Toon that explains the problem with the debt negotiations. Giving the GOP real attack ads...

Something you can do from Firedoglake....

The debt negotiations are going horribly...here's something you can do...


Over 2000 people have already signed up to visit the office of their Senator or Representative tomorrow. Because elites of both parties are dead-set on doing this, and grassroots opposition is the only way we’re going to make an impact.
Face-to-face meetings are the way to make it real. You can show up any time of day tomorrow, just for 5 minutes, let them know in no uncertain terms how you feel about their plans to cut these critical programs at a time of economic hardship.
The President lectures progressives on Friday about how we should all care about the nation’s fiscal health. We do. We know that they don’t need “tweaking.” The President then went on to say that he supported the cuts recommended by the Catfood Commission, which included cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits, but as Commander-in-Chief he couldn’t support their cuts to defense.
Someone should tell the President that if he wants to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits before defense spending, he’s not in any position to be giving advice to progressives.
Will you take time to go visit the office of your member of Congress or Senator tomorrow, and remind them that the American people overwhelmingly oppose cutting Social Security and Medicare benefits, and that you will will not support them in 2012 if they take part in doing that?

Guess I've found something new to canvass on: Tell Obama no to social security cuts.

MoveOn already has a campaign you can sign onto. Yes, this is a monumentally bad idea.

Dear Philip,

BREAKING: Reports say the president just offered to cut Social Security benefits, if Republicans agree not to let the U.S. default on its debts.¹

It's his offering to the out-of-control Republicans, who are threatening to crash the economy in order to ram through savage cuts to crucial government programs.

It's sickening to think that millions of seniors would have to sacrifice in order to appease Republican hostage-takers. Especially because every poll shows overwhelming majority of Americans support raising taxes on the rich and protecting Social Security and Medicare.²

But there's still time to stop this "bargain" in its tracks. Whatever deal the president offers Republicans will need Democratic votes to pass Congress. So we need Democrats in Congress to stand strong and oppose any benefit cuts to Social Security and Medicare.

Can you sign our emergency petition to Democrats in Congress and tell them to stand up and tell the President they will not vote for Social Security and Medicare benefits cuts?

Add your name here.

President Obama is making a huge mistake that will cost our country dearly.

This is one of those moments where we either stand up and demand that the Democrats in Congress show a real spine. Or we sit back and watch the Republicans destroy decades' worth of progress.

Will you help send a message demanding that Democrats draw a clear line in the sand: no cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits? Click here to add your name:

http://pol.moveon.org/bad_debt_deal/?id=28665-3053238-JjgC2kx&t=4

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Wes, Elena, Julia, and the rest of the team

Source: 

1. "In Debt Talks, Obama Offers Social Security Cuts," The Washington Post, July 6, 2011 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210871&id=28665-3053238-JjgC2kx&t=5

2. "Poll: To Reduce Deficit, Most Americans say Tax the Rich More," CBS News, January 3, 2011
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20027036-503544.html

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Sorry for the long delay...

...my tenure at One Pittsburgh ended about a week ago.  I was appreciative of the opportunity but that needs to be a full time canvass to make a dent in state or fed politics. More on that later. I even have some pictures which I'll post later.

I am currently involved with One Pittsburgh

I am also knocking on doors for One Pittsburgh, a group that has also liberated the US Uncut message.

Looks like the Change to Win unions are emulating Working America. The Change to Win unions I think are much faster than the AFL CIO old guard. I hope they move quickly to challenge this onslaught against working people. I also know that this is part of a larger national effort but this isn't made clear from the website.  They need to make this year round and they need to start challenging the worst of these pro child labor republicans.

You can check out their website here:


This is their message:

Why are Pittsburgh’s working families still losing out in this economy?

We bailed out the big banks and corporations when they were struggling. But now corporations are making out with multi-million dollar profits and paying low taxes, if any at all.

Before our public schools and colleges are shut down, before we lose one more bus route, before unemployment benefits are cut – we’re going to make rich corporations like General Electric, Comcast and Marcellus Shale drillers like Exxon pay their fair share.

• Good Jobs: We can build a city where everyone who wants to work gets a good job – one that pays a family-sustaining wage, provides health insurance and respects workers’ rights on the job.
• Strong Communities: We’re standing up for good schools, excellent public transit, affordable higher education and housing for all.
• Corporate Accountability: There’s more than enough money in Pittsburgh for everyone to have a good job, decent wages and the public services they need. It’s time for corporations and the rich to do their part.

Together we can do what we cannot do alone.  We’re standing up for a city that works for all.  Join us. →

Something more radical than signing online petitions....

So far we're offering four online actions. But if you want to do something a bit more active then you might want to get involved with US Uncut.

Some progressive election guides...

This is a progressive organization so here are some progressive voting guides.

Here are two voting guides that I trust. The first is from Keystone Progressives.

The second is from my fake virtual girlfriend Agent Ska.

Both guides punt on the Wagner vs. Valerie McDonald Roberts race. I'm punting too. Whoever won I voted for you! That's my story...