According to Jeff Zeleny of the New York Times, President Obama plans to "convene a half-day bipartisan health care session at the White House to be televised live this month, a high-profile gambit that will allow Americans to watch as Democrats and Republicans try to break their political impasse." more...






On the evening of January 27, 2010 we gathered at Demet and Bill's house to watch and listen to Barack Obama's first State-of-the Union Address. Although there was some dissention in the group (nuclear power and off-shore drilling, for instance), we were satisfied that he addressed most of the pressing issues that face the country today. We were all especially gleeful as he wagged his finger at members of the Supreme Court for their latest ruling (see below). (more on our State-of-the-Union Watch Party coming soon)

US Supreme Court Abolishes Restrictions on Big Business Political Spending

"So much for the demise of corporate America," writes David A. Kaplan (CNN/Money) "at least in the popular imagination. Just a little while ago, we were petrified about the auto companies in Detroit and the larger manufacturing infrastructure. Wall Street behemoths like Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns were crushed. AIG was saved only by Uncle Sam. Even the iconic Goldman Sachs, today riding high with record profits of $13.4 billion for 2009, needed a temporary bailout. The president acted, Congress enacted emergency legislation, crises were stemmed. Now, though, comes the U.S. Supreme Court to rescue corporations not from financial ruin but from laws barring them from swaying elections. Who knew this was such a problem?" more...

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ELECTION 2010

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Message from Demet

There is no question that we suffered a devastating loss last night [Jan. 19], but we will in no way let this to deter us from working even harder for our dreams. I don’t think I can express this any better than Doug Edison and strongly encourage you to read the terrific message he wrote below.

I am very grateful for Doug’s leadership and for everyone’s incredible efforts since called to action. Thank you all so much working hard since last week, whether it was organizing phone banks, making calls from home or phone banks, attending to rally or visibility events, giving rides to people or knocking on doors on the election day even when it was snowing or urging friends and family to vote yesterday!

Let’s use this opportunity to learn from the mistakes and keep working hard for our shared goals in 2010 and beyond. Organizing for America is also asking our input about where to go from here in the fight for the health care reform. Please send any comments and suggestions you may have so that we can put them in one report and share it with the OFA-MA state director John Spears .... Thank you and [I] look forward to seeing you all at our next meeting.
-- Demet

"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die." Edward Kennedy

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Message from Doug

The natural reflex of a campaign such as this it to recoil in shame and anger. I would submit we have nothing to be sorry for, we were asked to stop a racing train with a cargo net and we almost did. A week is not enough, but that is what we were given. To be told that our driven citizens were not necessary is the height of arrogance and the price was paid. This is not a crisis, but an opportunity. Let's re-form ourselves into what we truly want to be. Obviously, the status quo is not tolerable. For all those who worked tirelessly with me this past week, thank you. You are my friends. I love you all. And, we accomplished great good. Do not despair. Tomorrow is another day. This can actually be a liberating moment. The dream shall never die.