Since 1926 not one woman has been elected to the NSAA Board of Control. Unqualified? Dr. Jim Tenopir, Executive Director of the NSAA, gave testimony before the Legislature's Education Committee in Lincoln 23 October 2009.
Read the Education Committee's transcript here.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Valentine meeting January 2010
Hello my fellow Democrats. Has I promised at the Alliance meeting I would give you an up date on scheduling for the Third District Democrats first 2010 meeting which will be held in Valentine. The meeting will take place on Saturday January 30,2010. It will be held at the meeting room of Cedar Canyon restaurant. The restaurant will also take care of the meal. We get to use the meeting room free of Charge. Many people have asked me about the agenda. I am working on getting speakers and work shops set up. We have two semi conformed. I won't announce who they are;until they are 100% tied down. Many of you have sent in suggestions for many speakers. Thank you for doing so. Please keep it up. I have contacted every person you have suggested. Some can't come. Some cost a tremendous amount of money from the cheapest of 500.00$ to the most expensive of 30,000 $. WOW! If you want those speakers please find me the funds to pay for them. The two most asked about speakers are Senator Ben Nelson and Congressman Tim Walz. Both have been contacted. Both I believe want to come. It is a matter of scheduling . Hopefully we will hear soon from them about their availability. If any of you at any time wish to talk to me about this meeting please contact me. anbpettigrew@msn.com or 402-376-1708, 402-322-0227. Bud Pettigrew NDP Chair of Chairs.
Just a quick up date. Senator Nelson emailed today. He will not be able to come to the meeting. He is scheduled to go somewhere else.
Just a quick up date. Senator Nelson emailed today. He will not be able to come to the meeting. He is scheduled to go somewhere else.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
NDP State Central Committee passes two important resolutions
Nebraska Democratic Party State Central Committee
Supports a Public Option
Lincoln, NE--- The Nebraska Democratic Party’s Central Committee weighed into the Health Care Reform debate with a nearly unanimous vote to support a Public Option.
The action took place Saturday at the Central Committee Meeting in Fort Omaha Metro Community College.
The Nebraska Democrats' resolution is set forth below.
Public Option Resolution
WHEREAS, the heath care system of the United States is in crisis, with almost fifty million Americans lacking any health insurance, tens of millions more lacking adequate coverage, and millions more who do have private coverage paying increasingly unaffordable premiums, resulting in inadequate access to care and premature death, illness, or financial ruin for millions of Americans; and
WHEREAS, public polls show that a majority of Americans want health care reform to offer the choice of a robust public option in order to inject real competition into the marketplace and, in the words of President Obama, “keep the insurance companies honest:” and
WHEREAS, some in the healthcare insurance industry and their allies have organized and funded groups of extremists to disrupt efforts on the part of the majority and administration to discuss the issue with the American people reasonably, and have demonstrated an unwillingness to compromise in any way to pass meaningful health care reform;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Nebraska Democratic Party urge our members of Congress to vote for such health care reform proposals that contain a robust public option at all stages of the legislative process including conference and reconciliation, and encourage legislators to pass such reform;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Nebraska Democratic Party shall send a copy of this resolution to all members of Congress who represent any of our members.
Nebrask Democratic Party State Central Committee Unanimously
Condemns Status at Beatrice State Developmental Center
Lincoln, NE--- The Nebraska Democratic Party’s Central Committee unanimously adopted a strongly worded resolution condemning the situation at the Beatrice State Developmental Center. The action took place Saturday at the Central Committee in Fort Omaha Metro Community College.
The Nebraska Democrats called for the Beatrice State Developmental Center to become re-certified for Federal Medicaid funds and to comply with the July 2008 Settlement Agreement with the Department of Justice.
The Resolution emphasized that the neglect and miss-management will cost Nebraska taxpayers $56 million dollars. Last month, the State lost its appeal. It will take at least two years to get re-certified
“Heineman is personally and directly responsible for the gross mismanagement of the BSDC,” said State Chair Vic Covalt. “He signed the Settlement Agreement to protect the patients down there, yet more deaths have occurred. Heineman is a bad governor who continues to fail our most needy citizens and all Nebraska taxpayers.”
The resolution also called for criminal investigations of significant incidences of neglect and abuse of the Developmentally Disabled.
The State entered the settlement agreement after a Department of Justice Lawsuit was filed alleging the conditions at BSDC unconstitutionally violated the Individual rights of patients.
The latest Expert Report filed last week in Court states that there is still much to be done to restore BSDC to the fine institution it was before Johanns and Heineman became governors.
Supports a Public Option
Lincoln, NE--- The Nebraska Democratic Party’s Central Committee weighed into the Health Care Reform debate with a nearly unanimous vote to support a Public Option.
The action took place Saturday at the Central Committee Meeting in Fort Omaha Metro Community College.
The Nebraska Democrats' resolution is set forth below.
Public Option Resolution
WHEREAS, the heath care system of the United States is in crisis, with almost fifty million Americans lacking any health insurance, tens of millions more lacking adequate coverage, and millions more who do have private coverage paying increasingly unaffordable premiums, resulting in inadequate access to care and premature death, illness, or financial ruin for millions of Americans; and
WHEREAS, public polls show that a majority of Americans want health care reform to offer the choice of a robust public option in order to inject real competition into the marketplace and, in the words of President Obama, “keep the insurance companies honest:” and
WHEREAS, some in the healthcare insurance industry and their allies have organized and funded groups of extremists to disrupt efforts on the part of the majority and administration to discuss the issue with the American people reasonably, and have demonstrated an unwillingness to compromise in any way to pass meaningful health care reform;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Nebraska Democratic Party urge our members of Congress to vote for such health care reform proposals that contain a robust public option at all stages of the legislative process including conference and reconciliation, and encourage legislators to pass such reform;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Nebraska Democratic Party shall send a copy of this resolution to all members of Congress who represent any of our members.
Nebrask Democratic Party State Central Committee Unanimously
Condemns Status at Beatrice State Developmental Center
Lincoln, NE--- The Nebraska Democratic Party’s Central Committee unanimously adopted a strongly worded resolution condemning the situation at the Beatrice State Developmental Center. The action took place Saturday at the Central Committee in Fort Omaha Metro Community College.
The Nebraska Democrats called for the Beatrice State Developmental Center to become re-certified for Federal Medicaid funds and to comply with the July 2008 Settlement Agreement with the Department of Justice.
The Resolution emphasized that the neglect and miss-management will cost Nebraska taxpayers $56 million dollars. Last month, the State lost its appeal. It will take at least two years to get re-certified
“Heineman is personally and directly responsible for the gross mismanagement of the BSDC,” said State Chair Vic Covalt. “He signed the Settlement Agreement to protect the patients down there, yet more deaths have occurred. Heineman is a bad governor who continues to fail our most needy citizens and all Nebraska taxpayers.”
The resolution also called for criminal investigations of significant incidences of neglect and abuse of the Developmentally Disabled.
The State entered the settlement agreement after a Department of Justice Lawsuit was filed alleging the conditions at BSDC unconstitutionally violated the Individual rights of patients.
The latest Expert Report filed last week in Court states that there is still much to be done to restore BSDC to the fine institution it was before Johanns and Heineman became governors.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Bahensky, Havelka elected CD3 leaders
Howard County Chair, Marion Bahensky, and Platte County Chair, Tom Havelka, were elected to the positions of Chair and Associate Chair by the 3rd CD Caucus at the Nebraska Democratic Party State Central Committee meeting in Omaha on Saturday, Oct. 3rd. The two replace Lisa Hannah and Brian Osborn at the helm of the 3rd CD Organization. Hannah and Osborn resigned from their positions during the CD3 Caucus at the past NDP SCC meeting, held in June, in a deal brokered by NDP State Chair, Vic Covalt.
According to the CDO3 Bylaws, accepted at the CDO3 meeting in McCook last June, Bahensky and Havelka will share the duties of leading the 3rd CD Organization with equal authority. Ms. Bahensky, currently also the Treasurer of the CDO3, has indicated that she intends to continue to hold the office of CDO3 Treasurer until her replacement is elected at the next CDO3 meeting, to be held in Valentine in 2010.
According to the CDO3 Bylaws, accepted at the CDO3 meeting in McCook last June, Bahensky and Havelka will share the duties of leading the 3rd CD Organization with equal authority. Ms. Bahensky, currently also the Treasurer of the CDO3, has indicated that she intends to continue to hold the office of CDO3 Treasurer until her replacement is elected at the next CDO3 meeting, to be held in Valentine in 2010.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Turn Coats
Jim Esich is now an Independent, not a Democrat. If he really wanted to change the party and do all the things he said he would do, when he was a candidate of the Democratic Party, he would not have became a turn coat. Living in the Third District I like most of the readers of this blog knows how hard it is to be a Democrat. Attacking Democrats to defend turn coats and making fun of the few success that our party has had does not make any sense to me. Especially when it cost the 3 CDO money, that could have been used to build our organization in a more positive and stronger matter. I believe in the idea of freedom of speech. So I will not take that idea from any one; no matter if I agree or not. But people outside the door should not shut the door on those inside and make it harder for them to do the jobs they were chosen by the party to do. People who don't live in the Third District may find this hard to believe , but the Third District leadership and members want to elect REAL Democrats to has many positions as possible. The Old saying money makes the world go around is true in the Third District just like the rest of the world. The Third District has the worst Congressman in the House of Representatives. We want him out and that will take a lot of work and funds. So with our next meeting coming up in a month in Alliance lets start working today to build a better organization
Introspection
I have often called for us Democrats in Nebraska to raise our voices and question what is wrong with our party - why it is that we fail to get Democrats elected almost anywhere but in Lincoln and Omaha. We recently lost one of our 3rd CD representatives to the SCC to the Republican Party. Yesterday, Jim Esch, the CD2 candidate for Congress in 2006 and 2008 left our party. It is time to ask WHY? It is time for us to ask ourselves, as Democrats, who are we, where are we going, and how do we want to get there?
Today I received a very thought provoking email from another good Nebraska Democrat. I like that his analysis reaches into the historical perspective to ascertain what has gone wrong, and what we need to do in order to fix it. I welcome everyone to participate in this discussion, I heartily encourage it. For by sitting on our hands, playing follow the leader, and continuing the path we've been on will guarantee us the same results we've been achieving.
Brian T. Osborn - Chair, Phelps County Democrats
The email I received:
We've often remarked on how the NDP is dysfunctional. As W. Don Nelson likes to say, "beyond dysfunctional." If you accept the premise that a political organization justifies its existence in a democracy by electing its candidates to public office, then the performance of the NDP over the last dozen or so years puts it in the first or second percentile out of the 100+ state organizations in this country.
You can't do that poorly unless there are many serious problems. In fact, it is extremely difficult to have enough problems to fail so spectacularly in accomplishing goals.
But if I had to reduce the problems of the NDP to just one or two fatal flaws, absolute obstacles that prevent success, I would point to the following:
1- In 1960, the Kennedy campaign inaugurated the "battleground states" strategy, the concept that focusing resources on states that were easier to win and ignoring the states that are problematic, was a great way to leverage time and money in a campaign (Nixon, by contrast, campaigned in all fifty states). It worked spectacularly. Although Kennedy barely won the popular vote, he racked up a huge win in the electoral college. Back then, the Democrats had the solid South and could squeeze out the big population Northern states to create landslide potential, bypassing states (like Nebraska) that had the lowest ROI (return on investment). While Kennedy was salting away the presidency, my cousin was being pushed out as the last Democrat to win in the West.
That's the same thing the NDP does. They are derisively characterized as CREOL (Committee to Reelect in Omaha and Lincoln) because they put all their resources into the two population centers -- the low-hanging fruit -- to create a strategy that results in a Tale of Two Cities.
But there are two things wrong with this approach. In the first place, the "battleground" strategy is an electoral college strategy, not a strategy to win the popular vote. Nebraska elections are decided by the popular vote, not by winning just winner-take-all population centers. If the CDs were winner-take-all, like the states in the electoral college, Nebraska's strategy would make sense. But it's not, it's popular vote that counts, and the strategy of conceding 91 rural counties -- essentially half the state -- does not and never will work. The NDP will never win statewide elections until it becomes a statewide party.
Incidentally, Howard Dean showed another flaw in the "battleground states" strategy. It turns out that the lack of attention to some states creates a solid block for the only party that campaigns there. This was not as clear when the South was solid Democratic, but when the South changed parties after the 1964 Civil Rights Act, it became clearer. Howard Dean recognized that in 2004 and began to reform the national Democratic Party to adopt a full fifty-state program -- and the dramatic turnaround in 2006 and 2008 proved that his approach was correct. The "battleground" strategy has been shown to be a short-term strategy that has long-term deleterious consequences. The same in true at the state level. Winning in Lincoln and Omaha cannot in the long-run produce results at the state level -- we need a 93-county strategy (a real one, not a DINO one).
Interestingly, wizards like Achelpohl, who stood to benefit from the fifty-state strategy, were outspoken advocates for that approach at the national level. But Achelpoh never had the brains or insight to realize that what he was so in favor of at the national level, because it generated resources for Nebraska, had a state-level analogue. He just didn't get it.
2- You cannot build a Democratic Party -- a true opposition party -- when the leader of the party finds it inimical to his self-interest to have a Democratic alternative in the state. Ben Nelson calls all the shots. Vic Covalt and Vince Powers work for him. And it is not in his self-interest to have an energized and activist Democratic base, because it is contrary to his electoral strategy.
Nelson's campaign plan is to nail down the Democrats -- as the Party used to take the Solid South for granted -- and then work to win enough Republican and Independent vote to give him a majority. As Don Nelson, his campaign guru, liked to express it, Nelson's battle plan is to get all the Democrats, most of the Independents, and 1/3 of the Republicans. To do that, he will have to go as far to the right as he needs to go to get votes from the cons.
From Nelson's point of view, this strategy has proved to be extremely effective. In 1996, when he was still Governor and extremely popular in Nebraska, he had his drain pan handed to him by Chuck Hagel in his first run for the seat in the Senate vacated by Democratic Senator Exon. In 2000, he ran against Don Stenburg, the AG, (a pretty weak candidate) and won by the razor-thin margin of 10K votes. In 2006, he ran against the well-funded conservative Pete Ricketts, who defeated Stenburg in the primary and then spent $19 million. He started the race up thirty points, won the race by thirty points (and never endorsed a single Democratic candidate). If you look at it strictly from Nelson's point of view, things could not be working better.
The price we pay is suppression of the Democratic base. There has to be a cohesive and uniform subservience of the Dems to the man who supported and voted with George Bush more than any other Democrat in the United States. If there was a vigorous debate in the NDP, there might be a primary challenger than would force Nelson to adopt positions closer to the national party, and this shift would cost him votes in the general against a Republican. His game plan does not want that problem, and the result is that grassroots activism -- the enthusiasm of the base -- is rigorously suppressed.
The effect of putting a lid on Democratic activism is that the entire party, except for Nelson, is completely enervated. All the oxygen is sucked out of the room. You see that in so many ways, not the least of which is the destruction visited on other Democratic candidates (Esch, Hahn, Kleeb) who complain bitterly about their second-class treatment. For example, in 2006, when Nelson was running the so-called combined campaign and Esch was struggling to compete against Terry in CD2, the Party spent most of its money on the DA race in Douglas County -- $20,000. If this had been spent on radio ads for Esch . . . ? No NDP money was given to Kleeb, Hahn or Esch.
If the candidates feel like they are getting screwed -- and they are -- then is it any wonder we have no recruitment? They can see, or at least sense, what is happening. They have no chance to win. This is not a political party, like the one they have in Iowa for example (where the Righties are at least as far out as the cons in Nebraska -- hell, we don't have anyone as far right as Steve King, yet in Iowa they passed a bill permitting gay marriage).
It's a cult of personality, not a political party.
Today I received a very thought provoking email from another good Nebraska Democrat. I like that his analysis reaches into the historical perspective to ascertain what has gone wrong, and what we need to do in order to fix it. I welcome everyone to participate in this discussion, I heartily encourage it. For by sitting on our hands, playing follow the leader, and continuing the path we've been on will guarantee us the same results we've been achieving.
Brian T. Osborn - Chair, Phelps County Democrats
The email I received:
We've often remarked on how the NDP is dysfunctional. As W. Don Nelson likes to say, "beyond dysfunctional." If you accept the premise that a political organization justifies its existence in a democracy by electing its candidates to public office, then the performance of the NDP over the last dozen or so years puts it in the first or second percentile out of the 100+ state organizations in this country.
You can't do that poorly unless there are many serious problems. In fact, it is extremely difficult to have enough problems to fail so spectacularly in accomplishing goals.
But if I had to reduce the problems of the NDP to just one or two fatal flaws, absolute obstacles that prevent success, I would point to the following:
1- In 1960, the Kennedy campaign inaugurated the "battleground states" strategy, the concept that focusing resources on states that were easier to win and ignoring the states that are problematic, was a great way to leverage time and money in a campaign (Nixon, by contrast, campaigned in all fifty states). It worked spectacularly. Although Kennedy barely won the popular vote, he racked up a huge win in the electoral college. Back then, the Democrats had the solid South and could squeeze out the big population Northern states to create landslide potential, bypassing states (like Nebraska) that had the lowest ROI (return on investment). While Kennedy was salting away the presidency, my cousin was being pushed out as the last Democrat to win in the West.
That's the same thing the NDP does. They are derisively characterized as CREOL (Committee to Reelect in Omaha and Lincoln) because they put all their resources into the two population centers -- the low-hanging fruit -- to create a strategy that results in a Tale of Two Cities.
But there are two things wrong with this approach. In the first place, the "battleground" strategy is an electoral college strategy, not a strategy to win the popular vote. Nebraska elections are decided by the popular vote, not by winning just winner-take-all population centers. If the CDs were winner-take-all, like the states in the electoral college, Nebraska's strategy would make sense. But it's not, it's popular vote that counts, and the strategy of conceding 91 rural counties -- essentially half the state -- does not and never will work. The NDP will never win statewide elections until it becomes a statewide party.
Incidentally, Howard Dean showed another flaw in the "battleground states" strategy. It turns out that the lack of attention to some states creates a solid block for the only party that campaigns there. This was not as clear when the South was solid Democratic, but when the South changed parties after the 1964 Civil Rights Act, it became clearer. Howard Dean recognized that in 2004 and began to reform the national Democratic Party to adopt a full fifty-state program -- and the dramatic turnaround in 2006 and 2008 proved that his approach was correct. The "battleground" strategy has been shown to be a short-term strategy that has long-term deleterious consequences. The same in true at the state level. Winning in Lincoln and Omaha cannot in the long-run produce results at the state level -- we need a 93-county strategy (a real one, not a DINO one).
Interestingly, wizards like Achelpohl, who stood to benefit from the fifty-state strategy, were outspoken advocates for that approach at the national level. But Achelpoh never had the brains or insight to realize that what he was so in favor of at the national level, because it generated resources for Nebraska, had a state-level analogue. He just didn't get it.
2- You cannot build a Democratic Party -- a true opposition party -- when the leader of the party finds it inimical to his self-interest to have a Democratic alternative in the state. Ben Nelson calls all the shots. Vic Covalt and Vince Powers work for him. And it is not in his self-interest to have an energized and activist Democratic base, because it is contrary to his electoral strategy.
Nelson's campaign plan is to nail down the Democrats -- as the Party used to take the Solid South for granted -- and then work to win enough Republican and Independent vote to give him a majority. As Don Nelson, his campaign guru, liked to express it, Nelson's battle plan is to get all the Democrats, most of the Independents, and 1/3 of the Republicans. To do that, he will have to go as far to the right as he needs to go to get votes from the cons.
From Nelson's point of view, this strategy has proved to be extremely effective. In 1996, when he was still Governor and extremely popular in Nebraska, he had his drain pan handed to him by Chuck Hagel in his first run for the seat in the Senate vacated by Democratic Senator Exon. In 2000, he ran against Don Stenburg, the AG, (a pretty weak candidate) and won by the razor-thin margin of 10K votes. In 2006, he ran against the well-funded conservative Pete Ricketts, who defeated Stenburg in the primary and then spent $19 million. He started the race up thirty points, won the race by thirty points (and never endorsed a single Democratic candidate). If you look at it strictly from Nelson's point of view, things could not be working better.
The price we pay is suppression of the Democratic base. There has to be a cohesive and uniform subservience of the Dems to the man who supported and voted with George Bush more than any other Democrat in the United States. If there was a vigorous debate in the NDP, there might be a primary challenger than would force Nelson to adopt positions closer to the national party, and this shift would cost him votes in the general against a Republican. His game plan does not want that problem, and the result is that grassroots activism -- the enthusiasm of the base -- is rigorously suppressed.
The effect of putting a lid on Democratic activism is that the entire party, except for Nelson, is completely enervated. All the oxygen is sucked out of the room. You see that in so many ways, not the least of which is the destruction visited on other Democratic candidates (Esch, Hahn, Kleeb) who complain bitterly about their second-class treatment. For example, in 2006, when Nelson was running the so-called combined campaign and Esch was struggling to compete against Terry in CD2, the Party spent most of its money on the DA race in Douglas County -- $20,000. If this had been spent on radio ads for Esch . . . ? No NDP money was given to Kleeb, Hahn or Esch.
If the candidates feel like they are getting screwed -- and they are -- then is it any wonder we have no recruitment? They can see, or at least sense, what is happening. They have no chance to win. This is not a political party, like the one they have in Iowa for example (where the Righties are at least as far out as the cons in Nebraska -- hell, we don't have anyone as far right as Steve King, yet in Iowa they passed a bill permitting gay marriage).
It's a cult of personality, not a political party.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
29 years
From: "BUD PETTIGREW" <
Local: Wed, Aug 26 2009 10:00 am
Subject: 29 Years
WOW! Ted Kennedy is dead. I like many people find that hard to believe , even so all the signs said it was going to happen. I could go on and on about all the great works he did for our country. I believe he changed America for the good more than any person in my life time. More than any President, more than his brothers. He did good, thanks Senator.
I think about where he was through out his life. When I was freshman in college, Senator Kennedy decided to run for President. Camolet was going to come back, I was excited. Ted Kennedy was the first of many losers I voted for in my life time. Did that make Ted Kennedy a loser? No, America was the biggest loser because he did not become President. I was just a kid then and Kennedy was the age then I am now. I did not realize then how hard it is to climb that ladder of life. Think about Ted Kennedy. He had a lot of advantages that he was born with. So why work so hard? Most know the arrows that were thrown at him. Deaths of his brothers, his drinking problems. Divorce, not becoming President. The thing I think about is the human side that I shared with him. I like him, like all of us; have their own personal life. Some things you don't want the world to know. Because he was GREAT everything about him was an open book. Everything about him was news, true or un true. I have had negative things about me come out and it is no fun. It happened to him every day. Think of all the stories that were not true about him. It had to hurt, I know it has hurt me when things are said about me that are not true. You want to lash back and get even right away. Time heals but you have scars. Ted Kennedy had a lot of scars, yet it never stopped him from being a GREAT American. That is why he worked so hard.
So what did Ted Kennedy teach me and America more than anything. Well when I was born, America was a segregated nation. His work changed that. Young people today who I complain about a lot for the most part do not care about race or that other nonsense that so many of us knew. In March of 1980 I was playing pool at a college hang out with some friends. One guy was drunk and foul mouthed. Next to us was a couple, a black guy and a white gal, on a date having fun. The Guy asked my friend to watch his language around a lady, just like any one on a date with some they care about would do. . My drunk friend said "any woman who goes out with a nigger is no lady" I was shocked and ashamed but I did nothing. I did not know what to do. I knew a lot of people thought that way. Ted Kennedy did lot to change that. I don't think you would hear that today with out something happening. Because that couple just left. Do you think they would leave now? America is better because of Ted Kennedy. Think how we believed in 1962 when he became a Senator and what we believe now when it comes to civil rights.
So in 29 years when I am the same age Senator Kennedy was when he died, what will America look like? Well the path is lighter now because of Ted Kennedy. It is up to all of us to keep it bright.
Local: Wed, Aug 26 2009 10:00 am
Subject: 29 Years
WOW! Ted Kennedy is dead. I like many people find that hard to believe , even so all the signs said it was going to happen. I could go on and on about all the great works he did for our country. I believe he changed America for the good more than any person in my life time. More than any President, more than his brothers. He did good, thanks Senator.
I think about where he was through out his life. When I was freshman in college, Senator Kennedy decided to run for President. Camolet was going to come back, I was excited. Ted Kennedy was the first of many losers I voted for in my life time. Did that make Ted Kennedy a loser? No, America was the biggest loser because he did not become President. I was just a kid then and Kennedy was the age then I am now. I did not realize then how hard it is to climb that ladder of life. Think about Ted Kennedy. He had a lot of advantages that he was born with. So why work so hard? Most know the arrows that were thrown at him. Deaths of his brothers, his drinking problems. Divorce, not becoming President. The thing I think about is the human side that I shared with him. I like him, like all of us; have their own personal life. Some things you don't want the world to know. Because he was GREAT everything about him was an open book. Everything about him was news, true or un true. I have had negative things about me come out and it is no fun. It happened to him every day. Think of all the stories that were not true about him. It had to hurt, I know it has hurt me when things are said about me that are not true. You want to lash back and get even right away. Time heals but you have scars. Ted Kennedy had a lot of scars, yet it never stopped him from being a GREAT American. That is why he worked so hard.
So what did Ted Kennedy teach me and America more than anything. Well when I was born, America was a segregated nation. His work changed that. Young people today who I complain about a lot for the most part do not care about race or that other nonsense that so many of us knew. In March of 1980 I was playing pool at a college hang out with some friends. One guy was drunk and foul mouthed. Next to us was a couple, a black guy and a white gal, on a date having fun. The Guy asked my friend to watch his language around a lady, just like any one on a date with some they care about would do. . My drunk friend said "any woman who goes out with a nigger is no lady" I was shocked and ashamed but I did nothing. I did not know what to do. I knew a lot of people thought that way. Ted Kennedy did lot to change that. I don't think you would hear that today with out something happening. Because that couple just left. Do you think they would leave now? America is better because of Ted Kennedy. Think how we believed in 1962 when he became a Senator and what we believe now when it comes to civil rights.
So in 29 years when I am the same age Senator Kennedy was when he died, what will America look like? Well the path is lighter now because of Ted Kennedy. It is up to all of us to keep it bright.
Monday, August 24, 2009
CDO3 Bylaws
BYLAWS
of the Third Congressional District Organization
of the Nebraska Democratic Party
(as accepted in McCook, NE on June 6, 2009)
I. Name
The name of the Organization shall be the Third Congressional District Organization of the Nebraska Democratic Party (3rd CDO).
II. Mission Statement
The 3rd CDO shall serve as an advocate for persons in Nebraska’s Third Congressional District (3rd CD), promote full participation within the Nebraska Democratic Party (NDP) and serve as a forum for discussing and formulating positions on issues of importance to the 3rd CD.
III. Membership
Third CD delegates and alternates to the NDP State Convention shall automatically become members of the 3rd CDO. All NDP State Central Committee (SCC) members and all Democratic County Officers from the 3rd CD shall also automatically become members of the organization.
IV. Organization Officers
A. The elected officers of the 3rd CDO shall be: Chair, Associate Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. The 3rd CDO officers shall constitute the 3rd CDO Executive Committee. Election of officers shall be made without discrimination and shall be consistent with NDP policy.
B. The Chair and the Associate Chair shall share authority and responsibilities. The Chair and Associate Chair shall execute the policies of the 3rd CDO. The Chair and Associate Chair shall be elected for two-year terms at the 3rd CD Caucus meeting during the NDP State Convention. The Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected during the first 3rd CDO meeting following the NDP State Convention and shall assume office prior to adjournment of that meeting.
C. The Chair and/or Associate Chair shall plan, organize and preside at all 3rd CDO meetings; maintain general management over the activities of the 3rd CDO and coordinate, with the organization, any additional duties or responsibilities.
D. The Associate Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair when the Chair is unable to fulfill such duties. If the position of Chair becomes vacant, the Associate Chair automatically becomes the Chair according to the NDP Constitution - Article 5-D. CD Chairs or Associate Chairs shall be replaced by election in their respective CD Caucuses of the NDP SCC following notification of the vacancy.
E. The Secretary shall distribute notices of 3rd CDO meetings; maintain minutes of these meetings and the 3rd CDO correspondence; and keep a current set of bylaws and any amendments. A sign-in sheet will be used for attendance at each meeting.
F. The Treasurer shall be in charge of the record keeping of all 3rd CDO funds. All 3rd CDO funds shall be used to benefit the 3rd CDO.
G. The Executive Committee shall have the responsibility for handling urgent and needed organizational business between meetings.
V. Meetings
A. Meetings of the 3rd CDO shall be held at least quarterly, wherever possible. The meetings shall rotate throughout the CD. If at all possible, notice shall be given where the next meeting will be held at the current meeting. Notice of these meetings shall be given to each member at least two weeks prior to the meeting. Only members in good standing may vote.
B. Special meetings may be called by a majority of the 3rd CDO Executive Committee, or 25 voting members in good standing. Notice of meetings shall be given at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
C. A quorum shall consist of all members present at the meeting. All business matters shall be decided by a majority vote, unless otherwise specified by these bylaws. There shall be no proxy voting.
VI. Elections
A. Officer elections will be held biennially in even numbered years. The Chair and the Associate Chair shall be elected for two-year terms at the 3rd CD Caucus meeting during the NDP State Convention. The Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected during the first meeting of the 3rd CDO following the NDP State Convention and shall assume office prior to adjournment of that meeting.
B. Balloting shall take place by secret ballot unless the body decides otherwise by a 2/3 vote. Each candidate shall appoint a teller to handle the counting of ballots.
C. Nomination of officers shall be made without discrimination, and be broadly representative. Nominations may be made from the floor. A member may nominate him/her self.
D. Any vacancy among the 3rd CDO officers will be filled at the next 3rd CDO meeting after the vacancy occurs with the exception of the office of Chair, which will be filled immediately upon its occurrence by the accession of the Vice Chair.
E. Any 3rd CDO officer may be recalled for reasons defined in the NDP Constitution Section 2. - Removal of Congressional District Officers. A meeting to consider removal of 3rd CDO Officers shall be called upon petition of 25 percent of the members of the 3rd CDO. An officer may be removed by a majority of those members present at the meeting. Grounds for removal shall be the same as for NDP officers.
VII. Committees
A. The organization may form and appoint committees to perform various functions. The duties, membership, and responsibilities of those committees will be outlined at the time of formation.
B. Any funds needed to perform the duties of a committee should be approved by the organization at the time of the formation.
VIII. Amendments
A. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the 3rd CDO membership attending a 3rd CDO meeting, provided that written notice of any proposed amendments have been mailed or emailed to all members at least two weeks prior to the meeting at which any amendment is to be considered.
B. The bylaws shall be reviewed annually and may be revised during the first meeting of each calendar year.
C. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the 3rd CDO membership attending a 3rd CDO meeting, provided that written notice of any proposed amendments have been mailed or emailed to all members at least one month prior to the meeting at which any amendment is to be considered.
IX. Parliamentary Authority
The most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall be the Parliamentary Authority for the 3rd CDO. In any conflict between Robert’s Rules of Order and the NDP Constitution and Bylaws and/or the law of the State of Nebraska, NDP Constitution and Bylaws or the law of the State of Nebraska takes precedence.
of the Third Congressional District Organization
of the Nebraska Democratic Party
(as accepted in McCook, NE on June 6, 2009)
I. Name
The name of the Organization shall be the Third Congressional District Organization of the Nebraska Democratic Party (3rd CDO).
II. Mission Statement
The 3rd CDO shall serve as an advocate for persons in Nebraska’s Third Congressional District (3rd CD), promote full participation within the Nebraska Democratic Party (NDP) and serve as a forum for discussing and formulating positions on issues of importance to the 3rd CD.
III. Membership
Third CD delegates and alternates to the NDP State Convention shall automatically become members of the 3rd CDO. All NDP State Central Committee (SCC) members and all Democratic County Officers from the 3rd CD shall also automatically become members of the organization.
IV. Organization Officers
A. The elected officers of the 3rd CDO shall be: Chair, Associate Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. The 3rd CDO officers shall constitute the 3rd CDO Executive Committee. Election of officers shall be made without discrimination and shall be consistent with NDP policy.
B. The Chair and the Associate Chair shall share authority and responsibilities. The Chair and Associate Chair shall execute the policies of the 3rd CDO. The Chair and Associate Chair shall be elected for two-year terms at the 3rd CD Caucus meeting during the NDP State Convention. The Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected during the first 3rd CDO meeting following the NDP State Convention and shall assume office prior to adjournment of that meeting.
C. The Chair and/or Associate Chair shall plan, organize and preside at all 3rd CDO meetings; maintain general management over the activities of the 3rd CDO and coordinate, with the organization, any additional duties or responsibilities.
D. The Associate Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair when the Chair is unable to fulfill such duties. If the position of Chair becomes vacant, the Associate Chair automatically becomes the Chair according to the NDP Constitution - Article 5-D. CD Chairs or Associate Chairs shall be replaced by election in their respective CD Caucuses of the NDP SCC following notification of the vacancy.
E. The Secretary shall distribute notices of 3rd CDO meetings; maintain minutes of these meetings and the 3rd CDO correspondence; and keep a current set of bylaws and any amendments. A sign-in sheet will be used for attendance at each meeting.
F. The Treasurer shall be in charge of the record keeping of all 3rd CDO funds. All 3rd CDO funds shall be used to benefit the 3rd CDO.
G. The Executive Committee shall have the responsibility for handling urgent and needed organizational business between meetings.
V. Meetings
A. Meetings of the 3rd CDO shall be held at least quarterly, wherever possible. The meetings shall rotate throughout the CD. If at all possible, notice shall be given where the next meeting will be held at the current meeting. Notice of these meetings shall be given to each member at least two weeks prior to the meeting. Only members in good standing may vote.
B. Special meetings may be called by a majority of the 3rd CDO Executive Committee, or 25 voting members in good standing. Notice of meetings shall be given at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
C. A quorum shall consist of all members present at the meeting. All business matters shall be decided by a majority vote, unless otherwise specified by these bylaws. There shall be no proxy voting.
VI. Elections
A. Officer elections will be held biennially in even numbered years. The Chair and the Associate Chair shall be elected for two-year terms at the 3rd CD Caucus meeting during the NDP State Convention. The Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected during the first meeting of the 3rd CDO following the NDP State Convention and shall assume office prior to adjournment of that meeting.
B. Balloting shall take place by secret ballot unless the body decides otherwise by a 2/3 vote. Each candidate shall appoint a teller to handle the counting of ballots.
C. Nomination of officers shall be made without discrimination, and be broadly representative. Nominations may be made from the floor. A member may nominate him/her self.
D. Any vacancy among the 3rd CDO officers will be filled at the next 3rd CDO meeting after the vacancy occurs with the exception of the office of Chair, which will be filled immediately upon its occurrence by the accession of the Vice Chair.
E. Any 3rd CDO officer may be recalled for reasons defined in the NDP Constitution Section 2. - Removal of Congressional District Officers. A meeting to consider removal of 3rd CDO Officers shall be called upon petition of 25 percent of the members of the 3rd CDO. An officer may be removed by a majority of those members present at the meeting. Grounds for removal shall be the same as for NDP officers.
VII. Committees
A. The organization may form and appoint committees to perform various functions. The duties, membership, and responsibilities of those committees will be outlined at the time of formation.
B. Any funds needed to perform the duties of a committee should be approved by the organization at the time of the formation.
VIII. Amendments
A. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the 3rd CDO membership attending a 3rd CDO meeting, provided that written notice of any proposed amendments have been mailed or emailed to all members at least two weeks prior to the meeting at which any amendment is to be considered.
B. The bylaws shall be reviewed annually and may be revised during the first meeting of each calendar year.
C. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the 3rd CDO membership attending a 3rd CDO meeting, provided that written notice of any proposed amendments have been mailed or emailed to all members at least one month prior to the meeting at which any amendment is to be considered.
IX. Parliamentary Authority
The most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall be the Parliamentary Authority for the 3rd CDO. In any conflict between Robert’s Rules of Order and the NDP Constitution and Bylaws and/or the law of the State of Nebraska, NDP Constitution and Bylaws or the law of the State of Nebraska takes precedence.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Resignations of 3rd CD Chair and Associate Chair
The Chair and Associate Chair of the 3rd CD resigned during the 3rd CD Caucus meeting in Grand Island on June 27. Transcriptions of their speeches, with accompanying audio follows:
--------------------
BRIAN OSBORN - (click here for audio)
For those of you who remember, back during our State Convention, I got up and I promised you that I would do something, and that was to give each of you a voice in this party. Unfortunately, I have a very strong voice, and I feel that my voice has just as much right to be heard as anyone else’s and I probably stepped on a few toes while doing that.
I’m sorry if I’ve offended anyone. I think that most of the time I have kept my comments to things that were pertinent to the 3rd Congressional District and the 3rd Congressional District Organization. I’m not real good on diplomacy. I admit that. But I think that for our Nebraska Democratic Party to become a strong organization we need more people with strong voices, and we need more freedom for everyone to speak what’s in their hearts and on their minds, and that is what I have fought for for the past year, and that is what I will continue to fight for from now on, only in another capacity.
I am resigning as the Associate Chair and I understand that Lisa will be resigning as the Chair. We’ve had some differences, some of them on ... I’d say most of them concerning what the 3rd Congressional District Organization is supposed to be. I go by what is written in the Nebraska Democratic Party Constitution and Bylaws. Others go by what their interpretation of those are. I will always defend the Constitution and Bylaws of the Nebraska Democratic Party over my own personal beliefs, first and foremost.
But I am not going to silence my personal opinions, because I am a Democrat, I am proud to be a Democrat, and I will continue to be a Democrat. And, for me, that means being a loud-mouthed ... whatever you want to call it.
I thank you for having given me the opportunity to serve you the best that I could. And believe you me, I will continue to do so.
--------------------
LISA HANNAH - (click here for audio)
I did a pre-written statement so I’m just going to read it off, and before I do so I just want to point everybody out that my father and my husband are here today So I think its important.
Last year I offered my candidacy (pardon me).
Last year I offered my candidacy as 3rd District Chair because a number of people encouraged me to do so. They cited my skills in messaging and organizing and urged me to use those skills for the benefit of the 3rd District and efforts to elect Democrats. It was an honor to be asked, and an honor to be elected.
Although I was aware of an undercurrent of bad feeling generated by a few people in our district I had not experienced problems working with them as individuals or as a group prior to my election and never even considered it an issue. The problems began almost the day I was elected and continue to this day. Whether it’s been philosophical, procedural or practical, or its been long range goals, or details on correspondence, or meeting plans - the attacks have been vicious, baseless, mean spirited aimed to undermine my own position and the ability to perform the duties as district chair as stipulated in the Nebraska Democratic Party’s Constitution and Bylaws. Furthermore in trying to seek out how to resolve the matters through the proper channels the requests were denied or ignored.
When one is the target of the politics of personal destruction it is painful and it effects a person, their health and their life. But its one thing if just I ____ effected, its another if it affects something greater. I recognize that what has been directed at me effects not only the 3rd District but the Nebraska Democratic Party as a whole. I’ve always believed the party is an idea much greater than just the individual, it’s the sum of its parts And as long as that atmosphere exists progress can never be made, I believe the only option at this point is to end the dysfunctional atmosphere. Therefore I here offer my resignation as District Chair.
--------------------
BRIAN OSBORN - (click here for audio)
For those of you who remember, back during our State Convention, I got up and I promised you that I would do something, and that was to give each of you a voice in this party. Unfortunately, I have a very strong voice, and I feel that my voice has just as much right to be heard as anyone else’s and I probably stepped on a few toes while doing that.
I’m sorry if I’ve offended anyone. I think that most of the time I have kept my comments to things that were pertinent to the 3rd Congressional District and the 3rd Congressional District Organization. I’m not real good on diplomacy. I admit that. But I think that for our Nebraska Democratic Party to become a strong organization we need more people with strong voices, and we need more freedom for everyone to speak what’s in their hearts and on their minds, and that is what I have fought for for the past year, and that is what I will continue to fight for from now on, only in another capacity.
I am resigning as the Associate Chair and I understand that Lisa will be resigning as the Chair. We’ve had some differences, some of them on ... I’d say most of them concerning what the 3rd Congressional District Organization is supposed to be. I go by what is written in the Nebraska Democratic Party Constitution and Bylaws. Others go by what their interpretation of those are. I will always defend the Constitution and Bylaws of the Nebraska Democratic Party over my own personal beliefs, first and foremost.
But I am not going to silence my personal opinions, because I am a Democrat, I am proud to be a Democrat, and I will continue to be a Democrat. And, for me, that means being a loud-mouthed ... whatever you want to call it.
I thank you for having given me the opportunity to serve you the best that I could. And believe you me, I will continue to do so.
--------------------
LISA HANNAH - (click here for audio)
I did a pre-written statement so I’m just going to read it off, and before I do so I just want to point everybody out that my father and my husband are here today So I think its important.
Last year I offered my candidacy (pardon me).
Last year I offered my candidacy as 3rd District Chair because a number of people encouraged me to do so. They cited my skills in messaging and organizing and urged me to use those skills for the benefit of the 3rd District and efforts to elect Democrats. It was an honor to be asked, and an honor to be elected.
Although I was aware of an undercurrent of bad feeling generated by a few people in our district I had not experienced problems working with them as individuals or as a group prior to my election and never even considered it an issue. The problems began almost the day I was elected and continue to this day. Whether it’s been philosophical, procedural or practical, or its been long range goals, or details on correspondence, or meeting plans - the attacks have been vicious, baseless, mean spirited aimed to undermine my own position and the ability to perform the duties as district chair as stipulated in the Nebraska Democratic Party’s Constitution and Bylaws. Furthermore in trying to seek out how to resolve the matters through the proper channels the requests were denied or ignored.
When one is the target of the politics of personal destruction it is painful and it effects a person, their health and their life. But its one thing if just I ____ effected, its another if it affects something greater. I recognize that what has been directed at me effects not only the 3rd District but the Nebraska Democratic Party as a whole. I’ve always believed the party is an idea much greater than just the individual, it’s the sum of its parts And as long as that atmosphere exists progress can never be made, I believe the only option at this point is to end the dysfunctional atmosphere. Therefore I here offer my resignation as District Chair.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
3rd CD Chair and Associate Chair Resign
The 3rd CD Chair, Lisa Hannah, and the 3rd CD Associate Chair, Brian Osborn, both tendered their resignations today during the 3rd CD Caucus meeting at the State Central Committee meeting in Grand Island. Elections will be held at the next SCC meeting to replace them.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Thanks
Hello Third District Democrats. I have a great big thank you for your support this year and for honoring me with the Third District, Bob Kerrey Outstanding Democratic Volunteer of the year award.
Bud Pettigrew
Bud Pettigrew
Friday, June 12, 2009
Sen. Nelson oversimplifies health care debate
The following is a letter to the editor, written by Box Butte County Democratic Party Chair, Rich Schommer, that was published in the Alliance Times Herald. - Brian T. Osborn
In Wednesday’s Times Herald an excerpt from an Omaha World Herald
editorial presented a deceptive over simplification of the debate
activists are having over Senator Ben Nelson’s position on health care
reform. While it’s true one group, Change Congress has pointed out
that Nelson has received over two million dollars in campaign
contributions from those connected to the insurance industry, the idea
they are seeking a “government funded” health insurance option is
false. All the activist groups I know of are seeking to get Nelson to
support the same public option for health insurance that the President
is calling for. A public option would not be government funded. It
would be an alternative to the present insurance companies - much like
Nebraska’s public electrical utility companies where we enjoy some of
the lowest rates in the nation.
The fundamental problem with Senator Nelson's position on health care
reform is his long history in the insurance industry. While his
experience in the insurance industry qualifies him as something of an
"expert" in the field, it's precisely that experience that contributes
to his inability to contribute productively to the debate on a public
option in the health care legislation. It's that old "can't see the
forest for the trees" syndrome. Nelson's long association with the
present health insurance model seems to have rendered him incapable of
recognizing that the present situation doesn't require readjusting
that old model. It requires a complete paradigm shift.
Health care can no longer be locked into a private for-profit system.
That for profit model is the root cause of the present crisis.
Virtually all of the insurance companies had their origins as
non-profit mutual aid compacts at a time when hospitals were also
non-profit entities. The system that has evolved through
privatization of those insurance plans and hospitals has produced a
model where fleecing the general population is the norm for both the
insurance companies and the hospitals.
Reform will require insurance companies to stop concentrating on
methods to delay and deny payment for claims, and hospitals to stop
manipulating claims to maximize their billing to insurance companies.
In addition it is going to require regulation of the pharmaceutical
companies & the medical equipment companies. They can no longer be
allowed to manipulate doctors and hospitals into prescribing and
purchasing over priced drugs and equipment that contribute little to
the successful treatment of patients, but add exponentially to the
costs for services.
Senator Nelson needs to shed himself of the present insurance industry
model. He needs to come to the conclusion that health care can no
longer be viewed as a collection of inter-related businesses. We have
reached a point where health care can no longer be viewed as an
industry; it must be seen as a basic human right.
In Wednesday’s Times Herald an excerpt from an Omaha World Herald
editorial presented a deceptive over simplification of the debate
activists are having over Senator Ben Nelson’s position on health care
reform. While it’s true one group, Change Congress has pointed out
that Nelson has received over two million dollars in campaign
contributions from those connected to the insurance industry, the idea
they are seeking a “government funded” health insurance option is
false. All the activist groups I know of are seeking to get Nelson to
support the same public option for health insurance that the President
is calling for. A public option would not be government funded. It
would be an alternative to the present insurance companies - much like
Nebraska’s public electrical utility companies where we enjoy some of
the lowest rates in the nation.
The fundamental problem with Senator Nelson's position on health care
reform is his long history in the insurance industry. While his
experience in the insurance industry qualifies him as something of an
"expert" in the field, it's precisely that experience that contributes
to his inability to contribute productively to the debate on a public
option in the health care legislation. It's that old "can't see the
forest for the trees" syndrome. Nelson's long association with the
present health insurance model seems to have rendered him incapable of
recognizing that the present situation doesn't require readjusting
that old model. It requires a complete paradigm shift.
Health care can no longer be locked into a private for-profit system.
That for profit model is the root cause of the present crisis.
Virtually all of the insurance companies had their origins as
non-profit mutual aid compacts at a time when hospitals were also
non-profit entities. The system that has evolved through
privatization of those insurance plans and hospitals has produced a
model where fleecing the general population is the norm for both the
insurance companies and the hospitals.
Reform will require insurance companies to stop concentrating on
methods to delay and deny payment for claims, and hospitals to stop
manipulating claims to maximize their billing to insurance companies.
In addition it is going to require regulation of the pharmaceutical
companies & the medical equipment companies. They can no longer be
allowed to manipulate doctors and hospitals into prescribing and
purchasing over priced drugs and equipment that contribute little to
the successful treatment of patients, but add exponentially to the
costs for services.
Senator Nelson needs to shed himself of the present insurance industry
model. He needs to come to the conclusion that health care can no
longer be viewed as a collection of inter-related businesses. We have
reached a point where health care can no longer be viewed as an
industry; it must be seen as a basic human right.
Monday, June 1, 2009
JUNE 6 - McCOOK - Be There!!!
Against all odds, Democrats from across the 3rd District fight lonely and out-numbered political battles every day. The flag of our cause has never been born by strong committees; we have never known the luxury of a heavy war chest; and we are sometimes overlooked by our own within the State.
Instead, more often than not, the cause of the Democratic Party in the 3rd District has been born by the individual. This is an individual who shows no fear of being the lone voice of dissent at work, at school, in the media, at church, and sometimes even at home. These are individuals whose beliefs are so near to their core that they can put every ounce of their strength into their candidate’s campaign, lose to ridiculous bumper-sticker slogans, and yet, the following day, start thinking about the next campaign.
No group in all of politics has more heart than one 3rd District Democrat. It is because of these individuals that the 44th Legislative District Democrats of Southwest Nebraska are most honored to host the quarterly meeting of the 3rd CDO in McCook. Our sincerest hope is that we get the privilege of meeting ALL of those individuals from across the State who have, through their tenacity, kept the Democratic Party in the 3rd District for so many, many years. We firmly believe that if all of us, as individuals, achieve unity under the flag of the 3rd CDO we can become a viable force in State politics.
At this point in time, it would seem imperative that we maintain high percentage turnouts to these events in order to counter balance our small numbers if we are ever to achieve viability. For those attending, we have prepared a little gift basket that includes, among other things I’m told, coupons from local merchants. We encourage you to stay the weekend and enjoy the beauty on our rivers, reservoirs, and nature.
A complete list of area events will be available. Though motel space is usually plentiful, there are several statewide events going on in McCook this weekend. If rooms are a problem, call me- I will find you a Democratic host family who will be glad to put you up. We in the 44th appreciate the time and travel that some of you will undergo, but most of all we appreciate and thank you for keeping the Democratic Party alive and well in the 3rd District.
Hope to see you soon!
Al Dunworth Project Coordinator 970-630-9879
Instead, more often than not, the cause of the Democratic Party in the 3rd District has been born by the individual. This is an individual who shows no fear of being the lone voice of dissent at work, at school, in the media, at church, and sometimes even at home. These are individuals whose beliefs are so near to their core that they can put every ounce of their strength into their candidate’s campaign, lose to ridiculous bumper-sticker slogans, and yet, the following day, start thinking about the next campaign.
No group in all of politics has more heart than one 3rd District Democrat. It is because of these individuals that the 44th Legislative District Democrats of Southwest Nebraska are most honored to host the quarterly meeting of the 3rd CDO in McCook. Our sincerest hope is that we get the privilege of meeting ALL of those individuals from across the State who have, through their tenacity, kept the Democratic Party in the 3rd District for so many, many years. We firmly believe that if all of us, as individuals, achieve unity under the flag of the 3rd CDO we can become a viable force in State politics.
At this point in time, it would seem imperative that we maintain high percentage turnouts to these events in order to counter balance our small numbers if we are ever to achieve viability. For those attending, we have prepared a little gift basket that includes, among other things I’m told, coupons from local merchants. We encourage you to stay the weekend and enjoy the beauty on our rivers, reservoirs, and nature.
A complete list of area events will be available. Though motel space is usually plentiful, there are several statewide events going on in McCook this weekend. If rooms are a problem, call me- I will find you a Democratic host family who will be glad to put you up. We in the 44th appreciate the time and travel that some of you will undergo, but most of all we appreciate and thank you for keeping the Democratic Party alive and well in the 3rd District.
Hope to see you soon!
Al Dunworth Project Coordinator 970-630-9879
Saturday, May 30, 2009
DON'T FORGET! - CDO3 meets in McCook on June 6
Please attend this meeting if at all possible. We need you.
The 3rd District Organization has been in existence for a couple years without bylaws or delineated goals and responsibilities. We need to find ways to strengthen county parties, develop leaders, recruit candidates for public office, and improve communication within and without the district. We can overcome our traditional handicap of isolation and distance by means of the internet. I have some ideas to present at the June 6 meeting, which you can accept, improve, or replace, but nothing can be done unless we have a substantial representation of 3rd District counties. Our next meeting may not be until fall, so we will go more months without action unless we have a good turnout next Saturday. Let’s add to the election successes of Omaha, Lincoln, and Obama.
Thanks.
Marion Bahensky
Treasurer, CDO3
Howard Co. Chair
308-754-4454
The 3rd District Organization has been in existence for a couple years without bylaws or delineated goals and responsibilities. We need to find ways to strengthen county parties, develop leaders, recruit candidates for public office, and improve communication within and without the district. We can overcome our traditional handicap of isolation and distance by means of the internet. I have some ideas to present at the June 6 meeting, which you can accept, improve, or replace, but nothing can be done unless we have a substantial representation of 3rd District counties. Our next meeting may not be until fall, so we will go more months without action unless we have a good turnout next Saturday. Let’s add to the election successes of Omaha, Lincoln, and Obama.
Thanks.
Marion Bahensky
Treasurer, CDO3
Howard Co. Chair
308-754-4454
Thursday, May 21, 2009
County Chairs handbook
Has I promised when I ran for Chair of Chairs. I have written a County Chairs handbook. This handbook is not inclusive. It's intent is for this to be living document that you will add to as your term of office goes on. Hopefully there will be some bit of information in this handbook that can help every Chair. I am sure that additions could be added daily. I will have copies for the June 6th meeting in McCook, and the Grand Island meeting June 27th. If you wish me to email you a copy please email me at anbpettigrew@msn.com. Let me know your name and what county you are the Chair of. I want to keep a good record of who has this information. At any time you have questions please let me know. You can email me at the above email or phone; 402-376-1708 or 402-322-0227
Bud Pettigrew
Nebraska Chair of Chairs
Bud Pettigrew
Nebraska Chair of Chairs
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Letter to Sen. Ben Nelson
I received this from an old friend, M. Wayne Power. I worked for him in Holdrege way back before I went to the Navy and, although no longer living in the 3rd CD, he has plenty of ties to it. He has asked me to help him in a quest to at least attempt to get our sole Democratic representative in Congress from the State of Nebraska, Sen. Ben Nelson, to reconsider the way he has been voting.
I concur with Mr. Power, in that those of us in Nebraska, and those of us within the Nebraska Democratic Party, that consider ourselves Liberals haven't a single voice from Nebraska that will stand up for us. Three House representatives and one Senator are all very conservative Republicans. Must we just roll over and accept the fact that, even though we Liberals probably represent at least 20% of the voting populace in this state, the only Democrat that could represent us ... won't?
Mr. Power also has a very thought provoking blog at http://mwaynecomments.blogspot.com/ I would hope that you take some time to read it, and to reply to his articles. Wayne is retired, has plenty of time, and loves to debate the issues he has presented there.
Brian T. Osborn
3rd CD Associate Chair
I concur with Mr. Power, in that those of us in Nebraska, and those of us within the Nebraska Democratic Party, that consider ourselves Liberals haven't a single voice from Nebraska that will stand up for us. Three House representatives and one Senator are all very conservative Republicans. Must we just roll over and accept the fact that, even though we Liberals probably represent at least 20% of the voting populace in this state, the only Democrat that could represent us ... won't?
Mr. Power also has a very thought provoking blog at http://mwaynecomments.blogspot.com/ I would hope that you take some time to read it, and to reply to his articles. Wayne is retired, has plenty of time, and loves to debate the issues he has presented there.
Brian T. Osborn
3rd CD Associate Chair
Brian
Below is a copy of an e-mail that I have sent to Senator Nelson. Help me out with this. You know way more real Progressive Democrats that I do. I'm asking all of my progressive friends that I can think of to copy the text of this communication, sign it and forward to Ben Nelson and to advise me when they do it. If every true Progressive in the State will do this maybe, just maybe we can get his attention. Give me your thoughts on this. Thankshttp://bennelson.senate.gov/
Senator Ben Nelson
This communication is to protest your conservative voting record and failure to support President Obama's legislative agenda. Progressivepatriots.com awarded you a Progressive Action score of 6 which means you voted to support a slate of progressive actions only 6% of the time during the 110th Congress. You also had a right-wing index score of 75. A score of 75 means that you acted to support a slate of conservative wrongheaded policies in the 110th Congress 75% of the time. You ran for your office of Senator as a Progressive Democrat. You have and are failing to support the progressive causes that the voters that elected you desire. I sincerely request, actually demand that you change your stance of supporting the oligarchy which financed you campaign and start supporting the needs and desires of the grass roots Progressive democrats of Nebraska and the rest of the Country. The overwhelming 2008 election results which totally discredited the failed policies of the Conservative Republicans should convince you that the voters are fed up with the politics of the past. If you hope for any future support from me or thousands of others like me you will start supporting the progressive agenda.
Yours truly,
Wayne Power
2041 Morningside Road #107
Fremont, NE 68025
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
3rd CD Organization Bylaws Proposals
If you are an authorized delegate to the 3rd CD Organization, you may leave your suggestions for changes to the proposed set of bylaws that were accepted by the CDO3 body at the Mar. 14th meeting in Broken Bow by going to: http://ndpcdo3-bylawsproposals.blogspot.com/
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Chair of Chairs
Hello, my name is Bud Pettigrew. I am the new Chair of Chairs for the Nebraska Democratic Party. I want to be a helpful tool for all the counties in Nebraska. I am taking a listening and speaking tour this summer. I have allready set up six events to speak at for the upcoming summer. If you would like me to visit please contact me. If at any time you would like to talk to me please feel free to do so. Please contact me at:
Email: anbpettigrew@msn.com
Cell: 402-322-0227
Home: 402-376-1708
I hope to hear from you. Bud Pettigrew
Email: anbpettigrew@msn.com
Cell: 402-322-0227
Home: 402-376-1708
I hope to hear from you. Bud Pettigrew
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
VICTORY???
Well it has been one month since Senator Obama became President Elect. It was a great victory for America. The one thing is for certain there will be change, it will be positive and if it does not work God help us! On the State level what did we win? Yes we got an Electoral vote for Obama, it makes me grin and some times chuckle to think of the Right wing kooks out there trying to figure out how they lost Omaha. My neighbor who bases most of his votes on what side the candidates are on gay marriage told me the other day that Omaha is not "REAL" Nebraska. I said to him quoting Sara Palin only make you dumber. He had no clue what I was talking about. But I am off my topic. Our victory is shallow. We still are a GOP state. How did Dr. Kleeb a good, smart, honest man loose? Why did the people who voted for Obama not vote for him? Looking over the voting stats, it looks like they voted for President and then left. What the !@#$ is that all about? We should not be back slapping ourselfs too hard. In two years we have major problems. 1. Who will we run for Governor? How about Congress? Out here in the Third District we have the worst Congressman in the Congress, even Republicans say this. So how did Smith get 70%+ of the vote? I say we need to get orgainized now. After the Holidays we need a 3CDO meeting. Everyone needs to be there. We need a spirited debate on what needs to be done. The old ways are not working. We need to make changes NOW! We can't wait! Then we must have follow up meetings through the district every two or three months. We need a blueprint and must adjust it when something does not work. Don't worry about credit or blame. Do like FDR did in the 30's keep trying until something does work. Do like Obama is doing now, get all rivals on the same page. We can Change our District and our State, look at some GOP states like Ohio,Florida, etc. If they can we do it we can also. But sitting on our one electoral vote victory(Omaha) and never getting ready for the next election, meeting just at State Conventions and telling ourselfs how smart we are will not cut it. I used to Coach and teams that fail to prepare NEVER WIN! I am tired of losing how about YOU!!
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