http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/group_rss/CitizensConcerned Citizens concerned about the Iraq War. The past few months have provided a dizzying series of messages in the blogosphere praising or persecuting the new President of the United States (POTUS). Thankfully, Salon.com produced an “over the nation” report on the Republican Party today that deserves more attention, and a more in-depth analysis (from yours truly, naturally). Here’s the Salon.com link - The state (by state) of the GOP Once again, Dick Wadhams’ penchant for media attention provides the clue for how to defeat him and continue the GOP decline: "This notion that Colorado has suddenly become a Democratic state is preposterous. I think Democrats who have a grip on reality know that." -- State GOP chairman Dick Wadhams The lesson from Dick is a hard and true fact of politically strategy from today to 2012, and unfortunately, too many high level Democratic leaders are positively oblivious to the concept. While basking in the glory of Barack Obama’s victory, I am seeing too many messages ignoring recent losses and weaknesses going into future ballots. This kind of complacency and false posturing is a formula for a disaster in the 2010 General Election. Salon.com is absolutely correct by highlighting the dominance of the GOP at the county and community level. Even in Larimer County, the Democratic Party leadership is mute on the loss of a seat on the Board of County Commissioners. Reveling in the glory of former Democratic Party Chair Betsy Markey defeating Marilyn Musgrave is apparently too intoxicating to take a clear look at the dangers of the political landscape. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQsd http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQsd/commentary#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:18:24 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQsd Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 5 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQsd/ The most recent addition to the GOP dog-pack nipping at the heels of Congresswomen-Elect Betsy Markey, CU Regent Thomas J. Lucero, is having an identity, or at least residency, crisis. According to his CU Regent biography he lives in Johnstown. But, the press release he sent to the Loveland Reporter-Herald includes (R-Loveland) after his name (see the extended text). According to the Managing Editor of the Reporter-Herald those 10-characters between parentheses are sufficient evidence to tout him as the "home town" candidate.  This is the second time that the Reporter-Herald has announced his candidacy in the past two-weeks crediting him as a Loveland resident. Since the newspaper doesn’t seem to understand investigative journalism, or even the need to confirm information sent by politicians in a press release, I made a few checks.  First of all other Colorado newspapers have reported Mr. Lucero’s home as Johnstown.  Then there is the information on his CU Regent biography that lists his home as, surprise, Johnstown. The CU Regent biography goes a little further to specify that Mr. Lucero is a Johnstown businessman and civic leader.  So while it is getting hard to figure out which former dairy farm is now part of Johnstown, or which corn-field is Loveland’s $6 Million dollar investment in the future, a person with ambitions for the US Congress should know what address to go to at the end of the day. When he ran for CU Regent Tom knew that he lived in Johnstown.  The Colorado Secretary of State record shows his campaign committee address from the 1997 campaign season as 1015 WS 1ST ST/PO BOX 921 JOHNSTOWN, CO 80534.  That’s the same Post Office box that’s on the CU Regent Biography. Further evidence of Mr. Lucero’s inaccuracy in the press release to the Reporter-Herald is found through the Dex.com online telephone directory.  No surprise here that there is no listing for Thomas J., Tom or “T” Lucero in Loveland.  This is inconclusive since Dex doesn’t account for the phenomenon of people with only a cellphone and no landline at their home. Next in my bag of tricks is the Larimer County Assessor website for property records.  It’s reasonable to believe that an independently wealthy pizza magnate would own his home.  Curiously, a search for any person with the last name of Lucero owning property in the County doesn’t show a Thomas in Loveland, but there is one in Fort Collins.  Sorry, for dragging that guy into this mess. So, I guess it comes down to this.  Almost a month before Betsy Markey is even provided the respect and courtesy of being sworn-in as a Member of Congress ( “MC” as my former Congressman and professor is known to say) we have the curious case of a GOP wanna-be getting ready for the 2010 contest. The preponderance of evidence points to his home being in Johnstown.  Yet, he sends a press release to a Loveland newspaper claiming to reside in that community.  I can’t tell if he’s really seeking a higher elected office, or merely a different path to succeeding Marilyn Musgrave with an appearance in Newsweek magazine’s “The Dignity Index:  The Biggest Losers.” (http://www.newsweek.com/id/176413?from=rss) http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQDm http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQDm/commentary#comments Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:40:17 EST http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQDm Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQDm/ For several years now the evidence of the Alberto Gonzales gang's manipulation of the Federal Civil Service within the Department of Justice has been well publicized. The fact that right-wing political ideologues were being approved for career professional positions based on social issue orthodoxy, rather than competence and qualifications, is yet another blight on the scandalous legacy of the current occupant of the White House. Today's report in the Washington Post reveals that this practice of burrowing right-wing political operatives into the Civil Service is also in-place in the scientific agencies. Perhaps this is the mis-administration's strategy for making permanent the Republican obsession for combating the truth of science with their twisted political and social priorities. The Center for Public Integrity is soon to release their "Broken Government" study. The fund-raising teaser release promises 120 specific cases. This kind of investigative effort to hold the Bushies accountable as the mis-administration fades into oblivion is crucial.  Revealing and acting on the depth and breadth of this conspiracy is vital to the success of any reforms and corrects to the offenses of the past eight years. The Obama-Biden Administration will be stretched and tested to uncover and flush-out these right-wing activists who have burrowed their way into the Civil Service like so many termites. The evidence of these infestations must be met with quick action. Executive appointees selected for positions above these people must be prepared to take every possible action within the laws and regulations of the Civil Service structure to either get them dismissed, or make it too hard for them to stay and accomplish their nefarious goals. Attention to the selection of the Administrator of the Office of Personnel Management will be a key to success in this area. Various Executive agency inspectors general must be supported in investigating these political opportunists. IF they are found to be substantially unqualified for the job description that they were hired to fill, then it should be clear grounds for dismissal as an unlawful appointment. The Obama-Biden appointees who are saddled with these burdens must enforce clear, precise and enforceable performance standards. When confronted with qualitative requirements to enforce and perform based upon laws and regulations that these infiltrators are likely to hold ambitions to undermine and avoid, could more easily force them to resign. Even in its demise the minions of the current mis-administration are appearing to be increasingly unwilling to follow the current occupant of the White House and the vice out of Washington. This certainly adds to the challenge and urgency of establishing the new administration's executive leadership. Too many months and too many acting, caretaker, leaders in the executive departments will make it all the harder to untangle the tentacles of the Bush parasites. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQDn http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQDn/commentary#comments Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:53:14 EST http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQDn Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 425 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQDn/ The American Ambassador to Iraq and the Iraqi Foreign Minister have signed an agreement requiring US Forces to leave Iraq. No, this isn't another predictive "dream" story of the pending Obama Administration; the Bushies did (or, allowed) this. So much for all of the GOP talking points and faux news air-time devoted to "...no arbitrary deadlines." The current news sound-bites are full of controversy and contradiction from inside Iraq. But, the American conservatives are being surprisingly quiet. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQzp http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQzp/commentary#comments Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:47:59 EST http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQzp Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 214 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQzp/ Bob Schaffer's out of touch, wrong on critical issues rap-sheet grows by the day. I found this latest charge in Ed Quillen's column in the Sunday Denver Post. Read the whole column online at http://www.denverpost.com/quillen/ci_10799075 or scroll down to the extended post text. The Referendum A test still carries a lot of weight with me.  Once again here's a case where Bob Schaffer sided with big-monied interests and against Colorado farmers, ranchers and communities. Hopefully, he'll be sliding into the dustbin of Colorado political history by 10:00 PM on November 4th.  Being too cozy with the "drill baby, drill" crowd of oilies is bad enough, but working on the wrong side of water policy is unforgiveable. PS - If you get a chance, drop a complimentary email to Ed (his email link at at the end of the Extended Post Text).  It is so hard to find something worthy of praise in the Denver Post these days that we should encourage Ed to continue his good work. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQ8p http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQ8p/commentary#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:59:31 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQ8p Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8p/ Reports are coming in that Barack Obama's Colorado appearances today were record breaking. One Democratic Party insider says that the Denver Rally pulled in over 100,000 supporters. I was within a softball toss of Barack in Fort Collins. One early estimate claims 45,000 attended; it sure looked like a lot more than that to me.  The Eastern half of the CSU Oval was filled with people, and more were crowded into the Southwest quarter of the Oval. If I were priviledged enough...I would paste in one of my low-res pictures of the crowd.  But, even Barack said that the setting was incredible.  The trees surrounding the Oval were in full color. Barack's message has evolved, even from the acceptance speach at Mile High.  Focused, positive and thoroughly inspiring. I was struck by several uses of "the future" today.  Each time was full of hope and desire for the best for all Americans.  Barack's comments were on-target for a number of topics:  the economy, healthcare, primary education, secondary education, jobs and how John McCain is out of touch. The program started with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and an a capella performance of the National Anthem.  Betsy Markey gave one of her best speaches as did Governor Bill Ritter. Other news organizations will have a full transcript of the speach.  The press contingent was impressive.  But, news coverag does not compare to being there...being there to see the future President. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQ8V http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQ8V/commentary#comments Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:40:01 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQ8V Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8V/ The Rocky Mountain News weighs-in this morning with a good report on the growing revelations of the GOP voter suppression agenda. Curiously, this shows in Colorado as a fight between the GOP Secretary of State and two strong GOP County Clerks. The County Clerks, Republicans Scott Doyle (Larimer) and Pam Anderson (Jefferson), are holding the line for what is right and just in the face of CD-6 Candidate and Secretary of State Coffman's fixation on a questionable policy. This year's election controversy is increasingly looking like valid charges of radicals in the GOP deliberately using technicalities and irrational procedural hoops to deny eligible citizens the right and opportunity to vote. The contemporary "voter fraud" cries of the GOP are a manufactured issue with the sole purpose of suppressing likely Democratic voters. There is no problem other than the radical conservatives seeing their political clout wither with each succeeding election. The facts of the miniscule number of REAL cases of Federal and State voter fraud charges and convictions in recent history defy the hysteria of the GOP. Doyle and Anderson are providing leadership and good public policy for all of Colorado. Too bad that there is some other influence keeping Mike Coffman from recognizing, and acting on, that good example. Maybe it is too much for him to run for Congress and be responsible for a fair election. Read the Rocky's full story online at: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/oct/22/secretary-of-state-stands-by-registration-check/   http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQk2 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQk2/commentary#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:16:34 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQk2 Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQk2/ I was just listening to former Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder on a radio show. He made a critical and brilliant observation about John McCain. His evaluation of the Sarah Palin selection rests on that decision as an indicator of how McSame would later decide on the people to fill the other leadership positions in a supposed McSame mis-administration. This is a powerful indictment of a candidate for president of the US when the nation so despirately needs a clear change of direction. The specter of Sarah Palin equivalent appointments throughout the US Executive Branch shows no chance of reforming, and certainly not reversing, the criminal excesses of the past seven years. There will be no resolution to the US Attorney firings, and little hope of removing the fraudulently hired radical right-wingers who have been peppered throughout the Department of Justice to undermine, rather than enforce, the law. This demonstrated decision-making pattern by John McCain is a screaming warning to America. No other fact shines so brightly than the selection of Sarah Palin to confirm that McSame is the incarnation of a third, and perhaps more devastating, term for the G.W. Bush policies. Considering everything you find important, think your retired relatives who will be hurt if McCain succeeds and leads America down the path of more for the wealthiest and less for the rest. Victory in the race for the White House is critical, but top to bottom electoral victories on the ballot is equally important for our communities and state. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CZB9 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CZB9/commentary#comments Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:22:03 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CZB9 Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZB9/ One of the most disagreable experiences I've had during this year's political campaign came when national, and local, groups viciously attacked the integrity, motivations and message of General Petraeus. Yet, on Wednesday the conservative Heritage Foundation heard policies and concepts from Petraeus that confirm the campaign platform of Barack Obama. The complete story from the "Washington Independent" is in the Extended Post Text (via Foreign Policy magazine's Daily Brief service). This is an online news outlet associated with Colorado Confidential. This can't stay a minor story. Petraeus' comments must be shared, and the Obama campaign should advertise these policies and tactics with enthusiasm. Part of the value in this this is seeing a competent national leader, Obama, openly discuss a strategic vision and mission for the US military.  Now we're seeing that a widely praised general is able to accept that mission and describe the operational policies and tactics to accomplish what is apparently Barack Obama's security policy in opposition to McCain's irrational Iraq fixation. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CZBc http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CZBc/commentary#comments Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:33:58 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CZBc Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZBc/ Sarah Palin's training and experience as a TV personality dominated her performance last night. It was a theatrical performance. She stuck to her script and provided no more than the kind of idle chatter expected of a small-market TV news sub-anchor. We now have the answer why she has been so distant and untouchable for the past few weeks. The McCain team has been prepping and coaching her at an unprecedented level. She did not demonstrate the depth and scope needed to rise to the level of serious consideration of filling the job of VP, and certainly not reach any level of assurance that she is competent to follow fragile John McCain into the Oval Office. The GOP is so off-course to continue to promote her presence on the ticket as qualified in any sense of the word. The dodge and weave she demonstrated throughout the night was infuriating. The WingNuts succeeded in their pre-emptive intimidation of Gwen Ifill. Necessary and justified follow-ups and clarifications were obviously by-passed by Ifill to avoid post-debate vilification by the Radical Right. Palin's few clear pronouncements on security and foreign policy issues were deplorable. The casual mention of moving the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem is a toxic position that surely pleases the American Radical Religious Right (i.e., Talibangelist Mullah Dobson), but is an idea that has been known for decades to be immeasurably inflammatory to every Muslim influenced government in the world. By side-stepping the question on nuclear weapons and nuclear non-proliferation she definitively disqualified herself in this election. The balance between deterrence and pre-emption has been horrifically blurred by the current mis-adminstration. Sarah made it even murkier. Sarah Palin's performance last night was too close to the narrow, partisan message of the GOP Convention and totally devoid of any promise of potential to serve in the highest executive office. The best that could be offered is that she's now completed the crash course of study to be a good spokesperson for the McCain campaign. Competently reciting talking points with no further depth or capability. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CZGp http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CZGp/commentary#comments Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:48:32 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CZGp Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 2 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZGp/ BREAKING - Sunday, September 7th  Perhaps this should be counted as a media watch victory.  R-H editor Ken Amundson published a lengthy apology and signifcant policy change for the telephone call-in column.  Still, the R-H won't publish even their own editorials online.   In addition to the election season curtailment of political LTEs to 200-words, Amundson will not allow comments on individual candidates to be published in the call-in line column.  At least this could slow down the Right WingNut lies and slurs in one Colorado newspaper.   ///original post///  Among the wide range of Colorado newspapers the Loveland Reporter-Herald rests in a unique place between hometown paper and loyal arm of a conservative media group. But, on Tuesday September 2, 2008 the R-H crossed a dubious line by publishing an anonymous telephone message claiming that assassinating Brack Obama is acceptable because he is inexperienced.  "All you Democrats take what you're saying about Sarah Palin, and that's what all of us Republicans are saying about Obama.  He's way too inexperienced for the job.  I would much rather have a little inexperience at the number two position than the No. 1 position.  The only way to get rid of that experience in an inexperienced president is either by impeachment or assassination." (emphasis added) Political commentary is expected in America, but advocating one of the worst crimes for the offense of "inexperience" is truly despicable.  By publishing this rant without edit, or disclaimer is an indictment of complacancy  and possibly even accessory by the Reporter-Herald.   In response to my my protest of this publication the Managing Editor of the R-H, Ken Amundson, provided this response: I also reacted negatively when I read that comment this morning. I have taken steps internally to deal with it. Ken Amundson Today's edition of the R-H makes no mention of the offending comment.  It seems that Mr. Amundson's true definition of dealing with it internally is to ignore it and hope the issue dies.   Don’t look for this on the Reporter-Herald website.  It was originally published as part of the “R-H Line” feature for anonymous telephone calls.  They also do not publish letters to the editor on their websites.   The Extended Post Text holds the necessary information for others to join me in demanding that Ken Amundson and the Reporter-Herald take responsibility for this incident, cooperate with Federal authorities to determine if there really is a threat to Barack Obama, and publish an apology with a condemnation of inciting the public to illegal, criminal acts that undermine the political process in America. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cq7v http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cq7v/commentary#comments Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:00:02 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cq7v Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cq7v/ Several email exposes regarding Sarah Palin have landed in my in-box. The most useful is the message from MoveOn.org (go to the extended Post Text). I hope my mother, my wife and my teenage daughter will excuse this one - but, my initial reaction holds that McCain is having a post midlife crisis moment here. Now he gets to spend the rest of the campaign on stage with either a blonde or a brunette former beauty queen; sometimes both. Considering the depth and experience available to him in the rest of the GOP universe I am completely baffled that there can be any other reason for this decision. I am now even more appreciative for the intelligent and practical decision by Barack Obama to grab Joe Biden as his VP running mate. The supposed VP Debate won't be. With this line-up it is clear that candidate Palin will carefuly recite radical right wing talking points fed to her by the McCain handlers. Even if Biden were allowed in the format/rules to challenge her on any issues we'll hear nothing original. Thus there could not be a more distinct choice between the two tickets. Looking at the "rap-sheet" provided by MoveOn, American voters can have no doubts of the radical and destructive policies and positions John McCain is accepting by filling the GOP ticket with Palin. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cq7N http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cq7N/commentary#comments Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:56:44 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cq7N Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 2 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cq7N/ If you too are disgusted with how low Cheney and the Bush administration have stooped, take action: Weekly impeachment protests are listed on front page of Progress Now Action:  http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/event/detail/visibilitysignwaving/4jrx9  Seymour Hersh articles: To Provoke War, Cheney Considered Proposal To Dress Up Navy Seals As Iranians And Shoot At Them http://thinkprogress.org/2008/07/31/cheney-proposal-for-iran-war/ Preparing the Battlefield: The Bush Administration steps up its secret moves against Iran. http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/07/07/080707fa_fact_hersh          http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/wynnandbarbara/CqPZ http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/wynnandbarbara/CqPZ/commentary#comments Sat, 02 Aug 2008 11:45:08 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/wynnandbarbara/CqPZ Wynn & Barbara http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/fe1b02175312ffd441_xcbmv2l5w.gif Wynn & Barbara 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqPZ/ See entire article at http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/hearingday Impeachment Begins! Preliminary Hearing Friday July 25th By David Swanson www.afterdowningstreet.org At 10 a.m. on Friday July 25th, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a preliminary hearing in Rayburn Building Room 2141 on the topic of impeachment, with a presentation by Congressman Dennis Kucinich. This is not yet a true impeachment hearing, but it is our opportunity to push for one, and it represents a tremendous victory after years of effort by millions of Americans who want to keep the Constitution alive. This never would have happened without your hard work. And we can't let up now! The National Impeachment Network is organizing a rally and asking everyone who can to take a day off for justice and meet at 9 a.m. on Friday July 25th in front of the Rayburn House Office Building on the Independence Avenue side. Bring impeachment shirts and posters! For more information contact ningroup@gmail.com. David Swanson reports that Veterans for Peace had a meeting on impeachment already scheduled with Conyers for the 25th. He notes that they'll be in town and could perhaps take a lead in organizing people.  He also suggests contacting CodePink for organizing assistance. WHAT WE CAN DO HERE IN COLORADO:  1.  Join our weekly impeachment protest this Saturday 7/19 at noon: http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/event/detail/visibilitysignwaving/4jrxd  Want to get involved?  Contact: protestinthestreet@yahoo.com  2.  Contact your Congressional Representative to cosponsor H Res 1258 (35 Articles of Impeachment George W. Bush http://afterdowningstreet.org/bush ) Call at 202-224-3121 and email http://www.democrats.com/35-articles-of-impeachment   3.  Contact the media to cover the hearing, like independent media does: Denver Post newsroom: newsroom@denverpost.com 303-954-1201 Rocky Mountain News newsroom: 303-954-5201 4.  Contact the U.S. House Judiciary Committee and urge them to begin impeachment proceedings against Bush and Cheney: http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/judiciarycommittee 5.  Sign the petition at Congressman Kucinich's website: http://impeachment.kucinich.us/petition/ http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/wynnandbarbara/Cq7k http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/wynnandbarbara/Cq7k/commentary#comments Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:43:20 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/wynnandbarbara/Cq7k Wynn & Barbara http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/fe1b02175312ffd441_xcbmv2l5w.gif Wynn & Barbara 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cq7k/ Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich said he will introduce a single article of impeachment against President George W. Bush Thursday for “taking our nation and our troops to war based on lies.” Last month, Kucinich introduced 35 articles of impeachment against President Bush in the form of a privileged resolution.  Kucinich, a former 2008 Democratic presidential candidate, spent four-hours reading the impeachment articles into the Congressional Record last month. He accused the commander-in-chief of a wide range of high crimes and misdemeanors, such as lying to Congress and the public to win support for the Iraq war. The impeachment articles introduced by Kucinich last month took place a few days after the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence released a long-awaited report on prewar Iraq intelligence that concluded President Bush and Vice President Cheney knowingly lied to the public and to Congress about Iraq's links to al-Qaeda and the threat the country posed to the U.S. in the aftermath of 9/11.  “These articles of impeachment are about accountability,” Kucinich said. “I think our country is at risk. We’re setting a terrible precedent for future administrations if we choose to turn a blind eye to the crimes committed by this administration." The House of Representatives referred the Bush articles of impeachment to the Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI). Conyers has yet to release a public statement on the motion, but has in the past not been supportive of impeachment efforts. The resolution to impeach Cheney, which Kucinich presented in April 2007, remains stalled in the committee he chairs. (To read the original news article, click here: http://www.pubrecord.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=189:kucinich-to-introduce-new-article-of-impeachment-against-bush-thursday&catid=12:politics&Itemid=16)   OUTRAGED ABOUT THE OIL WAR LIES AND DEATHS, DOMESTIC SPYING, IMPRISONMENT WITHOUT DUE PROCESS, AND TORTURE?  HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO: Tell our Colorado U.S. Senators and Representatives to remember the oath of office they took, promising to uphold the Constitution.  Tell them to support impeachment hearings:  http://www.democrats.com/impeach   Contact the U.S. House Judiciary Committee and urge them to begin impeachment proceedings against Bush and Cheney: http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/judiciarycommittee   Join our local Impeach Colorado Coalition's weekly honk-to-impeach protests: http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/event/detail/visibilitysignwaving/4jrxy Read more: http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/bushaction http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/cheneyaction The time is always right to do what is right. - Martin Luther King, Jr. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/wynnandbarbara/CqyZ http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/wynnandbarbara/CqyZ/commentary#comments Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:52:45 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/wynnandbarbara/CqyZ Wynn & Barbara http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/fe1b02175312ffd441_xcbmv2l5w.gif Wynn & Barbara 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqyZ/ Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' Current mood: inspired Category: Life Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies - or else? The chain reaction of evil - hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars - must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation. Martin Luther King, Jr. He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it. Martin Luther King, Jr. (WAR = EVIL) THIS IS MY FAVORITE ONE...... An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. Martin Luther King, Jr. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. Martin Luther King, Jr. NO I LIED....these next two are my favorite ones...... I so would go to jail if I had too!!!! An individual who breaks a law that his conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law. Martin Luther King, Jr. A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men. Martin Luther King, Jr. A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus. Martin Luther King, Jr. A man can't ride your back unless it's bent. Martin Luther King, Jr. A man who won't die for something is not fit to live. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/jaquelinechristopher/Cqyg http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/jaquelinechristopher/Cqyg/commentary#comments Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:31:41 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/jaquelinechristopher/Cqyg Seeker of truth and freedom! http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/5cb1b68022f95ff4c0_ng4mv24hl.jpg Seeker of truth and freedom! 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cqyg/ UPDATE - Monday, 11 August 2008  Thanks to JJ for pointing out a new report on the mis-administration's latest action victimizing and disenfranchizing veterans from their Constitutional right to vote.  Now we have to account and protesting language of the Connecticut Secretary of State (see the extended text). This is a true case of "support the troops" and how the Bushies don't!  It is past time to tell the Congressional incumbents (especially the Senators) and the Democratic challengers in the race to the replace terrible trio (Musgrave, Lamborn and Tancredo - all of his potential successors are same, same anyway) that this cannot stand.  There is enough time to repair the damage, but only if VA Secretary Peake is immediately forced to revoke his rule. Original Post:  Well, here we go again...time for another Secretary of Veterans Affairs to resign. This time we find that another arm of the George Bush mis-administration has made a dubious legal interpretation, trampled on the rights and benefits of veterans and is denying any wrong-doing. You have to read the entire New York Times story to believe the depths of this tragic scenario. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/13/washington/13vote.html?_r=1&th=&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&emc=th&adxnnlx=1213380801-cdMfMk8+agmsFLoE3VAdHw This is a bizarre and deplorable action on the part of the mis-administration of the current occupant of the White House.  Refusing to facilitate voter registriation is definately not prohibited by the Hatch Act.  It's really disappointing that former Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) remains silent on this controversy. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqmP http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqmP/commentary#comments Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:19:09 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqmP Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 2 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqmP/ I was listening to yesterday's news about the current occupant of the White House on his farewell tour of Europe. This phrase was used by the reporter in the form of, "The last visit to Europe by President Bush." I realized that this is a very positive development. I'm looking for more "lasts" of anything and everything for the coWH. The case against the mis-administration regarding Iran is particularly damaging. It's clear that since entering office that the coWH has acted against the best interests of the United States on relations and policies towards Iran; the jumbled focus of his European tour sound bite script. Rather than advancing the best interests of the US, the current mis-administration has consistently played to the advantage of Ahmadi-Nejad and the ruling Iranian radicals. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cqm7 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cqm7/commentary#comments Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:16:11 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cqm7 Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cqm7/ Heads-up Colorado Springs and Northern Colorado. Beyond the fact that I've been working pretty hard for months to get this off the ground, it's just gonna be great!  This issue has been ignored (or at least danced around the edges) for too long.   A Conversation with Rand Beers   Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 Keeping Our Promises: Veterans, Soldiers and their Families   Rand Beers, President and Founder of the National Security Network, former senior White House national security staffer and Vietnam-era Marine, will be the featured speaker at two town hall forums on issues facing the military community:  repeat deployments for members of the active-duty Armed Forces, Guard and Reserves, the needs of a growing new population of disabled veterans, and the burdens on military families.  Beers combines front-line experience (Rifle Company Commander in Vietnam and 10 years in the White House) with years of briefing our nation’s political leaders and, with the National Security Network, trains and advises candidates and advocates on how to address these issues in today’s political environment. A question and answer session will follow.   1:00 – 3:00pm UCCS: The Upper Lodge 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918  6:30 – 8:30pm Bill Reed Middle School 370 West 4th Street Loveland, Colorado 80537  RSVP: rkeenan@nsnetwork.org   http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cqmz http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cqmz/commentary#comments Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:43:58 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cqmz Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cqmz/ Its funny but if you go to youtube and look up all the canididates, all of them have so many NEGATIVE videos about them and the lies they tell, EXCEPT RON PAUL. He is someone who tells you exactly what he thinks and why he thinks it, and there are no lies, no deception.... we all complain about the presidents we have or have had and now we have the chance to change it! JUST VOTE FOR A REAL PERSON!!! VOTE RON PAUL RON PAUL IS STILL IN THE ELECTION. Isnt it a little odd to you that the media is not giving him any publilcity??? DUH ITS BECAUSE THEY DONT WANT HIM TO WIN. THEY WANT THE SAME LIERS AND FREEDOM SUPPRESORS LIKE BUSH, MCCAIN, CLITON, OBAMA....THEY ARE ALL THE SAME. I did want Obama to win but not when I saw his lies just like the other canididates lies. They all want the government to controll our lives. BUT NOT RON PAUL!!! HE WANTS LESS GOVERNMENT AND MORE FREEDOM. He wants us to do what we want and say what we want and live off the same beliefs our forefathers had when this country was founded! The media sais he isnt running BUT HE STILL IS! PLEASE PEOPLE GET OUT THERE AND VOTE FOR OUR FREEDOMS, VOTE FOR OUR FUTURE CHILDRENS FREEDOMS! VOTE RON PAUL!!!!!! http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/jaquelinechristopher/CqmZ http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/jaquelinechristopher/CqmZ/commentary#comments Sun, 08 Jun 2008 17:32:58 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/jaquelinechristopher/CqmZ Seeker of truth and freedom! http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/5cb1b68022f95ff4c0_ng4mv24hl.jpg Seeker of truth and freedom! 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqmZ/