Deadline to register for Camp Wellstone is tomorrow. See if your answer to these questions is YES!

If you answer YES to any of these questions – CAMP WELLSTONE will help you SUCCEED!

 

SANDY’S LIGHTHOUSE

 

 

Definitions of Advocate: vigorously recommend or support or opposes something: Synonyms: believer, activist, campaigner, sponsor.

 

• Do you find yourself involved in an activity to improve lives, improve education, improve the environment or to build a stronger community?
• Do you find yourself described as someone who vigorously supports or opposes something, especially a political cause?
• Do you find you are passionate or a believer in what you’re supporting?

 

If you answer YES to just one of these questions, your community needs you to have an impact on public policy decisions. There are many ways you can Advocate - Speaking out, Being Informed, Engaging with your community, Raising awareness about the cause, or Telling the story of why this cause is important.

 

Camp Wellstone will teach you the WINNING way in a 2.5 day super-engaging crash course coming to Lombard August 9-11. Tuition includes WELLSTONE'S Exclusive materials and topnotch trainers, as well as dinner on Friday, continental breakfast & lunch both Saturday and Sunday with snacks throughout.

 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS TOMORROW, AUGUST 1

Time is running out to sign-up for this invigorating course. Sign up here today.

http://www.wellstone.org/events/camp-wellstone-illinois

 

You'll be glad you did!!

Sign Udall's Reform the Patriot Act petition.

	Hi Amy, These are the facts: The National Security Agency knows who you call, how long you talk to them, and when you make the call. Nearly two months ago the country learned that the NSA is vacuuming up the telephone records from millions of Americans. We must responsibly end the government’s dragnet phone records collection. As a member of the U.S. Senate's intelligence committee, I've said for many years that protecting our nation from terrorist attacks is of paramount importance. But I've also said that government overreach risks violating our constitutional rights to privacy and hasn’t proved indispensable in protecting our country from acts of terrorism. That's why I’m leading the effort in the Senate calling on the administration to cease its bulk collection of our phone records. Instead, the administration should follow the same investigative procedures as the FBI and local police — obtaining records through the phone company with a court warrant after showing a link to terrorism or espionage. Will you sign on as a citizen co-sponsor to my bill to require the NSA to demonstrate a link to terrorism or espionage before collecting an American’s phone records? Click here to join in. Last weekend myself and my colleague Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) penned a joint op-ed in The Washington Post — calling on the administration to end its bulk collection of Americans’ phone records. And on Sunday, I appeared on Face the Nation to continue my call for reform. We’re seeing support for reform grow significantly since I drafted legislation to narrow the focus of the government's program to collect Americans' phone records under the PATRIOT Act. And not just in the U.S. Senate. The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives came very close to passing legislation to limit the NSA phone collection program last week. There were votes on both sides of the aisle to rein in this overly-broad program. True bipartisanship. But we don’t have the votes yet to bring the necessary change to this program. We now need to build enough public support to reform the NSA’s program and urge more members of the House and the Senate to join our push to make the intelligence community more accountable. Please sign my petition and become a citizen co-sponsor to end the NSA’s bulk collecting of phone records. I applaud the President for saying he welcomes a discussion on this issue — balancing our nation’s security with our individual constitutional rights. As the conversation continues, it’s important to have your voice heard. Thanks for your support on this critical issue, Mark CONTRIBUTE

The Times they are a Changin' but YOU need to be ready for 'em . Camp Wellstone deadline ahead.

Please don't delay. SIGN UP here today for Camp Wellstone. You will learn more in one weekend than you have in years and with it will come a great sense of personal 

August 9-11 Lombard IL Call 630-699-5071 with ANY questions about CW

 POWER and ADVOCACY!

UPDATE: EXPAND Social Security

DuPage County,

With corporations cutting worker pensions, our grandparents and veterans need Social Security more -- not less.

Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman says we should increase them. Senators Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Mark Begich (D-Alaska) agree. Even better, they're doing something about it.

Can you sign our petition in support of Harkin and Begich's bills that would EXPAND Social Security benefits? Click here.

Sens. Harkin and Begich will be on MSNBC's Ed Show this Saturday at 5pm Eastern to discuss this bold proposal.

Unlike the president's proposal to cut Social Security benefits, Harkin and Begich would give a worker $452 more per year by age 75 and $807 more by age 85.

And they would make millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share by "scrapping the cap" on what wealthy people pay into Social Security. This would pay for the benefit expansion and extend Social Security's solvency for decades.

Can you sign the petition in favor of expanding Social Security benefits?

We're working directly with Senators Harkin and Begich to move these bills forward.

This petition and this weekend's Ed Show appearance are the first steps. Then come calls to Congress, local press conferences, and the release of poll numbers showing the popularity of this proposal.

It's time for progressives to play offense. That's what we're doing. Join the fight!

-- Stephanie Taylor, Adam Green, Kimberly Fountain, and the PCCC team

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Obama's Call to Action. DO one thing in August. Go to Camp Wellstone.

GO HERE to sign up for Camp Wellstone August 9-11 and honor President Obama's August Call to Action! 

Congresswoman Duckworth Herald's 23rd Anniversary of the ADA

An Important Anniversary For ADA

About Me | Services | Contact Me Connect with Me     Dear Neighbors,   Rep. Tammy Duckworth speaking at the Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities press conference in Washington. Today, on the 23rd anniversary of its passing, all Americans should acknowledge the victory the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides for people with disabilities and human rights in our country. In 1990, Senators Bob Dole and Edward Kennedy led a bipartisan coalition to help enact the ADA, which banned discrimination taking place against Americans with disabilities and provided them with newfound opportunities to live fulfilling and productive lives.   The ADA assists me in overcoming the obstacles that I face as a wounded Veteran and it has given me the opportunity to assist my fellow Veterans with disabilities. I would not be where I am today without it. I am forever thankful for this groundbreaking law because it has made America a stronger and more compassionate nation.   As we celebrate this important milestone, it is also important to look ahead and anticipate the work that must be done. Despite the victory the ADA provided for people with disabilities, it is important that we make sure it is fully implemented and that people with disabilities around the globe have similar protections. Another step forward would be for the U.S. Senate to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a treaty that would help guarantee access and protections worldwide. If the Senate passes this treaty, it would reaffirm the United States as a leader in the fight for equality for all disabled persons.   I also applaud the work of the National Council on Independent Living. They are advocating for social change, eliminating disability-based discrimination, and creating opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in the legislative process to affect change.   I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and all Americans to make sure that all people with disabilities are given the rights they deserve.  Sincerely, Tammy Duckworth Member of Congress

Why a 22 year old liberal, from what use to be one of the most conservative counties in the country, chose Camp Wellstone : Part III

by Carly Hanson

            

Camp Wellstone is not only for social organizers, it also invites those who would like to potentially run for office and those who would like to work or volunteer on a campaign. It provides them with the tools and resources one would need to be successful in each of these tasks. They focus on thing such as campaign planning, budgeting, writing, fundraising, canvassing, giving speeches, and how to manage a successful campaign.

            I, a liberal twenty-two year old female, who grew up in an extremely conservative area, has chosen Camp Wellstone to lead me into the next stage of my life. I know they will prepare me with the tools and resources needed to make the progressive changes that I want to spend the rest of my life pursuing. If you, like me, are looking for a way to begin following your dreams, as large and scary as they may be, you might want to start here. If you are interested in social organizing, working on a political campaign or even running for a political office, this is the best place to start. Take the first step in doing what you want to do for the rest of your life. I’ll see you there! Camp Wellstone, August 9-11 http://bit.ly/CWIllinois

Only about a week more to make the registration deadline.

If you can't go but want to hep someone who wants to but needs a little boost in the buckaroos, please go here
https://secure.actblue.com/page/campwellstone

Why a 22 year old liberal, from what use to be one of the most conservative counties in the country, chose Camp Wellstone : Part II

by Carly Hanson

            Camp Wellstone, coming to DuPage in just a few weeks, is a three day weekend event conducted by Wellstone Action, a non-profit organization that offers many different types of training camps and events that aim to teach citizens how to create progressive change. Wellstone Action holds about 100 Wellstone Camps across the country per year, and boasts around 30,000 alumni. Camp Wellstone offers three tracks to pick from: grassroots organizing, running for a political office, and working on a political campaign. I personally have chosen grassroots organizing, as I am interested to learn the tools of social organizing for progressive change.

            When I was taking a class on non-profit organizations, our professor stressed how important camps like these are for careers. He insisted that if we wanted to continue with social organizing, non-profit work, campaign work, etc, we must attended one of these camps. He explained many with careers in these paths are encouraged to attend a camp every few years, as there is always new information to be learned. As I want to continue on in social organizing and non-profit work, I knew this camp would provide me with the right tools for this career path.

If you are inspired to change something, anything, and make it a career that has meaning for you, JOIN ME at Camp Wellstone, August 9-11 http://bit.ly/CWIllinois

Why a 22 year old liberal, from what use to be one of the most conservative counties in the country, chose Camp Wellston: Part I

by Carly Hanson

            I grew up in a home where politics was regular conversation, as my father was an extremely passionate liberal. He would often wake me up in the middle of the night to listen to him debate on the radio. I was always enthralled when I got to listen, partly because he was on the radio, and partly because I could feel my passion for politics growing. He was always patient, explaining to me in the most simple way possible, as I was all of ten years old at the time. I remember him taking me to a Dupage Democrats booth at a Naperville festival and introducing me to everyone. His name was Mark Hanson and he was a member of the Dupage Democrats up until 2004 when he passed away from cancer. Perhaps you knew him.

            Now, nearly ten years later, my enthusiasm for politics has only grown. As cliche as it sounds, his passing inspired me to follow my dreams, no matter what they are, or how impractical they may seem because I experienced first-hand how fragile life is. Studying sociology has opened my eyes to the staggering amount of injustices that happen every day to people in this country. I want to stop these injustices, to make life better for others, to finish what he never got the chance to do. By becoming a social organizer, I feel that I’ll be able to do just that. Fortunately, I found the perfect way to take the first steps toward my dream in a program based on the dreams of one of my father’s favorite politicians, the late Paul Wellstone.

If you are inspired to change something, anything, and to do it with heart and purpose, JOIN ME at Camp Wellstone, August 9-11 http://bit.ly/CWIllinois

Invitation to "Hoola Hoop" with Fermi Lab.

Everyone is invited to celebrate it’s arrival atFermilab

 

SANDY’S LIGHTHOUSE

 

Quote to remember: "There are two sides to every experience, deciding which side to honor makes all the difference."~Paul E. Sjordal

 

As you know, I am fascinated with what I nicknamed the “Huge Hoola Hoop”. This 50 foot wide,15 ton electromagnet started it’s 3200 mile journey on June 22nd from New York. It then traveled through the Golf Coast and Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway through the Tennessee River through Kentucky to the Mississippi River entering Illinois. It then floated along the Illinois and Des Plaines Rivers then completed it’s journey by truck to it’s new home Fermilab in Batavia. 

 

On Friday, July 26th, Fermilab is inviting the public to celebrate it’s safe arrival and watch Emmert International, the company responsible for it’s relocation, move the magnet across Fermilab grounds. It begins at 5:30 at Wilson Hall. A group photo with the ring and all who are present will be taken around 7 p.m. For more information on this go to:

 

http://www.fnal.gov/pub/today/archive/archive_2013/today13-07-17.html or visit the Muon g-2 big move website for more information.

 

Sandy's Lighthouse Perfect Weekend Guide

SANDY’S LIGHTHOUSE

 

Looking for something special to do this weekend?

 

The weather is to be perfect this weekend. If you are looking for something to do outdoors with your family, other half or the best company I know...yourself-there is two events I think are worth checking out.

 

Saturday, July 20th-Chicagoland Automobile Trade Assoc. hosting USO BBQ for the TROOPS

 

On a mission to raise awareness and funds for local troops and their families, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) has enlisted its dealership members to host a USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraising event on Saturday, July 20. More than 50 dealerships representing more than 35 communities across Chicagoland will fire up the grill, offer "free" services, such as car washes, and collect donations to support the USO of Illinois. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised will support troops deployed and at home; military families; wounded, ill and injured troops as well as families of the fallen.

 

Go to: www.drivechicago.com for a complete list of participating dealers with links to their websites and Facebook pages.

 

Sunday July 21, Fire and Police Appreciation Day!

 

Jul 21 2013 - 11:00am - 7:00pm

 

COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

 

The Remembrance Rescue Project is a not-for-profit created by firefighters to restore, preserve and share Rescue 4 and Rescue 5 from 9/11 as educational tools, historical artifacts and memorials. The Project strives to keep the memories alive of those lost on September 11th and all firefighters killed in the line of duty every year. For further information on entry fees go to:http://www.arlingtonpark.com/calendar/fire-police-appreciation-day

 

No matter what your choice of events is this weekend...ENJOY!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A little of the Unusual

 

SANDY’S LIGHTHOUSE

 

I like to bring to you a little of the unusual, a bit of the important and sometimes just an overall fun fact.

 

Hoola-Hoop update....

 

As I promised. This is an update on what I call the Huge Hoola Hoop. This weekend the 50-foot-wide circular electromagnet finally arrives at FermiLab. If you can grab a glance I-355 and I-88 are just a few of the roads you may get a chance to see this phenomenal site. In case have not heard of this before, here’s some info...

 

For the past month, a 50-foot-wide circular electromagnet has been on a fantastic journey to Fermilab in Batavia. The magnet is moving from the Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York to Fermilab. On July 26, that voyage is expected to conclude, and Fermilab is planning a party for the public to celebrate its new acquisition. The magnet is the centerpiece of Fermilab’s new Muon g-2 experiment, which will study the properties of elusive subatomic particles called muons. The ring was built at Brookhaven National Laboratory in the 1990s for a similar experiment. Moving the ring from New York to Illinois costs roughly 10 times less than building a new one. So the magnet, essentially three rings of aluminum with superconducting coils inside, has spent the last few weeks on a barge, heading down the east coast, around the tip of Florida, into the Gulf of Mexico and then up a series of rivers toward Lemont. It’s been a tricky voyage, because the 17-ton ring cannot be taken apart, or twisted more than a few degrees without irreparably damaging the coils inside. The ring is expected to arrive in Lemont this weekend, and will be moved from the barge to a specially adapted truck, which will drive it along interstate routes and through suburban streets to Fermilab July 23 to 25. The ring will move at night, using rolling roadblocks to close off intersections, and will utilize portions of Interstate 355 and Interstate 88, along with a series of local roads.…

http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/news/21381233-418/giant-elecromagnets-journey-to-end-next-week-at-fermilab.html

 

Just a few things the Governor has been doing...

 

Governor Quinn Announces 44 Community Organizations to Drive Affordable Care Act Outreach and Enrollment

Health Insurance Marketplace Recruits Community Organizations Across Illinois to Educate the Public on Health Care Options

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Support Minority- and Female-Owned Businesses

New Law Will Help Firms Equally Compete for State Construction and Business Contracts

Governor Quinn Launches $475 Million Circle Interchange Construction Project

Work Will Create Thousands of Jobs Rebuilding Nation’s Most Congested Interchange, Reducing Traffic Delays by 50 Percent and Saving 1.6 Million Gallons of Gas

Governor Quinn Suspends Pay to Illinois Representatives and Senators

After General Assembly Fails Yet Again to Pass Comprehensive Pension Reform, Governor Vetoes Out Legislative Salaries and Stipends

To read more go to:  www.illinois.gov

 

Other points of interest....

 

Sheila Simon Challenges Judy Baar Topinka For Illinois Comptroller

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/17/sheila-simon-judy-baar-topinka_n_3612482.html

Miller: Pension Committee to look at “incomplete” numbers

http://capitolfax.com/2013/07/17/pension-committee-to-look-at-incomplete-numbers/

Thinking Green: Naperville Area Sustainability Groups http://www.meetup.com/Naperville-Area-Sustainability-Group

 

What happened today in 1936...

 

The first Oscar Meyer Wienermobile rolled out of General Body Company’s factory in Chicago, IL

http://www.american-history-fun-facts.com/what-happened-today-in-history.html

 

Please listen to your body during this hot weather. Stay hydrated and cool!

 

I’d like to thank Paul Sjordal for allowing me to share from his fantastic newsletter. If you would like to receive a copy of Paul’s newsletter you may contact him at: psjordal@yahoo.com

 

 

How we Can Honor the American Tragedy of Trayvon

“The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy. Not just for his family, or for any one community, but for America. I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher. But we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken. I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son. And as we do, we should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to widen the circle of compassion and understanding in our own communities. We should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis. We should ask ourselves, as individuals and as a society, how we can prevent future tragedies like this. As citizens, that’s a job for all of us. That’s the way to honor Trayvon Martin.” -- 
President Barack Obama

This video about Camp Wellstone will have you registering in a heart beat!

See you all on August 9th!

Breaking News. NO MADIGAN in GOV Race

Madigan takes on 4th Term as AG

By Monique Garcia and Rick Pearson Tribune reporters

5:16 p.m. CDT, July 15, 2013

Attorney General Lisa Madigan on Monday announced she would seek a fourth term in office, ending months of speculation about whether she would seek to challenge Gov. Pat Quinn in the Democratic primary.
The Democratic attorney general cited her father, powerful House Speaker Michael Madigan, as a main reason for not seeking the governor's office.
"I considered running for governor because of the need for effective management from that office and the frustration so many of us feel about the current lack of progress on critical issues facing Illinois," Madigan said in a statement. "Ultimately, however, there has always been another consideration that impacts my decision. I feel strongly that the state would not be well served by having a governor and speaker of the House from the same family and have never planned to run for governor if that would be the case. With Speaker Madigan planning to continue in office, I will not run for governor."
READ MORE

Daniel Dolan-Laughlin, Wheaton Resident, Honored at White House

Wheaton Resident Honored

 at the White House

 

SANDY’S LIGHTHOUSE

http://www.whitehouse.gov/champions

 

A year and a half ago, Wheaton resident Daniel Dolan-Laughlin was given two or three days to live. On Tuesday morning, the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease survivor and double-lung transplant recipient was honored at the White House for his volunteer efforts. Dolan-Laughlin, a retired railroad executive and American Lung Association volunteer, was one of 11 people honored as "Champions of Change" who are working on the front lines to protect public health in a changing climate. "I've supported cleaner air and efforts to clean up the air for five or six years," he said. "It was not until my near tragedy and comeback that I decided to do what I could to give back to the American Lung Association in any way I could." Dolan-Laughlin has since given testimony in Environmental Protection Agency hearings regarding power plant pollution and automobile tailpipe emissions. He also volunteers to meet with government officials in support of stronger clean air regulations and regularly leads lung association "Better Breathers Club" meetings to help others cope with COPD. "We call on politicians and advocate for the hundreds of thousands of people who don't get a chance to plead for their cause," he said. "I try to be their voice." The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature groups of Americans — individuals, businesses and organizations — who are doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities. Dolan-Laughlin, honored and humbled by his selection, called the assembly of "champions" a powerful group.

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130709/news/707099667/

 

I’d like to thank Paul Sjordal for allowing me to use pieces from his newsletter. If you would like to receive a copy of Paul’s newsletter you can contact him at: psjordal@yahoo.com

 

10 weird renewable energy sources

 

10 weird renewable energy sources                                                                                      Alternatives to fossil fuels don’t stop at wind and solar...

 

Putting the 'new' in renewable

http://money.msn.com/investing/10-weird-renewable-energy-sources

Alright Already!! Enough Complaining about Glass-Steagall. Support a new Act.

---

We learned during the 2008 financial crisis that Wall Street is not just taking risks with their own money -- they are taking risks with the whole economy.

A new Glass-Steagall would separate high-risk investment banks from more traditional banking. It would allow Wall Street to take risks, but not by dipping into the life savings and retirement accounts of regular people.

And by making banks smaller, a new Glass-Steagall could also help put an end to banks that are "too big to fail" -- further avoiding costly taxpayer bailouts.
Please help us pass a new Glass-Steagall Act. Join the fight here.
I've already talked about this petition on MSNBC, and I'll keep my Senate colleagues informed of the growing public support for this reform.
By mobilizing people across the nation, we can get this done.

Thank you,
Senator Elizabeth Warren

Overturning CItizens United One CItizen at a time...ATTEND THIS IMPORTANT MEETING 7/25

They’re Buying Our Government

Two weeks from tonight

On Thursday, July 25, The Democratic Party of Milton Township will present a discussion focused on the influx of enormous sums of money into politics.  We’ll learn about the strange path of Supreme Court decisions that allowed that to happen and the corrosive effect on democracy.  Finally, we’ll learn about efforts to bring better balance to campaign financing.

Jack Altschuler, leadership workshop and keynote speaker for Fully Alive LeadershipÓ, will present:

-       The history of the increasing political power of wealthy corporations and individuals

-       A summary of legislation passed to control the buying of votes and influence by big-money interests

-       Court rulings giving corporations the same status as individual citizens and the adverse impact that has on democracy

-       Activities in Illinois and other states to level the political playing field for all citizens

-       What we can do

The meeting starts at 7:15 at the Wheaton Community Center, 1777 Blanchard Road, Wheaton, IL

Dustin Hoffman tells how he was brainwashed about women

http://amazingsusansblog.wordpress.com/2013/07/11/i-had-forgotten-all-about-tootsie-until-today/

Fun Fact about Our Women in Congress

A Fun Fact about female Members of Congress 

 

SANDY’S LIGHTHOUSE | By Sandy Gresak

 

 

Bi-partisan Members of Congress take to the field...

http://www.democrats.org

 

 

A bi-partisan group of women Members of Congress take the field against the the women of the DC Press Corps. The Congressional Women’s Softball Game is organized by volunteers that make up the CWSG Organizing Committee. .  The Women’s Softball Game benefits the Young Survival Coalition - YSC. This is a global organization that helps young woman with breast cancer. They help young women when faced with this diagnosis. YSC is where women can go to find support, resources, connections and outreach to help them through their treatments and lives.

 

This year, the fifth annual Women’s Congressional Softball Game game was on June 26th. Both Congressional and Women of the DC Press Corp have wins under their belts. This year’s Congressional Women’s Softball Game captains were:

• Members of Congress Team: Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), who is a young breast cancer survivor.
• DC Press Corps (aka Bad News Babes): Dana Bash, CNN*; Carrie Budoff Brown, Politico*; Brianna Keiler, CNN; Abby Livingston, CQ Roll Call and Amy Walter, Cook Political Report.

If you are going to be in the DC area next year and would like to take in a very special game-go to  http://www.congwomensoftball.org

 

 

Imagine being able to light your fracking tap water on fire

Imagine being able to light your  tap water on fire.

That's a reality right now in communities across the country as the fossil fuel industry pushes our country into an all-out—and dangerous—"fracking" boom.¹

Want to learn more about fracking and how to stop it? We've teamed up with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Josh Fox for a fun, informative, and sobering nationwide event to watch his new HBO documentary Gasland Part II on Sunday, July 14, and you can have a front row seat—in your own living room!

Fracking for gas and oil has been linked to water so contaminated that it catches fire, illness in residential neighborhoods, unusual earthquakes, dead livestock, and tanking property values. And the methane released by fracking is a far more potent global warming gas than carbon dioxide.²

The hopeful news is that MoveOn members are fighting back—and Gasland Part II gives us a powerful new weapon to grow our grassroots movement. That's why hundreds of MoveOn members are signing up to host a Gasland Part II Movie Party on Sunday, July 14.

Hosting a movie screening is easy and very rewarding. We'll provide a host guide with special materials, we'll help you recruit MoveOn members in your area to attend, and we'll invite you to join director Josh Fox and thousands of other MoveOn members for a special briefing after we view the film together. Because the film is only available right now on HBO, you'll need an HBO subscription—or a friend with HBO—to host a movie night. If you don't have HBO, we may be able to match you up with a MoveOn member near you who does.

Will you sign up to host a Gasland Part II Movie Party in Lombard on Sunday, July 14?

Yes, I'd like to host a Gasland Part II Movie Party.

I don't have access to HBO, but I'd like to sign a petition to stop fracking on public lands. 

Made in America vs. American Made: Sandy's Lighthouse

“Made in America”

SANDY’S LIGHTHOUSE | By Sandy Gresak

Quote to Remember...How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ~Anne Frank

I decided to do this as a follow-up to the piece “ Buy American today and as often as you can” posted July 4th. For myself, I know I learn continuously why it is important to buy “Made in America”. My interest grew even more when I learned of how American products help throughout the world. I don’t like to admit, how little I thought I knew more of.

Made in America vs. American Made...

If you were given the choice to buy an item “Made in America” vs. “American Made”, which would you choose?

According to a new nationally representative survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, 78 percent of American consumers would rather buy the American product, if the choice was between made in the U.S. or an identical one made abroad.

80 percent of these consumers cited reasons of retaining manufacturing jobs and keeping American manufacturing strong in this global economy. (Made in America);  60 percent had concerns of child workers or cheap labor overseas. (American Made)

How do I know what is Made in America?

Except for cars, woolens, textiles and furs are required by law to let the consumer know their American heritage. If any manufacturer decides to indicate an American connection, they must comply with the federal rules designed to keep consumers from being mislead. This study showed consumers are very confused by the labeling.

To read more on this study go to: http://ConsumerReports.org

Where can I buy “Made in America”?

If you are looking for companies that sell the “Made in America” item, go to the following website. I think you will find it about as imformative as it gets.  http://americansworking.com

How does buying American fight world hunger?

In 2006 model and activist Laureen Bush, designed a reversible burlap bag and organic cotton bag, known as the FEED 1 bag, to help the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) School Feeding program.  In 2007, FEED Project LLC was founded by Lauren Bosh and Ellen Gustafson. The labels are stamped “FEED the children of the world” and a number to designate the number of meals it supplies by purchasing that item. Presently we have a chain that is selling the FEED project items. For more info go to: http://www.feedprojects.com

After reading this – If you were given the choice to buy “Made in America” or “American Made” which would you choose?

Classy Guv hits DuPage County for the 4th

Congratulations to all of our fine Democrats who marched throughout the county and throughout the weekend. Here is a shot of our group lining up in Glen Ellyn on the 4th. (for more about Gov Quinn's latest action read the blog below by contributor Walt Zlotow)

Class Act by a classy Governor: Contributor Walt Zlotow

Class veto by a class Governor

Every Illinoisan should listen to or read Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's veto of HB 183, Illinois' Carry and Conceal law, and be proud we have a genuine, decent and courageous Governor who does the peoples' business.

One reason Gov. Quinn doesn't have a high approval rating is that instead of pandering to a fickle, shallow and self centered electorate, he quietly does the right thing for the right reason at the right time.  His amendatory veto of HB 183 is a perfect example. This is a flawed bill which not only does nothing to improve the quality of life for a single Illinoisan, it makes it worse. It was passed for the simple reasons that a federal appeals court requires some form of a totally unnecessary carry and conceal law to put Illinois in compliance with the other 49 states, and to placate the NRA and their fanatical followers who think carry and conceal will make them safe. Unfortunately, the Illinois legislature rolled over so the NRA could have their way with senators and representatives to produce a bad bill crying out for a good Governor to veto it. Quinn didn't disappoint and was never so eloquent when he pointed out: 1. HB 183 must be amended to prohibit people from carrying guns into establishments serving alcohol. Quinn is right on when he says guns and alcohol don't mix.
2. HB 183 strips authority of home rule governments to ban assault weapons.
3. HB 183 allows guns to be carried into businesses if there is no sign posted prohibiting guns, when the legal presumption should be that no person can bring a gun onto private property without being given express permission.
4. HB 183 infringes on an employer's ability to ensure a safe, secure work place by prohibiting the carrying of guns into the workplace.
5. HB 183 allows multiple guns and unlimited ammunition clips to be carried and concealed. Quinn demands just one gun and one 10 round maximum clip.
6. HB 183 lacks clarity in requiring mental health reporting designed to keep guns from being acquired by the mentally unstable. 
7. HB 183 defines "concealed firearm" with the phrase "mostly concealed". This puts Illinois on the road to an open carry policy in Illinois.
8. HB 183 exempts the meetings and records of the Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board from the Open Meetings and Freedom of Information Acts. If any subject should be open to the light of transparency, it is the deadly business of carried and concealed firearms.  
9. HB 183 does not require a person carrying a concealed firearm from immediately disclosing same if asked by a law enforcement officer. That puts every law enforcement officer at unacceptable risk.

Whether Illinois legislators were trolling for NRA campaign contributions or simply buckling under NRA intimidation tactics is irrelevant. What is relevant is that there may not be another public servant extant besides good Governor Quinn to use the Veto Pen as the Founding Fathers intended. Bravo, Mr. Governor.

 

Find Walt at http://heartlandprogressive.blogspot.com/