This is such a great idea. I like that the proposed message is not glib, but I succinct. Great job, Governor Dean and Team DNC!

I too love this idea. I'm currently trying to get the date of all of my final exams that are set to take place the week after this event, so if all goes well, I'll begin to organize an event in my area tomorrow.

Two-thirds of Americans reject this president and the Republican leadership

If this is true then why knock on doors? If 66.66 percent of Americans reject this president and the Republican leadership, then why the need for this effort.

Tell the truth. Stop pandering to the ignorant party base. The Democratic party is still way behind and heroic measures are needed. When will true democrats realize they are being used?

Dear Mr. Dean and Democratic Party,

You've got to be kidding. This is all you can come up with?

Your pathetic door hanger is first of all almost impossible to read, and doesn't even begin to address those conerns most precious to me, most importantly my civil rights as a gay american.

Where is the issue of my civil rights addressed in your "agenda?"

This in the final straw, the wake up call for me: I'm sending my support elsewhere. Your pathetic party has failed me time and again,
on too many issues, including The War, the economy, health care, unbridled power, and most importantly, my civil rights.

The current mess is the fault and responsibility of the Democratic party.

Get out of the way and let real leadership lead.

Sincerely,
T. Lark Letchworth

What "real leadership" are you referring to?

Name one Democrat that has attempted to trample on your civil rights as a gay American. If you want to fight discrimination, you are much better off working with the Democratic Party than the Republican Party, which just two years ago pushed through 11 amendments across the country banning gay marriage.

I don't know how this doorhanger is impossible to read. Perhaps you could enlighten me on how six initiaves that matter to all Americans that are plainly explained in numerical order is difficult to read.

If this is true then why knock on doors? If 66.66 percent of Americans reject this president and the Republican leadership, then why the need for this effort.

Tell the truth. Stop pandering to the ignorant party base. The Democratic party is still way behind and heroic measures are needed. When will true democrats realize they are being used?

It is true, look at the recent poll numbers. However, sitting on our hands for the next seven months is not going to be enough to maintain those poll numbers and continue to progress our agenda in the 2006 election.

We are not that far behind. We are six seats from a majority in the Senate, 15 seats from a majority in the House, and with troops in Iraq through the 2008 elections, we've got a great shot at the White House already in 2008 without one individual formally announced as a candidate. However, in order to capitalize on our new-found momentum, we must continue to work and work hard.

President Clinton once said "Democrats like to fall in love, Republicans like to fall in line." It seems to have worked pretty well for Republicans the last 12 years, so perhaps some of you Democrats who want to bang on Dean, bang on every initiative, and complain when they don't do exactly as you would like should fall in line, realize you are going to win in the long run on your issue if we win elections, and be constructive instead of destructive.

Great strategy. I was going to do this myself this spring and take along my elderly mother in her wheelchair. She's loves meeting people her own age. There are lots of senior homeowners in our older, suburban neighborhood. So please make at least one piece of lit about health care and the Republicans' Medicare perscription drug doughnut hole.

Instead of giving everyone the same summary piece, I'd like to tailor what I share depending on what I find out is their biggest concern....but I suppose we could do that on a second visit?

I'm really interested to finding out what people are thinking outside my own circle. I see this first visit as a chance to identify other progressives and get-acquainted. But we also need to listen closely to what ALL our neighbors are saying and not guide the conversation. Let's let voters tell us what they need.

People have caught on to the fact that the Republicans keep telling them "everything is alright" when it isn't... and use it as an excuse not to solve any problems. So a summary piece on how Democrats have fixed problems when they were in control of Congress in the past might be good piece to leave behind.

Baby steps.

SandyH writes...People have caught on to the fact that the Republicans keep telling them "everything is alright" when it isn't... and use it as an excuse not to solve any problems.

SandyH, please tell me what it is you feel is "wrong" with our country. Can anybody tell me what problems the Democrats would solve and how would they do it?

I'm speaking from an agricultural community. You can get to the gate, but not to the house. Plus, many of these old farmers have been tricked by the RP. A hanger will have to hit their issues hard and fast. New writers with "trigger" words are needed and a voice with a quick trigger finger. How will they stand to gain by flexfuels, etc and how quickly? Will the elite tax farmhands' and construction workers' tobacco and beer, when someone is buying a third home, or a fourth jag? How's their property protected and property taxes reduced. Where do they find good medical care—that goes for all of us?
Here's where John Edwards can make them believe. They're going to have to like someone first.
More to the point at hand. How do disabled country folk manage to reach their neighbors. For instance, I can't drive after dark, or walk a city block, let alone a country mile. Still, you're putting forth an important effort and I'll keep listening for options.

Glad to see the Event Finder is on the main page sidebar.

This is a great way to kick off the Election Year. Our group, IllinoisDemNet, will participate as completely as possible. We'll set up our own groups and partner with any other group that's interested in getting involved.

We're happy to do this, we're eagar to do this, because it's essential to get as many people excited as we can about the possibility of winning back the Congress -- and our Country -- come November 6th.

LEO
webmaster
IllinoisDemNet

ILLINOIS DEMOCRATIC NETWORK
http://www.IllinoisDemNet.com

and if you are on the East Coast remember that April 29th is also a day to tell the government what is on your mind.

March For Peace, Justice And Democracy
Saturday April 29, 2006
New York City

Tim, did you forget to include this?

SandyH, please tell me what it is you feel is "wrong" with our country. Can anybody tell me what problems the Democrats would solve and how would they do it?

Here's what wrong with our country:

* We are in the middle of a civil war in Iraq years after the battle was supposed to be over.

* We are only investing 5% of the containers coming out our nation, all on the watch of an a Republican administration and Congress that claims they care about homeland security.

* Our DHS and FEMA organizations have been inadequate for two straight hurricane seasons, and have not made many improvements as we head into the 2006 hurricane season.

* Instead of working towards energy independence and reducing our dependency on foreign oil that is a national security and economic concern, we are instead giving billions of dollars in tax breaks to oil companies whom are staying the course in drilling in the Gulf Coast and refuse to make much of if any effort to move to alternative fuels.

HERE IS THE DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE TO THOSE PROBLEMS:

* Democrats believe in reducing troops in 2006. This is explaining in the first bullet of Real Security.

* As outlined in Real Security">Real Security, Democrats believe that we should be inspecting 100% of the containers coming into our ports at the port of origin.

* Democrats believe that we need to seperate FEMA from DHS and make FEMA a cabinet level position. Michael Brown claimed that he could not get anything done by going to DHS during Hurricane Katrina and that instead he just went right to the White House to just get away from a gigantic bureaucracy at DHS that has been created by the Bush Administration.

* Democrats have long stood in support of energy independence, and introduced the Energy Indepedence 2020 initiative in November 2005. That initiative was reintroduced in the Real Security strategy introduced yesterday.

brian111: "I asked him to tell me what to tell people."

You might try boning up on the "Agenda" section of this site before you start hitting the streets. Also, ad-libing on occasion helps.

You got it Howard,you're 50 state strategy is becoming a success and i'll see what i can do to help for November.

And Peppermint thanks for posting the March For Peace link. I'll get right on top of those two.

This in the final straw, the wake up call for me: I'm sending my support elsewhere

Posted by Larklet on March 30, 2006 at 12:15 PM

Good luck, champ !

When you find some'real leadership' let us know !

Maybe swinging over to the Republicans will be the change you need! They would like to cut off your penis and hang you on a fence!

brian111- Just take a look at the doorhanger, the agenda is right there on it:

http://a9.g.akamai.net/7/9/8082/v001/democratic1.download.akamai.com/8082/images/contribute/20060323_dualdoor.gif

It seems that Democrats are so used to not having a cohesive agenda that when we finally get one, some of you can't move on, get timid, and continue your worrywort ways. GET EXCITED! GET ON THIS DOOR-TO-DOOR CAMPAIGN! LET'S DO SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE ELECTION, BEFORE THE REPUBLICANS GET OUT THERE!

I'm sorry, the link cut off. You can go here and see the doorhanger.

This is a good idea.

It's a shame there's nothing being done by any official democratic organization in Illinois. Guess they're too busy gloating over killing the grassroots joy in IL-06.

The issues listed on the doorhanger are OK - not earth shattering rhetoric but the slogan

Together America can do better

should be sunk in a river with a 10 ton weight. It's pathetic. Weak. Anemic. Insipid.

Even Newt Gingrich came up with something better for the Dems

Had enough?

Fire your consultants and go out and talk to the people for some inspiration - your slogan is a dud.

I'd like to see an ad in the format:

WHY ARE YOU A REPUBLICAN?

Republicans promote........Democrats promote

Concentration of wealth...Distribution of wealth
Allowing big corps to........Cleaning up the mess
mess up the environment
ETC

I'd like to see an ad in the format:

WHY ARE YOU A REPUBLICAN?

Republicans promote........Democrats promote

Concentration of wealth...Distribution of wealth
Allowing big corps to........Cleaning up the mess
mess up the environment
ETC

I'd like to see an ad in the format:

WHY ARE YOU A REPUBLICAN?

Republicans promote........Democrats promote

Concentration of wealth...Distribution of wealth
Allowing big corps to........Cleaning up the mess
mess up the environment
ETC

I'd like to see an ad in the format:

WHY ARE YOU A REPUBLICAN?

Republicans promote........Democrats promote

Concentration of wealth...Distribution of wealth
Allowing big corps to........Cleaning up the mess
mess up the environment
ETC

I'd like to see an ad in the format:

WHY ARE YOU A REPUBLICAN?

Republicans promote........Democrats promote

Concentration of wealth...Distribution of wealth
Allowing big corps to........Cleaning up the mess
mess up the environment
ETC

I'd like to see an ad in the format:

WHY ARE YOU A REPUBLICAN?

Republicans promote........Democrats promote

Concentration of wealth...Distribution of wealth
Allowing big corps to........Cleaning up the mess
mess up the environment
ETC

I'd like to see an ad in the format:

WHY ARE YOU A REPUBLICAN?

Republicans promote Democrats promote

Concentration of wealth Distribution of wealth
Allowing big corps to Cleaning up the mess
mess up the environment
ETC

Immigration positions taken by Senators Clinton & Kennedy and Rep Reed will doom the Democratic party to more defeats. Their positions are incomprehensible to me. Are they reading polls?
Forget the polls there is absolutely no justification for their positions. Hilary's claim that even Jesus would be persecuted by the House bill!!! Since when is enforcing laws persecution? I can't believe the Democratic party is so dumb. Kerry would have won the last election if he had strongly endorsed the position of the House bill.

I'd like to see an ad in the format:

WHY ARE YOU A REPUBLICAN?

Republicans support Democrats support

Concentration of wealth Distribution of wealth
Allowing big corps to Cleaning up the mess
mess up the environment
ETC

I'd like to see an ad in the format:

WHY ARE YOU A REPUBLICAN?

Republicans support Democrats support

Concentration of wealth Distribution of wealth
Allowing big corps to Cleaning up the mess
mess up the environment
ETC

I'd like to see and in the format:

WHY ARE YOU A REPUBLICAN?

Republicans support Democrats support

Concentration of wealth Distribution of wealth
Allowing big corps to Cleaning up the mess
mess up the environment
ETC

Normpink- Hillary was not talking about Jesus in the sense of being illegal, she was talking about the House bill that was trying to criminalize ministers, priests, and other pillars of the religious community for helping their faithful.

Democrats have been very united on this front of illegal immigration. One may not agree with their views, but they have not been all over the map on this issue like the Republicans. In their party, they've got Sensenbrenner over here, Tancredo over there, McCain somewhere in the middle, Frist tried to merge Sensenbrenner and Tancredo in one... They are really a mess on this issue.

Democrats have been very clear: Let's upgrade our border security and give our border patrol the resources in numbers and technology they need, let's let our ministers do the Lord's work and not the INS' work, and let's provide a path for hard working individuals to citizenship in return for the payment of back taxes, learning English, taking a U.S. government course, and waiting in line.

Yankee Novice, is there a reason that you keep posting the same comments?

FINALLY!
An opportunity to voice an opinion on the so called "interctive DNC web vehicle"
The Democratic Party left me behind a long time ago. Canvassing for Adlai Stevenson was my introduction to "Democratic" politics. The JFK campaign was truly a blast and it's been downhill ever since. The presidential candidates have gone from "have little" to "have nothing" and Mr. Blowhard Dean is an arch example.

The American peopl desperately need and want an honest and ethical candidate who can inspire all of us to pariticipation and activism. JFK was the "great white hope" and he was far from perfect.
What have we got today! Crypto Neo-Con Hillary? "Hey Look at Me ain't I great?" Mr. Profile (and not much else) Kerry.

Excuse me, is there a potential leader in the place?

Bush & Co., will continue to dominate the American political scene until the DNC reaches out to real potential leaders, the guys with chutzpah and collones who can rescue this country from its ultimate demise.

"Even Newt Gingrich came up with something better for the Dems: Had enough?"

"Fire your consultants and go out and talk to the people for some inspiration - your slogan is a dud."

Here's an action plan for those who actually prefer doing something: Make a graphic 150x200 with the words "Had Enough?" on it plus whatever else you might think appropropriate and then put it on your website or as part of your Blog Acct and have the thing link to the Contribution Page here -- or whatever.

You like "Had Enough?". So do I. And I'm going to use it too!

I am really disappointed that this is the most inspiration you can produce. You make me think of Will Rogers who said, "I'm not a member of an organized political party, I'm a Democrat".

The party has to stand for something. It is not enough to be critical of Bush, you have to present a better way to handle things and outdo him. The Republican leadership is so far to the right that the middleground is available for you to seize. You can demonstrate concern for the country by having a strong, far-reaching platform. Enough Americans are upset with the lack of environmental improvement. You can stand up for things like clean coal, support for wind and solar power, and, yes, NUCLEAR POWER. As you know, France gets about 80% of their power from nuclear, and they have demonstrated, as have our limited number of plants, that given proper care it is not only clean but safe. Expensive? Yes, but that is mostly for lawyers' fees.

The Democrats should come out for responsible family planning, not just for the U.S., but for the world. A great many of today's problems are caused or exacerbated by unwanted pregnancies and populations overtaking resources. A responsible platform for educating the world would be a laudable goal. In this country, of course choice should prevail. Some people oppose that? Sure, but the majority favor it, and education can make it a smaller problem.

The war in Iraq - Yes, Bush didn't have to start that. But rejecting him does nothing to solve the problems that we face there and elsewhere. The job has to be completed and Iraq needs to be a functioning democracy. I gather that many Democrats would like to just bring the troops home and let the foreigners solve their own problems. This would be a head in the sand approach to our eventual demise. Bush may not have known what he was doing, but what he found needs our attention. Much of the Islamic world would like nothing better than to kill Americans and the rest of the western world for no better reason than we do not worship God the same way they do. We are in a war, like it or not, and we can lose. Any platform that does not recognize this is simply irresponsible. In connection with this, the United States armed forces are at their lowest point in our lifetimes. This cannot continue. The troops in Iraq are personally carrying much greater burdens than they should. They have given an embarrassing portion of their lives to supporting our government's policies. We need more people in uniform, and the ones who are need more support.

Bush has made some apparent progress with the "No child left behind" effort. This has had some success in raising standards, but it still falls short of what is needed to improve schools and keep kids in them. Improving this effort should be fertile ground for an opposition party.

The deficit is a problem that can be used to get Democrats into office. A balanced budget should be a defensible position, and certain tax
increases are probably inevitable. This can be sold as being responsible financial management.
Social Security doesn't need privatization, it just needs to have FICA deducted from higher salary levels. The current system frees the higher portions of income from the tax, those who need it least get the benefit.

I'm sure you have thought of most or at least a good part of my suggestions already. I hope you can put some of this into play, so that I can vote for your party the next time around. If you haven't already guessed, I am a moderate Republican. But, I have voted for Democrats on most recent occasions because Bush and company are just not acceptable. You can have my vote in the future if you can take strong and responsible positions. You have to lead, and I honestly can say I don't see you doing that.

Lucky

"Democrats have a clear vision for America, and we're going to get the word out by making personal contact with our neighbors".

Good! Id like to know what their "clear vision for America" is too. And Im talking specifics here. Being along time demo myself, I dont even know what the specifics of my party are, how can I convince the hardheaders/liners that we can do it better? ('I' know, a smoking monkey could do a better job than any of the politicians in this administration).
But I want better than mediocre, sub-par, self interest people(or funny smoking monkeys)representing me. I want my ideas, and concerns (compromised of course! ha thats democratic) administered by the persons we hired in good faith to do just that!! And how about in the best interest of us' that are footing the bill for all of this!!.
The government was created to administer and provide fundamental services for us all to have a livable and safe society to live, work and advance in!! Why isnt it doing that??

Im sick of all the bi-partisan', private' , big monied', special', corporate' and self INTRESTS' groups and people taking advantage of OUR government, taking money from OUR government and perversing OUR rules and regulations to their advantage (that were created to protect US from THEM in the first place!). AND of course ALWAYS at a HUGE co$t and to the detriment of the average citizen! These groups shouldnt even have access to our government! Why waste our time and money doing anything for them let alone EVERYTHING all the time!!
The priority of the government IS to us!! We set it up and pay its bill$ (It wasnt a corporation or some special interest group that overthrew our government at the time, or even help to pay for it). It was us', the average citizen that fought and overthrew our government then.

WE created a NEW government, by us' the people for us' the people. And to be administered BY us' the people, our neighbors', and friends' that way making sure and safeguarding that we the people NEVER would be controlled by ANY government again! That all' citizens have guaranteed access, input, representation and benefits to its elected representatives and their government. We would NEVER again be forced to just give our'(hard earned and scarce) money to our government without representation, approval, justification, limits, control or benefit to us' (the people paying the bill$!!)
Got to mention my favorite stuff, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but considering the state of things sadly those gotta be alittle down on the priority list.

Demo's in charge PLEASE make a priority list and STICK TO IT! FOCUS! Pick a couple of things finish/fix em THEN and ONLY then move on to the next issue. BE ASSERTIVE!!!!BE IN CONTROL!!

Let me offer a couple of priorities that affect "ME, wheezer" and I think the majority of citizens that are actually or did (seniors) paying the majority of the bill$.
They are in no particular order- But they are higher on my "agenda" list than yours!??
-ridiculous! cost of health care and health insurance for everyone! even the corps. are whinning about this one!And quality control issues are needed here!!
-Education! Get the grants, the special interest groups, weird testing crap and lazy teachers and administrators out! Major quality control issues here! I say go back to the classical education system! Hey it worked!
-High Co$T of everything! GAS, Higher Education!(thanks Bush!) groceries, electricity, water, dentist, affordable housing, etc.etc.
-Livable wages! to pay for the above.
-DEFICET!!!!!!!! Thats scary!!(Not on your list?)
-Gotta end this EXPEN$IVE nonsense in the middle east A$AP!! Get Halliburton out and sub out the work locally and to other countries corps! Share the wealth and the responsibility!!Let the locals make some money and have good jobs thats the way to make friends and influence people. duh!
-Homeland security crap! Hate it!! delete and start over, without all our civil liberties and freedoms being ignored. Concentrate on real security issues not spying on us citizens. Also I dont think its feasible or possible to check every container that comes into our ports but the ratio needs to be improved.
-Environment, clean energy alternatives, save our natural resources to enjoy.
-Im throwing this in cause I guess its gonna have to be ANOTHER issue! (to distract from getting anything resolved ever)
Im for some type of immigration reform BUT I am against this getting citizenship. How come the gov doesn't know (estimate at least) how many immigrant workers the U.S. needs/uses a year and in which industries? Then they can just issue that many worker passes every year. I live in an area where the illegal peeps do ALOT of crime over half of which is violent. And they abuse alot of our resources and in some instances have priority. But I have friends and know alot of Hispanics throughout my life, that are cool average citizens, sooo what ya gonna do? And also I was bummed having to move from my hometown to get away from the mass of immigrants (foreign and citizens) that caused unaffordable housing, traffic, corporate interests, job shortages, crappier school quality, more crime, etc. I prefer a lower population per square inch.

Anyway its a cute idea. Im for anything that will get this party out there!!

"Democrats have a clear vision for America, and we're going to get the word out by making personal contact with our neighbors".

Good! Id like to know what their "clear vision for America" is too. And Im talking specifics here. Being along time demo myself, I dont even know what the specifics of my party are, how can I convince the hardheaders/liners that we can do it better? ('I' know, a smoking monkey could do a better job than any of the politicians in this administration).
But I want better than mediocre, sub-par, self interest people(or funny smoking monkeys)representing me. I want my ideas, and concerns (compromised of course! ha thats democratic) administered by the persons we hired in good faith to do just that!! And how about in the best interest of us' that are footing the bill for all of this!!.
The government was created to administer and provide fundamental services for us all to have a livable and safe society to live, work and advance in!! Why isnt it doing that??

Im sick of all the bi-partisan', private' , big monied', special', corporate' and self INTRESTS' groups and people taking advantage of OUR government, taking money from OUR government and perversing OUR rules and regulations to their advantage (that were created to protect US from THEM in the first place!). AND of course ALWAYS at a HUGE co$t and to the detriment of the average citizen! These groups shouldnt even have access to our government! Why waste our time and money doing anything for them let alone EVERYTHING all the time!!
The priority of the government IS to us!! We set it up and pay its bill$ (It wasnt a corporation or some special interest group that overthrew our government at the time, or even help to pay for it). It was us', the average citizen that fought and overthrew our government then.

WE created a NEW government, by us' the people for us' the people. And to be administered BY us' the people, our neighbors', and friends' that way making sure and safeguarding that we the people NEVER would be controlled by ANY government again! That all' citizens have guaranteed access, input, representation and benefits to its elected representatives and their government. We would NEVER again be forced to just give our'(hard earned and scarce) money to our government without representation, approval, justification, limits, control or benefit to us' (the people paying the bill$!!)
Got to mention my favorite stuff, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but considering the state of things sadly those gotta be alittle down on the priority list.

Demo's in charge PLEASE make a priority list and STICK TO IT! FOCUS! Pick a couple of things finish/fix em THEN and ONLY then move on to the next issue. BE ASSERTIVE!!!!BE IN CONTROL!!

Let me offer a couple of priorities that affect "ME, wheezer" and I think the majority of citizens that are actually or did (seniors) paying the majority of the bill$.
They are in no particular order- But they are higher on my "agenda" list than yours!??
-ridiculous! cost of health care and health insurance for everyone! even the corps. are whinning about this one!And quality control issues are needed here!!
-Education! Get the grants, the special interest groups, weird testing crap and lazy teachers and administrators out! Major quality control issues here! I say go back to the classical education system! Hey it worked!
-High Co$T of everything! GAS, Higher Education!(thanks Bush!) groceries, electricity, water, dentist, affordable housing, etc.etc.
-Livable wages! to pay for the above.
-DEFICET!!!!!!!! Thats scary!!(Not on your list?)
-Gotta end this EXPEN$IVE nonsense in the middle east A$AP!! Get Halliburton out and sub out the work locally and to other countries corps! Share the wealth and the responsibility!!Let the locals make some money and have good jobs thats the way to make friends and influence people. duh!
-Homeland security crap! Hate it!! delete and start over, without all our civil liberties and freedoms being ignored. Concentrate on real security issues not spying on us citizens. Also I dont think its feasible or possible to check every container that comes into our ports but the ratio needs to be improved.
-Environment, clean energy alternatives, save our natural resources to enjoy.
-Im throwing this in cause I guess its gonna have to be ANOTHER issue! (to distract from getting anything resolved ever)
Im for some type of immigration reform BUT I am against this getting citizenship. How come the gov doesn't know (estimate at least) how many immigrant workers the U.S. needs/uses a year and in which industries? Then they can just issue that many worker passes every year. I live in an area where the illegal peeps do ALOT of crime over half of which is violent. And they abuse alot of our resources and in some instances have priority. But I have friends and know alot of Hispanics throughout my life, that are cool average citizens, sooo what ya gonna do? And also I was bummed having to move from my hometown to get away from the mass of immigrants (foreign and citizens) that caused unaffordable housing, traffic, corporate interests, job shortages, crappier school quality, more crime, etc. I prefer a lower population per square inch.

Anyway its a cute idea. Im for anything that will get this party out there!!

Our plan is to use the DNC piece in addition to our own material. April 29th is the day after ballots drop here in Oregon (we're an all vote by mail state, for those who didn't know), so we're doing GOTV at the same time. We've also endorsed candidates in the primary, so we'll have a piece of our own listing them.

However, I've run into a few limitations of the site:

Are we going to have access to the contact information for the people who sign up?

First we'd like to be able to make reminder calls to them a few days before the event.

Second, we'll need addresses so that we can match them up with the district they live in. Without that information, we won't know how many walk lists we'll need for each district (our canvass is a county party led county-wide canvass targeting specific precincts).

Right now all you get is the ability to send people an e-mail. It'd be nice if we didn't have to e-mail everyone to get their contact information. If we have to, we will, but it'd make it a lot easier if we didn't have to.

I'm thrilled that the party is finally asking for my help instead of my money. Honestly this has concerned me for some time. I'm not a wealthy man, which is why I'm a Democrat dammit! I have time and energy to donate, but not cash.

I live in the heart of a red state, but I am willing to go out and try to make a difference if this party will support me.

Grassroots is where the chages will happen. Give me more opportunities like this and I will take them. Help me make things better.

You like "Had Enough?". So do I. And I'm going to use it too

Maybe I'll try to get bumper stickers made with one of those No W (circle with a line through it) and Had Enough? If the RNC wants to stick with brand W lets use it too.

Hey,

I have a plan, it isn't that hard. All I want from the Democrats is to put together some policies--some meat behind these statements. So, that I can argue what we are going to do. So far, all I have seen are things like "health care for everybody" and "better education"

How are we gonna accomplish those things. You see bush had No Child Left Behind to keep referring to when he ran. No matter how awful it is, he had a policy. Let's get some policies.

How about those key issues?

1. Immigration: How about we tax the crap out of any corporation that does not pay fair wages to people in other countries. Why don't we pursue fair wages, instead of slave shops--I bet this would cut down on immigration. I mean what Mexican would leave Mexico to come here if they could get a good job there? They would have to be nuts!!

2. Education: How about advocating better training and respect for teachers. They should be esteemed members of our society with high standards. Also, we have to do something better than punishing the failing schools.

3 War in Iraq: How about sucking it up, raising taxes back to what they were, and putting the right amount of resources and people to provide stability. I know this would mean more troops temporarily, but it would also mean a much quicker withdrawal as well. Status quo aint cutting it.

4 Social Security: Before we started raiding the pot, it wasn't broken. So, we either pay higher SS tax, or lower the payout to people receiving funds. This privatizations shit is just crap.

Hey, I am not as smart as you all, so my policies aren't the best, but come up with something? I suppose it would be better if we give them names as well.

The republicans intentionally instigated war with Iraq because it is central to their fascist manifesto which states that they should control and doinate the entire world. This is the real reason why they picked a fight there.

This is such a great idea. Those of us who are running for re-election have an opportunity to tell everyone as we go door-to-door that we are the ones who can make the changes necessary to take our country back. We will be able to get the message across at all levels. You can bet that I will be there as a grassroots candidate who is so tired of the status quo.

Posted by johninvandergrift on March 30, 2006 at 02:17 PM

I think several other posters answered your question very well. But what do I think is wrong and what should we do about it?

Nothing...now that William F. Buckley is on to it. The intelligence community and military establishment are on to it. Our Asian creditors are on to it. The Latino kids are on to it. Dr. Dean is on to it.

What you don't know won't hurt you. Rest assured that others are working behind the scenes to correct nothing at all. You won't hardly feel the pain. When you wake up everything will be back as it should be.

My question to you: What is bothering you so much that you keep coming here asking the same question over and over, when you say there isn't any problem?

The "No W" bumperstickers apply as long as Dubya hasn't been impeached and kicked out of office.
IMPEACH BUSH NOW!!!
LEAVENWORTH KANSAS, THE NEW WEST WING OF THE WHITE HOUSE!

I am a Democrat and have been all my voting life (and I am 62 years old). I hope the Democratic Party will not select a candidate for president in the next election that voted to give Bush authority for the war in Iraq. Even I am smart enough to have seen how bogus was that excuse for war. A candidate for the president that I can vote for will have to be smarter than me! I will not vote for Hillary Clinton, John Kerry or John Edwards because I feel they did not vote their conscience on this most important issue!! Give me someone to vote for that saw thru that sham (like Howard Dean or Al Gore)!!!!.

I think first, we need to focus on getting Democratic Senators and Reps in this November, than in worrying about who we will run in 2008.
It will not matter at all whom we run, if we still have a Republican majority behind them.

Concentrate on November. Pick a candidate or two in your State to help win. Think of the pride, if we should be able to take over the House, because you helped a candidate in your state take a seat! I have 3 Republicans in this State of CT, whom I would LOVE to get rid of. Plus a Republican governor, and Joe Lieberman. Lots of choice of whom to work with.

Time to put the bitching about the party behind us all, and concentrate on November. A little over 6 months away. If you are not prepared to do so, then sit back and don't say another word in the future, if the Republicans and the Religious Right are making your laws!

I highly recommend Howard Dean's book, YOU HAVE THE POWER TO EVERYONE. HE visits all of the issues and clarifies them all.

Let's go and kick some ass, and take our country back!!!

This primary is very important. If we don't take back the Democrat party and make gains in both the number of Democrat seats, and the number of real Democrats as opposed to Republi-lites in the Congress, 2008 won't be any kind of victory because the Republi-lites will be running the candidate of their choice and not one who will stand up for the American people.
Who will be president if Bush is impeached? Durn fine question.
Dollars to donuts, there is a good possibility that the dirt uncovered in the impeachment proceedings will take out at least Cheney, and a number of cabinet members, and more than likely, a number of senior Republican legislators. Shucks, we may have to hold a special election.
As for a plan after Bush is impeached? My suggestion would be to undo the tax cuts for the rich, fix the deficit, find a way to give Iraq back to the Iraqis, initiate meaningful campaign reforms, restore services for the elderly, disabled, and poor kids, renegotiate these overly expensive "free" trade agreements and rein in the multi-national corporations who have been making billions at our expense, and mainly clean up Bush's messes.
Who knows what all we'll have to fix, since the Bush administration keeps trying to hide what they are doing behind the smoke screen of "National Security, whether that label applies to the issue at hand or not. You don't know what we'll find at the bottom of that parrticular Dumpster, until we start digging. All I know is that it stinks to high heaven.

This neighborhood walking plan is a good idea. But it demonstrates a huge disconnect between the Democratic National Committee and the local Democratic Party. The walk is scheduled on the weekend of the California Democratic Party convention. And I see no reference to contact being made with the San Diego County Democratic Party. We have a strong grassroots organization in place, with a plan to put permanent Precinct Leaders in each of the 7000 or so precincts in the county. It would be nice for the DNC to coordinate their efforts with ours, rather than recruiting ad hoc, possibly disruptive activities.

'Had Enough?' Logo

Unfortunately, I can't post the image itself here but here's a link to a 'Had Enough?' Logo that I put together. People are free to use it.

I've linked our copy to the DNC Action Page though obviously people are free to link to anything they feel will best get the job done.

As a gay man, I have always supported the Democratic Party. However, like many GLBT citizens, I have finally reached my limit. Until the DNC has the guts to come out in support of equal rights for the GLBT community, especially the right to marry, inherit our partner's estate, visit them in the hospital, receive their Social Security benefits: Until that time, I will no longer contribute to or work for the Democratic Party.

Come on guys, let's change the dialogue. If you want to get past the "morals" discussion and people worrying about two men kissing, here is the issue:

http://money.cnn.com/2006/04/03/news/companies/mostprofitable_f500_fortune/index.htm?cnn=yes

Its about the economy, stupid. Gas is $40 a tank and these companies have the unmitigated gaul to announce record profits as result of gouging hardworking middle class families who can least afford an extra $100/month for gas?

COME ON!!! Get it together, the country needs you!

I'm working as hard as I can over here in PA to make sure the anointed Democratic candidate, DINO, Bob Casey, does not make it past May. If he does, I'll sit this year out. I don't need another zombie Democrat bigfooting in my precinct, thank you very much.

Ya know, this seems like a really good idea and I like the layout of the doorhangers - very clean - but one thing has struck me: I keep seeing WHAT we want to do, but not HOW we're going to do it. It's all well and good to say that you're going to build a teleportation device but you're not going to get much support unless you explain HOW you're going to go about it.

For example, on the doorhanger it states:

"We will create a cleaner and stronger America by reducing our dependence on foreign oil."

Now, believe me, I'm all for a cleaner and stronger America and reducing our dependence on foreign oil, but HOW are we going to go about this?

Well, that's my two cents for the day. Still, I think it's a good idea and I'm glad that there are so many people getting involved in this project. Yet... I don't know, I just feel that I'm not the only one that will be asking HOW? and I don't want the support of this party to go down for lack of answers.

-Delphine

I find it frustrating that I cannot be a more active participant as I live in France (I'm a registered Democrat from California, originally). How can I get involved in canvassing from here?

Here's where we're at: one third of Americans believe they are not represented by a political party. What if the "leadership" we want is out there in that one third? What if by meeting a neighbor and talking about six simple things the Democratic party stands for a gifted leader realizes she *is* represented by the Democratic party?

I don't feel represented by the traditional Democratic party, but I recognize that the Democrats are the ones with a big enough table for me to have a place. And I'm willing to talk to my neighbors about that.

I have to say I'm a bit taken aback by people who are saying, "this is it?" I mean honestly, our first event this election year, and you expect us to start screaming in peoples' faces? The is the perfect first step in my opinion. We have the opportunity to gauge our neighbors' positions and feelings and start recruiting more volunteers for local elections. If you read the whole event information, you find that there is a postcard for people to fill out so they can volunteer and be informed of local volunteer opportunities. I think it's great that we are going to show people how to be involved. As a twenty-something, I have to say it was a bit easier for me to figure out because I'm internet savy- but not everyone is, and going door to door might be the only way to find them.

Someone mentioned above (near the top) that April 29 is also the day for mass national mobilization against the wars under the name United for Peace; March for Peace, Justice and Democracy. The initiating organizations are:

United for Peace and Justice
Rainbow/PUSH Coalition
National Organization for Women
Friends of the Earth
U.S. Labor Against the War
Climate Crisis Coalition
Peoples' Hurricane Relief Fund
National Youth and Student Peace Coalition
Veterans for Peace

Suggestion: Canvass the march! Find out where the nearest march is or go to the big one in New York, and make a pledge to yourself to register at least 50 voters as you march. Take along at least a hundred voter registration forms just in case!

Please offer some concrete answers. Leave the slogans to the Republicans. Find out how much an average citizen spends to get to work, to heat the house, to buy gas, and to get groceries.

Then explain to all Americans what it will cost (in money and policy) 1) to educate our children, 2) to provide dignified and affordable health care, 3) to maintain a functioning infrastructure, and 4) to keep this country and its citizens safe.

Speak plainly and directly. Please try to avoid gimmicks.

For your next canvassing, I'd like Governor Dean and the DNC to consider conducting a survey based on the following questions:

1. Are you employed? Yes --- No --- if yes, continue:
2. How do you get to work:
a. private car
b. car pool
c. public transportation – bus
d. public transportation – train
e. walk
3. How long does it take you to get from door to door:
a. 5-10 minutes
b. 10-30 minutes
c. 30- 60 minutes
d. Over 60 minutes
4. How much does it cost for you to get to work (choose an applicable time frame)
a. each day ___
b. each week ___
c. each month ___
5. Do you pay to heat your house? Yes --- No if yes, continue:
6. How do you heat your house:
a. oil
b. natural gas
c. electricity
d. other gas product
7. How much does it cost to heat your house (choose an applicable time frame)
a. each month ____
b. each year ____
8. Do you own a car? Yes ___ No ___ if yes, continue:
9. What year and make car do you own? ______
10. Do you pay real estate taxes for your car?
11. In your community, how much did a gallon of gas cost…?
a. last week ____
b. last year ____
12. Do you do the grocery / food shopping for your household? if yes, continue:
13. How often do you shop for food?
a. daily
b. weekly
c. monthly
14. Can you remember the price last week for…?
a. a gallon of milk ____
b. a loaf of bread ____
c. a pound of hamburger ____

Thank you.

Give me a break! Doorhangers? Canvassing? With gasoline approaching $3.00 a gallon, with unchecked illegal immigration, with illegals destroying opportunities for decent wages, with soaring health care costs, with a war that is killing Americans and costing billions, with our dependence on foreign oil, with skyrocketing natural gas and heating oil prices, with pensions being underfunded and companies reneging on their obligations to their retirees, with a eroding infrastructure, and the specter of a pndemic bird flu on the horizon where is our leadership? A leader believes, has a vision, can communicate that vision, can inspire, takes chances, speaks from his soul, doesn't worry about getting elected because he is true to his vision which he knows will eventually carry him to victory. I don't see any leaders in the Democratic Party.

Stop bashing Republicans, leave names out of it. Change the focus and start criticizing "actions" or "policies" and then tell us what you would do.

I THINK THIS A GREAT IDEA !! I AM SO PROUD WE HAVE CHOSEN HOWARD TO LEAD US & TO HELP GAURANTEE OUR SUCCESS NOT ONLY IN NOVEMBER, BUT IN 2008 AS WELL.

I AM CONFIDENT THAT AMERICA IS SO FED UP WITH OUR GOVERNMENT, THAT THEY WILL CHOSE TO GIVE THE DEMOCRATS SUCH A LANDSLIDE VICTORY, EVEN THE CHEATING BY DIEBOLD & OTHER TRICKS WILL NOT STOP US !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a day that will be when Democrats glide into history!

You will know everyone who pushed a pencil, typed a message on the Computer, dialed the phone, talked with your friends, walked the street, passed out flyers,took a friend to the polls and talked postive about the DNC's plans for America, and everyone who converted a Republican voter from the error of their ways to vote for the party that cares about the hardworking people of USA.

That, you are the ones that helped make history!

"Stop bashing Republicans, leave names out of it. Change the focus and start criticizing "actions" or "policies" and then tell us what you would do."

Thanks but we don't intend on committing suicide anytime soon. The key to winning this race is to "nationalize" it, making it a referendum on the mismanagement and corruption of George Bush and Tom DeLay -- just to name two names.

Why is nobody in the Government pushing for impeachment acts started on President Bush? Just this morning it was on the MSNBC news page that the mobile buses for chemical warfare weren't what Bush and Cheney said they were. Why can they lie all the time and get away with it? It also seems to me that when ever George has done something wrong that makes it to the news the gas prices go up. Is he trying to make an even bigger profit before somebody actually gets him out of office?

April 29 is not possible for those of us in NY - due to the peace march. There is also a big DFNY event planned that day - is there some way to make the sign up more flexible, so that we can schedule this for, say, the following Saturday?