to let loose with an ear-splitting outburst of noise.
The group gathered at the statue of Ulysses S. Grant on the west side of the Capitol grounds for the protest, which was organized under the slogan of "The World Can't Wait - Drive Out the Bush Regime."
At the moment when a nearby TV set showed Bush beginning his address in the House chamber, the protesters responded with bongo drums, maracas and whistles.
The protesters' Web site urged participants to "Bring the Noise and Drown out Bush's lies."
As the president concluded, the noise reached a peak as protesters banged pots and pans, shouting "Bush step down, people rise up."
At one point, demonstrators sang peace anthems of an earlier day, including "Give Peace a Chance" and "All You Need Is Love."
One of the speakers at the rally before the outbreak of tumult identified himself as Bill Mitchell and said his son, Army Sgt. Mike Mitchell, was killed in Baghdad in April 2004.
"We knew this war was wrong from the beginning," he said, "and we are not going to stop speaking" until the troops are brought home.
"We are going to demand that our government bring them home. We need to bring an end to this insanity," he said as the temperature fell and the wind gusted.
A speaker identified as Ann Wright, who had served in the State Department and as an Army officer, called on the protesters to organize for this year's congressional elections as a means of stopping the war. "We've got to put some spine into people who serve us right here," she said, pointing toward the Capitol.
Staff writer Martin Weil contributed to this report.
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Mastectomy Bill in Congress
Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill - Important legislation for all women. Please send this on to others you know who will do the same.
There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the "drive-through mastectomy" where women are forced to go home hours after surgery against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.
Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on.
PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site below. You need not give more than your name and zip code number.
http://www.lifetimetv.com/health/breast_mastectomy_pledge.html
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KC LOCAL:
Calendar Items:
February 7, 2006: Jason Norbury for Missouri State Senate—8th District Launch Party from 5:30pm—7:30pm at the Lake Tapawingo Clubhouse, Dockside Circle off Wood's Chapel Road by Blue Springs. Stop by to meet Jason and hear all about his plans to restore honest government to Jefferson City! For more information or to RSVP: mlahr@meridianstrat.com or 816.931.1005.
February 9, 2006, 5:30 -7:30 pm
You are invited to join Representative Cathy Jolly and Friends as she announces her candidacy for City Council in Kansas City, Missouri - 6th District At-Large
Uptown Theater
3700 Broadway
Kansas City, Missouri
Contributions are limited to $1200 per individual, organization, or PAC. Make checks payable to “Committe to Elect Cathy Jolly” 632 East 108th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 Please call 816.943.1563 for more information.
Host Committee
Vince Accurso Tim Kristl
Lou Austin Bob Lewellen
Dyanne & Tom Bean Janet Lillis
Hon. Craig Bland Hon. Beth Low
Hon. Mary Groves Bland Hon. Jenee' Lowe
Hon. Michael Brown Cheryel Mack
Mike Burke Kelley Martin
Hon. John Burnett Pat McInerney
Cynthia Canady Hon. Kate Meiners
Kim Carlos Dutch Newman
David Christian James B. Nutter, Sr.
Hon. Melba Curls Woody Overton
Cheryl Dillard Bill Quinn
John Dillingham Jim Rice
Fred Dreiling Jerry Riffel
David Frantze Adam Sachs
Lali Garcia Susan Schmelzer
Mike Graf Kelvin Simmons
Beth Gottstein Jeff & Amy Simon
Mark Hawthorne Hon. Trent Skaggs
Colleen Hernandez Jay Stock
Hon. Jonas Hughes Hon. Charles Wheeler
Ann Marie Jackson Bridgette Williams
Bob & Mary Jacobi Calvin Williford
Sly James Ron Yaffe
Garry Kemp Dale Youngs
February 9, 2006: The Missouri House Democratic Party is working hard in Jefferson City with the Moving Missouri Forward Plan. Come join Democratic House Leader State Rep. Jeff Harris and Assistant Democratic Leader State Rep. Paul LeVota and hear about the Democratic Party's legislative agenda at 5:30 to 7:30 at the Arrowhead Stadium Club at the Truman Sports Complex. Jeff & Paul are working hard to get more Democrats in the House to help them and this fundraiser for their leadership parties will help them financially help candidates across the state. Contact The LeVota Leadership Committee or Je! ff Harris Leadership Team Committee at
February 16, 2006: Mike Talboy for MO State Rep, 37th District Launch Party at the Uptown Theater 3700 Broadway in Kansas City. For more Information or to RSVP: mlahr@meridianstrat.com or 816.931.1005
February 16: The Summit Democratic Club will hold their February meeting on Thursday, February 16, 7:30 pm at the VFW Hall, 329 SE Douglas, Lee's Summit, MO. Special guest is Missouri House Minority Leader Jeff Harris. Bring your thoughts about potential candidat! es for the 47th and 48th District Missouri House seats.
February 20, 2006: State Rep. candidate Patrick Pierce will hold his kickoff event for his campaign for the State Representative race in the 55th District at Side Pockets in Blue Springs at 5:30PM. Contact Patrick at patrickjpierce@hotmail.com.
February 21, 2006: "The Future of Oil" with Matt Simmons. Sponsored by the KC Chamber of Commerce. (See Details Below)
February 21, 2006: The "Lunch Bunch" second meeting. After an outstanding success of the first Lunch Bunch, this month's meet a legislator is state representative candidate Jason Grill. Remember for a mere pledge of $25 a month you get a free lunch and a chance to meet our Democratic leaders. For info: 816-221-8443 or StephenBough@henningbough.com.
March 7, 2006: The quarterly meeting of the Jackson County Democratic Committee at 7:00 PM at the Jackson County Courthouse in Independence. Call 816-821-8531 or plevota@yahoo.com with questions.
March 8, 2006: First evening meeting of Blue Hearts, 7 PM. You will be contacted with further details including location.
March 15, 2006: The Raytown Democratic Association meeting at the Raytown Historical Society Museum, 9705 E. 63rd Street (near downtown Raytown, Missouri) at 7:30 pm. Always feel free to bring a new prospective member. For more information: http://www.raytowndems.org/.
SAVE THE DATE: TRUMAN DAYS 2006 on MAY 5 & 6, 2006. Jackson County's annual premier Democratic Celebration. Details to come. You won't want to miss it! SEE ATTACHED SAVE THE DATE CARD AND PASS IT ON!!
More details to come. Call 816-821-8531 or plevota@yahoo.com with questions.
May 25, 2006: The Committee for County Progress End of the Legislative Session Wrap Reception will be held at the home of Dale Youngs at 525 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd (near the Nelson Atkins Museum) and will run from 5:30 till 7:00. This fundraiser is a CCP tradition and your local state reps and senators will report on the recent legislative session. For only $25, you can join the CCP members in hearing the latest about Missouri state government. For information contact Steve Bough at 816-221-8443 or StephenBough@henningbough.com.
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From Phil LeVota Chairman Jackson County Democratic Committee
Visit our website: www.jacksoncountydemocrats.org
Attached is the January 2006 copy of the Missouri House Democratic Caucus Newsletter. The Democratic Caucus is working to keep us informed on their work to move Missouri forward. Your leaders in Jefferson City would appreciate any feedback you might have regarding the attachment. If you have any input, please contact Staff Assistant Kristin Perrin at kristin.perrin@house.mo.gov. Look for another issue next month.
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With the "culture of corruption" embedded in Washington D.C., we need a U.S. Senator that can clean things up. How about an aggressive former prosecutor that knows how to fight corruption and an independent auditor with a proven track record of being a watchdog & bulldog for the citizens? The Missouri Democratic Party today applauded U.S. Senate Candidate Claire McCaskill’s recently unveiled ethics and lobbying reform plan. The plan, which can be found online at www.claireonline.com, is considered one of the most aggressive in the country in reducing the influence wielded by high-paid lobbyists, like Jack Abramoff, over Members of Congress and their staffs. Key reforms in McCaskill’s fifteen-point ethics and lobbying reform plan include:
A ban on all lobbyist gifts to lawmakers
A ban on all lobbyist paid travel
A five year waiting period for retired lawmakers to become lobbyists
The creation of a new independent Ethics Commission to investigate ethics violations
Increased disclosure and reporting requirements for lobbyists
“Claire McCaskill’s aggressiveness and independence have transformed the State Auditor’s office into a real watchdog for Missouri taxpayers who were fed up with the old way of doing business,” said Missouri Democratic Party spokesman Jack Cardetti. “Now more than ever, we need Claire in Washington to represent hard working Missouri families that want to end the culture of corruption. If passed, Claire McCaskill’s ethics and lobbying reform plan would go a long way in restoring the public’s trust in the wake of the current congressional corruption scandal.”
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The State of the Union address was this week. That's actually all I have to say about it. Same old rhetoric. But go to http://youtube.com/w/State-of-the-Union-2006----Bush-Impression?v=upTUbqc5Pso for a great quicktime movie rendition of the speech.
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Truman Days 2006 on May 5 & 6 at the Clarion Hotel in Kansas City. Put it on your calendar. The next meeting of the Truman Days Planning Committee will be Tuesday, February 28, 2006. Anyone interested is welcome to join the planning committee. If you want to help be part of the planning committee of the Midwest's premier Democratic celebration, join us at 6:00 pm on February 28, at the Jackson County Conference Center, 2111 Television Place, Kansas City, Missouri ( I-435 & 23rd Street). Contact Phil LeVota at plevota@yahoo.com to RSVP for the committee or 816-821-8531.
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There's the news. Here's the rant!
Can you feel it? Oh come on, I know you can. It's called a change in momentum. Or maybe you prefer the "pendulum swinging back" analogy. Either way, we all agree the republicans had it in 2004, but it's coming back our way. We must take advantage of this time. If you haven't answered the call to service, it is time. But what can I do, you ask. Here is a simple one for you. To blatantly exploit a poplular phrase from comic Larry the Cable Guy and add my political spin, you need to "GIT 'er done" and create your own "Government Improvement Team."
Think about your block in your neighborhood and think about your neighbors or people at work that share your value of good government. Talk to them in the next few weeks and ask if they are registered to vote. You will be surprised to find out how many people are not.
Take it upon yourself to register ten new democrats between now and May 31, 2006. It is simple, you can get applications from the election board and give them to your folks or you can send them to the Secretary of State's website: http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/s_default.asp?id=voter for information. Either way, follow up and make sure they get it done. Then identify other registered voters who are democrats on your block or at work. See how simple that is........You have created your "Team!" Then on election day, you have to call, stop by, e-mail or whatever all the members of your "Team" to make sure they go vote.
Now you tell me, if enough people commit to creating a "government improvement team" and then follow up with their team on election day, imagine what we can accomplish? So start working on your Government Improvement Team right now, coach. The big game is only months away and you need to start getting your team together right now.
Phil LeVota
Chairman
Jackson County Democratic Committee
Visit our website: www.jacksoncountydemocrats.org
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The Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event on Feb. 21. Energy and oil are definitely not Democratic or Republican issues as we all know, but because the importance of these issues -- and developing appropriate strategies and policies for dealing with them -- is becoming increasingly obvious, I thought you and members of Blue Hearts might be interested in hearing this speaker. What's interesting is that he is an investment banker in the energy industry, was on Vice President Cheney's energy task force, but has recently written a book and is giving talks about peak oil, the point at which oil production can only go down, which he and others think the world either has reached or will reach soon. An interesting combination of traits. I'm helping to spread the word about this event because the organization I work for focuses on environmental education, so we are helping to spread the word about this event.
Laura O'Brien, Volunteer Coordinator Bridging The Gap - Connecting Environment, Economy, Community
816-561-1061, ext. 109 www.bridgingthegap.org
Here are the details from the Chamber's website. Kristin
Economic Forum 02/21/2006
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
11:30 AM
Today, relentless, growing demand for oil and natural gas spans the planet. Along with the developed world's needs, industrialization is roaring forward in China and India. In this environment, what are the long-term prospects for the energy industry and what new challenges do we face? Now, through the Chamber, you have an opportunity to hear one of America's leading energy experts give his views on what lies ahead.
In 1974, Matt Simmons founded a small investment bank and consulting company in Boston. 600 projects and $65 billion in investments later, Simmons & Company International is now one of America's foremost advisors to the energy and oil-service sectors. Its client list includes Baker & Botts LLP, Dow, Dresser Industries, General Electric, Halliburton, Ingersoll-Rand, Kerr-McGee and the World Bank.
Please join Matt Simmons as we explore "The Future of Oil" at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21st. This special event will be held at the Commerce Trust Building, 922 Walnut, 15th Floor in Kansas City, MO. Your admission includes lunch and a copy of Matt's book, "Twilight In The Desert". Our price is $35 for Chamber Members and $50 for non-Members. To register or if you have questions, please contact Heather LeBlanc at leblanc@kcchamber or at (816) 374-5472.
NOTE: In order to guarantee your book, we need to have your reservation by Friday, February 10th. You can register online through the Calendar section of our website at http://www.kcchamber.com. Space for this event will be limited!
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From: "Missouri Democratic Party"
Reply-To:
Subject: Join Your Neighbors on February 16
Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006
State of the Missouri Democratic Party House Parties Q&A with MDP Chairman Roger Wilson, Interaction with your Democratic
neighbors and an Election season kickoff all rolled into one.
On February 16, Democrats from around Missouri will gather for an interactive session on the state of the Missouri Democratic Party. Join your neighbors as MDP Chairman Roger Wilson outlines what the Party has been working on and where we are going 2006.
If you've never hosted a house party before, it's simple to do. You will join hosts from across the state helping to bring Democrats together to hear an important message from Governor Wilson and to enjoy the opportunity to share your questions about the MDP. As the day of the event approaches, we will send you detailed information to help you make
your own party a success.
All you need to host a house party is a computer with a high speed internet connection in a location where people can gather around to see. This is a great opportunity for you to connect with fellow Democrats from around Missouri and right in your own neighborhood.
All you need to do to get started is go to www.MissouriDems.org
At these events we will learn what we can do to organize locally now, and prepare for the election season that is upon us.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., with Governor Wilson taking the stage at 7:00 to give Democrats across the state insight into the party and where we're headed in 2006. There will be an online question and answer session immediately following his speech.
If you are not able to host a House Party, please look for more information in the coming days about how you can find and attend a party near you.
Missouri Democratic Party
P.O. Box 719
208 Madison Street
Jefferson City, MO 65102
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http://www.house.mo.gov/bills061/biltxt/intro/HJR0048I.htm
The above link will take you to the language of Rep. Carl Bearden's Tabor legislation.
Please check it out and also check out www.tabortruth.org, then please email both Rep. Bearden and your own representative telling them this legislation:
#1 is not needed and is redundant in Missouri because of our Hancock amendments
#2 if passed, the people of Missouri will no longer need a state legislature because there will be nothing for them to do
#3 is opposed by the KC, Stl. and Springfield chambers of Commerce because it is so economically bad for businesses.
For those of you who attended Midwest Center for American Value's 'Playing for Keeps: Tabor Games" last week, at that time, our information was that it would not be introduced. Obviously that was wrong. So, take the information that you learned, and contact those representatives NOW. If we can stop it here, it will be a great win!
This is a constitutional amendment. Once in - like Colorado - who passed it in 1992 -- and just last fall suspended it (there is a great video on the tabor link) getting rid of a constitutional amendment is like getting rid of a piece of gum stuck to your shoe. Let's not step in it to begin with!
Please feel free to enlist others in the cause.
Vicki Walker
MCAV
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From: Missouri Cures
Reply-To: info@missouricures.com
Subject: Signature Gathering Now Underway
Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2006 18:24:32 -0500
Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures
February 1, 2006
Coalition Update
We have some more good news to report about the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, including the start of our signature gathering effort, a new section on our website, an exciting new endorsement and another positive public opinion poll.
SIGNATURE GATHERING NOW UNDERWAY
On January 26, we officially began our effort to collect the nearly 150,000 voter signatures needed to place the Stem Cell Initiative on the November 2006 state ballot. State law requires us to gather a certain number of signatures in at least six Congressional districts. During the next month or two we’ll focus primarily on districts in the greater St. Louis, Kansas
City and Springfield areas. Then we'’ll focus on other areas of the state.
We’re using both volunteer and paid signature gatherers and they make their own decisions about where they collect signatures. So, we can’t know exactly where they will be from day to day. Typically, they choose locations where a lot of people pass by, such as libraries, post offices and shopping areas.
In Missouri, state law prevents people from signing ballot measure petitions on a website or through the mail. But if you see one of our signature gatherers in your neighborhood sometime in the coming weeks, we hope you’ll take a minute to sign the petition. Please note that signing up as member of our Coalition, by sending in a card orsigning up online, is not the same thing as signing a petition. If you’re a member, we’d still like you to sign our petition when you get a chance. But don’t worry if you don’t see a signature gatherer right away. They will only be in a limited number of places at any given time. We have until May to gather signatures and we are confident we’ll get the signatures we need.
“STORIES OF HOPE” DEBUT ON OUR WEBSITE
We recently added a new section on our website that features the personal stories written by Missouri patients and their
families to express their reasons for supporting the Stem Cell Initiative. We encourage you to take a look at this inspiring “Stories of Hope” section by visiting our website at www.MissouriCures.com. If you or someone you love is affected by a disease or injury that could be treated or cured through stem cell research and you live in Missouri, we invite you to submit your own story.
LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION ENDORSES INITIATIVE
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), which in November joined with dozens of other patient advocacy groups as a
member of the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, recently issued an official statement endorsing the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative.
“The Lance Armstrong Foundation supports the initiative because Missouri patients should have access to any federally-approved stem cell cures that are developed,” said Doug Ulman, chief mission officer for the LAF. “This initiative could benefit many whose diseases and injuries could someday be cured as a result of stem cell research, potentially including some forms of cancer. All patients everywhere should have access to any future therapies or cures that result from groundbreaking medical discoveries.”
The LAF was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong to inspire and empower people
affected by cancer. The LAF serves its mission through advocacy, public health and research.
To read the entire press release, please visit the newsroom section of our website at www.MissouriCures.com.
ANOTHER POLL SHOWS STRONG SUPPORT FOR OUR INITIATIVE
A recent public poll sponsored by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and KMOV-TV (Channel 4) showed that 64% of the 800 likely
Missouri voters surveyed would vote for the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative. By a two-to-one margin, likely Missouri voters favor the proposed referendum measure to protect all forms of stem cell research allowed under federal law. The survey was conducted between January 16 and 18 by Research 2000, a Maryland-based, nonpartisan research firm. The complete results are posted in the public polls section of our website.
That's it for now! K
Here's the lastest. Notice it's heavy on humor to make up for my appalling lack thereof in the last blog.
Also, please note, our next Blue Hearts meeting is on March 8th, Wednesday, at 7 PM. I'll send you an email with details but wanted you to get that on your calendar ASAP. The evening time frame is to accomodate the many Blue Hearts who can't make it during the morning hours. So, don't dissapoint. Please be there!!!
Happy reading!
Kristin
===========================================
HUMOR:
http://www.thefrown.com/frowners/becomerepublican.swf
---------------
Particularly funny. Please don't miss this one! K
http://www.devilducky.com/media/38792/
-----------------
Groundhog Day and the State of the Union Address
This year, both Groundhog Day and the State of the Union Address fell on the same day. As Air America Radio
pointed out: "It is an ironic juxtaposition: one involves a meaningless ritual in which we look to a creature of little
intelligence for prognostication, and the other involves a groundhog."
-----------------
John the farmer was in the fertilized egg business. He had several hundred young layers (hens), called pullets and eight or ten roosters, whose job was to fertilize the eggs.
The farmer kept records and any rooster that didn't perform went into the soup pot and was replaced. That took an awful lot of his time so he bought a set of tiny bells and attached them to his roosters. Each bell had a different tone so John could tell from a distance, which rooster was performing.
Now he could sit on the porch and fill out an efficiency report simply by listening to the bells. The farmer's favorite rooster was old Butch, a very fine specimen he was, too. But on this particular morning John noticed old Butch's bell hadn't rung at all!
John went to investigate.
The other roosters were chasing pullets, bells-a-ringing. The pullets, hearing the roosters coming, would run for cover.
But to Farmer John's amazeme! nt, Butch had his bell in his beak, so it couldn't ring. He'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the next one. John was so proud of Butch, he entered him in the county fair and Butch became an overnight sensation among the judges.
The result...
The judges not only awarded Butch the "No Bell Piece Prize" but they
also awarded him the "Pulletsurprise" as well.
Clearly Butch was a politician in the making.
Who else but a politician could figure out how to win two of the most highly coveted awards on our planet by being the best at sneaking up on the populace and screwing them when they weren't looking?
-----------------
George W. Bush and a secret service agent are taking a stroll when
they come upon a little girl carrying a basket with a blanket over it.
Curious, Bush asks the girl, "What's in the basket?"
She replies, "New baby kittens," and she opens the basket to show him.
"How nice," says Bush. "What kind are they?"
The little girl says, "Republicans." Bush smiles, pats the little girl
on the head and continues on.
Three weeks later, Bush is taking another stroll, this time with Karl
Rove. They see the little girl again with the same basket. Bush says,
"Watch this, Karl; it's really cute."
They approach the little girl. Bush greets the little girl and asks
how the kittens are doing, and she says, "Fine."
Then, smirking, he nudges Rove with his elbow and asks the little
girl, "And can you tell us what kind of kittens they are?"
She replies, "Democrats."
Aghast, Bush says, "But three weeks ago you said they were Republicans!"
"I know," she says. "But now their eyes are open."
=======================================================
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Here's what Cindy says AND below is how it was reported. Scary stuff. K
What Really Happened
By Cindy Sheehan
t r u t h o u t | Perspective
Wednesday 01 February 2006
As most of you have probably heard, I was arrested before the State of the Union address last night. I am speechless with fury at what happened and with grief over what we have lost in our country. There have been lies from the police and distortions by the press (shocker). So this is what really happened:
This afternoon at the People's State of the Union Address in DC, where I was joined by Congresspersons Lynn Woolsey and John Conyers, Ann Wright, Malik Rahim and John Cavanagh, Lynn brought me a ticket to the State of the Union address. At that time, I was wearing the shirt that said: 2245 Dead. How many more?
After the PSOTU press conference, I was having second thoughts about going to the SOTU at the Capitol. I didn't feel comfortable going. I knew George Bush would say things that would hurt me and anger me, and I knew that I couldn't disrupt the address because Lynn had given me the ticket, and I didn't want to be disruptive out of respect for her. I, in fact, had given the ticket to John Bruhns, who is in Iraq Veterans Against the War. However, Lynn's office had already called the media, and everyone knew I was going to be there, so I sucked it up and went.
I got the ticket back from John, and I met one of Congresswoman Barbara Lee's staffers in the Longworth Congressional Office building and we went to the Capitol via the underground tunnel. I went through security once, then had to use the rest room and went through security again.
My ticket was in the 5th gallery, front row, fourth seat in. The person who in a few minutes was to arrest me, helped me to my seat.
I had just sat down and I was warm from climbing 3 flights of stairs back up from the bathroom so I unzipped my jacket. I turned to the right to take my left arm out, when the same officer saw my shirt and yelled, "Protester." He then ran over to me, hauled me out of my seat, and roughly (with my hands behind my back) shoved me up the stairs. I said something like "I'm going, do you have to be so rough?" By the way, his name is Mike Weight.
The officer ran with me to the elevators, yelling at everyone to move out of the way. When we got to the elevators, he cuffed me and took me outside to await a squad car. On the way out, someone behind me said, "That's Cindy Sheehan." At which point the officer who arrested me said, "Take these steps slowly." I said, "You didn't care about being careful when you were dragging me up the other steps." He said, "That's because you were protesting." Wow, I got hauled out of the People's House because I was "Protesting."
I was never told that I couldn't wear that shirt into the Congress. I was never asked to take it off or zip my jacket back up. If I had been asked to do any of those things ... I would have, and written about the suppression of my freedom of speech later. I was immediately and roughly (I have the bruises and muscle spasms to prove it) hauled off and arrested for "unlawful conduct."
After I had my personal items inventoried and my fingers printed, a nice Sgt. came in and looked at my shirt and said, "2245, huh? I just got back from there."
I told him that my son died there. That's when the enormity of my loss hit me. I have lost my son. I have lost my First Amendment rights. I have lost the country that I love. Where did America go? I started crying in pain.
What did Casey die for? What did the 2244 other brave young Americans die for? What are tens of thousands of them over there in harm's way for still? For this? I can't even wear a shirt that has the number of troops on it that George Bush and his arrogant and ignorant policies are responsible for killing.
I wore the shirt to make a statement. The press knew I was going to be there, and I thought every once in awhile they would show me, and I would have the shirt on. I did ! not wear it to be disruptive, or I would have unzipped my jacket during George's speech. If I had any idea what happens to people who wear shirts that make the neocons uncomfortable, that I would be arrested ... maybe I would have, but I didn't.
There have already been many wild stories out there.
I have some lawyers looking into filing a First Amendment lawsuit against the government for what happened tonight. I will file it. It is time to take our freedoms and our country back.
I don't want to live in a country that prohibits any person, whether or not he/she has paid the ultimate price for that country, from wearing, saying, writing, or telephoning any negative statements about the government. That's why I am going to take my freedoms and liberties back. That's why I am not going to let BushCo take anything else away from me ... or you.
I am so appreciative of the couple of hundred of protesters who came to the jail while I was locked up to show their support. We have so much potential for good. There is so much good in so many people.
Four hours and 2 jails after I was arrested, I was let out. Again, I am so upset and sore it is hard to think straight.
Keep up the struggle ... I promise you, I will too.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sheehan Arrested before Speech
By Clarence Williams and Allan Lengel
The Washington Post
Wednesday 01 February 2006
Activist Cindy Sheehan was arrested last night after demonstrating in the spectators gallery of the House of Representatives as part of a larger war protest that was held outside the Capitol.
Sheehan, who was apparently given a gallery ticket by a member of Congress, began to attract notice about 30 minutes to an hour before President Bush's State of the Union speech.
Sheehan, whose son was killed in Iraq, opened her jacket to reveal a T-shirt that, according to a supporter, gave the number of U.S. war dead and asked, "How many more?"
She was also vocal, said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Terrance W. Gainer, and after she ignored instructions to close her jacket and quiet down, she was led out and arrested. Demonstrating in the House gallery is prohibited.
Sheehan's sister Dede Miller told a reporter that Rep. Lynn C. Woolsey (D-Calif.) had invited Sheehan as her guest. Woolsey could not be reached immediately for comment.
Late last night, about 50 protesters marched to the Capitol Police station to demand Sheehan's release. One of them was arrested. Miller said Sheehan was being processed early this morning.
Earlier last night, a band of banner-waving antiwar demonstrators clustered outside the Capitol and took the start of Bush's speech as a cue to let loose with an ear-splitting outburst of noise.
The group gathered at the statue of Ulysses S. Grant on the west side of the Capitol grounds for the protest, which was organized under the slogan of "The World Can't Wait - Drive Out the Bush Regime."
At the moment when a nearby TV set showed Bush beginning his address in the House chamber, the protesters responded with bongo drums, maracas and whistles.
The protesters' Web site urged participants to "Bring the Noise and Drown out Bush's lies."
As the president concluded, the noise reached a peak as protesters banged pots and pans, shouting "Bush step down, people rise up."
At one point, demonstrators sang peace anthems of an earlier day, including "Give Peace a Chance" and "All You Need Is Love."
One of the speakers at the rally before the outbreak of tumult identified himself as Bill Mitchell and said his son, Army Sgt. Mike Mitchell, was killed in Baghdad in April 2004.
"We knew this war was wrong from the beginning," he said, "and we are not going to stop speaking" until the troops are brought home.
"We are going to demand that our government bring them home. We need to bring an end to this insanity," he said as the temperature fell and the wind gusted.
A speaker identified as Ann Wright, who had served in the State Department and as an Army officer, called on the protesters to organize for this year's congressional elections as a means of stopping the war. "We've got to put some spine into people who serve us right here," she said, pointing toward the Capitol.
Staff writer Martin Weil contributed to this report.
---------------------------------------
Mastectomy Bill in Congress
Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill - Important legislation for all women. Please send this on to others you know who will do the same.
There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the "drive-through mastectomy" where women are forced to go home hours after surgery against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.
Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on.
PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site below. You need not give more than your name and zip code number.
http://www.lifetimetv.com/health/breast_mastectomy_pledge.html
=================================
KC LOCAL:
Calendar Items:
February 7, 2006: Jason Norbury for Missouri State Senate—8th District Launch Party from 5:30pm—7:30pm at the Lake Tapawingo Clubhouse, Dockside Circle off Wood's Chapel Road by Blue Springs. Stop by to meet Jason and hear all about his plans to restore honest government to Jefferson City! For more information or to RSVP: mlahr@meridianstrat.com or 816.931.1005.
February 9, 2006, 5:30 -7:30 pm
You are invited to join Representative Cathy Jolly and Friends as she announces her candidacy for City Council in Kansas City, Missouri - 6th District At-Large
Uptown Theater
3700 Broadway
Kansas City, Missouri
Contributions are limited to $1200 per individual, organization, or PAC. Make checks payable to “Committe to Elect Cathy Jolly” 632 East 108th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 Please call 816.943.1563 for more information.
Host Committee
Vince Accurso Tim Kristl
Lou Austin Bob Lewellen
Dyanne & Tom Bean Janet Lillis
Hon. Craig Bland Hon. Beth Low
Hon. Mary Groves Bland Hon. Jenee' Lowe
Hon. Michael Brown Cheryel Mack
Mike Burke Kelley Martin
Hon. John Burnett Pat McInerney
Cynthia Canady Hon. Kate Meiners
Kim Carlos Dutch Newman
David Christian James B. Nutter, Sr.
Hon. Melba Curls Woody Overton
Cheryl Dillard Bill Quinn
John Dillingham Jim Rice
Fred Dreiling Jerry Riffel
David Frantze Adam Sachs
Lali Garcia Susan Schmelzer
Mike Graf Kelvin Simmons
Beth Gottstein Jeff & Amy Simon
Mark Hawthorne Hon. Trent Skaggs
Colleen Hernandez Jay Stock
Hon. Jonas Hughes Hon. Charles Wheeler
Ann Marie Jackson Bridgette Williams
Bob & Mary Jacobi Calvin Williford
Sly James Ron Yaffe
Garry Kemp Dale Youngs
February 9, 2006: The Missouri House Democratic Party is working hard in Jefferson City with the Moving Missouri Forward Plan. Come join Democratic House Leader State Rep. Jeff Harris and Assistant Democratic Leader State Rep. Paul LeVota and hear about the Democratic Party's legislative agenda at 5:30 to 7:30 at the Arrowhead Stadium Club at the Truman Sports Complex. Jeff & Paul are working hard to get more Democrats in the House to help them and this fundraiser for their leadership parties will help them financially help candidates across the state. Contact The LeVota Leadership Committee or Je! ff Harris Leadership Team Committee at
February 16, 2006: Mike Talboy for MO State Rep, 37th District Launch Party at the Uptown Theater 3700 Broadway in Kansas City. For more Information or to RSVP: mlahr@meridianstrat.com or 816.931.1005
February 16: The Summit Democratic Club will hold their February meeting on Thursday, February 16, 7:30 pm at the VFW Hall, 329 SE Douglas, Lee's Summit, MO. Special guest is Missouri House Minority Leader Jeff Harris. Bring your thoughts about potential candidat! es for the 47th and 48th District Missouri House seats.
February 20, 2006: State Rep. candidate Patrick Pierce will hold his kickoff event for his campaign for the State Representative race in the 55th District at Side Pockets in Blue Springs at 5:30PM. Contact Patrick at patrickjpierce@hotmail.com.
February 21, 2006: "The Future of Oil" with Matt Simmons. Sponsored by the KC Chamber of Commerce. (See Details Below)
February 21, 2006: The "Lunch Bunch" second meeting. After an outstanding success of the first Lunch Bunch, this month's meet a legislator is state representative candidate Jason Grill. Remember for a mere pledge of $25 a month you get a free lunch and a chance to meet our Democratic leaders. For info: 816-221-8443 or StephenBough@henningbough.com.
March 7, 2006: The quarterly meeting of the Jackson County Democratic Committee at 7:00 PM at the Jackson County Courthouse in Independence. Call 816-821-8531 or plevota@yahoo.com with questions.
March 8, 2006: First evening meeting of Blue Hearts, 7 PM. You will be contacted with further details including location.
March 15, 2006: The Raytown Democratic Association meeting at the Raytown Historical Society Museum, 9705 E. 63rd Street (near downtown Raytown, Missouri) at 7:30 pm. Always feel free to bring a new prospective member. For more information: http://www.raytowndems.org/.
SAVE THE DATE: TRUMAN DAYS 2006 on MAY 5 & 6, 2006. Jackson County's annual premier Democratic Celebration. Details to come. You won't want to miss it! SEE ATTACHED SAVE THE DATE CARD AND PASS IT ON!!
More details to come. Call 816-821-8531 or plevota@yahoo.com with questions.
May 25, 2006: The Committee for County Progress End of the Legislative Session Wrap Reception will be held at the home of Dale Youngs at 525 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd (near the Nelson Atkins Museum) and will run from 5:30 till 7:00. This fundraiser is a CCP tradition and your local state reps and senators will report on the recent legislative session. For only $25, you can join the CCP members in hearing the latest about Missouri state government. For information contact Steve Bough at 816-221-8443 or StephenBough@henningbough.com.
----------------------------------------------------------------
From Phil LeVota Chairman Jackson County Democratic Committee
Visit our website: www.jacksoncountydemocrats.org
Attached is the January 2006 copy of the Missouri House Democratic Caucus Newsletter. The Democratic Caucus is working to keep us informed on their work to move Missouri forward. Your leaders in Jefferson City would appreciate any feedback you might have regarding the attachment. If you have any input, please contact Staff Assistant Kristin Perrin at kristin.perrin@house.mo.gov. Look for another issue next month.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
With the "culture of corruption" embedded in Washington D.C., we need a U.S. Senator that can clean things up. How about an aggressive former prosecutor that knows how to fight corruption and an independent auditor with a proven track record of being a watchdog & bulldog for the citizens? The Missouri Democratic Party today applauded U.S. Senate Candidate Claire McCaskill’s recently unveiled ethics and lobbying reform plan. The plan, which can be found online at www.claireonline.com, is considered one of the most aggressive in the country in reducing the influence wielded by high-paid lobbyists, like Jack Abramoff, over Members of Congress and their staffs. Key reforms in McCaskill’s fifteen-point ethics and lobbying reform plan include:
A ban on all lobbyist gifts to lawmakers
A ban on all lobbyist paid travel
A five year waiting period for retired lawmakers to become lobbyists
The creation of a new independent Ethics Commission to investigate ethics violations
Increased disclosure and reporting requirements for lobbyists
“Claire McCaskill’s aggressiveness and independence have transformed the State Auditor’s office into a real watchdog for Missouri taxpayers who were fed up with the old way of doing business,” said Missouri Democratic Party spokesman Jack Cardetti. “Now more than ever, we need Claire in Washington to represent hard working Missouri families that want to end the culture of corruption. If passed, Claire McCaskill’s ethics and lobbying reform plan would go a long way in restoring the public’s trust in the wake of the current congressional corruption scandal.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The State of the Union address was this week. That's actually all I have to say about it. Same old rhetoric. But go to http://youtube.com/w/State-of-the-Union-2006----Bush-Impression?v=upTUbqc5Pso for a great quicktime movie rendition of the speech.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Truman Days 2006 on May 5 & 6 at the Clarion Hotel in Kansas City. Put it on your calendar. The next meeting of the Truman Days Planning Committee will be Tuesday, February 28, 2006. Anyone interested is welcome to join the planning committee. If you want to help be part of the planning committee of the Midwest's premier Democratic celebration, join us at 6:00 pm on February 28, at the Jackson County Conference Center, 2111 Television Place, Kansas City, Missouri ( I-435 & 23rd Street). Contact Phil LeVota at plevota@yahoo.com to RSVP for the committee or 816-821-8531.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There's the news. Here's the rant!
Can you feel it? Oh come on, I know you can. It's called a change in momentum. Or maybe you prefer the "pendulum swinging back" analogy. Either way, we all agree the republicans had it in 2004, but it's coming back our way. We must take advantage of this time. If you haven't answered the call to service, it is time. But what can I do, you ask. Here is a simple one for you. To blatantly exploit a poplular phrase from comic Larry the Cable Guy and add my political spin, you need to "GIT 'er done" and create your own "Government Improvement Team."
Think about your block in your neighborhood and think about your neighbors or people at work that share your value of good government. Talk to them in the next few weeks and ask if they are registered to vote. You will be surprised to find out how many people are not.
Take it upon yourself to register ten new democrats between now and May 31, 2006. It is simple, you can get applications from the election board and give them to your folks or you can send them to the Secretary of State's website: http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/s_default.asp?id=voter for information. Either way, follow up and make sure they get it done. Then identify other registered voters who are democrats on your block or at work. See how simple that is........You have created your "Team!" Then on election day, you have to call, stop by, e-mail or whatever all the members of your "Team" to make sure they go vote.
Now you tell me, if enough people commit to creating a "government improvement team" and then follow up with their team on election day, imagine what we can accomplish? So start working on your Government Improvement Team right now, coach. The big game is only months away and you need to start getting your team together right now.
Phil LeVota
Chairman
Jackson County Democratic Committee
Visit our website: www.jacksoncountydemocrats.org
---------------------------------
The Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event on Feb. 21. Energy and oil are definitely not Democratic or Republican issues as we all know, but because the importance of these issues -- and developing appropriate strategies and policies for dealing with them -- is becoming increasingly obvious, I thought you and members of Blue Hearts might be interested in hearing this speaker. What's interesting is that he is an investment banker in the energy industry, was on Vice President Cheney's energy task force, but has recently written a book and is giving talks about peak oil, the point at which oil production can only go down, which he and others think the world either has reached or will reach soon. An interesting combination of traits. I'm helping to spread the word about this event because the organization I work for focuses on environmental education, so we are helping to spread the word about this event.
Laura O'Brien, Volunteer Coordinator Bridging The Gap - Connecting Environment, Economy, Community
816-561-1061, ext. 109 www.bridgingthegap.org
Here are the details from the Chamber's website. Kristin
Economic Forum 02/21/2006
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
11:30 AM
Today, relentless, growing demand for oil and natural gas spans the planet. Along with the developed world's needs, industrialization is roaring forward in China and India. In this environment, what are the long-term prospects for the energy industry and what new challenges do we face? Now, through the Chamber, you have an opportunity to hear one of America's leading energy experts give his views on what lies ahead.
In 1974, Matt Simmons founded a small investment bank and consulting company in Boston. 600 projects and $65 billion in investments later, Simmons & Company International is now one of America's foremost advisors to the energy and oil-service sectors. Its client list includes Baker & Botts LLP, Dow, Dresser Industries, General Electric, Halliburton, Ingersoll-Rand, Kerr-McGee and the World Bank.
Please join Matt Simmons as we explore "The Future of Oil" at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21st. This special event will be held at the Commerce Trust Building, 922 Walnut, 15th Floor in Kansas City, MO. Your admission includes lunch and a copy of Matt's book, "Twilight In The Desert". Our price is $35 for Chamber Members and $50 for non-Members. To register or if you have questions, please contact Heather LeBlanc at leblanc@kcchamber or at (816) 374-5472.
NOTE: In order to guarantee your book, we need to have your reservation by Friday, February 10th. You can register online through the Calendar section of our website at http://www.kcchamber.com. Space for this event will be limited!
---------------------------------
From: "Missouri Democratic Party"
Reply-To:
Subject: Join Your Neighbors on February 16
Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006
State of the Missouri Democratic Party House Parties Q&A with MDP Chairman Roger Wilson, Interaction with your Democratic
neighbors and an Election season kickoff all rolled into one.
On February 16, Democrats from around Missouri will gather for an interactive session on the state of the Missouri Democratic Party. Join your neighbors as MDP Chairman Roger Wilson outlines what the Party has been working on and where we are going 2006.
If you've never hosted a house party before, it's simple to do. You will join hosts from across the state helping to bring Democrats together to hear an important message from Governor Wilson and to enjoy the opportunity to share your questions about the MDP. As the day of the event approaches, we will send you detailed information to help you make
your own party a success.
All you need to host a house party is a computer with a high speed internet connection in a location where people can gather around to see. This is a great opportunity for you to connect with fellow Democrats from around Missouri and right in your own neighborhood.
All you need to do to get started is go to www.MissouriDems.org
At these events we will learn what we can do to organize locally now, and prepare for the election season that is upon us.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., with Governor Wilson taking the stage at 7:00 to give Democrats across the state insight into the party and where we're headed in 2006. There will be an online question and answer session immediately following his speech.
If you are not able to host a House Party, please look for more information in the coming days about how you can find and attend a party near you.
Missouri Democratic Party
P.O. Box 719
208 Madison Street
Jefferson City, MO 65102
------------------------
http://www.house.mo.gov/bills061/biltxt/intro/HJR0048I.htm
The above link will take you to the language of Rep. Carl Bearden's Tabor legislation.
Please check it out and also check out www.tabortruth.org, then please email both Rep. Bearden and your own representative telling them this legislation:
#1 is not needed and is redundant in Missouri because of our Hancock amendments
#2 if passed, the people of Missouri will no longer need a state legislature because there will be nothing for them to do
#3 is opposed by the KC, Stl. and Springfield chambers of Commerce because it is so economically bad for businesses.
For those of you who attended Midwest Center for American Value's 'Playing for Keeps: Tabor Games" last week, at that time, our information was that it would not be introduced. Obviously that was wrong. So, take the information that you learned, and contact those representatives NOW. If we can stop it here, it will be a great win!
This is a constitutional amendment. Once in - like Colorado - who passed it in 1992 -- and just last fall suspended it (there is a great video on the tabor link) getting rid of a constitutional amendment is like getting rid of a piece of gum stuck to your shoe. Let's not step in it to begin with!
Please feel free to enlist others in the cause.
Vicki Walker
MCAV
------------------------
From: Missouri Cures
Reply-To: info@missouricures.com
Subject: Signature Gathering Now Underway
Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2006 18:24:32 -0500
Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures
February 1, 2006
Coalition Update
We have some more good news to report about the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, including the start of our signature gathering effort, a new section on our website, an exciting new endorsement and another positive public opinion poll.
SIGNATURE GATHERING NOW UNDERWAY
On January 26, we officially began our effort to collect the nearly 150,000 voter signatures needed to place the Stem Cell Initiative on the November 2006 state ballot. State law requires us to gather a certain number of signatures in at least six Congressional districts. During the next month or two we’ll focus primarily on districts in the greater St. Louis, Kansas
City and Springfield areas. Then we'’ll focus on other areas of the state.
We’re using both volunteer and paid signature gatherers and they make their own decisions about where they collect signatures. So, we can’t know exactly where they will be from day to day. Typically, they choose locations where a lot of people pass by, such as libraries, post offices and shopping areas.
In Missouri, state law prevents people from signing ballot measure petitions on a website or through the mail. But if you see one of our signature gatherers in your neighborhood sometime in the coming weeks, we hope you’ll take a minute to sign the petition. Please note that signing up as member of our Coalition, by sending in a card orsigning up online, is not the same thing as signing a petition. If you’re a member, we’d still like you to sign our petition when you get a chance. But don’t worry if you don’t see a signature gatherer right away. They will only be in a limited number of places at any given time. We have until May to gather signatures and we are confident we’ll get the signatures we need.
“STORIES OF HOPE” DEBUT ON OUR WEBSITE
We recently added a new section on our website that features the personal stories written by Missouri patients and their
families to express their reasons for supporting the Stem Cell Initiative. We encourage you to take a look at this inspiring “Stories of Hope” section by visiting our website at www.MissouriCures.com. If you or someone you love is affected by a disease or injury that could be treated or cured through stem cell research and you live in Missouri, we invite you to submit your own story.
LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION ENDORSES INITIATIVE
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), which in November joined with dozens of other patient advocacy groups as a
member of the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, recently issued an official statement endorsing the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative.
“The Lance Armstrong Foundation supports the initiative because Missouri patients should have access to any federally-approved stem cell cures that are developed,” said Doug Ulman, chief mission officer for the LAF. “This initiative could benefit many whose diseases and injuries could someday be cured as a result of stem cell research, potentially including some forms of cancer. All patients everywhere should have access to any future therapies or cures that result from groundbreaking medical discoveries.”
The LAF was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong to inspire and empower people
affected by cancer. The LAF serves its mission through advocacy, public health and research.
To read the entire press release, please visit the newsroom section of our website at www.MissouriCures.com.
ANOTHER POLL SHOWS STRONG SUPPORT FOR OUR INITIATIVE
A recent public poll sponsored by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and KMOV-TV (Channel 4) showed that 64% of the 800 likely
Missouri voters surveyed would vote for the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative. By a two-to-one margin, likely Missouri voters favor the proposed referendum measure to protect all forms of stem cell research allowed under federal law. The survey was conducted between January 16 and 18 by Research 2000, a Maryland-based, nonpartisan research firm. The complete results are posted in the public polls section of our website.
That's it for now! K
# posted by Blue Hearts @ 8:05 AM 
