Give Peace A Chance!

Saturday in Plattsburgh 25 dedicated patriots gathered for peace in solidarity with the estimated 350,000 in New York City's March for Peace, Justice and Democracy.

We discussed Rob Roy's doubling strategy to end the war. If each of us can assemble on Trinity Square in Plattsburgh at 11AM every Saturday for the next couple of weeks, and bring one or two friends, we can continue to build to huge proportions. Also by continuing the momentum of last week's March for Peace we keep the debate alive in the North Country about the end of the Iraq war and the prevention of an attack on Iran.

I urge all those concerned about the dangerous policies of the Bush regime to join us this Saturday and the next few Saturdays to voice your discontent.


A big congratulations to NYC for your enormous success on Saturday and thank you to all who have joined us in Plattsburgh during the last couple of weeks!

BOBAUBIN.com Comment Policy Change

Due to abuse by some posters I have decided to require posters to be registered to post comments. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but it is easy to register with blogger. This policy change should help prevent future abuse, and foster a more pleasant commenting environment.

Andy Brockway Unanimously Endorsed By Clinton County Democrats!

I attended the Clinton County Democratic Party meeting tonight at the American Legion and it was a packed house. Democrats from all around Clinton County were in attendance, including a large majority of the Committee members reaching well over quorum. Following the standard business the floor was opened to nominations for the 114th Assembly District, and Andy Brockway was nominated. No one made any other nominations and the vote was held giving Andy the unanimous support of the Committee.

Obviously Andy has a strong base of support in Clinton County and no other Democratic candidate has support of any significant amount in Clinton County. Hopefully the rest of the Democrats in the 114th District will consider this and Andy will be able to proceed without a Primary. If that is not the case Andy will still be sure to win a Primary and I am confident he will be our next North Country Assemblyman.

Congratulations Andy, and thank you Clinton County Democrats, you know a future Assembly member when you see one.

Rest In Peace Dad

Spring is here and the ground has thawed so my father, who passed away in January, could be returned to the earth. There was a graveside service today at 9AM.

Goodbye Dad, I love you and I will miss you. You live on forever in the hearts of your family and friends.

Robert G. Aubin Jr.
PLATTSBURGH -- Mr. Robert G. "Rob" Aubin Jr., 50, of the Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, at the CVPH Medical Center.

He was born in Plattsburgh, N.Y., on July 26, 1955, the son of Robert G. and Marion (Tomkiewicz) Aubin Sr.

Rob was employed by Luck Brothers Construction Company as a heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and being outdoors.

He was predeceased by his father, Robert G. Aubin Sr.

Rob is survived by his wife, Kathy (Fessette) Aubin of Plattsburgh. They were married March 26, 1977.

A son, Robert G. Aubin III of Plattsburgh; his mother, Marion Aubin of Plattsburgh; a brother, Meredith Aubin and his wife Diane of Schuyler Falls; a sister, Tina Bouyea of Plattsburgh; several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive him.

Plattsburgh Peace Rally Is Huge Success!

Today in Plattsburgh, NY (in the North-East corner of NY), around 250 concerned patriots gathered with North Country Democracy for America to speak out for peace. We marched from Plattsburgh State University into downtown Plattsburgh where we had many eloquent speakers and music by Mike Pedersen.

Dr. Bob Johnson, Democrat running for Congress in New York's 23rd District to unseat the right-wing Republican John McHugh, gave a rousing speech about the need for change in our war obsessed foreign policy and against the Republican Culture of Corruption.

Plattsburgh City Councilor and North Country DFA member Bill Provost reminded us of Eisenhower's farewell address where he warned against the military-industrial complex. He noted that the current regime in Washington is virtually a direct representative of that military-industrial complex we warned against so many years ago. Bill recently sponsored a resolution in the Plattsburgh City Council in support of HR 635, calling for the investigation of the Bush Administration. The findings of this investigation could result in the Impeachment of the Bush/Cheney Administration. We are currently working to support similar resolutions around New York State and I encourage all New Yorkers to get in touch with us for more information.

Veterans supporting peace.

We where proud to be joined by a number of Veterans who spoke out against the Bush reckless war policies. Dr. Bob Johnson himself served in the Army Medical Corps during the first Gulf War, and I was proud to serve in the Navy under the Clinton administration during peacetime. The most moving event came when a sign was displayed formed of the names of the first 2000 soldiers killed in Iraq into the word "WHY?" We observed a moment of silence in honor of the fallen, but we will never be silent in our opposition to the unjust and misguided Iraq war and Bush's plans for attacking Iran.

Many of the speakers noted that the only real way to stop the war in Iraq, and a future war in Iran, is by taking away the Bush rubber-stamp Congress and cleaning out the Republican Culture of Corruption infesting our government. North Country Democracy for America will continue organize and mobilize people here in New York's North Country to Democratic victory in November and beyond.



All rally photos courtesy Julie Nolan

The Press-Republican published a great article on the rally that can be seen online on their website.

Brockway for Assembly - Geoffrey's Pub Meet and Greet

Event Type: Fundraiser

Organized by: Andrew Brockway for New York State Assembly

Come to Geoffrey's (former Tijuana Jail) to meet with Andy Brockway and enjoy finger foods catered by the pub kitchen. The cost is $25 per person.

Event Date: Friday, April 21, 2006
Event Time: 6:30 PM

Venue Name: Geoffrey's Pub
Address: Corner of Peru St and Broad
City: Plattsburgh
State: NY

Click here to RSVP!

Department of Homeland Security concentration camps?

I saw a mention on television today that KBR, a subsidiary of Dick Cheney's Haliburton that has recently filed for an IPO, was awarded a $385 million dollar contract to construct "temporary detention facilities." I did a little looking on the 'net and found a number of stories on the contract here, here, and here.

Even more alarming, there are already over 800 prison camps in the United States, all fully operational and ready to receive prisoners.

This is extremely frightening especially now that the Bush administration is on a direct path to war with Iran and facing growing dissension within America.

"Almost certainly this is preparation for a roundup after the next 9/11 for Mid-Easterners, Muslims and possibly dissenters," says Daniel Ellsberg, a former military analyst who in 1971 released the Pentagon Papers, the U.S. military's account of its activities in Vietnam.

- Pacific News Service

The Censure resolution proposed by Russ Feingold (watch the new video about Censure) is only the tip of the iceberg of what needs to be done NOW to stop this dangerous Administration. We must elect a Congress that will stand up to the Bushies, and we must begin investigating the Administration for the numerous abuses of power that have already occurred. This is not a partisan issue, this is a question of whether this nation will continue to survive as a democratic republic.

I ask all of you to join me and voice your opposition to this war obsessed Republican regime in Washington on Saturday April 22 in Plattsburgh... while you still can.

Some Executive Orders that can be activated by Bush in "a time of emergencency," simply with a Presidential signature:

EXECUTIVE ORDER 10990
-allows the government to take over all modes of transportation and control of highways and seaports.

EXECUTIVE ORDER 10995
-allows the government to seize and control the communication media.

EXECUTIVE ORDER 11000
-allows the government to mobilize civilians into work brigades under government supervision.

- Courtesy Mindfully.org

"If this were a dictatorship, it would be a heck of a lot easier - just so long as I'm the dictator."

- George W. Bush December 18, 2000

My campaign can not continue this year.

Unfortunately due to a complication I discovered with the election law I can't run for State Senate this year. Thank you to everyone that supported my campaign, I will keep you all updated on my plans for the future.

Remember to keep your browsers tuned to BOBAUBIN.com for all the latest on the North Country political scene.

Plattsburgh Mosaic Initiative

The group formed to unite the various progressive organizations on the Plattsburgh State University campus and those from around the community as well, Plattsburgh Mosaic Initiative, will be holding a meeting tomorrow night. We will be going over organizational things, progress on existing projects, and ideas for new projects. The meeting will be held at 7PM in meeting room 8 in the Angell Center on the Plattsburgh State Campus. I will be attending and I hope to see anyone who can attend there as well.

Food Clowns Frown On Health Care...

Some low wage fast food chains have released a "study" on the effect of the Fair Share for Health Care Act through a front group called the Employment Policies Institute. The "study" uses bogus figures to mislead the public and the press into thinking Fair Share for Health Care will cost NY jobs.

Unscrupulous low wage employers love increasing their profit margins by skimping on health care coverage and passing the bill on to NY tax payers. They want to avoid the truth - the Fair Share for Health Care Act will have a positive effect on New York's economy.

A recent analysis by David West, director of the Center for a Changing Workforce, who has studied similar legislation considered in other states, estimated as many as 21,600 new jobs will be created.

Tune your web browser to http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/fairshare to demand the Employment Policies Institute tell the truth and stop putting their health care burden on the backs of New York taxpayers.

Unlike the Republican incumbent in the Assembly, Andrew Brockway is an outspoken supporter of the Fair Share for Health Care Act. Andy understands that North Country residents are unfairly paying the health care bill of multi-million dollar corporations in NY.

Republican Syndicate: Bush, McHugh, & Ortloff

If you've been reading my blog you've probably noticed me write about the Republican Culture of Corruption, which refers to the Republican party's consistent national pattern of unethical behavior. The Republican party under the leadership of George W. Bush has been corrupted by the temptations caused by controlling all branches of the national government and in many ways now resembles some kind of crime family.

As head of the Republican Syndicate, George "Dubya" Bush has abused the office of President of the United States on countless occasions. Bush authorized the leak of classified information that lead eventually to the public revelation of an undercover CIA operative's identity. He mislead the nation about the reasons for entering the war in Iraq, which has cost thousands of American lives, and billions of dollars. Dubya and his allies have also been involved in numerous election irregularities, including voter suppression in Florida in 2000 & a phone scam during a Senate race in New Hampshire in 2002. Also, Bush has suspiciously close ties to notoriously unreliable electronic voting machine manufacturer Diebold. He botched the response to the terrible Hurricane Katrina and lied to the public about his knowledge of the problem. George Bush has appointed unsavory individuals to his White House staff, and praised and rewarded incompetent Government officials. He demands the erosion of American civil liberties and may have been complacent in the torture of prisoners of war in Iraq. For all these reasons and more the vast majority of Americans have lost all faith in Bush, and many are calling for him to be Censured or investigated for possible Impeachment. The City of Plattsburgh passed a resolution recently in support of such an investigation.

Republican John McHugh is a hardcore Bush crony in the U.S. Congress that ensures Dubya's will can be imposed upon the people of America and New York. McHugh is a dedicated supporter of the failed Bush plans for war in Iraq. McHugh has also often expressed strong confidence in the leadership of ethically-challenged former House leader Tom "The Hammer" DeLay, who recently resigned in disgrace after being indicted by a grand jury in his home state of Texas. Scandalously, John McHugh has taken large amounts of money from associates of convicted criminal lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Despite token votes for a few labor friendly bills when he knows they are doomed to failure in the Republican infested Congress, McHugh does not represent the values of upstate New York's working families. He is a radical Republican that votes in lock-step with Bush's whims. Unlike the draft dodger McHugh, Dr. Bob Johnson is a proud veteran who will bring honor and integrity to the NY-23 Congressional seat.

George "Chris" Ortloff is the local minion of the radical Bush cabal and the dark apprentice of McHugh. Instead of representing the North Country he spreads Bush Iraq war propaganda and opposes bills in the New York Assembly essential to our area's future. Ortloff fights against the interests of the North County's working families, and opposes Fair Share for Healthcare, a sensible solution to part of NY State's healthcare crisis. "Chris" Ortloff has also supported cuts to education proposed by Republican NY Governor Pataki and has received thousands of dollars from the Abramoff tainted McHugh. Ridiculously, Ortloff has even advocated for the dismantling of the state of New York. Due to a bitter Republican Primary and the strong Democratic opponent Andrew Brockway, Ortloff is very frightened about re-election and he even begged his supporters to cheat in an online poll run by a local newspaper!

Step up to the plate for Andy Brockway!

The campaign's goal this month is to raise $2,000 through the website via online donations. This is of course in addition to fundraising that will be done traditionally.

$20 given by 100 people is all it takes, this goal is well within their grasp. Step up to the plate by making a contribution today.

Take a second and visit the campaign website at http://www.brockwayforassembly.com/ -- or click on "the bat" on the right side of the page to donate.

Thanks for your help towards reaching April's goal, they have reached 10% of the $2,000 online goal in the first five days. Please consider making a donation, and, most importantly, passing this link and encouraging your friends in the online community to donate $25 or $50. $25 can pay for one radio spot on WIRY, and $50 can purchase 100 yard signs.

City of Plattsburgh votes to investigate Bush impeachment!

I was very excited to attend the Plattsburgh City Council meeting tonight at 6PM. The chamber was packed with people, many of whom spoke in favor of Congress investigating George Bush over a host of alleged violations of law. Only two individuals spoke against the measure, and they seemed to have a personal issue with the Councilor who proposed the resolution, Bill Provost.

One of those present to speak in favor of the resolution was future Congressman Dr. Bob Johnson. Bob explained that the City council was most certainly the best venue for bringing up the issue, since George Bush's actions have put a heavy burden on our local area by taking away funds that would otherwise belong to the City. Bob spoke strongly in favor of the Council passing the resolution.

The Council vote was 4 in favor and 2 opposed. The Council's two Republicans claimed that it was not in fact the proper venue for the people's concerns to be discussed, but the Republican Mayor Dan Stuart, who does not have a vote unless there is a tie, disagreed. He noted that Plattsburgh City citizens should have this venue to speak on all issues - local, national, or global. Mayor Stuart did not express support or opposition to the resolution itself.

I am very proud of my friend, and fellow North Country Democracy for America member, Councilor Bill Provost for making this vote possible. The voters of the City of Plattsburgh's Ward 6 are lucky to have such a dedicated representative. I also congratulate Councilors Amy Valentine (Ward 5), William Sabourin (Ward 4), and James Godfrey (Ward 2), who showed the great patriotism and strength to support this resolution.

The resolution now goes to Congressman John McHugh, who must decide which of his loyalties come first, his party or the people of the 23rd Congressional district.

Here is the text of the resolution in it's entirety:

~~~~~~~~

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK PETITION FOR STRONG AND SUSTAINED GOVERNMENT

WHEREAS, it is the uniform practice of the US House of Representatives to receive petitions or resolutions from primary assemblies of the people, and

Whereas, on March 13th, 2003, the Plattsburgh City Council approved a resolution urging president George W. Bush to use all diplomatic means possible before resorting to force in the run up to the invasion of Iraq, and

Whereas, on March 20th, 2003 the United States of America, on the basis of evidence that proved to be erroneous, provided by the President, initiated this war in violation of International Law, and

Whereas, there is now substantial concern the President and his Administration misled Congress and the American people regarding the decision to go to war with Iraq; misstated and manipulated intelligence information regarding the justification for such war; countenanced torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and other illegal violations in Iraq and elsewhere; and permitted inappropriate retaliation against critics of their Administration, and

Whereas, growing numbers of Americans have lost confidence in our government;and in order to support our troops and protect our country from those that would do us harm; we need a strong and credible government with the faith and consent of the American people; and in an effort to restore confidence in our government, therefore,

Be it resolved that Common Council of the City of Plattsburgh, New York endorses House Resolution 635 in calling for a select bipartisan committee investigation of the Iraq pre-war intelligence and the Executive's post occupation conduct and

Be it also resolved by the Common Council of the City of Plattsburgh New York, at this time of growing dissention, that our representative in the United States Congress, John McHugh, be hereby requested to co-sponsor and support HR 635 ,and

Be it resolved further that the Clerk of the City of Plattsburgh New York be, and is hereby, instructed to certify to the Clerk of the House of Representatives, under the seal of the City of Plattsburgh, a copy of this resolution and its adoption by the City of Plattsburgh, and that this resolution be entered in the United States Congressional Journal. The copies shall be marked with the word "Petition" at the top of the document and contain the authorizing signature of the clerk of the city of Plattsburgh, New York.

~~~~~~~~

Later in the night Dr. Bob Johnson was officially endorsed by North Country DFA. He spoke before the group and took many questions. We are very enthusiastic about Bob's campaign, and welcome the support of all North Country voters.

It was discussed at the meeting that a certain potential candidate seeking the endorsement of North Country Democrats to run for New York State Assembly is actively opposed to Dr. Johnson's campaign for reasons of personal interest.

Thankfully the North Country DFA and many local town Democratic boards have endorsed the other man seeking to be the Democratic candidate, our next North Country Assemblyman Andrew Brockway. Cooperation between our candidates will be essential to victory and will help to ensure Americans can regain control of their Government from the Republican Culture of Corruption.

Johnson / Brockway: Together, the North Country can do better!

Andy Brockway, Bob Aubin, and Dr. JohnsonPhoto Courtesy Kevin Duniho

On Monday April 3 the Plattsburgh State University Democrats and Progressives held a meet the candidate night with Dr. Bob Johnson, our next North Country US Congressman, and Andrew Brockway, our next North Country NYS Assemblyman. The candidates presented themselves and their platforms and opened the floor to public questions. It was a very informative night with excellent free food and drink!

Andy spoke first, describing how he returned to the area after working in Albany in civil service and studying for a graduate degree when he heard about the immanent exit of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Andy has decided to devote himself full time to ensuring we get what we need from Albany. We aren't getting the representation we deserve in the North Country and Andy plans to change that. When it comes to job loss, cuts to education aid, and the heavy burden of property tax the incumbent simply has not done enough to stop the Republican efforts to short-change the North Country. Andy's website is now set up to receive online donations.

Dr. Bob Johnson spoke on the Republican culture of corruption and how its influence has tainted Congress. After a long history of service to his country, both in the armed services and as a local surgeon, Dr. Johnson feels he still needs to do even more to help the nation. Huge multi-national corporations have far too much negative influence over Washington and Bob wants to change that. Just like many of us in the North Country, Dr. Johnson was inspired by the Dean for America campaign and Howard's message of people empowerment. Dr. Johnson knows that the only way we will restore our American democracy is if people like you and me stand up for America and donate our time and money to campaigns that support real American values. In Congress Bob Johnson will work to stop the unfunded mandates breaking the back of local economies. He will fight for us against the radical Republicans' agenda of permanent war. He will be an outspoken advocate for fulfilling the Democratic Party's pledge, made in the era of Harry Truman, to give health insurance to ALL Americans.

Dr. Johnson will be back in Plattsburgh on April 6 to speak at the City of Plattsburgh Common Council meeting (5:30PM) where they will be discussing a resolution to encourage the Congressional investigation of George W. Bush over Iraq pre-war intelligence. The Johnson for Congress campaign has not released the content of the remarks Dr. Johnson will make. Later that evening (8PM) Dr. Johnson will attend the North Country Democracy for America monthly Linkup where he will receive the North Country DFA's official endorsement and take questions from the public.

Andy will be traveling all around the North country in the month of April seeking support and listening to the concerns of voters.

Both Andy Brockway and Dr. Bob Johnson will be at the Plattsburgh Peace March / Rally on April 22. They will be joined by: PSU Students for Direct Democracy, PSU Environmental Action Committee, PSU Campus Democrats & Progressives, PSU Amnesty International, North Country chapter of Veterans for Peace (out of Canton/Potsdam), Green Mountain chapter of Veterans for Peace (Vermont), Gold Star Families for Peace (Nancy Shipes, husband killed in Vietnam), Plattsburgh City Councilor Bill Provost, Susan Ledges (Plattsburgh Peace), Colin Wells (Diogenes), Alternatives to War (from Canton/Potsdam), Burlington Vermont Peace & Justice Center, Echec a la guerre (Montreal Stop War Coalition), Rev. Glen Michaels, Chris Fells (Air America Radio, Burlington VT) among others. Starting with speakers at Amity Court on the PSU Campus, we will march downtown to Trinity Square where we will have music, and more speakers. If you plan to attend please RSVP at DFA Link.

Also, please consider registering with DFA link and signing up with Dr. Johnson's DFA link site and Andy Brockway's DFA link site. The more support they have on these sites, the more likely it is they will receive the national Democracy For America endorsement which will give them access to tons of new supporters and campaign funds. If you live in the North Country region of NY please also consider signing up with North Country DFA on DFA link, we are continuing Howard Dean's vision of grassroots politics in the North Country and we can always use more help.

For the latest on these candidates and events keep your browser tuned to BOBAUBIN.com, I am committed to ensuring a Democratic victory over the Republican culture of corruption in November; a victory for real American values, and a victory for the American people.

Also, some of my posts will be reposted on Take Back Congress - New York where I have been added as a contributing blogger, check this blog out for the latest on Congress races around NY state.

Remember, YOU HAVE THE POWER!

The North Country springs into action...

The beginnings of the Democratic New York sweep are really starting to become apparent as the snow melts away from the Northern NY countryside.

Even the Republican Party itself can see the writing on the wall. NY Republicans are blasting their own Governor's administration and bemoaning the sorry state of their party. They somehow think turning the party even more "Red State" will help them in one of the bluest of "Blue States". Of course what else would you expect from a party that "solves" problems like Iraq, Katrina, and Congressional Ethics?

Democrats have released a concise and effective plan for American security, but most likely Republicans will continue to assert that we have no such plan. While Dick Cheney continues to rant about the nonexistent Iraq-9/11 connection.

Locally, North Country Democracy for America and other good Democrats will be very active this month.

Our next North Country Assemblyman and NCDFA endorsed candidate Andrew Brockway will hold a voter reception at Plattsburgh State University on April 3.

NCDFA member and Plattsburgh City Councilman Bill Provost will present a resolution before the council to encourage the Congressional investigation of Dubya for impeachable offences relating to the disasterous war in Iraq at the 5:30PM April 6 Plattsburgh City Council meeting. Later that night (8PM) NCDFA will present a formal endorsement to future Congressman Dr Bob Johnson.

On Earth Day (April 22) the North Country DFA sponsored Plattsburgh Peace Rally will be held and all indications so far point to a large turnout from around the region.

Finally on April 29 the national Democratic Party is planning a massive national door-to-door canvassing project, and I have volunteered to organize the Plattsburgh area efforts.

Hang on, I think I heard something odd outside... I should go check it out...

Fortunately I was stopped before I could finish typing this pinko commie propaganda. While I was outside just now my brain was eaten by a whirlygurbler and I have become a radical neo-con Republican. I will no longer be able to maintain this evil America hating turr-ist abiding blog.

Jacques claims the blogging captian's chair

From now on BOBAUBIN.com will be updated by my mighty kitten Jacques. I will spend the rest of my days fighting the treasonous left-wing plots of Russ Feingold and the "blame America crowd"... and garden gnomes... I HATE GARDEN GNOMES!!!

Happy April First, and long live our Righteous Lord and Omnipotent Master George W. Bush, Supreme Guardian of the Watchtowers of the Empire -err, I mean Republic... :-X