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From: Richard Kissack
[mailto:rkissack@cis.net]
Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2005 7:15 AM
To: DEMOCRATS OF CLINTON COUNTY
Subject:
“We need
to break the traditional boom-and-bust cycle -- we can't wait until a few
months before an election to gear up. We have to build a permanent presence in
every state right now to be ready for 2006, 2008 and beyond.”
(Tom McMahon, Democratic National
Committee)
http://www.clintoncountydemocrats.org
November 7, 2005
COMING EVENTS
CITY ELECTIONS
Tuesday, November 8
Democrats always
vote – it’s a great habit! City elections will
be held in the 14 city and towns of
THE
Tuesday, November 15 at 7:30 P.M. in
the
Democratic Headquarters at
(Jean will open the headquarters at
7:00 P.M. for those committee people who would like to use the list of
registered Democrats for their precinct for the U.S.P.S. monthly mailing list.)
STATE REPRESENTATIVE TOM SCHUELLER
FUND RAISER
Saturday, November 19 - 7:00 P.M.
Cosmic Lanes, Highway 64 east of
downtown Maquoketa
(Tom represents House District 25
which includes the northern part of
POLLY BUKTA’S ANNUAL
CHILI SUPPER
Thursday, January 5 - 4:30
– 7:00 P.M.
WHAT ARE THE VALUES OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY?
The following statements are from the Iowa State Democratic Party platform. The party platform is the work of ordinary citizens at the grassroots level and may be accessed from our website.
PRE-K-12
EDUCATION: We support continuing
our strong public education program for all students in grades Pre-K-12 by:
Ø Repealing the “No Child Left Behind” additions to the “Elementary and
Second Education Act”;
Ø Providing all day every day kindergarten;
Ø Increasing funding for K-12 art, music, physical education, foreign
language programs and school counselors;
Ø Establishing performance standards for pre-K education;
Ø Increasing funding for Area Education Agencies;
Ø Reducing class sizes;
Ø Funding before and after school programs and summer school programs.
2006 DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT CAUCUSES
Monday, January 16, 2006
We
encourage citizen participation to honor the memory of Martin Luther
King. Our most important function will be to write the planks for the
2006 Democratic Party platform that express the values and beliefs of the
Democratic Party. There are many people who complain about everything but
never take the opportunity to influence future events. Many never even
bother to vote. Sixty percent of the eligible voters in
IF YOU’RE HAPPY WITH OUR LEADERSHIP IN
IF WE WANT
TO WIN THE NEXT ELECTION, WE NEED TO EXPAND PARTICIPATION. We can do that by increasing the number of
Democrats who are informed regularly of our many activities. REMINDER to precinct representatives to the Central
Committee: Please forward to Dick or Jean a list of ten registered
Democrats from your precinct who should be receiving our monthly newsletter by
U.S.P.S. mail. If you would like to have the list of registered Democrats
in your precinct, phone or email Jean. Also, the Democratic Headquarters
will open at 7:00 P.M. before the next Central Committee meeting for those of
you who need to use the lists.
THE REPUBLICAN SPIN MACHINE
“The culture of corruption
in
“It grows clearer by the
day that the President's advisors were willing to do anything to quiet
opposition to the war -- even if it meant breaking laws designed to protect our
national security. And it leaves us questioning: what other deceptions and
mistruths did they tell to lead us into war? If we want the truth, we need to
demand answers.
“It's time for the truth.
It's time to take our country back: neighbor to neighbor, friend to friend,
from the ground up.” (Tom Hughes, Democracy for
STATE REPRESENTATIVE ED FALLON
VISITS
Ø Campaign contributions to State legislative candidates have
resulted in big legislative pay back to the insurance companies and medical interests
making the contributions.
Ø The number of uninsured Iowans increased by 7.7% last
year. The increase was 19% in 2002-2003.
Ø Small businesses in
Ø State allowable growth for K-12 school budgets has averaged
less than 1.4% per year during the past five years. This is far below the
4% per year that is necessary to maintain school programs at their pre-2001
level.
Ø The average teacher pay in
From: Richard Kissack
[mailto:rkissack@cis.net]
Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2005 7:14 AM
To: DEMOCRATS OF CLINTON COUNTY
Subject:
Did you know?
School breakfast programs lead to increased achievement, higher daily
attendance and more class participation. (National School Board Association
statistics)
http://www.clintoncountydemocrats.org
November 14, 2005
AMERICAN EDUCATION
WEEK: November 13-19
COMING EVENTS
THE
Tuesday, November 15 at 7:30 P.M. in
the
Democratic Headquarters at
Jean will open the headquarters at
7:00 P.M. for those committee people who would like to use the list of
registered Democrats for their precinct for the U.S.P.S. monthly mailing
list. Please help us expand our list of Democrats who are informed of our
many activities. Additional agenda items include selecting caucus sites
and party goals projects.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE TOM SCHUELLER
FUND RAISER
Saturday, November 19 - 7:00 P.M.
Timber Lanes,
Tom represents House District 25
which includes the northern part of
The event will
start at 8:00PM, with moonlight bowling to begin at 9:00 P.M. There will be
a silent auction and various raffles and several very enjoyable surprises. Food
will be available throughout the evening. Tickets are $20:00 and are
available at the door.
December
10 - Bill Gluba Event at Bob and Wendy Krajnovich's
POLLY BUKTA’S ANNUAL
CHILI SUPPER
Thursday, January 5 - 4:30
– 7:00 P.M.
REPUBLICANS PLAN MORE
CUTS FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION
Now
is a good time to influence next year's federal budget priorities by writing to
OMB Director Joshua Bolton about the importance of science education programs
at the National Science Foundation (NSF).
NSF's
Education and Human Resources Directorate has witnessed drastic funding cuts
since 2003--the Math and Science Partnership program was cut more than 50
percent. In addition, funding for new, competitive partnerships during the past
two years has been eliminated at NSF. With your help, we can reverse this
funding trend so our country can respond to the growing threats to our global
competitiveness.
The budget process for
fiscal year 2007 is just beginning, so we can make a huge difference by
speaking up now. We urge you write to OMB Director Bolton to encourage him to
expand the Math and Science Partnership program and other NSF education
programs. Please link to http://www.chemistry.org/government/lac
and click on "Take Action Here" under the heading Support Math and
Science Education. Thank you for your help in this critical effort.
(American Chemical Society Legislative Action Alert)
WHAT ARE THE VALUES OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY?
The following statements are from the 2004 Iowa State Democratic Party platform. The party platform is the work of ordinary citizens starting at the precinct caucuses. You are urged to take part in the discussions that will lead to the adoption of the 2006 platform. The entire 2004 platform may be accessed from our website.
INTERNATIONAL PEACE
We support:
We oppose:
2006 DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT CAUCUSES
Monday, January 16, 2006
We encourage
citizen participation to honor the memory of Martin Luther King. Our most
important function will be to write the planks for the 2006 Democratic Party
platform that express the values and beliefs of the Democratic Party.
There are many people who complain about everything but never take the
opportunity to influence future events. Many never even bother to
vote. Sixty percent of the eligible voters in
MIND-NUMBING QUOTES BY TOM DELAY
"Now
tell me the truth boys, isn't this kind of fun?" -- Delay, to three young
hurricane evacuees from
"Guns have little or nothing to do with juvenile violence. The causes of
youth violence are working parents who put their kids into daycare, the
teaching of evolution in the schools, and working mothers who take birth
control pills." -- DeLay, on causes of the
"Emotional appeals about working families trying to get by on $4.25 an
hour [the minimum wage in 1996] are hard to resist. Fortunately, such
families do not exist." -- DeLay, during a debate
in Congress on increasing the minimum wage, April 23, 1996.
From: Richard Kissack
[mailto:rkissack@cis.net]
Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2005 7:27 AM
To: DEMOCRATS OF CLINTON COUNTY
Subject:
“Men treated well serve well.” (Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson)
http://www.clintoncountydemocrats.org
November 21, 2005
COMING EVENTS
FUND RAISING RECEPTION FOR BILL
GLUBA
at the home of Bob and Wendy Krajnovich
5:00 – 7:00 P.M., Saturday, December
10
POLLY BUKTA’S ANNUAL
CHILI SUPPER
Thursday, January 5 - 4:30
– 7:00 P.M.
Fund Raiser - Donation $10.00
We’re preparing for a tough campaign.
All the
chili (mild, moderate or hot) you care to eat plus many toppings, corn
bread, dessert, coffee, milk, beer etc. Polly will give her
assessment of the 2006 Iowa Legislative session which starts Monday, January 9.
2006 DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT CAUCUSES
Monday, January 16, 2006
We encourage citizen participation
to honor the memory of Martin Luther King. Our most important function will
be to write the planks for the 2006 Democratic Party platform that express the
values and beliefs of the Democratic Party.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOVEMBER CENTRAL
COMMITTEE MEETING
Ø Discussion of the caucus sites was held. Most of the
sites in
Ø Details about the county convention date were left for the
executive board to decide once the state party finalizes the details this
weekend.
Ø We still need chairs for our party goals committees.
Ø The Central Committee representatives voted not to have a
December meeting and to leave some decisions about the caucuses and
Ø We will have a work day during December to mail a newsletter
and some club
memberships and do some caucus and county convention work.
Ø Mark Henderson closed out his political account and
contributed the balance in his campaign account to the Clinton County
Democrats. His contribution will help us do more to get our message out.
Mark has some serious medical problems and has had to cut back on most of his
activities. We want to thank him for his great generosity and wish him
our very best for his return to good health.
Ø An energy saving recommendation from State Representative
Tom Schueller: Insulating your attic will help
save home heating costs and earn a rebate from the
energy company that would probably cover the cost of the job. Some
rebates are also available for new windows.
Ø
We continued our
discussion of the Social Security Part D program. Ron Garrison will hold
workshops during December. Watch newsletters for more information.
ADVICE ON MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN FROM
RICK DICKINSON
The
information in the 98 page “Medicare and You” book sent out by the Federal
Government is confusing, complicated and a little scary. Many seniors have
expressed a similar reaction to me, and based on other reports I've seen, it is
likely that you, your parents or grandparents may be just as confused and
frightened by the complex set of instructions and web of 41 different plans.
The new
Medicare prescription drug plan passed by the Republican Congress in 2003 and
signed into law by President Bush will provide a very weak benefit at a very
high cost to the Medicare system. The program is great news to the
pharmaceutical industry, but it does little to alleviate the outrageously high
costs
I would not
have supported this legislation as written, but I will work to streamline and
simplify it so our seniors will not have to make medical decisions out of
frustration and fear. I encourage you to discuss the Medicare D program with your
loved ones aged 65+. If you have not already done so, please begin researching
to help find the best plan for them given their circumstances.
Things
to remember when considering a Medicare D Plan:
1. Medicare D
is a voluntary program and no one is required to sign-up.
2. Your
present coverage may already be adequate, so adding a Medicare D prescription
plan may not make sense. The insurer that provides your current drug benefit should have
sent a letter explaining whether your coverage is as good, or better, than
Medicare D. This is called a letter of "creditable" coverage; keep
this for your records.
3. You can
sign-up as early as November 15th, but can wait until May 15, 2006 without
paying any penalty. There is still time to research and make the right
decision.
4. Ask if
your personal pharmacy is in the plan's network and, if so, if it is a
preferred or non-preferred pharmacy. Preferred pharmacies may offer larger
discounts, but not always the same quality of care.
5. Contact
the Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for help with
questions about appeals, buying other insurance, choosing a health plan, buying a Medigap
policy and Medicare rights and protections. Call SHIIP: 800-351-4664.
6. Check out
Medicare D companies with Medicare at 1 (800) 633-4227 or visit these websites
for more information:
• Do not allow yourself
to be pressured into a quick decision. Medicare D plans cannot sign up seniors
before November 15 and you have until May 15, 2006 to make a final decision.
• Do not pay any
money to apply for a plan. Medicare D plans are not allowed to require an
application fee.
Rick
Dickinson is the Democratic candidate to represent
email: press@rickdickinson.org
web: http://www.rickdickinson.org
From: Richard Kissack
[mailto:rkissack@cis.net]
Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2005 7:33 AM
To: DEMOCRATS OF CLINTON COUNTY
Subject:
“
(Tom McMahon, Executive Director, Democratic National
Committee)
http://www.clintoncountydemocrats.org
November 28, 2005
COMING EVENTS
FUND RAISING RECEPTION FOR BILL
GLUBA
at the home of Bob and Wendy Krajnovich
5:00 – 7:00 P.M., Saturday, December
10
If you plan to attend, please RSVP
at 563-459-6558 or 563-242-4298.
Dress casual and bring a friend.
In the
primary election the Democrats have three excellent candidates. We hope you’ll meet all of them and listen to their plans.
Remember, who ever wins the primary election, we’re
all going to join together in the general election to elect a Democratic
Congressman from the First District.
POLLY BUKTA’S ANNUAL
CHILI SUPPER
Thursday, January 5 - 4:30
– 7:00 P.M.
2006 DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT CAUCUSES
Monday, January 16, 2006
We
encourage citizen participation to honor the memory of Martin Luther
King. Our most important function will be to write the planks for the 2006
Democratic Party platform that express the values and beliefs of the Democratic
Party. The party platform is the work of ordinary citizens at the
grassroots level. There are people who complain about everything but
never take the opportunity to influence future events. Many never even
bother to vote. Sixty percent of the eligible voters in
ENCOURAGE THE COMPLAINERS TO GET
INVOLVED!
THE SMOLDERING COALS FOR VIOLENCE
I wonder if
the tough talking Cheney-Rove-Rumsfeld-Robertson-Bush-DeLay
gang have learned anything from the riots in
Do you
suppose that the French government was unaware of the smoldering problems in
the immigrant neighborhoods where chronic joblessness and alienation provide a
fertile recruiting ground for criminal gangs and religious radicals?
WE NEED TO BREAK THE CYLCLE OF
POVERTY IN THE UNITED STATES
Did you
know?
Ø Every minute nearly three Americans lose their health care,
while 8.4 million children have no health care insurance?
Ø In no single jurisdiction in the country can a person
working full-time at minimum wage afford a two-bedroom rental home. In
only four counties in the entire nation can a person working full-time at
minimum wage afford even a one-bedroom apartment.
Ø More than half of all American adults are concerned they
will be poor at some point in their lives.
Would you
be surprised to know that nearly 36 million Americans live in poverty and that
many of them work full-time? We need to be committed to helping
people find permanent solutions to the problems of poverty for themselves and
their communities.
We support
community-based groups to improve neighborhoods, create jobs that pay a living
wage and raise leaders from within the community. With cutbacks in many
government-funded social programs this work becomes even more critical.
To be
self-sufficient families need jobs, education, healthcare, housing and
childcare. We need to support economic development projects across the
nation. We need to promote self-reliance, self-sufficiency and
self-determination for people who are motivated to break out of the cycle of
poverty.
(The above
information is taken from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. It
sounds a lot like the Platform of the Democratic Party. Many of the
problems of our society could be solved if we work on the underlying social
problems. Many in the Republican Party think they can solve social
problems by passing constitutional amendments and criminalizing more human
behavior.)
REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED CONGRESS SHOWS
CONTEMPT FOR WORKING FAMILIES
Congress is
about to take its eighth pay raise since 1997 and hasn’t
once increased the minimum wage in all that time. Today’s
minimum wage of $5.15 an hour cannot even keep a small family above the poverty
line. It’s an American disgrace that millions
of people who play by the rules and work hard every day can’t
pull even a small family from poverty.
Taking inflation
into account, the minimum wage now is worth 26 percent less than it was in
1979. Today we have the highest inflation rate since 1980, spiking gas
prices and a price tag for the annual family health care premiums that is
bigger than a year of minimum wage pay.
(Secretary
of Agriculture Patty Judge https://www.pattyjudge.com/contribute/)
ACCOUNTABILITY
Ø How many jobs were created by the
wealthy people who received large tax cuts?
Ø There are more effective ways to
promote job growth and the Republican economists are well aware of them.
Ø The largest percent of new jobs come
from new ventures many of which are based on research that is done in our
Universities.
Ø If this is true, why has this
administration reduced funding for research?
Ø President Bush is fascinated by the six
syllable word accountability, but doesn’t know how to
effectively apply it to his administration.