Call to Action--Rapid Response Teams.

[ScreamingMeemie]

This was an idea that we brainstormed up at our last meetup. I'm just lazy in posting it. We're trying (in SE MI) to get together what amounts to a media blaster on a smaller scale than DU. In light of Bush's visit here in MI today, we're blasting our local media with letters of support for Dean and outlining Democratic values.

This week it's important. The Detroit Free Press/News dedicated the front page and two interior pages to "morals" and the "values agenda"...of course as outlined by the GOP and Bush. Hopefully they'll print our letters and in some small way...perhaps to grow bigger over time, give some press to the Democratic "values agenda".

There was also to be a huge turn out of DFA at Bush's speech. All holding anti-privatization banners. Let's hope we see this on the news tonight. (snort)

We've also discussed contacting former members of Dean for America, who have dropped off since the election...to build up our meetup membership.

Anyone else have any great ideas?? :hi: I'm excited and ready to roll again for the first time in months. :bounce:

[madfloridian]

1. There is a Rapid Response already.

http://rapidresponsenetwork.org/
You can sign up for new activities emails. Scroll down for the state map...looks like something wrong with the top half of site. This was formerly Dean Rapid Response, now includes PDA, Grassroots for America.

It changed to its own server recently, but I still get the emails from Liz for Florida and the general ones as well. Here is one I saved from January...html format does not show here.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
-- Martin Luther King Jr.

----------------------------
ACTION ITEM:
Remembering
Martin Luther King, Jr.
---------------------------


Over the weekend leading up to and on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, let's remember Dr. King in ways that both honor his memory and further the
progressive causes he dedicated so much to. Write and talk about what he means to you, what you've learned from him and how he inspires you.
Take the opportunity to learn more about him. If you're fortunate enough to have a personal story about seeing, hearing, or meeting Dr. King, by all means, relate it. If you have the day off, consider volunteering for a community service project or memorial event.

Here are some useful web resources:

> http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/mlk/king/
> http://www.thekingcenter.org
> http://www.mlkday.org
> http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/

(Brett Stonier/RR OR)

Editor's note: Here's a great theme for a letter to the editor -
Honor Dr. King. Demand electoral reform nationwide.
http://actforvictory.org/act.php/home/voting-rights


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ACTION ITEM
---------------------------
Deep pockets ponying up for a $40 million bash
By Jim Abrams
The Associated Press
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2002152416_inaugcost16.html
"Williams, in a letter last month to Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, said he can use $5.4 million from a fund for special events in the capital, but the other $11.9 million will have to come from the city's federal homeland-security budget."

*ACTION*

Write a letter to your local paper about this issue. See talking points below from Bob Schieffer's commentary on today's Face the Nation, below.

*

SCHIEFFER: . . . what does hack me off is the news that may not have made your local paper, news that for the first time those of us who live in the District of Columbia will be paying a big chunck of the inaugural costs, nearly $12 million for such things as police overtime and building reviewing stands along the parade route. In the past, the federal government has reimbursed the District governmnet -- read that, DC taxpayers-- for those costs. But this time the administration has informed DC authorities they'll have to absorb the cost and suggests that they use federal funds that had earlier been earmarked to fight terrorism. That means money that would have been used to expand hospital capacity here and buy protective gear for Washington firemen must now be used instead to build parade grandstands where, incidentally, the president's supporters get first dibs on the seats.

This seems neither fair nor very smart. Why would an administration, already under severe criticism for sending soldiers into battle without enough armor, put itself in a position where it appears equally indifferent to equipping those charged with fighting terrorism at home? If nothing else, surely someone in this administration will realize how this looks and take steps to see that every dollar diverted from the war on terrorism to build parade grandstands is repaid.

Available at: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/16/ftn/main667257.shtml

____________________________________________
Rapid Response Network (RR) is a group of volunteers
dedicated to advancing the principles of balance and
truthfulness in the media. RR is currently filing for
501c4 status as a non-profit organization.

To contact us: [e-mail]

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. Yes. I know that. This is something we're doing on a local, meetup

level. :hi:

I'm sorry I didn't make that clear in the original post to save you the time mf. :( This would be local...i.e. contacting fellow meetup members in your area to respond to local papers and news agencies.

[madfloridian]

3. I see what you mean.

We have a mailing list for our group. Then we share with the local DEC groups if needed. I keep the list for our group, and our host has it has well. I am retired and have more time for it, but she has access as well..

It works pretty well.