Pls. Attend DNC Listening Hearing in LA today 1/15

[umtalal]

A meeting of grassroots Democrats to provide input to the DNC delegation from California. We';;; listen to the Democrats concerning topics of interest-including (but not limited to) teh election, status of our party, future of our party, andelection of a new DNC Chair.

Saturedy, January 15th/NOON-4:00 PM

Patriotic Hall
1816 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, Ca


PH is off the Santa Monica (10) FWY, about 4 blocks from the LA Convention Center. The Metro Blue Line (Grand Ave.) stop is 1.5 blocks away.

Each person will be alloted tow mintues to address the delegation.

If you cannot attend, please free to provide your input by e-mail to:
[e-mail], or, send written input, by mail to: L/O PAM Cooke, 6454 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 209, Van Nuys, CA 91401

this event is expected to be audio webcast

www.makethemaccountable.com

[JakeH]

1. actually the webcast site

is radioleft.com

[umtalal]

4. Thanks for the correction. I typed from the flyer I was given. n/t

[OrwellwasRight]

2. I'm in DC.

How did it go?

[umtalal]

3. It was amazing. All the grass root cheering for Dean and telling the DNC

to listen to us and have Dean as the Chair. Much was discussed on the right to chose, the Iraqi war, in not having a strong candidate in Kerry. That California has become the ATM for the democratic party. Praise for Senator Boxer and concern about Senator Fienstein. More progressives than centrist talked. I think our party is progressive.

Flyers were handed out and some mentioned the DU.

[OrwellwasRight]

6. Right on. Props to DU! nt.

[JDPriestly]

5. Huge turnout! Couple of hundred, at least!

Incredible enthusiasm. About 85, mostly grassroots Democrats with a few elected officials mixed in, spoke. Overwhelming support for Dean.

Some of the most frequently mentioned themes as I remember (besides the obvious criticisms of Bush/Republicans/war, etc.) -- liberal is great -- don't move to the right -- train, support, rely on, recognize grassroots organizers -- get rid of the political hacks that lose elections -- California is not just an ATM -- don't take Californians or liberal Democrats for granted -- allocate money more fairly -- respond quickly and aggressively to Republican aggression and put-downs -- start using the words "liar," "lies" and "coup" -- it's Democratic, not Democrat Party -- ensure fair elections -- stop privatization of the machines that count the votes -- stop privatization of IRS collections and everything else -- stay true to Democratic stands on choice (biggest applause/screams of the day), health care, Social Security, unemployment insurance, etc. Mostly, don't be so namby pamby, weak. Stay Democratic. No Roemer, and Yes, Dean, Dean, Dean, Dean, Dean, Dean, Dean, Dean, Dean, Dean, Dean, Dean, Dean, with a couple of good words for Fowler and others for good measure.

Perhaps the most touching comment was made by a young guy -- red hair, fair skin, very clean cut looking -- stood up, and after a few introductory remarks, blurted out that his mother had had breast cancer. He said his that parents were out of work at the time due to outsourcing, that his mother got medical care from welfare, and that he likes welfare. Refreshingly honest, personal, real.

Diane Watson attended. She and Barbara Boxer, who wasn't there, were the heroes of the day. I thought Diane Watson was a bit surprised by the extent of the enthusiasm for her. I don't remember anyone mentioning Nancy Pelosi by name, although her daughter was there, took a bit longer break after the first half and seemed (I might be wrong here) a little uncomfortable during the second half. At least one person specifically criticized Senate minority leader, Reid.

All in all, it was a very energizing session. I went there expecting to be bored and to leave early. In fact, I stayed until the last speaker announced she was a Communist, not a Democrat. My parking meter was about to run out, and hearing a non-Democrat's opinions about who should lead our party wasn't worth a parking ticket. Also, I'm liberal opposed to Communism and I didn't want to end the day on the sour note of what I expected her remarks to be.

[OrwellwasRight]

7. Thanks for the thorough report.

Sounds like justt my kind of meeting. Now we just have to convince them that if they put anti-choice Roemer in the DNC Chair spot and continue with the DLC bullsh%t, we are going to withhold our money!

Not one dime? Not one dime for the DNC unless they put someone loud and agressive in McAuliffe's place and a true liberal as the nominee in 2008.

[umtalal]

11. My apology for not giving a thorough report yesterday.

I was off to another meeting and wrote the post in a rush. Had no intention of being dismissive to a fellow democrat request.

:dem:

[OrwellwasRight]

14. No need to apologize!

I mean, I didn't ask until 1:43 am on a Saturday night.

I should have been out partying and not at home discussing politics on the internet, anyway!

Thanks. B-)

[umtalal]

8. I got a parking ticket,a whooping $65. I wrote on my ticket: fix a pothole

[JDPriestly]

9. Good for you!

Try driving down Wilshire Boulevard west to east from LACMA to Figueroa. It's a great way to find out whether the suspension on your car is any good. Not recommended unless you know your axle is in good shape.

[umtalal]

10. I have been doing a lot of driving lately.

Some streets are to be navigated, around LACMA and La Brea area, like someone is in a war zone!! Unreal.

[genius]

13. I think the event hurt Dean with the DNC

The people who were speaking for Dean got his positions and his job titles wrong and it made it look like they were just band-wagon followers who knew nothing about their candidate. Most of the people in the audience did NOT lift their green cards when Dean was mentioned so it was hard to estimate how many were for Dean. There were points about the Democrats which did cause all the green cards to go up so I know most people had them. Also, the moderator kept asking the Dean people to limit or elimiate their comments so as to give a chance to other to talk and I think the moderator and the others on the panel were bothered that the Dean supporters did not comply.

The last speaker was not just a communist. She was from the Revolutionary Communist Party. Somehow, I found it interesting that she was the final speaker. She gave a good speach and got a great applause.

[Padme Amidala]

29. Definitely.

Why would someone speak up for someone they knew nothing about? It is curious. The closing out of people who came to talk about other matters made his supporters look self-centered and pushy.

[xxqqqzme]

16. sorry U missed the 'communist'

her message was one of commonality; that many groups of people opposed the current regime; that we needed 2 find a way 2 work 2gether. After the entire day I thought it very fitting she was the last speaker.

Christine Pelosi was the Paris Hilton of the day - the first half she was tossing her hair, looking bored, chewing her gum w/ her mouth open and generally wondering WTF am I doing here? attitude. She improved a little bit after the break; she left her gum somewhere.

The speakers were, by and large, engaged and right on the money. There were 85 speakers - I was #74. 2 praised Fowler, 2 supported Rosenberg....the other 81 urged and begged the delegates to support Dean as chair.

[umtalal]

19. I thought she was asleep. I saw her in the whole way and she is a tall 30+

[JDPriestly]

20. Thanks for standing up at the meeting.

I don't specifically remember you, but all the speakers were excellent in my opinion.

Relieved to find out I wasn't the only one put off by C. Pelosi's seeming contempt for the audience. I don't like to think bad things about people, especially not a Democrat. Maybe she was just having a bad day.

[genius]

12. Mainly just the Dean supporters (who co-sponsored the event) spoke

There was a list and most of those who signed up didn't get to speak. The Dean supporters who organized the even were first on the list. And, boy were they STUPID. They had no idea what Dean stood for. I was talking to a few of the other people afterwards and the main concern was about how people could support someone they knew nothing about. The issue is not whether Dean is alright or not. But if you're going to support someone, you ought to find out whether he was in Congress before you start talking about his votes CONGRESSIONAL voting record and actions in Congress. The Confederate flag also got a blast of support yesterday. I actually think the event hurt Dean with the DNC because of all the obvious mis-statements. A couple of DNC members looked really concerned when people started stating that Dean's positions were the opposite of what they were. And the moderator repeatedly asked people who were supporting Dean to give avoid restating the same thing over again so others furthre down on the list would get a chance to speak and I go the impression that the moderator and the DNC members were concerned aobut people not repecting that wish.

But the best part was that the DNC people got a clear sentiment that people want the party to stand up the the Republicans and move back to the left. It was clear that people are angry that Kerry did not fight for them and that the Democrats have rolling-over.

[OrwellwasRight]

15. Can you give some examples of what positions they got wrong? nt.

[Albert Einstein]

24. I also thought the uninformed blew it for Dean.

There were people who were discussing his plan for Universal Health Care and how he was a Congressman. Some people thought he was Kucinich. Some people thought he was Wellstone. There were individuals who didn't understand his position on the environment. There were indviduals who misunderstood his positions on heath care, Social Security and taxes. There was a guy who thought Dean was for gay marriage. There was one person who put down Kerry by stating Dean's response to a debate question and calling it Kerry's. Dean would have looked a lot better if just the better informed people had spoke about him. When DNC members and people in the crowd are shaking their heads at the comments, something is not working.

Also, the Confederate flag guy did not help Dean. He will also probably be one of the ones more remembered.

It also would have been better if the speakers for Dean would have listened to the moderator and let others speak to show politeness. If the moderator has to repeat something, you should know it's an issue.

[OrwellwasRight]

27. Thanks.

Just trying to stay informed about the uninformed.

[Padme Amidala]

30. That Confederate Flag guy was awful.

The Confederate Flag represents slavery. If Dean is going to start a Confederate Flag craze, then we we might as well forget about the black vote. 20% of blacks in Oklahoma voted for Bush. This may be why.

[JDPriestly]

32. This was not a staged event.

People were just talking from their hearts. Most people, including most Democrats, are misinformed about a lot of things -- and we all make mistakes. I love that stuff because it is real. Maybe it just wasn't your kind of event.

[xxqqqzme]

22. I only heard one person misstate

a Dean position & that was saying he was a congressman - most cited Dean's early VOCAL opposition 2 the invasion as a reason they were attracted 2 his candidacy, plus his use of the internet and his solid, up-front, never wavereing support 4 kerry and his ability to attract people from all over the country. While it MAY B true that SOME of the organizers were Dean supporters - some were not - socalgrassroots was a kerry group - and WTF does that have 2 do w/ anything - like Roemer's gonna have a HUGE Democratic following???? There were about 20 people who traveled from Orange County - 3 of us carpooled but none of us were co-ordinated w/ each other AND as someone else mentioned there were people(people as in more than one) who came all the way from San Diego. Support 4 Howard was evident but then he has put more energy N2 the party & raised more money that ANY of the wanna-be chairs.

[JDPriestly]

31. If I recall correctly,

the one or two people who said Dean was a congressman looked like young students and must be forgiven. Of course, everyone looks young to me, so I might be wrong. It was great to see so many people participating in democracy. Yes, there are that many Dean people out there right now including many of us who weren't pro-Dean before. And yes, they are vocal. But they aren't just vocal, they work hard.

Dean is not running for president. He is running for DNC chair. Many of us think he has a lot to offer as DNC chair. That doesn't mean we want him to be the next president.

[Liberty Belle]

17. I was speaker #49.

The DNC members heard an audience that was virtually unanimous on these points:

1. Dean for DNC Chair (almost every speaker urged support for Dean. There were many green cards waving every time his name was mentioned. Only one person lobbied for a different DNC CHair (Fowler). No one wanted Roemer.

2. The DLC is bad for the party. Stop supporting corporations over the people's best interests.

3. We want more Democrats with spines, like Barbara Boxer. Democrats need to stand up, speak out, and vigorously oppose the right-wing extremists in power. No more "Republican lite."

4. Electoral reform is critical to win future elections--especially getting rid of partisan-owned voting machiness that can be easily rigged or hacked. Voter suppression is unconscionable. (One speaker suggested referring to those who oppose electoral reform as "Dixiecrat racists."

5. Our party must take a strong stance on remaining pro-choice and should not name any leaders who are anti-choice. (Huge applause on this point.)

6. Protect Social Security, civil liberties, the environment, education, jobs, and healthcare. Embrace liberalism in the tradition of FDR.

There were so many wonderful speakers--including an anti-war activist in her 90s, students concerned about the draft, teachers, a doctor who works at a community clinic, and more. An IRS worker revealed the next Bush bombshell--plans to privatize tax collection, withi bounty hunters on commission! Quite a few speakers mentioned the administration's dangerous turn toward fascism and expressed serious concerns.

The people have spoken. Let's hope our leaders will listen.

[umtalal]

18. But what if the leaders don't listen? What then?

I came in at one o'clock. I hope I did not miss you.

[Liberty Belle]

33. I spoke right after the first break, so you were there.

I ended by saying that my great-grandparents died in the Nazi concentration camps, and that this administration's dangerous march toward fascism should be alarming to everyone. Every Democrat should speak out and stand up to the extremists in power, or words to that effect.

Miriam

[umtalal]

34. I was so touched when you declared that. Ask my pals setting next to me.

I cried and cried when you mentioned your honorable grandparents. May they rest in peace.

[Liberty Belle]

35. Wow. Thanks. I had no idea my words had that effect.

My dad's parents spent their life savings trying to find out what had happened to all of their relatives. Only one got out--my grandmother's sister, who tried to come to America, but was refused entry. So she went to Argentina instead.

I get upset when even Democrats refuse to believe that what happened in Germany could happen here. Why not? These people are anti-semitic racists, for the most part. They have taken away our civil liberties and are already building gulags, permanent detention camps, in Guantanamo. Of course, it might be gays, not Jews, this time around.

[Albert Einstein]

25. The problem was that three-fourths of the people did not get to speak

It looked as if the Dean supporters had stacked the speaker's list and excluded most other points of view. That's why the moderator kept stressing the desire to hear from others. From my observations, about 2/3rds were not raising their green cards for Dean. They asked people to mention new positions and not to prevent others from speaking by just going on about their support from Dean. The last thing you want to do is to give the appearance of being overbearing and rude. However, this may be one of the main impressions people took away.

[Liberty Belle]

26. Wrong. You spoke in the order you signed in.

I got there about a half hour early to get #49. No one asked if I supported Dean. The late-comers missed out, pure and simple.

I disagree about the number of green cards. To me, it appeared that the majority of the audience was waving them whenever Dean's name was mentioned. If anyone supported another candidate, they didn't speak up (except one who lobbied for Donny Fowler).

[Padme Amidala]

28. Organizers should not be allowed to close others out of the priority #s.

I signed up really early but I didn't have a chance because I didn't arrive when the set-up occurred. If one group is organizing things, they need to be fair. That is why the moderator kept asking the Dean supporters to be fair to others. There were a lot of people who were there to talk about matters other than DNC chairman. I was there to tell the DNC to focus on the environment. But the environment lost out to the ra-ra-jump-on-board-for-the-candidate-you-know-nothing-about-section. Most of those I talked to afterwords were pretty disgusted by the unfairness. The green cards were definitely in a minority. If this is the way Dean supporters operate, then we don't need more - we need fewer - in our party.

[LosAngelesDemocrat]

21. I'm stepping up for the head count too!!!

Was there but spent most of my time networking people that I knew from the San Gabriel Valley with people from LA. It was kinda funny to me that many people I knew from different circles were there in the same place. Additional people to add to the influential/elected list.


Eric Garcetti
LACDP Chariman Eric Bauman
Hahn and Villaraigosa
Equalization John Chiang
aides to assemplypeople all over the state... I think San Diego, Sacramento, Imperial Valley, San Jose, I forgot who else I met.
Campaign Staff from 4 plus congressional races. (Don't want to mention their names in a public forum).
Several AD Chairs and delegates (including myself 58th!)
And many others that do not come to my mind at this late hour.

It was productive I think but the battle for the DNC chair is somewhere else at this moment. We'll find out more information about the results of this internal debate later this week. One key word in this debate I'm refering to - fundraising.

[xxqqqzme]

23. I'm a delegate from the 67th AD

I would love 2 go 2 Sacramento 4 the meeting on the 22nd. That should B very interesting and informative. But think I will opt 4 Lakoff in LA on the 22 instead.