Brockway for Assembly Campaign Marches On!

As recommended by Andy in the interest of party unity the Clinton County Democratic Party postponed endorsement of an Assembly candidate until the April 25 meeting. I am sure at this meeting there will be a unified endorsement by Franklin and Clinton County of our next Assemblyman, Andrew Brockway.

Andy will meet with North Country voters on April 3 in Plattsburgh. You can sign up for the event at http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=6592


Andrew Brockway Voter Inquiry Reception

Organized by: PSU College Democrats and Progressives with North Country Democracy for America

Agenda: On Monday April 3 at 7pm, College Democrats and Progressives will host a reception for Andy Brockway. It's in the Cardinal Lounge (up the stairs and to the left in the Angell College Center). We're hoping to get students and community members mingling, talking about the issues, and to give everyone another opportunity to talk to Andy face-to-face and ask him what he can do for you in Albany. There will be a dessert bar, with coffee, tea and hot chocolate for everyone to enjoy. There is no admission charge, however, if you'd like to support College Democrats' continued efforts you can purchase a ThinkBlue wristband at the reception. Hope to see everyone there!

Event Date: Monday, April 3, 2006
Event Time: 7:00 PM

Venue Name: Cardinal Lounge (upstairs in the ACC)
Address: Rugar Street
City: Plattsburgh
State: NY
Zip Code: 12901
Google Maps
Phone Number: 518-564-6533

Dr. Bob Johnson Launches Campaign for Congress (NY-23)

Dr. Bob Johnson held campaign kickoff events across the 23 Congressional District, including one in Plattsburgh. I was unable to attend the event held at 5PM, but I was informed the event was well attended and Dr. Johnson gave a great speech as usual.

Dr. Johnson is a surgeon from Saketts Harbor, NY. He is running to reform the Healthcare system, provide fiscal responsibility, and opposes the reckless military policies of the Bush Administration.

Dr. Johnson's official campaign website is now online at http://www.johnsonforcongress.org, please check it out and voice your support for the future NY Congressman.

Dr. Johnson will be back in Plattsburgh on April 6 to receive the formal endorsement of North Country Democracy for America and meet with the North Country voters. This will also be the NCDFA monthly meeting:

http://dfalink.com/event.php?id=5934

Event Title: NCDFA Monthly Meeting
Event Type: DFA-Link Meeting

Organized by: North Country Democracy for America

Event Date: Thursday, April 6, 2006
Event Time: 8:00 PM

Venue Name: Clinton County Government Center
Address: Margaret Street
City: Plattsburgh
State: NY
Zip Code: 12901
Google Maps
Phone Number: 518-570-5524

Dr. Johnson will also be speaking at the Plattsburgh Peace Rally on the 22 of April, please attend all the events you can and lend your voice to the growing Democratic majority that will sweep this nation in November.

Together, America can do better!

City of Plattsburgh Democrats Support Brockway for Assembly!

Following a detailed presentation and question and answer session with the Democrats working to be the next North Country Assemblyman, the City of Plattsburgh Democrats discussed the merits of the candidates.

Despite numerous notifications of the pending endorsement there was not a quorum present and an official endorsement could not be made. The members who showed the dedication to attend the meeting unanimously voted to endorse the campaign of our next Assemblyman Andrew Brockway. The members present expressed their confidence in Andy and his ability to be a great representative for our region.

The Clinton County Democrats will have a meeting with the candidates tomorrow to decide on an endorsement at 7PM in the Legislative Chambers, please join me to show support for the best candidate, Andy Brockway.

North Country Assembly Race Update

Andy Brockway continues to make progress towards replacing the incumbent Republican of New York Assembly District 114 (the North Country).

The Town of Tupper Lake Democratic Party has endorsed Andy, citing his dedication and visits to the area to listen to local concerns. They have joined North Country Democracy for America & The Town of Plattsburgh Democrats in supporting the next North Country Assemblyman.

The official campaign website is now online at http://www.brockwayforassembly.com, please check it out & add it to your bookmarks.

Finally, there are two very important endorsement meetings coming up in the next few days. The City of Plattsburgh will be making a decision on March 27 at 6:30pm, and the Clinton County Democratic Committee will decide on their candidate the following evening, March 28 at 7pm. Both of these meetings will be held at the Clinton County Government Center, in the Legislative Chambers. Please join me at these meetings to show support for the best candidate to bring change to Albany and invest in the North Country's future, Andrew Brockway.

Together, the North Country can do better!

True patriots support peace!

As we solemnly mark the start of the dangerously misguided war in Iraq lets take a moment to compare what Bush and his buddies told us VS. The truth.

They told us that Saddam and Iraqis were involved in 9-11. In fact there is no solid evidence of any link between the government of Saddam and al Qaida.

They told us that the war would be very inexpensive and Iraq could be rebuilt with Oil revenues. To date the war has cost Americans almost 250 BILLION dollars (and the cost just keeps rising, take a look at the counter on the right side of my main page) and that doesn't even really take reconstruction costs into account. Iraq's oil revenues just aren't going to cover the massive rebuilding costs.

These are just a few of the many broken promises of the Republicans about Iraq, all in support of the "Bush Doctrine." George "Dubai" Bush loudly proclaimed that nations are either with us or against us in the Terror War, yet his pals in Saudi Arabia funnel money to terror groups worldwide and he wanted to turn American ports over to a nation with ties to 9-11.

The members of North Country Democracy for America have decided to mark the grim third anniversary of the Republican's war in Iraq by calling for it's end. We want to support our courageous soldiers by demanding they be removed from the Iraq quagmire as soon as possible. Iraq has fallen into civil war and there is no reason why our brave troops should be made to suffer pointlessly for Republican mistakes.

"How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?" - John Kerry

Monday, MARCH 20, 4pm - 6pm
Sidewalk Vigil - In protest of the war in Iraq
Upper Cornelia St., Plattsburgh,
across from the entrance to Wal-Mart (Consumer Square)
Bring yourself, bring a friend, & bring a sign if you have one.

North Country DFA is also sponsoring a large peace rally in Plattsburgh on the 22 of April (Earth Day). Starting at Amity Court on the PSU Campus, We will march downtown to Trinity Square where we will have music and special speakers including US Congressional candidate, Dr. Bob Johnson. Numerous organizations for peace and social justice will be on hand. More details will be released very soon on the April rally.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! -- BRING THEM HOME!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'll most likely be out celebrating tonight, but politics never really takes a break.

In Iraq Operation Wag the Dog (Swarmer) continues, but doesn't really seem to be accomplishing much. In Iran we seem to be on a dangerous path to war. While Iran is offering to talk to the U.S. in Iraq, U.S. officials are downplaying it and continuing to make vague threats. The idea of a nuclear armed Iran is obviously frightening, but is hostile posturing and threats really going to help? Does the Bush administration really want a diplomatic solution? Wouldn't it have been much easier to deal with this problem if we hadn't launched an reckless war in Iraq?

Locally I'm glad to see our senators take a stand against the "North Country Border" project, but I hope they soon decide to take a stand against the illegal actions of George W. Bush like the courageous patriot Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin.

Many in our area are bracing for the heavy impact of the exit of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. It is really unfortunate our local representatives Congressman John McHugh and Assemblyman George "Chris" Ortloff were powerless to stop the loss of this major employer. It is yet another example of the policies of George Bush outsourcing American jobs.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all my loyal readers, I'll drink a Guinness for you tonight. :-)

Federal Government attempting to add a "North Country Border"

The Department of Homeland Security wants to create a new border checkpoint 100 miles inside the U.S. border on Interstate 87.

The last time this checkpoint was set up people were killed in multiple accidents. If you've ever driven on an interstate you could tell how dangerous it is having traffic stop suddenly and unexpectedly.

It is completely beyond me why they simply don't just continue with the $100 million dollar upgrade to the Champlian border we already have instead of spending more of our tax dollars on this boondoggle.

Maybe Secretary Michael Chertoff should explain why dangerous people that somehow sneak across the border aren't a problem until AFTER they have passed though the North Country. After that maybe he could explain why his Department failed miserably handling the Katrina disaster, and continues to botch the recovery efforts.

Dewey Syndrome?

It really is ridiculous that our senators aren't willing to back Russ Feingold on the Censure resolution. They seem to think that somehow it will hurt them if they take a stand against a President that a vast majority of voters have absolutely no confidence in.

While the Bush Dubai ports deal and the Republican's unrelenting attempts to bankrupt our nation are sinking their chance for reelection in November we can't simply sit on the sidelines and try to run out the clock. Unfortunately, it seems like that is what many in our party want to do.

The American people need to see we are willing to stand up for America against the illegal actions of a President they see as taking this nation down a road to disaster. If they do not they are in danger of succumbing to what I would call "Dewey Syndrome."

"Dewey was the first presidential candidate to have his own polling unit. The unit, like all major U.S. pollsters, showed that Dewey would win in a landslide.

Indeed, given Truman's sinking popularity, Dewey had seemed unstoppable. Republicans figured that all they had to do was to avoid destroying a certain election victory, and as such, Dewey did not take any risks. He spoke in platitudes, trying to transcend politics. Speech after speech was filled with empty statements of the obvious, such as the famous quote: "Your future is bright, very bright indeed, brighter than a bald man's dome".

An editorial in the Louisville Courier-Journal summed it up: No presidential candidate in the future will be so inept that four of his major speeches can be boiled down to these historic four sentences: Agriculture is important. Our rivers are full of fish. You cannot have freedom without liberty. Our future lies ahead." - From Wikipedia

I don't think the Democrats are there yet and if they follow the lead of Howard Dean and courageous senators like Russ Feingold they will be able to avoid "Dewey Syndrome." The American people are desperately seeking REAL leaders, let's give them some.

Ask our Senators to stand up for the law...

Senator Russ Feingold has introduced a measure to Censure George W. Bush for breaking the law in his secret warrentless wiretap program. Bush claims he is above this law as the Commander-in-Chief. We cannot allow this arrogant and reckless violation of the Constitution and official U.S. law. Please join me in requesting that our NY Senators stand up for the Constitution and Censure Bush.

Senator Schumer's Washington D.C. office:
Phone: 202-224-6542
Fax: 202-228-3027
TDD: 202-224-0420
EMAIL

Senator Clinton's Washington D.C. office:
Phone: (202) 224-4451
Fax: (202) 228-0282
TTY/TDD: (202) 224-6821
EMAIL

Healthcare fairness for NY...

I'm sure Gov. Pataki is glad he has health coverage after his recent medical problems, while 2.8 million New Yorkers lack health insurance.

Many "big box retailers" such as Wal-Mart refuse to provide this essential service to their employees. Instead they cut costs and boost their profits by sending their employees to apply for programs like Medicaid and Family Health Plus, sending the bill (over $1 billion to pay for Medicaid and emergency room care) to the rest of the working families of NY.

Pataki callously proposes simply barring these people from getting access to the programs, but New York can do better.

The progressive pioneers in SEIU and the Working Families Party have proposed these companies pay their fair share. The Fair Share for Health Care Act requires these retail giants to spend at least $3 per hour for health benefits for their workforce, pulling the burden off the backs of the New York taxpayer and putting it where it belongs.

Republican cowboys, "all hat and no cattle."

This week we learned that it is in fact the GOP that has a "pre-9/11 mind-set". Howard blasted the Republicans on their refusal to deal honestly with the issue of port security in the Democratic Party radio address. As usual, when it comes to making a real effort to reform the port security system they wanted nothing to do with it, killing bills by Senator Debbie Stabenow, Senator Bob Menendez, and Congressman Olav Sabo that would give an essential boost to our ports security.

Bush and his cronies hope to mend their shaken partnership and staunch the electoral bleeding with the collapse of the Bush Dubai Ports deal. Despite the Republican Congress making quite a show out of running from Bush on the deal, "They wish they knew how to quit you, Dubya." McCain and the GOP's class of 2008 spent the weekend in a Tennessee lovefest for their embattled President, and the tarnished Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.

The GOPers' frantic wagon circling couldn't stop the taint of corruption from growing around the White House as Interior Secretary Gale Norton resigned under suspicion in yet more Abromoff fallout and Claude Allen, Dubya's former top domestic policy adviser, was arrested over charges of felony theft.

In Iraq we learned of the brutal murder of Christian peace activist and true American hero Tom Fox, showing that our soldiers and the people of Iraq are not the only ones suffering the consequences of the dangerously misguided "Bush Doctrine." The Bushies seem to only know how to make the horrifying mess in the middle-east worse: Iraq is spinning out of control, Iran seems to be heading dangerously close to war, and Osama celebrates another birthday free from justice.

America can do better, and when the Democrats take back the Congress we will. Please consider donating to the party to make this dream a reality and support the North Country Pioneers in their efforts to restore our American democracy.

Howard needs our help...

A message was sent out by the DNC from Howard Dean. Some in the party are questioning the 50-state strategy that will be essential to our success in November and beyond. Let's show them we support People-Powered-Howard and his plan for the Democratic party!
-Bob

The Message from Howard Dean:
In the history of our nation, no group of lawmakers has dodged its responsibility to the American people more than the current Republican Congress.

Instead of doing the people's business, the Republican majority on Capitol Hill operates in a secretive culture of corruption that lets special interests and right-wing lobbyists write our laws in backrooms and behind closed doors. There's no accountability, no oversight, and the American people are paying the price for a Republican majority only concerned with expanding its political power.

With control of the House, Senate and a number of key governorships up for grabs, I don't need to tell you what's at stake in the November elections.

We cannot wait. Already organizers are on the ground in states working towards building a permanent Democratic infrastructure. At the same time, we cannot let an opportunity like the 2006 elections slip by.

Help take back Congress in 2006. Make a contribution to the DNC now by visiting:
https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute/bat?outreach_page_id=245

When voters head to the polls they will decide whether our nation continues to pursue the extreme, right-wing agenda of the Bush Republicans, or chooses principled, Democratic leadership that will make us strong and safe at home and a respected voice for freedom around the world. That said, it's no secret the American people are tired of and worried about the Republican culture of corruption now rampant in Washington.

All the signs point to this being a big election year for Democrats. But if we want to win in November, we've got to fight for our victories by taking our message into communities all across America and by mobilizing millions of voters who will surge to the polls and support Democrats running at every level of government.

Our Party can't afford to wait until the final months of the 2006 campaign and hope for a burst of energy to carry us to victory. Starting right now - and with your help - we've got to work every day in every state to tell voters about our Democratic values and our vision for America.
Support the Democratic Party's 2006 efforts by visiting:
https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute/bat?outreach_page_id=245

$8,000,000 is the minimum we need to raise so that we have the necessary resources to:
Conduct ongoing grassroots trainings for Democratic precinct captains who are essential to building our Party's strength on the ground.

Support the work of Democratic Party field organizers making sure they are on the ground early in critical precincts.

Run phone banks so we can locate and mobilize Democratic and independent voters that are critical to our success on Election Day.

Train canvassers who will take our Party's message right to voters' doorsteps.
Support these efforts:
https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute/bat?outreach_page_id=245

State-by-state, precinct-by-precinct, door-by-door, vote-by-vote, we are going to take this country back for the working Americans who built it.

Thank you,
Governor Howard Dean M.D.

Paid for and authorized by the Democratic National Committee, http://www.democrats.org/. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Contributions or gifts to the Democratic National Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

Plattsburgh Democrats Endorse Andy!

The Town of Plattsburgh Democrats have joined North Country Democracy for America in endorsing the Andrew Brockway for the North Country campaign. The vote at tonight's meeting was unanimous. A fundraiser for the campaign is being held Saturday March 11 at 2 Sunnyside Road, Plattsburgh, NY @ 6pm. If you plan to attend please send an RSVP to brockwayandy@hotmail.com

No expiration date on the truth...

I've been listening to the Faulkner Dean Remix again lately, one part in particular always reminds me why I am involved in NCDFA. Howard's words still ring just as true today as they did back in the DFA 1.0 days.

"Stand up for America!
We seek to build a community of millions and strengthen the voice of our people.
And like the founders of the Republic we seek change,
And I ask all Americans regardless of party to meet with me across this nation.
To come together in common cause to forge a new American century.
Help us in the quest for a return to greatness
And return high moral purpose to the Untied States of America."

"The truth is, that the future of our country lies in your hands not mine.
YOU have the power to reclaim our nation's destiny!
YOU have the power to rid Washington of the politics of money!
YOU have the power to make right just as important as might!
YOU have the power to give America a reason to vote again!
YOU have the power to restore our nation to fiscal sanity and bring jobs back to our people!
YOU have the power to take back the Democratic Party!
YOU have the power to take our country back!"

NCDFA ENDORSES ANDREW BROCKWAY!

NORTH COUNTRY DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 4, 2006

By Bob Aubin,

NCDFA Media Subcommitee Chair (bobaubin@gmail.com)

NCDFA - http://www.northcountrydfa.com

Local grassroots organizers officially endorsed Democrat Andrew Brockway in his campaign to become the North Country's Assemblyman (AD-114).

PLATTSBURGH, NY - On Thursday the North Country Democracy for America grassroots political group held a candidate forum with Assembly candidate, and Clinton County native, Andrew Brockway. After a detailed question and answer session with the candidate, the members of NCDFA debated the merits of Andy's campaign and its potential benefit to the area. After much consideration the members voted to endorse him. The group hopes this endorsement will influence the local Democratic Party organizations, and invites all North Country voters to join them in supporting the Andrew Brockway for the North Country campaign. NCDFA has also voted to endorse Dr. Bob Johnson for Congress and will present the formal endorsement to him at the April 6 7PM monthly meeting at the Clinton County Government Center on Margret St. Plattsburgh, NY. NCDFA has supported many local campaigns including, Andrew Wylie for Clinton County D.A., Bernie Bassett for Assembly, Tom Wood for Plattsburgh Town Council, and William Provost for Plattsburgh City Council.

Andrew Brockway & the NCDFA

Edit: There was a slight misunderstanding with Andy's County origin, he is from Clinton County but his parents and much of his familiy are from Franklin County... Also, Andy has friends in all regions of the North Country. :-)

Assembly poll...

Andrew Brockway, Democratic Assembly candidate for the North Country is featured in a poll on the Adirondack Daily Enterprise website. I just added him to the North Country Pioneers and it looks to me like we have a great line up for 2006. I encourage all North Country voters to support Andy!

NCDFA Link meeting today!

Organized by:


Thursday, March 2, 2006 7:00 PM

Clinton County Government Center
Margaret Street
Plattsburgh NY 12901
Google Maps

Phone Number: 518-570-5524

We will be discussing many issues of local importance, please sign up if you plan to attend. Also be sure to check back in here tomorrow for my post meeting blog.

BLOG IN BLACK

Well, you wonder why I always dress in black,
Why you never see bright colors on my back,
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.
Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.

I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,
Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,
But is there because he's a victim of the times.

I wear the black for those who never read,
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,
About the road to happiness through love and charity,
Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.

Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose,
In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes,
But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back,
Up front there ought 'a be a Man In Black.

I wear it for the sick and lonely old,
For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold,
I wear the black in mournin' for the lives that could have been,
Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.

And, I wear it for the thousands who have died,
Believen' that the Lord was on their side,
I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died,
Believen' that we all were on their side.

Well, there's things that never will be right I know,
And things need changin' everywhere you go,
But 'til we start to make a move to make a few things right,
You'll never see me wear a suit of white.

Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,
And tell the world that everything's OK,
But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,
'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black.


"Man In Black" by Johnny Cash

What is up...

I doubt anyone is reading this yet, but I'm documenting some of my progess so far.

I found this great website, actblue.com that will allow me to do much of what I wanted to do with the Team Democrat section much easier. I've created a page there called the North Country Pioneers. More to come...