Ferndale precinct twp5 Democrats (now 118)

Representative Rick Larsen visits 42nd Legislative District

2009-11-15T10:02:00.000-08:00

thanks to Rick and Brooke for fitting us in. Rick spoke about the healthcare legislation in progress and the economy and took questions. after Rick and Brooke left we had a lively and, in my opinion very productive meeting. thanks everybody !!!!!

Representative Rick Larsen visits 42nd Legislative District

video here

in support of Don Siegelman

2009-07-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

i sent these emails to:
Tim Kaine Chairman, Democratic National Committee, 430 S. Capitol St. SEWashington, DC 20003 202-863-8000 email
and Rahm Emanuel (Hon. Rahm Emanuel, Chief of Staff to President Obama, The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC 20500 202-456-1111 fax: 202-456-2461 email

today on behalf of Don Siegelman who is facing more prison time as a result of this travesty of "justice" perpetrated by the previous administration and if there ever needed to be change this is screaming for attention.....

Dear Hon. Tim Kaine

i am writing to ask you to please help to ensure that President Obama's, not bush and roves procecuters, decide the fate on Don Siegelman.

Please do everything possible to influence Eric Holder to remove the partison prosecuters involved.

remove Leura Canary and her prosecutors NOW....please

thank you
peggy borgens PCO
Ferndale wa 118

Dear Rahm Emanuel.,
i am writing to ask you to please help to ensure the President Obama's, not bush and roves procecuters, decide the fate on Don Siegleman.

remove Leura Canary and her prosecutors NOW....please

thank you
peggy borgens PCO
Ferndale wa 118

Growth Management: Whatcom 2031, Comprehensive Plan Update

2009-03-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

our last meeting we discussed: Growth Management: Whatcom 2031, Comprehensive Plan Update
Whatcom 2031 reflects a 20-year prospective look at our community by the Planning Services Division of Whatcom County. The citizens of Whatcom County are strongly encouraged to be informed and active in the series of long-range planning decisions the county will be considering over the next couple of years.

Whatcom County is working to update its policies and regulations for managing growth and development in rural areas. The purpose of this update is to ensure that the Rural Element section of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan accurately reflects the values and expectations of county residents.

This program will focused on the urban growth areas (UGAs) and rural elements of Whatcom 2031. from 42nd LD site

Q&A Wrap up

constitution free zone ahead??

2009-02-10T16:28:00.000-08:00

an important issue and we should be supporting this resolution ...it would be so sad to see Pacific Northwest turn into a constitution free zone....

from the Jefferson County Democrats.......

At our January 27th Membership Meeting we adopted a resolution "to foster a reformed approach to securing our border that focuses on interdiction at the border, preserves constitutional protections and respects local law enforcement": for the full text, click here

If you witness a questionable act by the Border Patrol, you can click here for a printable form on which to document the incident.

really good information from the ACLU here.....

Using data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, the ACLU has determined that nearly 2/3 of the entire US population (197.4 million people) live within 100 miles of the US land and coastal borders.
The government is assuming extraordinary powers to stop and search individuals within this zone. This is not just about the border: This " Constitution-Free Zone" includes most of the nation's largest metropolitan areas.
We urge you to call on Congress to hold hearings on and pass legislation to end these egregious violations of Americans' civil rights.

Dear change.gov #6 stop the blasting of our planet to ruin!

2008-12-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

Dear change.gov #6 stop the blasting of our planet to ruin!

As I was researching the water grab by t boone pickens, I came face to face with the barbaric practice of hydraulic fracture drilling used in the acquisition of natural gas. This is right up there with blowing the tops off of mountains to get the coal. These terrible practices must be stopped. We should immediately add the externalities. Citizens water supplies have been ruined. 92% of the chemicals used for “fracting” pose health hazards and are passed on in the huge amounts of water waste generated by this practice. And what about the huge amounts of our precious water resource used. These legacies will be past on to our children and their children. These greed driven profiteers owe our descendants. They should immediately be responsible for cleaning up their mess. THESE BARBARIC PRACTICES MUST BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY!!!!
peggy borgens PCO
Ferndale 118

42nd LD Dems Membership Mtg

2008-12-13T13:43:00.000-08:00

We had our monthly meeting today and it was a celebration, a thank-you, and a lively discussion about our upcoming reorganization meeting coming up January 10,2009, at the Machinists Hall, 2064 Vista Dr. in Ferndale, WA. (10:00am-12:00pm) All the known candidates running for Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary were present. One possible candidate for vice chair was present and one was unable to attend. Both known candidates for State Committeeman and State Committeewoman were there. Thank you Rick for the amazing festive ambiance and meal..WOW! And thanks to everybody for all your hard work this last year and enthusiasm and good ideas going forward. It does my heart good to be associated with such a great group of people.

Dear Stephanie,

2008-12-11T11:06:00.000-08:00

we had reorganization meeting last night at our regular monthly meeting of Whatcom County Democrats and Stephanie was elected our new State Committeewoman. Congratulations Stephanie and in the spirit of our great participatory democracy i will communicate with you and post these communication on my precinct blog........

Hi Stephanie....
big congrats on your new position!!! I look forward to having you carrying the message to the next group of us.... and a big tip of the hat to your willingness to do this...having to deal with other humans can be trying at times, but ultimately oh so rewarding!

I was interested in what you said about the primary dilemma.... as you know I feel
very protective about our voice.... and I know there will be changes.... my main concern is that people who actually consider themselves democrats are the folks
who select our party's nominee....tax payer funded state primaries are fraught with unintended consequences and the possibility of mischief.(operation chaos would have been a magnificent success in our state) I am less afraid of republicans than I am of corporatists and their media shills. One of their top skills is marketing and they have plenty o' $$$$$$$ and hire the best and brightest to influence us. One of their very successful talking points is that this is an election and not our party choosing our nominee. We are especially vulnerable because of our open-primary status.

There is already enormous pressure within our own party to move to the presidential primary to register our preference for our nominee. I would like to
see us continue with our caucus for presidential nomination. With that, I would like us to educate ourselves and be prepared to reach out to our known democrats in our precincts. Also I would like to see proxy available for any reason. The deadlines would be the same or perhaps moved up to make sure we get them all to precinct for the tally on caucus day. This would be a great compromise and move us to the 21-century with our voice strong.

As a PCO, I would personally send postcards to all my democrats in a timely manner so they could have their preference registered by proxy if needed. I would also be available to assist as needed. I realize more work is involved, but saving our voice is worth it, and one of the most critical legacies we pass on. I’m in the old geezer section and the legacy is one of my most important issues now.

Thanks to great younger folks like you and the next generation we now see showing up, I have a lot of hope.I am looking forward to our journey going forward.
Thanks Stephanie!!

peggy

dear change.gov #5 bush anti-environment rules

2008-12-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

reading this news today was heartbreaking and prompted this communication with change.gov....hopefully they are already looking at this.

dear change.gov #5

I just read the White House is getting ready to push through another final rule that will fast track the destruction of, the world’s 2nd most diverse forest on planet earth, the mountains of Appalachia.

The people in this region are being sacrificed now and ultimately our descendents will be deprived of this beautiful place. I am hoping this can be stopped. Is blowing the tops off of mountains and ruining the water and land of the people who live there the best we can do?? This is a planetary emergency. Please do everything you can to stop this barbaric practice. Allowing more dumping into streams and valleys will just make it easier to continue business as usual. This is one of the saddest, greed-driven legacies we can possibly pass on to those who come after.

thank you
peggy borgens PCO
Ferndale 118

this was a fun video

2008-12-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

dear change.gov #4

2008-11-30T11:36:00.000-08:00

Dear change.gov #4

I’m sure this is hard to contemplate, but if we are going to have any real change it’s time to face up to our past. The example we have provided for years by covert operations, carried out all over the third world, and currently in our illegal wars, secret detentions, extraordinary rendition, and torture does not make us any kind of beacon of hope. It certainly does not make us safer.

I’m ashamed, as I enjoy the luxury of plenty in this country, knowing that many of resources have been taken from countries who had no way to protect their resources and, if they tried, the blood flowed as a warning to step away from what the corporation involved were after.

And that doesn’t even count the profiteering involved in providing arms and procuring lucrative government no-bid contracts.

And now former military brass, who lobby for corporations seeking these contracts, are marketing all this to the American people when they are hired as “talking heads” on our tv machines. If we are really about change, it’s time to face our own past and make some serious restitution and hold those responsible accountable.

This is a defining moment. We either live by the rule of law or we don’t. If we don’t hold the people accountable for these crimes against humanity, it’s just business as usual. This will lead to no future for anyone’s children here on planet Earth.

peggy borgens PCO Ferndale 118

dear change.gov #3 Flex Fuel Plug in Hybrids

2008-11-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

Thom Hartmann’s plan for the auto industry is the best I’ve heard yet. Immediate move to production of flex fuel plug in hybrid vehicle.

The cost of the 10kwh battery used in other countries, produced here would go from $7000 to $2000. Most trips made by people in our country are 10 miles or fewer for a round trip. This change makes every gallon of gas last for 100 miles. When you change to 20% gas, 80% ethanol/methanol that gallon of gas lasts for 500 miles.

This addresses the auto industry bailout, climate change, resource depletion (worldwide peak oil, which has already happened or will in the next 10 minutes) and the destructive strategic value of oil.
It seems the oil and auto lobbyists are the drivers of years of shameless, criminal policy because oil is subsidized. Currently there is a tax on resources to make flex fuels and no tax on imported oil. Aid to dependent corporations is what I heard Robert Reich calls it. My question is WHY? This is not the lead in to my conspiracy theory. This is an honest question. We can fight and die and destroy our home, planet earth, or we can work with the other humans on earth to save it. Send oil the way of whale oil, strip it of it's strategic value.

This plan is a real leap forward.

election results

2008-11-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

the washington state site is a great site for election results from all counties including ours... here

Hope won!!!!!!! and dear change.gov #1 & 2

2008-11-11T09:42:00.000-08:00

what a year!!!....i have been blogging mostly at Washington Outsiders and here is the election day celebration here in Ferndale...
since the caucus in february thru the election Democrats have stepped up....the office was a hub of activity with calls being made.....there was an excitement i've not seen before and the young folks getting involved has been an inspiration in tough times.....
our work has just begun....we must push our representatives to do the right thing and get their back when they do....

i have begun to communicate with the administration-elect at change.gov ...... i will take them at their word and will be communicating regularly....i will post these communications here...even if i am the only one who ever reads it.....

#2 the economy and environment
i liked your plan to allow us to withdraw $10,000 from our retirement accounts without penalty or taxes. i will be withdrawing it anyway but it could really help. this year at 60 1/2 i had no penalty but taxes. i invested in a new roof this year. great
investment and i employed a young contractor in my community.
also appoint Robert Kennedy Jr to the best position you have to affect environmental policy.
we need to immediately add the externalities to the price of energy production and resource use and immediately all the right practices are winners in the market. and that's without absorbitant subsidy.
http://washouts.blogspot.com/2008/08/myth-of-clean-coal.html

thanks
peggy borgens PCO Ferndale 118

#1 was regarding the auto industry bailout(didn't save).....i would like to see strings attached....fuel standards way up...not some token 29 in 10 years or something....also smaller cars....lot's O' barrels of oil use to make one vehicle. (soooo bit my tongue here, we should be making car bodies out of hemp ..it's stronger, renewable and can be composted when the car is done.....so we'll save that for another day....all you have to do is say "hemp" to an elected official and watch them start scanning the room for the exit) we need the jobs and transportation. we just need to adjust our lifestyle like our lives and childrens lives depend on it!!!...our planet cannot sustain our current consumption of resources.

Endorsements

2008-10-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

Candidate endorsements for Whatcom County Democrats here

2008 General Election Ballot Measures endorsements for Whatcom County Democrats here

42nd Legislative District Candidate endorsements here

a very important race in Washington State

2008-10-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

all of our Democratic candidates are top notch and deserve our support and this is a race I consider sooooo important. I had a chance to meet Peter and his wife, Wendy when they visited Bellingham in September. Here are some photos and video from that event.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Peter Goldmark speaks about the scope of the job of Commissioner of Public Lands. He outlines his personal qualifications, experience and why he should be elected to oversee our public lands in the state of Washington.

Goldmark for Public Lands Commissioner (D)

It was a wonderful evening and I know more than ever why we need Goldmark in this critically important job.

thanks to Mt Baker Group, Sierra Club for making this happen and to Boundary Bay for a great place to gather
more information on what's happening with our lands locally at Chuckanut Conservancy
be sure to check Whatcom County Democrats to see what's being done here to get Goldmark and many other good Democrats elected.

more video here....

post from Noemie Maxwell at Washblog.........
Weyerhaeuser is buying the WA State Lands Commissioner office ($100,000 donation today) read post

primary election

2008-08-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

ballots must be returned or postmarked august 19, 2008

a nice place to look at the judges and more....
http://fusewashington.org/alerts/257/primary-endorsements-2008#i26

and of course Whatcom Democrats has endorsements....

and 42nd LD endorsements

Dear Democrats..............

2008-02-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

The caucus and events surrounding it have driven me to speak out in the hope we really can save our Democracy..........

Dear Democrats,
The corporatists have been very successful selling a spectator democracy to us. Moving to the primary to send delegates on to the national convention, in an open primary state, will seal the deal in Washington State.

Our party should not consider using the primary until we publically declare parties. Even then I don't quite get how that would work. The nominees are the choices on the ballot. Who are the delegates? Hmmm....anyway......if anyone thinks we could move to other than the open primary, after the fact, doesn't understand how indoctrinated a fairly large portion of our society is. My parents are trained to hiss and growl if anyone dares suggest they have to declare a party. This crosses party lines. The marketing in this area has been a huge success.

The presidential nominating primary came to Washington in an initiative delivered to the legislature in 1988 by the very party elite everybody says they're against. It passed in the legislature in 1989. As we are a membership of voluntary association, supported by our donations, a large part of the grassroot work done by some amazing volunteers, we retain the right to decide how we advance candidates to nomination. We want our party to insist on represention by representatives who also believe in a society where all boats are raised.

If the corporatists prevail and we give up our caucus for the primary in this open primary state we will never get it back. In spite of the large price tag of $9,700,000 to the taxpayer, their marketing appears to be working well.

Me...........I want to press the flesh and look eyeball to eyeball with my neighbors. I want to keep our democracy. I want to build our neighborhoods and communities. I want a world that is safe, secure and prosperous for all inhabitants of earth. I pledge to work to make our caucus better than ever in 2 years. Let's make our platform the best ever. And every 2 years we can make it great. I want a participatory democracy in real good working order to pass on to those who come after. We have got a lot of work to do and we all need to roll up our sleeves!!!!! I believe we can!!!!!

calling all Democrats

2008-01-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

Participate in Democracy! 2008 Presidential Caucuses
February 9, 2008 1 pm
Ferndale area precincts 110, 111, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505

Horizon Middle School
2671 Thornton Road
Sign-in begins 12 noon, closes 1:30 pm

Who may participate:
Any voter who considers him or herself a “Democrat”
17-year-olds eligible to vote on November 4, 2008
Register to vote at your caucus and participate fully

Participation is free, but donations are welcome.

Why participate in your Precinct Caucus?
First step in selecting a Presidential nominee
Elect delegates to represent your candidate at the nextlevel, leading to delegates to the National Convention
The mail-in “Presidential Primary,” scheduled for Feb.19, 2008, is simply a “straw poll”, and will NOT be usedto allocate Democratic Party delegates.

Information: 647-7661 whatcomdemocrats.com
What happens at the Caucus?
1. Declare Presidential Preference when signing in
2. Tally preferences (1st vote)
3. Calculate number of delegates per candidate
4. Participants lobby each other to get them to vote for their candidate
5. Take second vote; participants may change votes
6. Re-calculate the number of delegates per candidate
7. Elect delegates to the Legislative District Caucus in April, for each candidate
8. Consider resolutions and party platform planks

Read the current Platform at whatcomdemocrats.com

on Washington caucus vs. primary

2008-01-14T10:49:00.000-08:00

this whole situation is confusing to many people and i include myself in this group. for me it starts knowing we do not declare party in this state. the primary came about as a result of an initiative. the Democratic party selection of their delegates to the nominating convention does not use the results of the primary. this decision is made by Democrats from all over the state, as it was this spring in Bellingham when they met. the parties choose how they select delegates. it is as grassroots as it gets. the caucus is a chance to meet with Democrats in my community and mix it up. as i was trying to get my 82 yr old mother to go to her republican caucus she was not to interested until i told her she could go as an undecided. she said, "you mean people would be trying to win me over" yep mom, eye ball to eye ball. and i pointed out if no one was convincing she could remain undecided. as the Democrats in Michigan are urging democrats to vote in their upcoming primary if their candidate is not on the ballot.
anyway i want the people, who care enough to suit up, saddle up the SUV and show up once every four years to pick the nomimee for my party. and i want everyone to vote in the general election.

Whatcom Democrats prepare for caucus

2008-01-10T20:08:00.000-08:00

i had the pleasure of participating in the monthly meeting last night. we had standing room only, lively presentations and discussions. with our caucus coming up February 9th, it was very inspiring to see so many people involved. the crowd was very diverse.

speaking as a "just another dope-less hope fiend" it was a big infusion of hope.

a big thank-you to excellent presenters and all who came....

videos from the evening can be seen here

find information on attending caucus at Whatcom Democrats

Caucus 101

2007-12-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

as a relatively new caucus attendee (once in the 1980's and i think 5 or 6 others were present. and then 2004, 2006 and now 2008) it's kind of a watch one, do one , teach one situation. i am squarely in favor of the caucus system for the party to select it's delegates and choose our nominee for president.
since we have a 2 party system, and i will only have one choice, i want people who are paying enough attention to suit up and show up for 4 hours once every 4 years to be the ones who decide who my one choice will be.....at this point in time i am absolutely certain the republicans will not be offering anyone i could consider. now, if all the sudden they ran Scott Ritter or John Dean, i would have to reconsider....but for now, it's going to be a democrat.
Since we don't even declare parties, a primary in the State of Washington would be a corporate media wet dream.
so till we declare parties, have publically financed campaigns, maybe a little instant run off voting or, god forbid, proportional representation, i want people who are willing to suit up and show up deciding my party's presidential nominee.
America is far from that level of participation. democracy is not the spectator sport we are currently enjoying. my theory is we are too comfortable and distracted. i don't really look forward to the day we get uncomfortable but i believe nothing much will change till then....

i do hope we will have good participation on Feb 9th.

more information at Whatcom Democrats

and this GREAT post on Washblog by Noemie (the caucus 101 part)

Washington's Presidential Caucuses and Primary: Access, Democracy, Relevancy
By noemie maxwell Thu Dec 27, 2007 at 01:37:57 PM PST Section: Washington State Topic: Presidential Caucus and Primary

Caucus is coming

2007-10-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

recieve notifications about upcoming caucuses here......

Gov. Gregoire to visit.....

2007-10-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

Governor Gregoire invites you to share your thoughts on the issues most important to you, your community and Washington.

Monday, October 8, 2007
A Town Hall with Governor Chris Gregoire
Whatcom Community College, Syre Student Center Auditorium Google Map to Syre Center

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. – Please plan to arrive earlyThe program will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Registration Form -- not necessary, but would be appreciated.( http://www.governor.wa.gov/townhall/bellingham/form.asp )

Endorsements 2007

2007-10-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

ELECTION 2007:

Whatcom County Democrats Endorse These Candidates
County Executive Pete Kremen
County Auditor Shirley Forslof
County Treasurer Steve Oliver
County Sheriff Bill Elfo
County Council District 2 Ken Mann
County Council District 1 Bob Kelly
Bellingham Mayor (in no particular order) Dan McShane and Dan Pike
Bellingham City Council Ward 1 Jack Weiss
Bellingham City Council Ward 3 Barry Buchanan
Bellingham City Council Ward 4 Stan Snapp
Bellingham City Council Ward 5 Terry Bornemann
Bellingham City Council At-Large Louise Bjornson

Ballot Measures --
State-wide InitiativesEHJR 4204 Simple Majority for School Levies – YES
Referendum 67 Insurance Consumer Protections – YES
I-960 Require 2/3 majority to increase taxes – NO

Missing Your Ballot? General Election ballots will be mailed to all registered voters about October 17, 2007. If you do not receive a ballot in the mail by the following week, please call the County Auditor at 676-6740. Ballots Due November 6th BY MAIL: must be postmarked by November 6th, and the post office closes late afternoon.......BY HAND: at the County Courthouse, box at the curb
Election Day ONLY: Drop-off locations from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for deposit of ballots: * Auditors office
* Blaine City Hall
* Everson Fire Station
* Ferndale Library
* Kendall Fire Station
* Lynden Library

Rick Larsen meets with Democratic PCO's

2007-05-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

our day was very productive(a PCO training) thanks Natalie and thanks to Carole for allowing both of your arms to be twisted. i think we are on the way to building and even better party here in Whatcom County.

we had a nice lively discussion with

Rep. Rick Larsen

Rick and Brooke were very organized and

ready to hear what we had to say.Rick answered our questions very candidly and i felt he really wanted to hear what we had to say. and i felt we were heard.

it was a very positive and productive day!!!!

thanks, everybody!

Washington state Democrats come to Bellingham

2007-05-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

last weekend started with a dinner honoring Karen Marchioro

thanks Whatcom County Democratic Women's Club for a fantastic evening!!!!!!

the dinner was packed and we sure had a wonderful time..

it was a thrill to be there and see Karen honored

Senator Spanel watches State Senator Eric Oemig discuss his Impeachment Bill Washington State Senate JM 8016.

he spoke at an event sponsored by the Progressive Caucus: Impeachment and other just desserts. thanks to all who put this together/

the Democrat's got down to business the next day and it was fun to be a part of the day.

Caucus vs Primary

2007-04-29T18:40:00.000-07:00

i bring this post from Citizen Steve at Washington Outsiders.......

Sunday, April 29, 2007
WA. Democrats Vote to Keep Presidential Caucuses

From 790AM - KGMI Local News:

Democratic Committee Votes for Caucuses Washington's Democratic Party will continue using caucuses instead of the presidential primary election. At a
meeting held yesterday in Bellingham, members voted against an amendment that
would have used the primary election in choosing delegates. Republicans also
mainly use caucuses, but have allocated delegates to varying degrees based on
the primary results. They will meet in June to decide what to do next year.

On Thursday, the Bellingham Herald carried an editorial urging the Democrats to use a Presidential primary instead of caucuses. If the editorial board had any chance of influencing the Washington State Democratic Central Committee, they blew it with their closing sentence: "We hope the Democrat Party faithful meeting here Saturday understand that and will honor it." (the online edition was corrected to read "Democratic Party" after the print edition went out.)It wasn't possible to scrap next May's Presidential primary because the Washington State Republican Party uses the primary to pick a token number of delegate to their convention. So it's the Republicans who are responsible for the $9.7 million of taxpayer money to be spent on the primary. Part of the Herald's editorial said:

Democrats prefer to pick their convention delegates at sparsely attended caucus
meetings. Those meetings require interested people to spend several hours
talking about candidates before agreeing on whom to support.

And they seem to think it's a bad thing to spending several hours (once every four years) being part of the process of picking the Party's Presidential candidate. The General Election is there for citizens to decide which political party's candidate gets elected, but first the party's have to pick candidates.There's more to democracy than just putting a mark on a ballot. Shortly before he was ousted, Saddam Hussien held an election in Iraq and being the only one on the ballot he got 99% of the votes, of course.Democracy is a process. I can understand how folks who feel aligned with the Democratic Party would want to have a say in who the Presidential candidate is. But to have a say, they have to show up at the caucus. That's all it takes. Anyone who shows up and declares themself a Democrat can participate. The sparse attendance isn't because anyone is turned away at the door. Democracy isn't a spectator sport, you have to turn out if you want to play. full post

a great community celebration

2007-04-07T23:51:00.000-07:00

we had a wonderful evening with friends filled with music, food and celebration. the students performed beautifully. it was an honor to be part this evening.......

De Colores Fundraising Dinner and Celebration Honoring Cesar Chavez

“The end of education should surely be service to others. We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about the progress and prosperity for our community. Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others for their sake and our own.” — Cesar Chavez

About Community to Community Development (C2C)
Community to Community Development is a place-based, grassroots organization committed to creating alliances in order to strengthen local and global movements towards social, economic and environmental justice.

healthcare for all...as it should be

2007-03-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

this looks like it will be well worth attending......

United for National Health Care presents:

Dr. Don Sloan

author of
Practicing Medicine Without a License: The corporate takeover of healthcare in America

Sunday, March 11, 7:00 pm
Fairhaven Public Library
1117 12th Street

Dr. Sloan presents a comprehensive critique of our failing healthcare system. He gives historical context to the current political debate, articulates the need for reform, and makes the case for a radical solution: a single payer, universal health plan for everyone, mandated by law.

a free community event -- for more information phone 360-398-7326

Bill Richardson is running for president....

2007-02-26T18:29:00.000-08:00

jez i can't forget this!!! he is definitely on my short list..... a very smart, intellectually curious, accomplished man. his qualifications for the job would be tough to rival. we had a chance to meet with him in july 06 and he was very spontaneous and engaging. i always look forward to hearing him speak because he is very well informed, articulate and solution oriented . he believes in diplomacy and in people working together to solve problems. he says we make peace with our enemies not our friends. he has negotiated with leaders all over the world. he has served as UN ambassador, Secretary of energy, and is now in his second term as Governor of New Mexico.
Bill Richardson for President

i wrote about him at washington outsiders and you can check out our visit and more here

Rick Larsen in Blaine on sunday.........

2007-02-26T18:27:00.000-08:00

we had a great meeting with Rick today in Blaine....it was very well attended(standing room only)

Rick did a nice presentations about what has been accomplished in the short time the Democrats have had the majority thereby, chair(and control of agenda) of committees, subpoena power and finally the ability to do oversite. impressive.....

people were very well informed and asked the tough questions....

it was very informative and encouraging....thanks to Rick, Jasper et all and all the great citizens who showed up.

All Whatcom Democrats Invited

2007-02-21T12:48:00.000-08:00

Biannual Strategic Planning
Shuksan Middle School
Saturday March 3, 2007, 9:00 am - noon

The strategic planning will be led by Whatcom Democrats Chair Barry Buchanan, with breakout topic sessions in which we Whatcom Democrats can interact directly with our Democratic elected officials. The event will start with a whole group discussion reviewing 2005 Visioning results and talking about the major party activities in 2007 and 2008. We will then break into 3 groups (local, State, Federal) to discuss priority issues and strategies. The groups will rotate through each jurisdiction. The result of this event will help the Party structure it’s activities and priorities for 2007 and 2008.

Background: As a follow-up and extension of our visioning day in January 2005, the Whatcom Democrats leadership is inviting all Whatcom Democrats to come and discuss the issues and analyze the current political moment in which we are now living. Help us begin to think through and define the strategic approach we will need now and for the coming years, in local, state and national politics.
Which are our key issues/demands? Why? What makes one issue a key issue (need) over many other needs? How do we advance them?

Sound like an exciting but academic discussion?

It won’t be. Why? We don’t have the luxury. This is a work session. Local elections are upon us, and both state and national politics are warming up.

As a frame for this event, we will now quote from remarks given on the floor of the Senate Feb. 14 by Sen. Bernie Sanders, Independent of Vermont, in response to the President’s latest budget attack on healthcare, education, prosperity for all:

Health Care: “The President’s budget would cut Medicare and Medicaid by $280 billion over the next decade, lowering the quality of healthcare for approximately 43 million senior citizens and people with disabilities who depend on Medicare and more than 50 million Americans who rely on Medicaid.”
Education: ”At a time when our childcare and early childhood education system is totally inadequate to meet the needs of working parents, the Bush budget reduces the number of children receiving childcare assistance by 300,000. In addition, the Bush budget provides a $100 million cut for Head Start, at a time when only about one-half of the children eligible for this program actually participate, due to a lack of funding.”
Prosperity for All: ”While hunger in this country is increasing, the President’s budget denies food stamps to 280,000 families and eliminates nutrition assistance to over 400,000 senior citizens, mothers and newborn children.

“This is especially true when the President’s budget provides $739 BILLION ($739,000,000,000) in tax breaks over the next decade to households with incomes exceeding $1 million per year. The average tax break for this group of millionaires will total $162,000 by 2012. Compare the Bush budget cuts to the tax breaks given some of America’s wealthiest people. The granddaddy of all of the winners under the Bush budget is none other than the heirs to the Wal-Mart fortune.

”If the estate tax was repealed, the entire Walton family would receive an estimated tax break of $32.7 BILLION.”

Meanwhile, the President’s budget proposes to cut Medicaid by $28 billion over the next decade, driving up the cost of healthcare for tens of millions of Americans. In other words, one family gets a huge tax break, while tens of millions of healthcare consumers suffer.”

Whatcom Dems calendar

2007-02-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

don't forget to check calendar at Whatcom County Democrats.....42nd legislative district meetings right here in ferndale once a month....meet other dems from our area

Patty Murray speaks out

2007-02-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

our senator has been consistent since voting no on authorization for war in october 2002. she called it right then and she calls it right again. thank you Senator Murray!!!

IRAQ: Senator Murray Speaks Out Against the Surge and Urges Republicans to Stop Blocking Debate on the Iraq War
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 6, 2007 Listen to \Murray's Speech
(Washington, D.C.) -
Today in a passionate speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) called on Republicans to stop blocking debate on the President's misguided plan to escalate the War in Iraq. Murray said she will vote for a bipartisan resolution expressing opposition to the President's surge as the first step in changing direction in Iraq. Recalling her 2002 speech against authorizing the war in Iraq, Murray spoke of the tremendous sacrifices Washington state families have made during the war.
Senator Murray's remarks follow: here

letters to editor

2007-02-03T14:22:00.000-08:00

here is my recent letter to bellingham herald in response to wally's letter before.......

this was a recent bellingham herald letter by wally

Backs president’s stance for nation
Contrary to most recent headlines, many people such as me are still pleased and confident with President Bush. The defense of our nation should be one of the federal government's primary concerns. Bush has identified threats to our nation and is dealing with them rather than rolling over in submission, as so many in our nation think we should. Islamic and socialist nations and rulers have little to offer other than suffering, oppression an hopelessness. Still, many in our nation place the on pedestals and call th media to admire an report their "progressiveness." It makes me nauseous.
We fought in support of our great nation and ou way of life in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War and others. Why quit on our nation now? There are also a lot of people around the world counting on us for defense because they can't and other won't. Let's not quit on them either.
I support this president and I pray his successor will be even more vigorous in defense of our nation and freedom around the world.
Wally Wallace
Ferndale http://www.wallywonderswhy.com/

my letter to the editor in response
published january 20th

A recent letter to the editor praised Bush for defending our nation from threats after “identifying” them. He went on to bash “Islamic and socialist nations” and their rulers. He never mentions Iraq. At the time we attacked Iraq, the leader was a brutal secular dictator we propped up during the 1980’s. Remember the famous photo of then G.D. Searle & Co. head, Donald Rumsfeld, shaking his hand during a visit to Iraq in 1983.
At the time we attacked, invaded, and occupied Iraq they had not threatened us, our allies or any of their neighbors. Almost 4 years later, thousands of humans have lost their lives. Most are Iraqis. And the alleged “identified” threat, those pesky WMD’s, have not materialized. Iraq is in shambles, with “depleted” uranium spread throughout their lands forever. Our troops are in the middle of a civil war, bulls’ eyes on their backs and Bush wants to send more.
How can one American be pleased and have any confidence with Bush?
If our president really cared about our safety, he would be working day and night with the rest of the world figuring out how we will face climate change, worldwide resource depletion and hunger.
peggy borgens,
ferndale http://washouts.blogspot.com/

we are the parade..........

2007-02-03T14:16:00.000-08:00

Whatcom County Democrats Launch Campaign to Stop Escalation of Iraq War and Bring Troops Home
In response to the President's recent speeches, we, the Whatcom County Democratic Party, are today launching an on-going campaign to stop the President's plan to not only continue the occupation of Iraq but to escalate the war as well. President Bush isn't listening. The election last year was a clear mandate from the people of America to end the occupation of Iraq as quickly as possible. The American people want our troops withdrawn from Iraq, but President Bush wants to send tens of thousands more of our people into harm's way and to keep them there fighting for years to come. If this conflict is ever to end, we must exercise our responsibilities as members of a democratic society. Since the nation has placed Democrats in control of both houses of Congress, this is an exciting time to support our representatives, Senators Cantwell and Murray and Rep. Larsen as they oppose the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. We are asking for voters in Whatcom County to contact their Congressional delegation to let them know we are behind them in their vigorous opposition to path the President is pursuing. Here in Whatcom County we are organizing a phone and email campaign to let Senators Cantwell and Murray and Rep. Larsen know that we are proud to have our Democrats in Congress taking action against continuing the administration's failed policy. In the coming days we will be announcing other activities that will be part of the Whatcom County Democrats on-going campaign to end the war and bring the troops home now.

here it is february.......

2007-02-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

much is going on and i sure don't see that changing.....we have reorganized in the 42nd and whatcom democrats......i have taken on treasurer position for both.....i am learning alot!!!! thankfully there are great people who are still working hard in new ways who are mentoring those of us who are new and on steep learning curves.....i am very excited about our new elected officers in both places......i think there is a very nice mix of experience/history and new blood. there are new people arriving all the time and we are hoping to be more and more active in the north and northeast county. i am very optimistic. i just got to know Alyce from Lynden and Bob from Blaine a bit more....i am looking forward to our future.......
although the 08 elections are way out there i guess it has started .....there are many Dems who have already thrown their hats in......i hope we have alot of discussion between now and then....and i would love to meet and greet as much as possible.....as a Washington state blogger i had the opportunity to meet with Bill Richardson and it was a great 38 minutes...
listen from here
see washington outsider posts on Richardson here.....
so now he has thrown his hat in .....i certainly think he has excellent qualifications.....course the bar is pretty damn low right now......
there are many good qualified people running.....let the discussion begin........

did i mention?....Kucinich is running for president....

2006-12-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

as i mentioned in the earlier post ,at washington outsiders, about the study grope(Iraq) ....... Rep. Dennis Kucinich has the exact right questions and if you're asking the right questions you have a chance to find the truth.......now he has stepped up again.....no small thing......thank you, Dennis Kucinich, for your self-less gift to the U.S. and the world.....the earth is a beautiful place and at my age i spend alot of time thinking of those to come after me....."we have one earth and it belongs to all of us".....learn more at The Community Solution

NO on Initiative 933

2006-10-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

soon to be letter to the editor.......

Initiative 933 "property fairness act" is anything but fair. Contrary
to claims it protects farmland, it will lead to the paving over of it. It would
force us, taxpayers, to pay people to follow the rules or waive those rules.
Millions of dollars will be spent by taxpayers to process, study and possibly
litigate claims. Small municipalities and counties will not be able to afford to
pay, forcing us to waive protections. Some are federally mandated and can’t be
waived, forcing us to pay. This will lead to irresponsible development. This is
money we won’t have for needed services to benefit all of us.Much of the support
for this initiative comes from out of state big development seeking loopholes.
We will continue to have tough decisions about how we can all live together and
ensure everyone has clean drinking water, air and the ability to feed ourselves.
These decisions will affect the lives of those who come after us. This
initiative will favor a few to the detriment of most of the rest of us. Our
children and grandchildren will pay a huge price. Let's work together to find
real solutions. Vote no on Initiative 933.

and this from Robb...........
The handful of wealthy out-of-state developers who paid to put Initiative
933 on the ballot are trying a classic bait and switch ruse on Washington
voters. Check out www.howierichexposed.com. The bait is that they
want you to believe I-933 is about eminent domain. The trap is that I-933
contains absolutely no language addressing eminent domain issues.
I-933 would change Washington’s laws to allow large landowners and corporations to demand huge payouts from state and local taxpayers just by claiming that a law has
harmed the value of their property or business – no matter how important the law
may be or how far-fetched the claim.
Here’s one example of how the “taxpayer trap” would place all taxpayers in a LOSE-LOSE situation: Suppose a parcel of land contains frequently flooded areas or unstable hillsides that would limit development to 200 houses. Under I-933, a developer who wants to build 1,000 houses on it could demand payment for the value of the remaining 800 houses. If the local government cannot pay the developer, they would have to allow him to build the extra 800 houses – on land unsuited for development – and even if local community services and infrastructure would be overstrained by this development. We all pay for this, while large landowners and corporations reap windfall payouts.

I-933 also traps taxpayers into signing a blank check – with no limit on total costs. I-933 will drown government services in red tape, tie up our courts with lawsuits, and create a massive new bureaucracy to deal with the thousands of claims for money. The cost of lawsuits and payouts will rob local communities of billions of dollars now used to fund fire and police protection, paramedic response, schools, traffic congestion relief and other vital services.Say NO to the taxpayer trap.
Vote NO on I-933.
watch short video

more no on 933

Whatcom County Democratic Central Committee (Whatcom Democrats) endorsements

2006-10-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

The Whatcom County Democratic Central Committee (Whatcom Democrats) have endorsed the following candidates:
-US Senate, Maria Cantwell
-US Representative, District 2 Rick Larsen http://www.ricklarsen.org/
-42nd Rep, Position 2 Kelli Linville http://www.kellilinville.com/
-42nd Rep, Position 1 Jasper MacSlarrow http://www.votejasper.com/index.html
-42nd State Senate Jesse Salomon http://www.votejesse.com/
-40th Rep, Position 1 Dave Quall quall.da@verizon.net
-40th Rep, Position 2 Jeff Morris http://www.morriscampaign.com/
-State Supreme Court, Position 2 Susan Owens http://justicesusanowens.com/
(Other Judge positions were decided in the Primary)

Ballot Measures:
No on I-920 -- Repeal of state Inheritance Tax http://www.washingtondefense.org/
No on I-933 -- the developer's loophole initiative http://noon933.org/index.php
Yes on I-937 -- Clean Energy Initiative http://www.yeson937.org/

Whatcom County Democratic Central Committee Endorsements

2006-08-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

of special note ....THE JUDGES ........we face a targeted assault on Judges who are true to the rule of law. what their challengers have in mind is a judiciary friendly to big developement....if these special interests succeed in getting Initiative 933 passed and their judges elected it will be a big loss for the state of Washington. look for the Judges on the primary ballot. (they will be decided on the primary)

The Whatcom County Democratic Central Committee (Whatcom Democrats) have endorsed the following candidates:

US Representative, District 2 Rick Larsen
42nd Rep, Position 2 Kelli Linville
42nd Rep, Position 1 Jasper MacSlarrow
42nd State Senate Jesse Salomon
40th Rep, Position 1 Dave Quall
40th Rep, Position 2 Jeff Morris

NON-PARTISAN RACES
Court of Appeals Div 1 Dist 3 Pos 1 Mary Kay Becker

Supreme Court Justice Position 2 Susan Owens
Supreme Court Justice Position 8 Gerry Alexander
Supreme Court Justice Position 9 Tom Chambers

No endorsement has been made in the US Senate race because there is a Primary contest. The Whatcom Democrats delay endorsement until after voters have voiced their choice in the Primary Election.

upcoming events

2006-08-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

HERE'S WHAT THE DEMOCRATS ARE DOING THIS WEEK IN WHATCOM COUNTY

Friday, August 25th,
Cong. RICK LARSEN (himself) will be doorbelling in Bellingham, 2-5 pm. Please join him by contacting Adam White, 280-9861 or <adam@ricklarsen.org">mailto:adam@ricklarsen.org>adam@ricklarsen.org.Saturday, August 26th, the Linville campaign will have a group of people doorbelling in Ferndale, anyone who would like to join please call Nicole Hagerman at 305-6395ANYTIME, Kelli Linville campaign needs people to write letters to the editor, host house parties and make phone calls. Contact Nicole Hagerman, 305-6395.

Sunday, August 27th,
WHATCOM DEMOCRATS ANNUAL PICNIC, 1-4 pm, Cornwall Park, Meridian entrance. Democratic candidates will provide dessert and meet & greet. Bring a dish to share We provide Table service, drinks, desserts, hamburgers & hot dogs Suggested Donation $5 per person Information 6477661

FUTURE EVENTS -- MARK YOUR CALENDARS -- PICNICS & CANDIDATE FORUMS

Saturday-Sunday, Sept 2-3,
LITERATURE DROP to Get-Out-The-Vote for the Primary Election, mainly in Bellingham. 2 hour committment. Contact Dems office 647-7661 to volunteer.
Sunday, Sept 10th,
PT ROBERTS DEMOCRATS PICNIC, 1-5 pm, 395 Mill Rd, Pt Roberts. Contact: Lynda Jovanovic, (360) 945-0764.

Democrats Abroad wants you to exercise your right to vote.

2006-08-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

if you or someone you know lives abroad.....they have to register again to vote in this election even if they voted in 2004. This web site is sponsored by the Democratic party so they'll know their registration won't be "lost".

http://www.votefromabroad.org/

UPCOMING EVENT

2006-07-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

meet with Democrats around the county......

FUTURE EVENTS -- MARK YOUR CALENDARS -- SUMMER PICNICS

Friday, July 28th, 6 pm, LYNDEN-area Democrats Picnic, Berthusen Park, Lynden. Contact

July 29th, 1 pm, BLAINE-area Democrats Picnic, 3599 Loomis Trail Road, Blaine. Contact: RB Porter, 332-6799.

NO on Initiative 933

2006-06-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

No on I-933
I think we need to follow the native wisdom saying we should look ahead 7 generations to make the right decisions, ensuring a hospitable home for those to come. Initiative 933 takes us full speed ahead in the wrong direction. Small municipalities will not be able to enforce environmental regulations and it will cripple planning. Cities, counties and state agencies cannot charge a fee to claimants. Processing, studies, and litigation will be entirely shouldered by the taxpayer for claims made. The result will be "waive or pay.
"This initiative is backed by out of state special interests. According to the Public Disclosure Commission, Americans for Limited Government, a group based in Illinois, has contributed $200,000.
Environmental protections are under assault at the federal level. We need to protect the State of Washington. This initiative will open the door for special interests to "do as they please." The "Property fairness initiative" is anything but.
Some people think Washington State will always be a beautiful place to live. It won’t be unless we citizens protect it. If I-933 passes, Whatcom County could resemble L.A. Say NO to unrestricted development with no regard to those who come after us. Say NO to Initiative-933.(soon to be letter to editor...)

NO on Initiative 933

Grassroots Kick-off

When: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., on Sat., June 24th
Where: Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro, 1107 Railroad Ave. in Bellingham
Who: Everyone in the community. Families are welcome to attend.
To RSVP or for more information: Katie Ward, Katie@wcvoters.org or 206.245.5644

the Bellingham Herald had this to say......

OUR VIEW Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Property compensation: Who would have to pay?
Supporters of a new initiative that would require the government to compensate property owners for land-use laws must answer a lot of questions before they hope to get public support. Last week the Washington Farm Bureau filed an initiative it calls the "Property Fairness Initiative." The initiative would require the government to compensate property ownersfor agency regulations that adversely affect the value of land. It would be retroactive, requiring payment for any regulation put in place since January 1996 that property owners
can prove adversely affected their land values. Supporters have until June 7 to try to collect about 235,000 signatures in order to get the initiative on the November ballot. We suggest people thinking of signing the initiative ask a lot of questions. For example: To which regulations does the initiative apply? .....
full article

tree proposal

2006-05-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

here is a copy of the tree proposal i took to the Ferndale 20 year visioning....

What: all future trees planted by city be food producing whenever possible. Instead of sterile ornamental trees organically grown fruiting varieties would be planted instead. The flowering cherry would flower and produce cherries. Other great possibilities are pears, apples Asian pears, plums and the list goes on. A citizen may donate a tree and work with the city to find a suitable location.
Citizens could harvest the fruit (no fighting). A group of volunteers, working closely with the city, would commit time for harvest and clean up as needed. A program where a citizen could adopt a tree could be set up. Presentations in the schools could promote involvement by young people. Harvests could be taken to the food bank.

Willing to adopt a tree:
Peggy Borgens- 384-0861 peggyb@memes.com

Willing to serve on board/commission of citizens:
Peggy Borgens

Start immediately.

No cost: simply select different trees for trees already planned. A citizen group would be formed to ensure enthusiasm and involvement in the community.

Measure:
Harvest and clean-up done in timely manner.
Keep track of harvest brought to food bank.

Whatcom County Dems

2006-05-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

Whatcom County Central Committee Meeting
Garden Street Family Center (Brigid Collins)
Wednesday, May 107:00 PM
We have invited Hong Tran, another recently announced opponent of Seantor Maria Cantwell in the primary. She will discuss her stance on the issues and then there will hopefully be time for questions and answers. If you would like to read more information about her prior to the meeting, please visit:http://www.hongtran.com
Let's have a good showing and display our welcoming Whatcom spirit to our guest!
Joan Ging

42nd Legislative district

2006-05-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

The 42nd LD General Meeting will be held on May 13th at 10AM, at the Union Hall in Ferndale, 1064 Vista Dr. between 3rd and 4th St.
Questions? 360-758-7112
The program will be Listening Forum with County Councilmen SethFleetwood (2nd Dist.) and Carl Weimer (3rd Dist.). Bring your questions and concerns for Seth and Carl. Refreshments and open discussion on Legislative Issues will follow theprogram.

Hope to see you there!

upcoming senate race

2006-05-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

i had a chance to meet with Mark Wilson, who is a Democratic candidate for senate. he will challenge Maria Cantwell in the primary. he spoke to a newly formed group here in Ferndale today. i have posted my personal views here.

More resolutions for caucus.....

2006-02-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

another great site where several resolutions are posted.....i will bring copies of these to caucus.

2006 Democratic Party Precinct Caucuses

2006-02-28T11:19:00.000-08:00

Calling all Democrats

Saturday, March 4th at 2 pm

Our precinct will meet at United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington St.

We will choose delegates to the county convention and discuss what should be brought forward to the platform. I am posting 2 of the resolutions I have seen so far and i know there are others being worked on.

Be sure to check the calendar at Whatcom County Democrats for scheduled activities in our community.

Resolution Endorsing HR 676 - The United States National
Health Insurance ActWHEREAS, Over $2 trillion ($2,000,000,000,000) is spent on
health care in the U.S. each year, yet over 46 million of our people lack health care coverage, and many millions more have inadequate coverage; and
WHEREAS, Each year more than 18,000 people die because they cannot afford the health care needed to stay alive; and
WHEREAS, The United States is the only industrialized nation
without a streamlined single national financing system for health care;
and
WHEREAS, The U.S. pays 50 percent more of our Gross Domestic Product on health care than nations with national health care programs, yet according to the World Health Organization, ranks a mere 37th in the world in
quality of health care; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 25% of every health care dollar spent in the U.S. goes to private health care administration compared to just 3% for Medicare. That means over $400 billion each year is spent on paperwork and cost add-ons charged by private health care administrators, primarily to createand manage regulations to screen
out high risk patients; and
WHEREAS, A bill pending in Congress - HR 676 - would provide
health insurance to every person in the United States, yet HR 676 would actually save hundreds of billions of dollars on unnecessary duplication and obscene administrative costs; and
WHEREAS, Corporations, aided by politicians, have repeatedly
claimed that the cost of providing health care to U.S. workers requires that products and services produced here must be sold at higher prices than what foreign corporations charge, and that these higher prices render the U.S. non-competitive. Under HR 676 businesses in the U.S. would pay much less for employee health care coverage, thus eliminating that claim.
WHEREAS, HR 676 would provide equal access to all necessary
medical care regardless of the income level of individuals/families; and
WHEREAS, Under HR 676 patients would be free to choose their own private doctors and hospitals; and
WHEREAS, HR 676 would cover hospitalization and office
visits, prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, home health care, nursing home care, long term care, mental health care and rehabilitation. HR 676 would remain in place even if one lost a job or retired; and
WHEREAS, HR 676 prohibits patients being charged deductibles and co-payments; and
WHEREAS, Under HR 676 a family of three with annual
earnings of $40,000 would pay approximately $133 per month and that amount would cover the entire family for all health care needs listed above. The employer would pay that amount too. Those earning less would pay less; and
WHEREAS, HR 676 would cover everyone and provide health care coverage equal to or better than that of each official in Congress;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Members of Congress are hereby instructed to support and enact HR 676.

Impeachment
Whereas we must have honesty in our government and there have been publicly documented instances of our government lying
Whereas the trust of the American people has been broken by President Bush violating the Constitution in authorizing the illegal domestic surveillance of
citizens
Whereas the trust of the American people has also been broken by Vice President Cheney’s illegal disclosure of Valerie Plame’s identity
Whereas we acknowledge the value of the Geneva convention, and thus the trust of the entire international community in America’s leadership
on behalf of the rule of law has been severely damaged by the administration’s reckless disregard for the Geneva Convention
Therefore be it resolved that our elected representatives support any and all possible actions to bring about the impeachment of President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney immediately

Jasper MacSlarrow to challenge Doug Erickson

2006-02-14T11:19:00.000-08:00

we have an excellent candidate in Jasper......

Ericksen faces challenge from aide to Larsen
JON GAMBRELLTHE BELLINGHAM HERALD (12/24/05)
An aide to U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen will challenge incumbent state Rep. Doug Ericksen in next year's 42nd District race, potentially setting the stage for a high-stakes campaign.
Jasper D. MacSlarrow, 29, officially filed to run against Ericksen, a Republican, this month. A Ferndale High School graduate, MacSlarrow lives in Bellingham with his wife, Tiffany.

read more

Depleted(not)Uranium

2006-02-14T10:51:00.000-08:00

HB 3107 Exposure to depleted uranium H State Govt 1/20/2006Studying military uranium exposure.and SB 6732 Exposure to depleted uranium S Hea/L-T Care 1/19/2006 Studying military uranium exposure.Hearings already held in Washington State House; hearings today in Washington State Senate. Follow the progress of these as well, and encourage your elected officials to support. Requests medical screening for depleted uranium for returning WA Natl Guard and establishing a State Registry. A small group from Pt Townsend (DUST) in conjunction with Veterans for Peace members did the work-up to get this from proposal to hearings. Representing Military Families Speak Out, Washington State Chapter, I was asked to participate in giving testimony and have submitted written testimony for today's State Senate hearings to be entered into the record.# posted by Lietta Ruger : 11:42 AM

Alito nomination

2006-01-21T16:58:00.000-08:00

this is my letter to several senators today.....i very much hope this nomination will be fought.

The Founding fathers rejected unitary executive power and we too must rise up against it. Our country has thrived under government by 3 co equal branches. Unchecked power will be abused. Isn’t it ironic that at a moment when there is a Y in the road, both the first time and now, George’s are involved. Today over-sight is out of sight. It is my hope that we can come together and restore our hope. In my America, we do not: torture, wage pre-emptive war based on lies, hold humans without charges- in limbo, allow the executive branch to break the law, attempt to dominate other peoples of the world and co-operate only when it’s convenient for us.
Confirming Alito will take us down the wrong path. If there is no fight there can be no win. This is the time for the Democrats to stand up and fight. He must be filibustered. I pray you have the votes.
Filibuster!!!!!

Thank you,
Peggy Borgens
PCO Ferndale 118
Let your senator know how you feel.....
Senator Murray
Senator Cantwell

government contact page

let the democratic senators on the Judiciary Committee know they did a good job....and that we must win this fight!!!!http://judiciary.senate.gov/members.cfm

new show on Air America Radio

2006-01-17T16:32:00.000-08:00

State of Belief Premieres
State of Belief presented by The Interfaith Alliance and hosted by Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, premiered Sunday. Walter Cronkite was on to discuss religion and the media - and his hopes for more outspoken journalism.Join us each week when the Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy offers listeners critical analysis of the news of religion and politics, and seeks to provide listeners with an understanding and appreciation of religious liberty. Visit http://www.airamericaradio-lists.com/wcdcggw_zmttmmftpn.html for updates on the upcoming show.

listen on AM 1090
or stream at Air America Radio
or listen to archived programs at Air America Place

Jesse Salomon declares

2006-01-17T14:43:00.000-08:00

Local lawyer to run for state Senate Candidate to challenge Brandland
JON GAMBRELL
THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

A lawyer working for Lummi Nation will challenge state Sen. Dale Brandland for his 42nd District seat this fall.
Jesse M. Salomon, 29, filed with the state late last month to run.
A former civil prosecutor for the Lummis, Salomon now represents victims of domestic violence in tribal and state courts. He also served as a delegate for Howard Dean at the Demo-cratic National Convention in 2004.
"We need younger leadership," said Salomon, a Bellingham resident. "I just feel like the people of my generation have not yet stepped up to the plate."
Salomon believes he'd better represent the county's 42nd District, which includes the northern portion of Bellingham and the entire county west of the Cascades. He wants to provide more push for renewable and clean energy, to protect the environment and end the nation's reliance on foreign oil.
As growth issues continue to dominate concerns around the county, Salomon said he'd do more to empower local governments to make decisions tailored for their communities.
"I don't think it's fair for someone in Olympia to dictate how we grow," he said. "We need to have sovereignty in deciding the way we grow."
Brandland, a former Whatcom County sheriff, won his seat in 2002 after a close race with then-incumbent Georgia Gardner. Beginning his fourth year serving the county in Olympia, Brandland said he's worked hard for his district, including serving on five different legislative committees.
"I think I've done a good job with keeping my ear to the ground and my finger on the pulse of what's best for the county," he said.
Salomon isn't the only young challenger campaigning for the state Legislature in Whatcom County this year. Jasper D. MacSlarrow, a 29-year-old aide to U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, has already filed to run against incumbent Rep. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale.
Though much younger than Brandland, Salomon said he had a lot to offer to the district.
"It provides a perspective I think is lacking in the Legislature," Salomon said. "I'm not too young - just young enough."

Reach Jon Gambrell at jon.gambrell@bellingham herald.com or call 715-2263.

and this from washblog

Al Gore speaks out again

2006-01-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

i agree with Al.......

Transcript: Al Gore On the Limits of Executive Power
Monday, 16 January 2006
by Al Gore

.......A special counsel should immediately be appointed by the Attorney General to remedy the obvious conflict of interest that prevents him from investigating what many believe are serious violations of law by the President. We have had a fresh demonstration of how an independent investigation by a special counsel with integrity can rebuild confidence in our system of justice. Patrick Fitzgerald has, by all accounts, shown neither fear nor favor in pursuing allegations that the Executive Branch has violated other laws. Republican as well as Democratic members of Congress should support the bipartisan call of the Liberty Coalition for the appointment of a special counsel to pursue the criminal issues raised by warrantless wiretapping of Americans by the President.
Second, new whistleblower protections should immediately be established for members of the Executive Branch who report evidence of wrongdoing -- especially where it involves the abuse of Executive Branch authority in the sensitive areas of national security.
Third, both Houses of Congress should hold comprehensive-and not just superficial-hearings into these serious allegations of criminal behavior on the part of the President. And, they should follow the evidence wherever it leads.
Fourth, the extensive new powers requested by the Executive Branch in its proposal to extend and enlarge the Patriot Act should, under no circumstances be granted, unless and until there are adequate and enforceable safeguards to protect the Constitution and the rights of the American people against the kinds of abuses that have so recently been revealed.
Fifth, any telecommunications company that has provided the government with access to private information concerning the communications of Americans without a proper warrant should immediately cease and desist their complicity in this apparently illegal invasion of the privacy of American citizens.
full speech transcript
listen to the speech

i will let Maria and Patty know....
Senator Murray
Senator Cantwell

National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2005 and U.S. marine aquaculture

2006-01-14T04:30:00.000-08:00

National Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2005 and U.S. marine aquaculture

Latest Major Action: 6/8/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Senator cantwell is on that committee.

Ask Senator Cantwell to take a strong stand for all the environmental studies be done before S1195 is sent to the floor for a vote. This bill is bad and we are in a precarious position environmentally. Slow this down and make sure we have the science to back up our decisions....for our children and grandchildren's future.
Maria Cantwell (202) 224-3441 or cantwell.senate.gov/contact/index.html

To check on bill status: http://thomas.loc.gov

Depleted(not)Uranium 101

2006-01-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

What if you knew there was nothing depleted about “depleted uranium? It is the by-product of processing natural uranium. It is 88% as radioactive as the original uranium. We have about 1.5 billion pounds, of "depleted uranium" at H-bomb factories in the US. It is used to make uranium bullets, shells, land mines and regular bombs. As we spread tons of DU in war zones, our troops get a heavy dose and it spreads throughout the world in the atmosphere. Uranium, one of the heaviest elements found in nature, increases in radioactivity as it decays. As we spread more and more of it in Iraq and Afghanistan it will be the “gift that keeps on giving”.

Heads roll at Veterans Administration Mushrooming depleted uranium (DU) scandal blamed
by Bob Nichols Project Censored Award Winner
Considering the tons of depleted uranium used by the U.S., the Iraq war can truly be called a nuclear war.Preventive Psychiatry E-Newsletter charged Monday that the reason Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi stepped down earlier this month was the growing scandal surrounding the use of uranium munitions in the Iraq War.Writing in Preventive Psychiatry E-Newsletter No. 169, Arthur N. Bernklau, executive director of Veterans for Constitutional Law in New York, stated, “The real reason for Mr. Principi’s departure was really never given, however a special report published by eminent scientist Leuren Moret naming depleted uranium as the definitive cause of the ‘Gulf War Syndrome’ has fed a growing scandal about the continued use of uranium munitions by the US Military.”Bernklau continued, “This malady (from uranium munitions), that thousands of our military have suffered and died from, has finally been identified as the cause of this sickness, eliminating the guessing. The terrible truth is now being revealed.”He added, “Out of the 580,400 soldiers who served in GW1 (the first Gulf War), of them, 11,000 are now dead! By the year 2000, there were 325,000 on Permanent Medical Disability. This astounding number of ‘Disabled Vets’ means that a decade later, 56% of those soldiers who served have some form of permanent medical problems!” The disability rate for the wars of the last century was 5 percent; it was higher, 10 percent, in Viet Nam.
full article

Depleted uranium: Dirty bombs, dirty missiles, dirty bullets A death sentence here and abroad
by Leuren Moret
“Military men are just dumb stupid animals to be used as pawns in foreign policy.” - Henry Kissinger, quoted in “Kiss the Boys Goodbye: How the United States Betrayed Its Own POW’s in Vietnam”Vietnam was a chemical war for oil, permanently contaminating large regions and countries downriver with Agent Orange, and environmentally the most devastating war in world history. But since 1991, the U.S. has staged four nuclear wars using depleted uranium weaponry, which, like Agent Orange, meets the U.S. government definition of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Vast regions in the Middle East and Central Asia have been permanently contaminated with radiation.
........Just 467 U.S. personnel were wounded in the three-week Persian Gulf War in 1990-1991. Out of 580,400 soldiers who served in Gulf War I, 11,000 are dead, and by 2000 there were 325,000 on permanent medical disability. This astounding number of disabled vets means that a decade later, 56 percent of those soldiers who served now have medical problems.
full article

(At an April press conference, a group of New York Army National Guard vets raised their hands when asked if they have health problems. The soldiers, all from the 442nd Military Police Company, are complaining of headaches and fatigue after what they think is exposure to depleted uranium during their recent tour in Iraq.Photo: http://www.americanfreepress.net/)

Support Congressman Jim McDermott’s (D-WA) legislation to study the health and environmental impacts from the militaries use of depleted uranium in combat zones and clean-up of sites in the U.S. H. R. 2410 We should demand the truth about what is being done in our name. This is not a partisan issue. Most of us have children and grandchildren.

I will let Representative Rick Larsen know I strongly support this legislation.
bill status

Fighting Dems....

2006-01-10T18:40:00.000-08:00

follow the fighting dems with Sam and Marcos (stream at Air America Radio from 4pm-7pm)

Every Tuesday night on The Majority Report.
The Majority Report and Dailykos.com have teamed up to profile Democratic military vets who've decided to take another step in public service and run for Congress.
Each Tuesday night on The Majority Report over the coming months, The Majority Report's Sam Seder and Markos Moulitsas of DailyKos.com will be introducing and checking in with soldiers who've had enough of Republican Washington and have decided to fight back.

Alito nomination

2006-01-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

the Alito nomination to the supreme court will threaten our rights, strengthen the executive branch and support corporations for years to come.....our environment, privacy rights and the ability to create a society we can all live well in will suffer. he is part of a group of people who want to take us back to the days of the "robber barens"....most of us will not do so well in those circumstances....let our senators know how you feel.....
Senator Murray
Senator Cantwell

government contact page
let the democratic senators on the Judiciary Committee know they did a good job today....and that we must win this fight.
http://judiciary.senate.gov/members.cfm

the center is doing a good job following this...
http://www.americanprogress.org/site/pp.asp?c=biJRJ8OVF&b=8473

Ballot measures

2005-10-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Sites supporting the endorsed position of Whatcom Dems......
No on 330 http://no330.org/
Yes on 336 http://www.bettersafercare.org/
No on 912 http://www.voteno912.org/ be sure to have a look at road projects at risk if this measure passes

Endorsements

2005-10-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check the Whatcom Democrats site frequently for updates on endorsements for candidates and ballot measures.

Candidate Forums

2005-10-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Forums

19 October
Ballots Mailed

October 20
5:30pm Coalition on Homelessness Forum,
Muni Court House downstairs

23 October
Everson Forum
9:30-11am
Contact: Kathryn Hanowell

JON GAMBRELLTHE BELLINGHAM HERALD
Candidates in the November election have been invited to a forum at the Whatcom County Courthouse later this month.
The forum, sponsored by the Whatcom Independent weekly newspaper, will feature candidates for the Whatcom County and Bellingham City councils, as well as other races.
The forum is scheduled for 7 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Courthouse, 311 Grand Ave.
For more information on the November election, including candidates' backgrounds and how to fill out your ballot, go online to
Bellingham herald and click on "Election 2005."

Ferndale Group

2005-07-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

Ferndale Citizens for Wise Growth is a non-partisan group of Ferndale area residents concerned about the new regional mall Pioneer Plaza proposed east of the freeway between Axton and Smith roads.

new post alert

2005-07-03T16:58:00.000-07:00

let me know if you would like to be on my new post alert. i anticipate an average of 2-3 post a week going forward and i will send an email link announcing the post. send me a message

Democracy Bonds

2005-07-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

this is a great strategy as the leadership of the democratic party pursues a 50 state grassroot take-over. i am very encouraged as they move away from the corporate influence and back to we the people. in my opinion as we moved to corporate interest and the "center" we lost our party. and as Harry Truman said, "if you run a republican against a republican, you will elect a republican." so if we all do what we can, even if it's just $5 a month we can match the corporate funding of the republican party. check it out here
and locally, even if politics is not your thing, a supporting membership will help us build our grass roots here. Whatcom County Democrats

Proposed Pioneer Plaza

2005-06-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

I will be monitoring this and get information posted as it becomes available.

A phone call to the Ferndale Planning Dept. produced the following information about the Pioneer Plaza Mall development:
The Mall developers representatives have submitted an incomplete S.E.P.A. checklist to the City.
Since there are missing element to the S.E.P.A. checklist and no development plan was submitted along with the checklist (as required) - the permitting process is not progressing.
The Mall developers have met with other authorities (state & fed.) about wetland impact mitigation issues - No details known.
The developers are required to submit a development proposal and have a neighborhood information meeting before the permitting process can go forward.
There will (also) be multiple public meetings/hearings held by the City as part of considering the proposed mall development.
Permits for a Mall development the size of the proposed Pioneer Plaza will not be rubber-stamped... There will be an extensive public process to considering the proposal.

Ending the filibuster.....

2005-05-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

Also known as the “nuclear option”……..the republican party has decided that the rules of the senate, that have served us well for all these years, must go. This is a critical point in our history because what they are proposing to do will completely destroy our system of checks and balances. When I was talking with a friend today she was confused about what this talk of “nuclear option” was. The phrase was coined by Trent Lott in May of 2003.
……The Hill quoted Lott using the term in a May 21, 2003, article: "'I'm for the nuclear option,' said Lott. 'The filibuster of federal judges cannot stand.'" And a June 25, 2003, Roll Call article quoted Lott saying of the nuclear option: "I am an advocate of that ... The Democrats are going to stop this or we are going to have to go nuclear."

When the phrase didn’t poll well, as they started this latest assault, they changed it to the “constitutional option”. But they didn’t stop there. They started attributing the phrase “nuclear Option” to the democrats. They all stayed on message and soon the press was also attributing the democrats.

The beauty of our system of government is that the minority always has a voice. And considering that the last election showed us to be split pretty much right down the middle we are a LARGE minority.

Senators Byrd and Kerry gave amazing speechs on the senate floor yesterday. Senator Byrd’s history lesson should have brought every American to their senses!

Senator Kerry was very presidential….

This is a power grab that must be resisted. If you feel as I do, go up and support the democrats who are fighting as if our democracy depended on it.

http://democrats.senate.gov/filibuster-form.cfm

Peggy

Intro.......

2005-04-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

I am very concerned about the direction my country is going. I have always voted but have never been politically active before. The bush administration et al have activated me!!! I started listening to Air America Radio one year ago and have been changed by the information I'm getting. We are not getting accurate info from mainstream, corporate news. I went to caucus(2nd time ever) and it was amazing to see the turnout. I worked a bit on the campaign 2004.(for the first time ever) So after the devastating election results I went to my first meeting of Democracy for America on nov 3. From there I joined the Whatcom Democrats. Now I will work to get our country back for the people. I fear for the future of my children and grandchildren if we don't. peggy