Vietnam vet challenging Lungren
By Blake Ellington - Elk Grove Citizen Staff Writer

“It’s telling how far we have strayed from the principles that our country was founded on that someone running for Congress in the 21st century is asked what’s your position on torture.”

Giving it a second go against Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Gold River, for California’s Third Congressional District, Bill Durston leads his campaign with the lyrics to his 2006 song, “War Is Not A Game.”

“The Army sent me off to war. I was still 18 years old. They taught me how to hate and how to kill and just to do what I was told. But I could hear my father’s words every time I fired my gun….I heard him sayin, ‘War is not a game, Son….War is always the same.”

This is one of the verses from the song he wrote with his daughter Annie, performed by his folk-singing friends Eleanore MacDonald and Paul Kamm. The Vietnam vet received the Navy Commendation medal for bravery under combat for his time in the Marines after high school. He says he received the medal for an incident when his squadron was surrounded, and he radioed in artillery fire.

“I’m not a war hero, but I was there, I was in combat, but I don’t put a lot of stock in the medal,” he said.

Complete and utter BS. Because Kucinich is acting "fiscally conservative" and not renting an office when one is not needed, he is excluded from the final debate in the state of the first US primary? Even though his polling is at, or above, some of the invited members of the debate? Meanwhile, Alan Keyes, a complete no-show for the Republican Party, is allowed to attend their Iowa debate.

I know that the insurance industry is powerful in Iowa, but do they really have enough power to exclude the ONLY Democratic candidate that is calling for a non-profit health system? Or maybe it is the military industrial complex (war profiteers) that do not want the occupation of Iraq to end, or the bombing of Iran to be stopped. Or maybe it is Corporate America, who is afraid that Kucinich will scrap NAFTA and other unfair trade agreements that are moving US jobs oversees, and replace them with Fair Trade agreements. Or maybe it is the other candidates who are afraid of Kucinich speaking truth to power!

If you'd like to give the Des Moines Register a piece of your mind, feel free to do so:
publisher@dmreg.com or call Carolyn Washburn (editor) at (515) 284-8502.
--Bill

Kucinich booted from Iowa debate
By Klaus Marre | Posted 12/12/07 9:15 AM [ET] | December 12, 2007

Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D) is being excluded from this week’s Iowa presidential debate because he has not rented office space in the Hawkeye State, his campaign said Wednesday.

The Des Moines Register informed the campaign that Kucinich is not invited because the newspaper determined “that a person working out of his home did not meet our criteria for a campaign office and full-time paid staff in Iowa,” the campaign said.

Kucinich, who is running his second consecutive presidential campaign but is doing poorly in national polls, has received strong support in online surveys from liberal groups such as Democracy for America. The Ohio lawmaker’s anti-war campaign resonates with parts of the Democratic base even though that support has not boosted Kucinich from the lower tier of candidates.

The campaign blasted the decision to exclude the lawmaker from the debate.

It appears the GOPigs "Steal the State" initiative will not be on the June 2008 ballot but it could still make it to the November 2008 ballot if it gets enough signatures, or a second version of it could be introduced after a low-turn-out June, 2008, primary as a new but similar initiative. A re-introduced initiative could require fewer signatures based on a low-turn-out election in June, if I understand the rules correctly. So, either the initiative is dead or it isn't. Either it will be on the November 2008 ballot or it won't. Either it will pass in November or it won't. Either it will be challenging in court or it won't. Either it will be upheld or it won't. Either the final court decision will come before the electors cast their votes in December or it won't.

Well, I say "enough!" We are the number one party in the state. We need to take the lead and not depend on or react to events beyond our control. We need to quit responding to the GOPigs. We need to make the GOPigs respond to us.

As I understand it, the number of signatures needed to quality an initiative for the ballot is based on the percentage of voters who voted in the previous election. If so, getting a favorable initiative on the November 2008 ballot should be easy if turnout in the June 2008 election is as low as expected. We need to create and place an initiative on the November 2008 ballot that:

California’s Presidential Primary Has 53 Separate Congressional District Races for Delegates—You Can Make a Difference

By Frank D. Russo

Most political analysis on the Democratic Presidential race focuses on polls, either nationally or in selected states. Coverage of California’s race and predictions have also focused on the state, sometimes with regional and other breakdowns. What is missing in this is the crucial fact that most—three quarters of delegates elected on February 5, 2008 will be elected at the local level in California’s 53 Congressional Districts.

California’s Democratic Presidential Primary election is a “binding” primary and not a beauty contest. What’s binding is the election of 241 delegates on a proportional basis to a candidate’s share of the vote in each of these 53 races and another 81 “At-Large” delegates who are elected based on the state vote in proportion to the vote for each candidate. All a candidate needs to receive statewide delegates is 15% of the statewide vote. All a candidate needs to receive in a Congressional District to be considered for distribution of delegates is that same 15%.

To put it in common parlance, “It’s the delegates, stupid.”

PDA’s Endorsement Meeting for Bill Durston!!

Help us secure Progressive Democrats of America's national endorsement in Bill’s race against Dan Lungren in California’s 3rd Congressional District!

Consider it a Holiday Coffee Break from shopping and other things we will all be attending to during the holidays.

You’ll be helping the best candidate in the state and taking a breather with other folks who know that, when all the festivities are over, we’ll be working hard to send our good Doctor to the Hill!

Contact: Rich Hundrieser at: r.hundrieser AT comcast.net
or phone at: (916) 622 - 8683. Feel free to bring some snacks, cookies, etc... to eat with coffee and tea.

http://sacramentofordemocracy.org/?q=node/view/12584

Come on down and talk with Bill & Diane Durston

Saturday December 22nd
11am – 1pm / Arden-Dimmick Library / 891 Watt Ave.
Time: Saturday, December 22, 2007 - 11:00am PST

The Republicans recently tried to resurrect the electoral vote stealing initiative, but that effort was recently withdrawn (yea!) and we should celebrate that fact. But as in all politics with so much money in play, we should remember to not let our guard down, because these things have a way of coming back to life.

In the latest fraud that the petition gatherers for this initiative seemed to be doing was blatantly against the law

egregious at FDL had a nice post on the effort to stop the crooks here

But Remember: They haven't given up!!!

With the holidays upon us, and knowing our biggest battle still lies ahead in 2008, I wanted to say thank you again for your friendship, encouragement, and support these past few years.

And in that spirit, I also wanted to invite you to a PARTY!

In a few short weeks, Charlie will be celebrating his 58th birthday. And with your help, I know we can make it a birthday he'll never forget.

IT'S THE GREAT BIRTHDAY BASH, CHARLIE BROWN!

From small town farms in Iowa, to defending our country around the world, to championing our values here in CD 4, Charlie has always stood for honor.

Please Join me, our campaign team, special guests, friends, and supporters as we honor Charlie on his 58th Birthday.

When:
December 13, 2007, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Where: Roseville Opera House
411 Lincoln Street
Roseville, CA 95678
Time: Thursday, December 13, 2007 - 6:30pm PST

Lungren "Town Hall Meeting" on Wednesday, Nov. 28

Join Bill Durston supporters to ask questions of your own, to demand straight answers, and to object to Lungren's use of taxpayers' money for partisan politicking. The "Town Hall Meeting" is being held from 7-8:30 PM in the Folsom City Council Chambers, 50 Natoma Street, in Folsom.
Time: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 7:00pm PST

After seeing so many Ron Paul supporters at the Oct. 27 anti-war rally in San Francisco, I thought it would be a good idea to let people know that there is a lot more to Ron Paul than his anti-war view of Iraq and his support for the Constitution (and it is NOT all good). I came across this blog that was written in June. It is actually the final part of a 4 part series.
--Bill


Ron Paul Hates You
by phenry
Tue Jun 05, 2007 at 04:34:14 PM PST

Daily Kos is very definitely not the place you'd expect to see a lot of fulminating praise for right-wing conservatives. Yet the diaries are full of people who can't find enough nice things to say about Rep. Ron Paul, whose smiling face is at this moment being beamed to America from the site of the Republican debate in New Hampshire--after which, we may be sure, we will see yet another round of diaries brimming with joy about Paul's sweet words against the Iraq war. You, dear reader, may even be considering writing one or more such diaries yourself.

Before you do, fellow Democrat, please understand just one thing: Your affection for Paul is far from mutual. Through his words, his actions, and his votes in Congress, he has made one thing abundantly clear over the decades: Ron Paul hates you. By building him up, by supporting him, by taking him seriously, you are not driving a wedge into the heart of the Republican Party--you are only giving him a helping hand along the road to his goal of destroying just about everything you stand for.

Click here for the full blog with all the links:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/6/5/193414/2787

Sorry, this event has been postponed. It will be rescheduled in the future.

Thursday, November 15, 7-9 PM - Fundraising House Party at the home of Jean Magarian. This is the first House Party in Folsom for the 2008 campaign, so sign up early! Bill and Diane will be present, and Bill will be speaking. Durston for Congress House Parties include information about the Durston campaign, in addition to fine food and interesting conversation. Come enjoy good company and learn more about Dr. Bill Durston and the campaign! The address is 900 Mann Court, Folsom (located in Prairie Oaks, near Blue Ravine and Riley). Please RSVP to Jean at 916 608-1557, or by email to magarian@earthlink.net. Please leave your email address, if you'd like Jean to send directions to you.
Time: Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 7:00pm PST

Friday, November 9, 7-9 PM - Fundraising House Party at the home of Pat and Sue Laskey. Come and enjoy the Laskey's exceptional hospitality and talk with Bill and Diane. The address is 7664 Kreth Road, Fair Oaks. Please RSVP to Sue at 961-7386, or by email to patricklaskey@yahoo.com.
Time: Friday, November 9, 2007 - 7:00pm PST

PLEASE come and talk to, and support Dr. Bill Durston, as we help elect him to CONGRESS (CD3)

PAUL KAMM & ELEANORE MACDONALD IN CONCERT
At PEGGY BEAN AND LARRY WHITE’S HOUSE (ANTELOPE NEAR ROSEVILLE)

SATURDAY, November 10, 2007
DESSERT POTLUCK 6:00 P.M.
Coffee and Tea Provided*

CONCERT 7:00 P.M.
TICKETS $10 TO $20 (DEPENDING ON ABILITY TO PAY)

TO RSVP AND FOR DIRECTIONS AND INFORMATION CALL PEGGY @ 916.203.3406
Time: Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 6:00pm PST

Live Blogging from the APAPA Voter Education Forum

2:47
I had to go backstage to line up to receive an award of appreciation for SFD's involvement in helping with this event. I missed the taped video from Dan Lungren. Pamela Wu (KCRA Ch. 3) just thanked myself, John Tjaden and Randy Bayne for live-blogging this event (unfortunately, none of us were up on the stage at the time ;o)). Went up on stage to receive my plaque. Now I'm back on stage at my computer.

Amy Tong (2007 Forum Chair) just thanked everyone for helping out. Amy has proved to be quite an incredible organizer. It's been great working with her over the last couple of months.

2:50
C.C. Yin (Founder and Chair of APAPA) is speaking now. More certificates of appreciation for the sponsors of this event. They get plaques and Hawaiian Leis!! C.C. just received a deeeluxe lei from one of the sponsors.

2:59
Comcast brought a giant check that shows they contributed $150K to the event. Wal-Mart is the next sponsor. The Bakersfield store is actually a member of APAPA. The big sponsors are receiving real Chinese swords. They are apparently the swords of democracy. C.C.'s wife is introduced. She's the one that writes the checks! "It's alright to participate in the political process and vote!"

Miss Asian America, Louise Wu, just walked past us as she was going off stage. Wow, nice ... tiara! ;o))

3:05
The candidates are now being introduced. They also get leis. Oops, they started walking off the stage before they could all receive them.


(I was able to take a few pictures from the side where we were sitting)

More below the fold...

Join the CDP & Your Local Democratic Party
for Campaign Skills Training

Winning the White House and fighting for your community's needs require the same skills. The California Democratic Party and Democratic County Committees around the state are proud to provide the California Campaign Skills Academy, part of our 58-County Strategy.
Time: Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 11:30am PST

With the first votes for the presidential nomination officially starting in less then 90 days, it's time for DFA members to make sure America knows where we stand.

Vote for your candidate right now and let your voice be heard!

http://www.DemocracyforAmerica.com/PulsePoll

Is there a consensus candidate that can get more then 66% of your vote and earn the DFA endorsement? Will Senator Obama beat Senator Edwards again by just a few percentage points? Will Senator Clinton pass up Congressman Kucinich and move into the top three? Will our members still vote to draft Al Gore even this late in the race?

Help us answer all these questions by getting out the vote for your candidate right now!

Dennis will be appearing on Comedy Central's 'The Colbert Report'

Dennis will be appearing on Comedy Central's 'The Colbert Report' this Tuesday, October 16th at 8:30pm ET. Throughout this presidential campaign, Dennis has talked about serious issues affecting this country, such as the war in Iraq, the eradication of our civil liberties, the healthcare crisis and other important problems. This Tuesday, we will have the opportunity to see the comical side of Dennis, as he accepts Stephen Colbert's challenge to Empty his Pockets!

Please join supporters nationwide in hosting a campaign house party this Tuesday during the Colbert Report's showing. Please invite 10 guests to your house party and ask them to donate $10, $15, $20, or $25 to the campaign. Together, we will enjoy a good laugh this Tuesday as Dennis empties his pockets!

Also feel free to visit www.dennis4president.com and utilize our action center to locate guests who may like to attend your house party. If you would like to host a house party and need help using the Action Center, please e-mail me at vin.gopal@yahoo.com
Time: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - 9:30pm PST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October. 3, 2007
Contact: John Morton – 510-610-1773 jlm108@yahoo.com, www.RunCynthiaRun.com
Attention: Assignment Desk

Former Democratic Party Rep. Cynthia McKinney considers run for President on Green Party ticket, will hold a series of talks in SF Bay Area this week

OAKLAND – Six-term U.S. Congresswoman from Georgia Cynthia McKinney – who may enter the 2008 California Presidential Primary on the Green Party ticket – will speak at a series of events throughout the Bay Area this week, according to "California Greens to Draft Cynthia McKinney in 2008."

McKinney has not yet made a commitment to run as a Green, or independent, but supporters say she is expected to make her final decision public this week.

Campaign Skills Training

San Joaquin County: Sunday, September 30, 2007 @ 9am to 4:30pm

Operating Engineers Local #3 Union Hall
1916 North Broadway, Stockton, CA 95205

Take Hwy. 99,(North or South), to Waterloo Rd. Exit Hwy. 99 onto Waterloo Rd. West. North Broadway is the first road on the left after the Hwy. 99 overpass. The Union Hall is the first building on the left hand side after you exit on to North Broadway.

If you are coming from Interstate 5 take the Hwy. 4 Crosstown Freeway to Hwy. 99 and go North on Hwy. 99 to Waterloo Rd. Follow the above directions to the meeting.

The one day Academy is geared to any activist who wants to create change -for the country or in their community. Work with national experts, role play with neighbors and learn the skills to change your country and your community.

Reserve your spot now, or look for other trainings around the state.

The one day California Campaign Skills Academy includes instruction on:
Time: Sunday, September 30, 2007 - 10:00am PST

UPDATE: Volunteer training is this Wed., Oct 24th, 6 PM @ CSUS Student Union

Just added...

CINDY SHEEHAN!!

Karen talked Cindy into coming back from Europe early so that she could speak at this event about her peace activities. They will have a right-winger from San Diego that will also speak to give an opposing view (as this is a non-partisan event).

APAPA is saving some FREE Tickets for Sacramento for Democracy members and friends, so please RSVP here if you'd like us to reserve you some seats:
http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=23800

You can also send me an email (sac4democracy AT hotmail DOT com).

Just a reminder that the event starts at 2:00 on Sun. Oct. 28th with a FREE LUNCH for attendees! The program will be from 3:00 - 5:30. There will also be 2 drawings, each for a $1,000 CASH PRIZE! Everyone that attends gets one free entry into the raffle.

If you would like to volunteer to help out with the event, please let us know. People who wish to volunteer get special privileges. You get free food, you get to work with dedicated activist, and you get a free ticket into the VIP reception / dinner from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM , after the Voters' Forum ends. In order to be recognized for these privileges , as a volunteer, two things must happen. First you must come to the last walkthrough before the event at CSUS on Wed. October 24th @ 6:00 PM. Then you must show up at 11AM on October 28th, the day of the event. If you cannot attend the walkthrough on the 25th, let us know and we'll find some other volunteer opportunities for you.

Sacramento for Democracy is proud to be a Co-Chair of the
6th Annual Asian Pacific Islanders 2007 Voters Education Forum

APAPA is saving 50 seats for Sacramento for Democracy members. If you would like to reserve a FREE SEAT to this excellent event, please RSVP here:

http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=23800

This is going to be a HUGE event with over 1,000 people in attendance! The Presidential candidates have been invited to this event. We will update you as they confirm their attendance. A partial confirmed attendee list is below.

This fully educational and non-partisan event will include special debate panels on Health Care and Immigration.

SAVE THE DATE:
Event: 2007 Voters Education Forum
Date: October 28, 2007
Time: 2pm to 3pm - General Reception
3pm to 5:30pm - Education Forum, Speech and Debates by candidates (Presidential candidates, Congressional candidates, State and Local candidates from Greater Sacramento area, Bay Area, Yolo, and San Joaquin counties)
5:30pm to 7pm - VIP reception (invitation only)
Place: Sacramento State University Student Union
6000 J Street, Sacramento CA 95819
Admission: FREE

Time: Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 3:00pm PST

Not me (luckily), but Bill Durston is running again!! Please send him an email (durstonforcongress AT comcast DOT net) and thank him for stepping back up to the plate!!
Cheers,
Bill L.

From Bill D...

Dear Friends,

I said I would decide by the end of August whether I would run again in 2008. As I write this email, there's about 1 hour left in the month of August, and I've decided. I'm in the race!

Thanks for your tremendous support and encouragement, both in the 2006 race, and from November 2006 to now, as I weighed the pros and cons of another run for Congress in 2008. In the end, running again simply seemed to be the right thing to do.

I'm tremendously excited about the opportunity to work with all of you over the upcoming months to develop a bigger, smarter, and more effective campaign than the one we ran in 2006 - and a campaign that will ultimately succeed in taking back the 3rd Congressional District in 2008. Look for future emails and updates on the Durston for Congress website soon with details on how you can help.

Thanks again for all your support and encouragement. Here we go!