Governor's E-newsletter lets you in on what's happening

Many of the great programs and projects the Governor is working on do not receive the press they deserve. While we understand that this e-newsletter contains obvious bias, we still think it is important to breeze through it and see what catches your eye, gives you extra information or, maybe, pertains directly to you or someone you care about.

Governor Pat Quinn's Newsletter

Remember to join Governor Quinn as he celebrates the accomplishments of our DuPage Party at the Gala on Feb 18th. Tickets can be purchased here with a $25 savings if you purchase before Feb 10th.

 

Sunday Education Series: Americans not far apart

As we all know from our day to day contact with jus' plain folks, Americans' personal dreams, aspirations for their country and political views are not far apart at all.

Yahoo news reports:

  

SAN DIEGO — In an election year, it's hard to turn on the television or read a newspaper without getting the sense that Americans are becoming ever more divided into red versus blue. But a new study finds that perception may be downright wrong.

In fact, political polarization among the public has barely budged at all over the past 40 years, according to research presented here on Jan. 27 at the annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology. But, crucially, people vastly overestimate how polarized the American public is — a tendency toward exaggeration that is especially strong in the most extreme Democrats and Republicans. (The results do not apply to Congress, politicians or media pundits, but rather to the general public.)

Read More

GALA TIME IS HERE!

There are several ways to find your way to the gala at Drury Lane this year featuring Thom Hartmann.

1) One way is to go to our link above (GALA TIME) and give your money through ActBlue, a non-profit that handles only Democratic business and deserves, we feel, ours.

2) If you want a little discount on your ticket this year, you can purchase your membership NOW (instead of in July) and have the advantage of getting a discount not only on your Gala Ticket but, depending on your membership level, other events as well. That link is here.

3) You could also put a check in the mail today. Tickets purchased before Feb 10th are $125 and after are $150. Checks go to DPDC PO BOX 185 Lombard IL 60148.

Can't wait to see you there!

"It's Not Easy Being Green" is it, Peter Roskam?

From the Saturday Jan 21 edition of Heartland Progressive Blog by DPDC member Walt Zlotow

IL Sixth District Congressman Peter Roskam issued a statement blasting President Obama for denying TransCanada's application for expansion of the Keystone XL Pipeline. In so doing, Roskam scored high on the hyperbole meter, linking the denial to calamitous events ranging from killing (the) creation of 20,000 new jobs, (to) preventing the marginalizing of hostile foreign powers, and even, get this, dividing the country.

It's easy to make such inflammatory charges when the Congressman leaves out the shameful politics that House Chief Deputy Majority Whip Roskam himself helped engineer that sparked the denial. The President, heeding State Department concerns regarding the environmental impact of such a potentially hazardous undertaking, was strongly on record that he would need till 2013 to make a reasoned decision. Roskam helped infuse the recently passed Payroll Tax Cut Extension Bill with a senseless provision that the President MUST make a decision on XL within 60 days. Forcing an unacceptable ultimatum on the President was sure to bring about the application denial which could instantly be turned into the aforementioned statement. As Congressman Roskam demonstrates repeatedly, that may seem like good politics, but it is terrible governance. READ MORE

Tennessee Tea Partiers Demand: Don't Dis The Founders

Can The Tea Party Get Nuttier? A delegation in Tennessee demands re-writes of textbooks to delete anything that might make the Founding Fathers look less than heroic. Read about it here: http://www.commercialappeal.com/mailfriend/61/228547/8b2c344a80/

Sunday Education Series: State of the Union Address

Short History of the State of the Union

*U.S. Constitution requires it in Article II, Section 3
*First SOTU delivered by (duh!) Washington on January 8, 1790
*Though delivered in January, it is tradition not requirement for it to be so
*Jefferson thought such a speech too "kingly" and sent a letter to Congress instead
*It would be 112 years before a president spoke the SOTU again
*Some famous events at SOTU include Monroe's explaining of his Monroe Doctrine, Lincoln's      announcement of the end to slavery, and Roosevelt's Four Freedoms.

DuPage State of the Union Watch Party  

PLEASE CLICK LINK TO RSVP

#sotu2012: In the past, President Obama's State of the Union address has been a plan for the year ahead -- and the priorities outlined in those speeches have led to many of this administration's accomplishments. We're getting together in our neighborhood to watch the 2012 State of the Union Address, celebrate our work so far, and to plan out the next couple of months in our area. We have a lot of work to do, but working together, we can build teams in our community to stand with our President and other Democrats. Now, more than ever, your voice is needed to determine our country's future.

Time: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Host: Sabey Abraham

Location: Brauer House (Lombard, IL) 1000 N. Rohlwing Rd, Ste 13 Lombard, IL 60148

Directions: Brauer House is located right near the DuPage Democrats Office and Jimmy John's, at the corner of North Ave and Rohlwing Rd (Rte 53).

• Google Maps
• MapQuest
• Yahoo! Maps

Information about voting in the March 20 primary

The DuPage County Election Commission has announced that special assistance in voter registration is available to the elderly and handicapped through the commission's office. "The commission can assist in the arrangement of "in-home" registration appointments with deputy registrars for the upcoming election. In addition, arrangements can be made to become an active member of a program for voters that may experience difficulty in going to their respective polling places. The close of voter registration for the March 20 general primary election is Feb. 21. Registration reopens March 22. All eligible registered voters, including those who are physically unable to get to their polling places, are entitled to vote an absentee ballot by mail, Feb. 9 through March 15, or in person at the Election Commission office, Feb. 9 through March 19, or early vote in person at one of the county's early voting sites from Feb. 27 through March 15. A voter may request assistance with marking their ballot when at the polling place on election day and may be assisted by the election judges, a friend or a relative. For additional information, contact the Election Commission office, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187, at 630-407-5600 or visit the Election Commission website at www.dupageelections.com."
http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/news/10152511-418/voter-registration-assistance-for-elderly-handicapped.html

Perry's Out

Rick Perry has ended his presidential bid and endorsed Newt Gingrich. Is this good or bad for Dems? Does Romney have it all but tied up already or do you think Newt has a chance?

5 of 18 Designated "Red to Blue" House Seats in Illinois

From Today's PROGRESS ILLINOIS EMAIL

Dems Eye 5 Illinois Districts In Plan To Regain The House

Democrats have their eyes on five Illinois congressional districts as part of their ultimate plan to regain control of the House of Representatives during the November elections. This afternoon, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced the first-round of candidates in its Red-To-Blue program, which "highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support," according to the web site.
Five of the 18 seats on the Red-To-Blue district list were in Illinois, including that of Tea Party sweetheart U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh (R-8).
Read more

Join Jill Biden: Wish Michelle Obama Happy Birthday!

A message from Jill Biden:

Michelle's birthday is today -- and I think you'll agree with me when I say she's a pretty special woman.

So I hope you'll take a moment to sign her card before we deliver it. You can even leave a note if you'd like:

http://my.barackobama.com/For-Michelle

After all, everyone loves hearing from friends on their birthday. And the year ahead is going to be a tough one, so I know this card will mean the world to Michelle.

Thanks,

Jill

FW: Dr Martin Luther King speaks to the OCCUPY movement (and more)

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTEST through Jan 21st (scroll to bottom of this blast!) DuPage Democrats For more information, visit our website: www.dupagedemocrats.com Contribute Now! Thom Hartmann Meet and hear Thom's incredible acumen on Feb 18 at the 2012 Presidents' Day Gala. Tickets here (or write to us at info@dupagedemocrats.c om for more info)    Very recent interview transcript of Thom on Corporate Personhood and how the Supremes have become Kings;   If you have any interest in helping out our efforts to grow at DPDC, we have lots of exciting ways you can do that! Would you like to: Be a weekly blogger? Help stop voter suppression in DuPage? Help us on other Social Media sites? Help us reach advertisers for the Gala in February? Get involved with our DuPage Young Democrats? LET US KNOW! Also, we welcome any input you may have and encourage you to call or send an email to share your great ideas with us.    Sincerely,   Amy Rohrer, Executive Director Democratic Party of DuPage County My cell 630-699-5071  Jan 16, 2011 Dr Martin Luther King Speaks to the OCCUPY movement and to those who BELIEVE in America and our Constitution. Dear Amy, Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the Martin Luther King Brunch at St John African Methodist Episcopal in Aurora to honor the civil rights leader. Also pictured with me at this event are  Dianne McGuire, Chair of Naperville Township Democrats, her husband Fred Greenwood, owner of the Guilty Party Catering Company, Juan Thomas, candidate for CD11, Alice Wilson, candidate for Judge of the Circuit Court in District 18, Dennis Clark, Forest Preserve Candidate District 5, Mayor Tom Weisner (Aurora), AME Pastor Jesse Hawkins. As you can see, we are reaching out in every way possible to let Democrats throughout DuPage know that we are here for them. In this clip above from youtube, you can hear Dr King's cry to OCCUPY and we mean, OCCUPY Everything and that includes Democratic events, social causes and, of course, the voting booths! Best to you on this special day in honor of a man who understood the very core of what it means to be an American. Sincerely, Bob Peickert Chairman, DPDC     "I would like to get a discount this year at the annual Gala..." Well, you can by subscribing as a member of DPDC for 2012. Please see our subscription rates and the premiums associated with each level here (all levels involve a Gala discount). Let's show our strength by having the highest levels of participation in all things Democratic in 2012!    "WOW, I could sure use one thousand dollars right about now..."   Times are tight for many. We get that. And we know you want to support DPDC for their fine work on behalf of things you really believe in.    Here is a chance to do that at a very low cost (with the potential of multiplying that investment 2-40 times). BUT EVEN BETTER, we will give you a packet of 5 tickets and if you sell 4, the 5th is yours for FREE!    INTERESTED? Call 630-629-1125 and leave your name and phone number and we will get back to you or write to us at info@dupagedemocrats.com to buy your $25 ticket or to get a packet to sell.      "I wish I knew a great way to reach New Customers and Voters..." This year's Gala is going to be bigger than any previous and the advertising rates for the event are still amongst the most reasonable around. Please check out the Gala ticket and ad price sheet here and then send your camera-ready ad copy or questions to: info@dupagedemocrats.com      Paid for by the Democratic Party of DuPage County. A copy of our report(s) filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections and DuPage County Clerk is available (or will be) for purchase from the DuPage County Clerk's office, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.

Bonus Like us on FACEBOOK, or Follow Us on Twitter or Visit our BLOG and then write to us at info@dupagedemocrats.com and be entered in a drawing for $50 gift certificate at Target.  Rules: We'd like you to join ALL three (and check out our photos for fun) but only one entry per person, please For consideration, entries MUST be sent to info@dupagedemocrats.com by midnight Jan 21st, 2012 and say SOCIAL MEDIA CONTEST in the subject line. Inside the email please include: our sites that you signed up for and under what name, and your contact information including phone and email.  PRIZE WINNER will be announced on  FB, Twitter and our Blog only on Sunday 22nd. We retain the right to refuse to accept any entry.

Sunday Educaton Series

Please accept this tardy entry to this week's SES:

Sit back and close your eyes and take 3 minutes and 10 seconds to experience the resonance of this actor's excerpt from Martin Luther King's moving letter from the Birmingham Jail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQJpj5JSq94

 

Amy Rohrer
Executive Director,
Democratic Party of DuPage
1000-7 Rohlwing Rd
Lombard IL 60148

So To Further Change Our Emissions Structure Without Sacrificing In The Least...

...charge those plug-in hybrids during the day with some of these:

Dan Stafford

There is so much good news - away from the awfully-slanted TV news...

Massive Solar Power Deal Being Made in San Antonio

cleantechnica.com

[caption id=

· · Share ·

How To Revolutionize America's Transportation Energy Infrastructure - With OIL...

• Dan Stafford

  There's a reason why I'm bringing up hybrid cars, Stirling engines, and algal bio-fuels that mimic gasoline enough that we don't have to change existing fuel infrastructure. The Chevy Volt already uses an electric motor to cruise. It's gas motor just runs a generator to charge batteries. Now, all internal combustion engines dump EIGHTY PERCENT OF THE ENERGY THEY MAKE AS "EXCESS HEAT". Stirling engines eat heat from any source. Small gas engine running a generator, a couple of small Stirlings running generators, and now all of a sudden, you're using 50-70% of the energy in gasoline to run an electric motor and batteries...off algae-gas. Get on it, Ford & GM!!!

  · · Share · 28 minutes ago

  • 
    
  • • 

      Dan Stafford And quit dinking around in the desert!!!

      25 minutes ago ·
    • 

      Dan Stafford Plus, if you charge the batteries at night, all the power plants are basically idling, and enough electricity goes to waste every night to run 75% of the cars on the road, if they ran on electricity!!!

      23 minutes ago ·
    • 

      Dan Stafford So no more of that "bio-fuels could never produce enough energy to replace fossil fuels" BS.

      22 minutes ago ·
    • 

      Dan Stafford They only need to get to about 30%...

      22 minutes ago ·
    • 

      Dan Stafford You don't use gasoline engines or Stirling engines by themselves. You use them T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R.

      16 minutes ago ·
  • Write a comment...
• 

  Dan Stafford

  http://cleantechnica.com/2011/12/16/navy-pushes-algae-biofuel-keystone-tar-sands-oil-pipeline-sputters/

  

  Navy Pushes Algae Biofuel as Tar Sands Oil Pipeline Sputters

  cleantechnica.com

  While the Keystone XL tar sands oil pipeline is temporarily stalled, the U.S. Navy is helping to push the market for algae biofuel. That's good news for the U.S. biofuel industry and it could also help influence the growth of the biofuel industry internationally as well, since the Navy is coordinati...

  · · Share · 36 minutes ago
• 

  Dan Stafford

  http://cleantechnica.com/2011/08/05/operation-green-stick-propels-low-cost-algae-biofuel-to-the-big-time/

  

  Operation “Green Stick” Propels Low-Cost Algae Biofuel to the Big Time

  cleantechnica.com

  The algae biofuel company OriginOil has been pulling out all the stops to bring low cost algae biofuel to the market, and Operation Green Stick looks like their biggest move yet. Operation Green Stick is the code name for OriginOil's network of sensors that automatically control for hundreds of vari...

  · · Share · 38 minutes ago
• 

  Dan Stafford

  http://cleantechnica.com/2012/01/13/originoil-and-doe-to-develop-direct-conversion-of-algae-into-renewable-crude-oil/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

  OriginOil and DOE to Develop Direct Conversion of Algae into Renewable Crude Oil

  cleantechnica.com

  Good news on the algae-to-oil front has been released by Los Angeles-based OriginOil, Inc. in conjunction with the US Department of Energy. The company will work in partnership with Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to help algae growers to enter the global crude oil market. Origin, a developer of ...

  · · Share · 43 minutes ago

   

   

  Dan Stafford

  http://www.stirlingengines.org.uk/manufact/manf/usa/new2.html

  

  Stirling Thermal Motors Inc (STM Power Inc)

  www.stirlingengines.org.uk

  · · Share · 4 hours ago

   

   
  

   

  Dan Stafford

  http://jalopnik.com/5874136/2013-ford-fusion-energi-the-worlds-most-efficient-car

  

  2013 Ford Fusion Energi: The World's Most Efficient Car*

  jalopnik.com

  Amongst Ford's numerous powertrain choices for the 2013 Ford Fusion is the the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, a vehicle that may actually be the world's most fuel efficient car.

  · · Share · 4 hours ago

RRTP: REAL, RELEVANT Talking Points for 2012

President Barack Obama 's stimulus package may have created or saved as many as 3.3 million jobs last quarter and lowered the unemployment rate by as much as 1.8 percentage points, the Congressional Budget Office said.

Here is the article.

Obama's Economic Stimulus Program Created Up to 3.3 Million Jobs, CBO Says

www.bloomberg.com

Thanks to to Brett Solesky who is informing us of this important information on our DuPage Dems Facebook Page. Would you please go there and "Like" us today?
DuPage Dems on Facebook

 

NEW FEATURE ON DuPage Dems BLOG: SES The Sunday Education Series

Audio Energy for Democracy.  This week's feature is AR Alternative Radio. And the feature within the feature is this program: Wall Street or the Common Good by David Korten.

Each Sunday we will be presenting a different educational piece which may be an article, a lecture series, an alternative media outlet or event happening around the DuPage area. If you wish to offer a contribution in terms of an article or educational outlet or wish to boost attendance at an event you believe in, please contact us at info@dupagedemocrats.com and put SUNDAY SERIES in the subject line. Our blog editors will make the final decision on what gets published.

If you listen to this particular lecture, please take a few moments to comment on the blog for the rest of our readers to respond to or to forward to others. Thanks and enjoy.

NYTimes.com: The G.O.P.'s 'Black People' Platform

This page was sent to you by:  artauchman@yahoo.com Message from sender: A great retrospective on the 2012 GOP fields' real feelings about "black people". OPINION   | January 07, 2012 Op-Ed Columnist:  The G.O.P.'s 'Black People' Platform By CHARLES M. BLOW Big surprise. Some of the Republican presidential candidates are once again using race to pander to the right. Advertisement The Descendants Starring George Clooney, and directed by Alexander Payne (Sideways, Election) Now Playing in theaters. Click here to watch the trailer Copyright 2012  The New York Times Company | Privacy Policy