Can we capitalize on Bachmann's departure?

SANDY’S LIGHTHOUSE EDITION |by Sandy Gresak

 Up Hill Battle for the Democrats??

Bachmann’s out...

Tea Party favorite, Michele Bachmann (R-Minn) announced on Wednesday she will not run for re-election for her fifth term. In July 2010, Michele launched the House Tea Party Caucus, but declared “I am not the head of the tea party.”

The GOP Conservative, well known for opposing the Obama Healthcare Bill. Also, is facing multiple investigations of her failed presidential finances, insisted this was not a consideration in her decision.

 

Even though Bachmann squeaked in a win against Democrat businessman Jim Graves, doesn’t mean it will give the Democrats a upper hand. It just became a whole lot harder. Minnesota’s Sixth District, represented by Bachmann, leans Republican. It is one of the most conservative districts in the state. Although, it isn’t a tea party haven, a moderate Republican could cause a real challenge for Graves.

 

So as I end this, let me leave you with one of the more memorable quotes of Michele Bachmann...

 

”Before we get started, let’s all say “Happy Birthday to Elvis Presley today.” Rep. Michele  Bachmann, while campaigning for president in South Carolina on what was actually the anniversary of Elvis’s death, August 16, 2011...Note Elvis was born on January 8.

 

To read more of her famous quotes go to: http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/republicans/a/michele-bachmann-quotes.htm  or  Read more ridiculous Michele Bachmann quotes...

 

Shhhhh. It's not up on their website yet but the numbers are in

Coming to DuPage August 9-11
CAMP WELLSTONE!


1 of the real drivers behind the beginning of our BLUE trajectory in DuPage was the 
training that over 150 people received on an August weekend in 2007. 


 A little less than 2 elections later Camp Wellstone is back and will surely be better than ever BUT admission is limited to 150 people who can chose from one of three tracks: Campaign workers, Activists and Candidates.


The tuition for this incredible weekend is only $300 dollars, spans  3 jam-packed days and includes your own set of their exclusive materials and 3 meals. A steal for a program that in the personal growth or DC political environs would easily run $699-$1000.


Watch 4 our upcoming announcement and get ready to sign up right away!!

 

Our new Elected Official Page. Contact them today.

Just wanted to make sure you have seen the new page on our website which gives you contact information for all of our elected officials in DuPage.

Many of these folks are up for re-election in 2014 and could really use your help.
Check them all out here and then pick your favorite to sweep back into office in '14!
http://www.dupagedemocrats.com/cms/elections/candidates

Mike Quigley Stands Proudly for the LGBT Family!!

Thanks Congressman!!
Please see the entire story of how Mike Quigley supported a Chicago couple in their  real struggle to live their commitment as a loving family along with video HERE

Blue Business Recognition

Your Business HERE!

HOLE SPONSORSHIPS available for the 2013 DPDC Golf Outing

For Your 200$ Sponsorship you get:

• A hole at the event just for your business which gets exposed to  many folks in Labor and in the Democratic Party who WANT to do business with YOU!
• Exposure in all materials on the day of the event
• Highlighted exposure in the email blasts (5000+ subscribers) leading up to the event
• Front page exposure on our website both before and after the event

BUT,  most of all, you can get a jump start on advertising to the ever growing Democratic base in DuPage and be considered a charter supporting member of better government in DuPage for our future and for the future of your customers. 

Gang Grandma

education

Why This 73-Year-Old Is a Gang's Worst Nightmare

When Mama Hill first opened her doors to children after school, she couldn’t have known that her program would grow into a much-loved community anchor.

By Amy Nicholson

January 14, 2013

READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE HERE

Yes, A Bi-Partisan Gun Bill

Bipartisan Bill on Gun Control...Really???

Congressman Bill Foster cosponsors H.R.1565

Everyday I meet someone new and somewhere in our conversation gun control pops up. And, I think this is because it is a frightening, very realistic problem in our society. I do not care where you live there is some form of crime involving a gun. Now I may make some enemies along the way here, but I believe there needs to be some type of control on the purchase of a gun. The two parties need to come to a place where this issue can become a bipartisan issue. So they can work together to make it safer for the young and old to feel free to walk the streets, parents feel safe to send their children to school, for young adults to feel secure in attending class. I follow-up every day to see any progress in this matter. Today I came across this article in the Trib Local that Congressman Bill Foster, Community Contributor, became a cosponsor of  H.R. 1565. I think as you read this you might agree this is a start and very necessary.

Rep. Foster Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation To Strengthen Background Checks, Protect Rights Of Lawful Gun Owners

By Rep. Bill Foster, Community Contributor

10:19 a.m. CDT, May 15, 2013

Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) became a cosponsor of H.R. 1565, the Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act of 2013. The bipartisan legislation, a mirror of the Manchin-Toomey bill which received a majority of votes in the Senate (but failed to get 60), would strengthen background checks for gun purchases by expanding the system to include all commercial firearm sales, blocking criminals and the dangerously mentally ill from lawfully  purchasing firearms.  The legislation also strengthens the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners by banning the government from creating a federal registry and making the misuse of records a felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

“We cannot simply sit idle while tragedy after tragedy demonstrates all too clearly that we are not doing enough to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Foster. “We need to take a comprehensive approach to this problem that protects the rights of lawful gun owners while keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and the dangerously mentally ill.”

Currently, there are many loopholes allowing anyone to purchase firearms without a background check, including buying firearms in the parking lot of a gun show, over the internet, or through a newspaper ad. The bill closes these loopholes by requiring the same background checks that federally licensed dealers have conducted for more than 40 years.

You can follow-up at http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/

Posted by S. Gresak

FEMA office in Lisle for Flood Damage Assistance

Flood Damage Assistance

 

 

Fema Opens Office in Lisle...

 

FEMA disaster center opens in Lisle: Agency taking applications for federal flood assistance “... Residents affected by the April flood may apply for assistance at disasterassistance.gov, by phoning 800-621-3362 or by visiting one of four Illinois FEMA disaster recovery centers. In addition to facilities in Fulton, Grundy and LaSalle counties, a fourth center has opened at the Lisle Police Department, 5040 Lincoln Ave. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice. Officials said no appointment is needed. …”

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/naperville_lisle/ct-tl-dupage-fema-center-0526-20130516,0,6320660.story

 

Posted by Sandy Gresak. Than you Paul for allowing me to gather information from your newsletter. If you would like to receive Paul’s newsletter you can contact him at psjordal@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

Good Boy Scouts Don't need God

by Tom Krattenmaker, USA TODAY

Depending on what happens at the Boy Scouts' national meeting this month, gay Scouts might soon be accepted into the venerable organization. Even then, there will remain a large and growing group of Americans still barred by the Boy Scouts.

When will the Boy Scouts accept the non-religious?

The Boy Scouts of America recognizes an impressive range of religious affiliations that qualify one as "reverent" and, thus, eligible to participate. Two dozen varieties of Christianity get the nod, plus Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Bahai'ism and more. However, the non-religious are not welcome, and that poses a problem the Boy Scouts should address in addition to the sexual orientation question drawing so much attention.

READ MORE


Tom Krattenmaker is a member of USA TODAY's Board of Contributors and author of the new book The Evangelicals You Don't Know.
In addition to its own editorials, USA TODAY publishes diverse opinions from outside writers, including our Board of Contributors.

Copyright 2013 USATODAY.com

What Benghazi is really about PART TWO: 9 Freebies Obamacare has on the way

Here are nine tests, screenings, and treatments all adults will soon be able to get for exactly no moolah:
• Blood pressure screening
• Depression screening
• Obesity counseling and screening
• STD (sexually transmitted disease) prevention counseling for adults at increased risk
• Smoking-cessation interventions, including counseling and medication
• Some vaccines (some are included if you missed your teenage booster) including: an annual flu shot; human papillomavirus (HPV, which can protect against certain cancers); measles/mumps/Rubella (MMR); a vaccine against a type of meningitis; chicken pox; and tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, or whooping cough, which has made a comeback in some states
• Birth control for women (under most plans; doesn’t include all brands, though)
• Breastfeeding counseling and supplies

• Domestic violence screening and counseling

 READ MORE

Thousands Attended Saturday - Join us Sunday at Chicago Green Festival

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Green Festival" <newsletter@greenfestivals.org>
Date: May 19, 2013 10:07 AM
Subject: Thousands Attended Saturday - Join us Sunday at Chicago Green Festival
To: "Daniel" <aquarianm@gmail.com>
Cc:

Celebrate Spring at Chicago Green Festival, May 18-19 at Navy Pier. Green Festival is a project of Green America and Global Exchange. Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Spend Sunday Catching inspiring speakers and great events at Green Festival Thousands attended Saturday – think you missed all the fun? Come on down to the Navy Pier Hall A today and catch a packed day of great speakers, workshops, shopping and more. Start your Sunday at noon with a Eco-Fashion show presented by the students at Columbia College's Fashion Department. They have been working hard in their booth, creating one-of-a-kind outfits using recycled fabrics! Be sure to arrive in plenty of time to catch Democracy Now! host, Amy Goodman, at 1 pm, Marianne Williamson at 2 pm and John Perkins at 3 pm. Vote for a local Chicago nonprofit to receive the $5,000 Ford Community Green Grant, awarded today at 3pm in the Ford Pavilion. Bring the whole family for fun and engaging activities in the Green Kids Zone and take a free yoga class with Moksha at the Yoga and Motion Pavilion. Tickets are still available at the door! Check Out Great Activities, Speakers and Shopping! Democracy Now! Democracy Now! is an international, independent, daily news hour, hosted by award-winning journalists Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. The program airs on more than 900 television and radio stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in North America. Catch host, Amy Goodman on the Main Stage on Sunday, May 19 at 1pm. Clif Bar CLIF Kit's Organic is the vision of Kit Crawford, co-CEO of Clif Bar & Company, whose passion for organic farming and handcrafted food inspired this simply delicious fruit and nut bar. Made with just a handful of 100% organic ingredients CLIF Kit's Organic is USDA Certified Organic, soy free, gluten free and dairy free. Find the CLIF Bar booth for your free sample, or be one of the first 500 people to park your bike in the CLIF Bar Bike Valet and get a free bar. CHICAGO EVENT GUIDE Travel Book Hotel Newsletter Signup Volunteer Exhibitors Partners Event Guide   We'd love to connect with you! Find us on Facebook and use the hashtag #greenfest or @GreenFestival  to connect with us on Twitter! Free Admission from Clif Bar and the Chicago Food Depository Want a FREE Day Pass to Chicago Green Festival? Ride your bike to Navy Pier and use the Clif Bar Bike Valet to get your free Day Pass. If cycling isn't your thing, simply bring 3 cans of nonperishable food to donate to the Greater Food Depository of Chicago to score a FREE Day Pass too! Shop in the Nation's Largest Green Marketplace Find new products and services for you, your family, your school, office and more in the Green Marketplace! Sample organic foods and bodycare products, test the latest in renewable energy technologies, renew your style with this season's eco-fashion favorites, and find new sustainable and nontoxic products and decor for your home. Preview Exhibitors  follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 Green Festival, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in at our website, have registered at Green Festival, or have registered to exhibit at one or more Green Festivals.   Our mailing address is: Seven Star Events 191 Lyman Street, Suite 101 Asheville, NC 28801  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

What Benghazi is really about PART ONE Rising Economy

Last week on the front page of the USA today (below the fold...surprise!!) was this title:

Economists see advancing recovery 

despite the gridlock in Washington

Let's dissect this for just a moment:

1) Economic life is improving in the face of the sequester, the filibusters, the Republican posturing, foot-dragging and obfuscating.

2) Austerity and cuts (especially those that hurt the "little guys" with whom most of the Repubs are not acquainted) are not only not a good idea, they are a very BAD idea.

According to the authors of this article,  Paul Davidson and Barbara Hansen (5/13/13)

"Many top economist, including Federal Chairman Ben Bernanke, have urged delaying much of the belt-tightening until the economy is on more solid footing...An additional $40 billion in cuts next year will reduce 2014 economic growth by .3 percentage points, the CBO and Moddy's say."

3) EVEN SO, the economists expect growth to pick up in the fourth quarter.

ALL of which is bad news for the folks who have been bringing you disastrous predictions of dire economics ala "2016" since before they lost their main goal of keeping Obama a one term president.

So, Benghazi is as good a distraction as any. 

Don't pay any attention to these men behind the curtains. 

JUST DON'T.

In Case You Haven’t Heard

 Sandy's Lighthouse Edition

A Quote To Remember..."Let us disappoint the men who would raise themselves upon the ruin of our country." ~John Adams

 

DuPage Forest Officials Discover Scam

Two former administrators charged with scamming the DuPage County Forest Preserve District out of more than $150,000 avoided suspicion for years, officials say, until their loyalty to a vendor seeking a computer contract triggered an internal investigation so secret that only three district officials knew about it. Prompted by the findings of the forest preserve probe, law enforcement authorities conducted their own investigation for nearly 10 months before numerous counts of theft, conspiracy, accepting kickbacks, official misconduct and other charges were filed in September 2012 against Mark McDonald, 53, of Wheaton, and David Tepper, 49, of River Forest. Prosecutors have accused McDonald, the district's former information technology director, and Tepper, the district's former IT manager, of running two "elaborate" schemes over a six-year period. A co-defendant, Arif Mahmood — owner of the now-shuttered Alamach Technologies Inc. — is facing charges of conspiracy, theft, accepting kickbacks and official misconduct in connection with one of the schemes.

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130513/news/705139934/

 

“Pay China First Act”

Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement after voting against the "Pay China First Act": "Today I voted against yet another risky proposal the Republicans call the "Full Faith and Credit Act," but is more accurately called the "Pay China First Act." Despite its name, this bill – which has no chance of becoming law – would actually undermine the full faith and credit of the United States. It would create financial chaos for families, businesses and entire communities – continuing the Republican pattern of lurching from one self-inflicted crisis to another. …”

http://enewspf.com/latest-news/latest-local/42982-rep-schakowsky-voted-against-the-pay-china-first-act.html

 

Flood Disaster Aid – Approved

It’s official: the area is a genuine disaster. Naperville residents and others in DuPage and Will counties who sustained property damage in last month’s floods have received the go-ahead to apply for federal disaster assistance. The clearance resulted from President Barack Obama’s signing last week of a federal disaster declaration for 11 northern Illinois counties, including DuPage, Will, Kane and Kendall. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn submitted a request for the action Thursday, and Obama obliged the following day. The designation enables flood victims to apply for aid that includes grants for temporary housing, home repairs or replacement, and other expenses related to the disaster, as well as low-interest loans administered through the Small Business Administration, which are available to both residents and businesses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency administers the assistance program. Registration can be done online at www.disasterassistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-3362. Those with hearing and speech impediments should call 800-462-7585. …

http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/news/20083521-418/authorities-clear-the-way-for-flood-funds-to-flow.html

 

Watch out for the Huge Hula Hoop on I-88

WBEZ: Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory in west suburban Batavia has a very unusual shipment coming this summer: an electromagnetic ring so wide its journey will shut down whole highways. The ring, which looks like a huge hula-hoop, currently resides at Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island, where it’s been used to conduct high-level experiments on tiny subatomic particles called muons. “We use them to probe the basic underlying structure of particle physics,” said Chris Polly, a Fermilab physicist.  The journey to the western suburbs of Chicago this summer will begin with a barge trip down around the tip of Florida, through the Gulf of Mexico and up the Mississippi River to get to Chicago’s waterways. The ring will then get off the boat at Lemont Port to be transported to the Batavia lab using high-tech remote control carts. Between the carts, the ring and the entourage of police officers and scientists, the process is expected to shut down stretches of I-88 and I-355 overnight in July. The entire trip is about 3,200 miles. …

http://www.wbez.org/news/huge-magnetic-ring-coming-chicago%E2%80%99s-suburbs-long-road-107145?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wbeznews+%28WBEZ+News%29

 

Posted by Sandy Gresak . I’d like to thank Paul Sjordal for graciously allowing me to use articles from his newsletter.  If you would like to receive Pauls’ newsletter you can contact him at psjordal@yahoo.com

 

Duckworth Introduces Troop Talent Act 2013

A Message From Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth

About Me | Services | Contact Me

Connect with Me

 

Dear Neighbors,

UPCOMING EVENTS

Congressional Art Competition Reception: May 18 at 2 pm CT at the Arlington Green Executive Building, 2101 Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights Celebrate our district's talented high school artists!

The unemployment rate for Veterans who have served in the military since 2001 is nearly 10%. That number is simply unacceptable. Our Veterans deserve every opportunity to achieve the American Dream that they fought for.
That’s why I’ve recently introduced a new bill, called the Troop Talent Act of 2013, which will help our Veterans transition to civilian employment.
Right now, too many of our Veterans do not have the credentials they need for private sector jobs, even though they performed similar work in the military. This bipartisan bill would help align specialty skills acquired in the military with the civilian certifications or licenses required for post-service employment. It will also allow Military Tuition Assistance and the Post 9-11 GI Bill to be used on courses or programs required to obtain a credential or industry certification rather than a degree.
Members of our military who serve in positions such as truck drivers and medics should be able to earn credentials for similar roles in the private sector at the same time. This legislation will benefit our businesses too, because Veterans who have performed their duties under intense pressure serving our country will be invaluable to employers in need of talent.
51 Representatives and 8 Senators, from both parties, have signed on to support this legislation so far. I look forward to keeping you updated on this bill’s progress and my other efforts to grow our economy and put our Veterans – and all Americans – back to work. 
Do you have other suggestions for helping qualified applicants find jobs? Click here to share.
Sincerely,

Rep. Duckworth meeting with the National Association of Manufacturers to talk about supporting 8th district manufacturing.

Tammy Duckworth

Member of Congress
 
 

Give students same loan rates that we taxpayers give big banks

---

Stand with Elizabeth Warren Demand that students get the same low interest rates from taxpayers that big banks get.

DuPage County,
Right now, Wall Street banks that crashed our economy and cost millions of Americans their jobs get loans from taxpayers and pay only 0.75% interest.
Meanwhile, student loan interest rates are about to double from 3.4% to 6.8%. That's just wrong.
Senator Elizabeth Warren just introduced her first bill -- which gives students the same low interest rates that big banks get from taxpayers.
Can you stand with Elizabeth Warren? Sign the petition demanding that Congress pass Warren's "Bank on Students" Act.

---

Illinois Democrats should unite behind inspiring Governor

When Pat Quinn assumed the Illinois governorship on January 29, 2009, it was a nearly perfect choice for a critical time. Following the second consecutive Governor jailed on federal corruption charges, and the entire nation suffering economic meltdown, Quinn's 35 year career as political reformer, tireless champion for working people and squeaky clean advocate for effective government, was just what Illinois needed at that moment of crisis. And Quinn didn't disappoint. Even his harshest critic would concede Quinn righted the morally listing ship of state and has maintained that even keel for nearly four and a half years.

But that Job One, which he did splendidly, would not ensure his election to the Governorship outright just 21 months hence. Having spent his entire career both in and out of office doing good works for all Illinoisans such as spearheading the cost saving reduction in the size of the state legislature or helping create the Citizens Utility Board to protect consumers interests, Quinn hit the gubernatorial ground running. 

On the economic front he passed Illinois Jobs Now, the largest capital construction project ever, to upgrade roads, bridges and schools, and support creation of 400,000 jobs over six years. He doubled the Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit, providing the largest tax relief for working families in Illinois history. He signed the Illinois Dream Act.

A true "green" Governor, Quinn led a $1 billion Illinois Clean Water Initiative to overhaul Illinois' aging water infrastructure, creating thousands of jobs. He launched the Illinois Millennium Reserve, the largest open space project in the country, to improve public recreation in the Calumet region.

To fix the problem that brought on his tenure, Quinn passed and signed a new strong ethics code, enacted campaign contribution limits for the first time in Illinois history and abolished the much abused hundred year old political scholarship program.

A true friend to those whose rights are abridged or denied, Quinn strengthened women's' reproductive choice, championed family planning and access to reproductive health services, advocated tirelessly for marriage equality for gays, and finally achieved abolition of the death penalty.

Mindful of endless and senseless gun tragedies, Quinn proposed a ban on assault weapons and high capacity ammunition clips.

That aggressive program of plain ol' good governance did not go unnoticed by the electorate.
Pat Quinn confounded pundits by being elected governor outright in 2010 against a Republican tide that brought fellow Midwestern states Wisconsin and Ohio extreme, union busting and social safety net cutting governors who made their states a showcase of bad governance and job destruction.

But with election for a second full term just a year and a half away, speculation abounds concerning a Primary challenge from either former White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley or Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. That would be a mistake. A Primary challenge would surely split Illinois Democrats, leave the winner wounded and drain vitally needed campaign funds to defeat a tough GOP foe in the general election. The most likely challenger, Attorney General Madigan, would do well to consider second spot on the ticket as Quinn's running mate for Lt. Governor. A Quinn-Madigan ticket would be tough to beat. It would unite Illinois Democrats behind a formidable pair, provide Illinois with an outstanding person to step up to governorship if necessary, and provide Quinn and all Illinoisans with an equally tireless advocate to develop and implement a true People's Agenda. It would also make for a smooth transition to electing Illinois' first woman governor four years hence. 

Attorney General Lisa Madigan is one very smart person. Uniting all Illinois Democrats behind the Pat Quinn, who has proved repeatedly he deserves a second term, might just be the smartest move she could make, for herself and for all of Illinois.

TONIGHT! Please come support a man who turned the tide on genocide

Hotel Rwanda Event Tickets still available
 
We are pleased to announce that Mr. Paul Rusesabagina will be here in DuPage on Wednesday May 15 for a fundraiser for his foundation. Mr. Rusesabagina is the hotelier played by Don Cheadle in the movie “Hotel Rwanda". Paul is known for his humanitarian work in hiding 1,268 refugees during the Rwandan Genocide. He was the assistant manager of the Hotel des Mille Collines when he sheltered Tutsis and Hutus and prevented them from being slaughtered.

Sign up now to meet and hear Paul during his only visit to DuPage.

TONIGHT Wednesday, May 15
7:00 PM
King’s Hall Banquets
1000 N. Rohlwing Rd. (Rte 53)
Lombard, IL
(one light north of North Ave. on west side)

Ticket prices

$45 – Individual Ticket
Please bring your check made out to: H R R Foundation

Last minute questions, please call Bob Peickert at 630-421-2405

Everyday Socialism, American-Style, Is Happening Now

http://truth-out.org/news/item/16353-everyday-socialism-american-style-is-happening-now

*Prepare to have your mind blown by this article. In local particular, the comically-broken Illinois State pension system comes to mind upon reading this, but that's small potatoes overall. - Dan

#1 Country in the world?? Mothers think not.

We decided not to run this on Mothers' Day because we didn't want to kill anyone's buzz on such a beautiful Sunday however we didn't want to put it off forever as we need to face the truth.

The #1 place to be a mother in the world (some of the criteria: infant mortality, morbidity for mother in childbirth, survival of children past age 5, education of girls, general length of education) is not the United States.

Nor is #10.
Nor # 20.
Yep....we're in 30th place. 29 other countries lead us in all of these factors.

Here's the list:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/2013/05/07/jnj-best-places-world-mother_n_3195574.html?icid=hp_impact_gallery

If we started using just these criteria to make life in the US actually more livable, I think we could probably get people of all political stripes aboard!

Any ideas on how we could get this ball rolling. Tell us below in the comments.

Just What Money Can Do

Just What Money Can Do

 

A Quote To Remember... “As usual there is a great woman behind every idiot” John Lennon

 

 

(May 15) Hotel Rwanda Foundation Fundraiser 

 

Mr. Paul Rusesabagina will be here in DuPage on Wednesday May 15 for a fundraiser for his foundation at King’s Hall Banquets, 1000 N. Rohlwing Rd., Lombard, IL 60148 MAP, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  Mr. Rusesabagina is the hotelier played by Don Cheadle in the movie "Hotel Rwanda". Paul is known for his humanitarian work in hiding 1,268 refugees during the Rwandan Genocide. He was the assistant manager of the Hotel des Mille Collines when he sheltered Tutsis and Hutus and prevented them from being slaughtered. ALL proceeds will go to the HRR Foundation. Sign up below to meet and hear Paul during his only visit to DuPage. Register Now.

 

For more into contact: Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation, DPDC, WMOC, Rep Kathy Willis and ATDO 630-629-1125(DPDC office) info@hrrfoundation.org.  http://tinyurl.com/cas9cow

In Congo, a Force of Child-Soldiers Rises Up to Fight Rebels: A Rwandan militia has been terrorizing villagers for years. Some have fled to horrific conditions in the jungle, and their sons have taken up arms to fight back.

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/04/in-congo-a-force-of-child-soldiers-rises-up-to-fight-rebels/275425/

 

The climate of Capitalism by Robert Hunziker...

Capitalism, as a socio-economic system, has lifted the standard of living for untold millions of people all across the globe. It is the nuts and bolts of successful enterprise, bringing in its wake a middle class that enjoys a way of life that prior generations of parents and grandparents never realized, an automated lifestyle filled with gadgets and devices that bring comfort to everyday life like washing machines, automobiles, televisions, cell phones, refrigerators, and life-saving medical developments. And, just to think, who in 1912 would have predicted a person could walk out of their house in New York City in the morning and arrive in San Francisco for a business meeting that same day? There were no airports in 1912. All the same, capitalism, over time, has grown warts. This is because of an overzealous adherence to its very tenets, which are (1) private property (2) self interest (3) competition (4) market-based (5) economic freedom (6) consumer sovereignty and (7) laissez faire. And, as Adam Smith preached in The Wealth of Nations (1776), the invisible hand of the free market guides people to act in the public interest by following their own self-interest.

http://www.ukprogressive.co.uk/the-climate-of-capitalism/article22459.html

 

Hypocrites with Fat Wallets...

CEOs Want It All America’s top corporate executives love lecturing the rest of us about ‘fiscal responsibility.’ They want us to expect less from government. But they expect more, and a new report shows how they’re getting it. By Sam Pizzigati

http://inequality.org/hypocrites-fat-wallets-ceos/ 

 

60 Minutes and the Billionaire Agenda...

The old journalistic maximum said a good journalist had to answer five questions in every story: Who, what, when, where, and why? Of those, “why” is the most important questions of all. Without it, stories are more likely to misinform than inform. In this case, the misinformation seems deliberate. The intended message seems to be government can’t help us. We must militarize or cities and depend on the generosity of billionaires, or we don’t stand a chance. Three stories were aired Sunday night: Counterinsurgency Cops, Robin Hood, and Invisible Wounds. 

http://blog.ourfuture.org/20130506/60-minutes-and-the-billionaire-agenda-part-1-counterinsurgency-cops?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=60-minutes-and-the-billionaire-agenda-part-1-counterinsurgency-cops

 

Common Sense Commentary from Texan Populist Jim Hightower...

Hightower Lowdown, go to www.JimHightower.com.

 

 

Posted by Sandy Gresak

Information from a newsletter posted by Paul Sjordal. If you would like to receive a copy of Paul’s Newsletter you can contact him at: psjordal@yahoo.com