What auto workers really are making

Around your thanksgiving table in the lovely Black Hills, you may hear a friend grouse about $70/hr union workers as the cause of the "Big Three" bailout.

Please don't buy it. It's a patently false distortion of the facts.

The truth is the UAW and other union workers are team players with a management who continues to pretend they can fly around in big private jets, even as they ask us for a handout.

Here's the truth for Cousin Bob who will may be railing about the unions after dinner tomorrow. Just politely ask Bob for his sources of information and tell him what Keith Olbermann tells us below:



Thanks and have a great Thanksgiving!

[PenDems (128)] PenDems meet THIS THURSDAY!

 Pendemorandum 

The Pennington County Democratic Party
invites you to supper!

SPAGHETTI SUPPER & MEETING
FEATURING our new Democratic State legislators:
ED IRON CLOUD & KEVIN KILLER

5 P.M. - THURSDAY, NOV. 20
MOTHER BUTLER CENTER
221 Knollwood Dr, Rapid City

View and print the flyer!
http://penndemocrats.blogspot.com/2008/11/pendems-meet-thursday-in-north-rapid.html

See you there!


--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
The PenDemorandum is a publication of the Pennington County Democratic Party. Please forward it along to your friends! Back issues are posted at http://pendem.org -- click the "Blog" link.

To subscribe, send a message to pendems-subscribe@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe, send a message to pendems-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/pendems
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

PenDems Meet Thursday in North Rapid City

(click below to zoom in. You can also download and print the flyer.)

Democrats propose energy committee

Story from the Rapid City Journal Odds and Ends today...

In short: South Dakota Democrats don't just talk about renewable energy development in South Dakota at election time. They act.

SIOUX FALLS - South Dakota Democratic leaders are putting out their first agenda item for the legislative session that starts in January and it's focused on the state economy.

Newly elected leaders of the caucus said they plan to put more attention on developing an economy based on renewable energy because of the state's resources in that area.

Democrats said they will propose a new permanent committee in the Legislature called the Energy Committee. They said growth from the effort would pay for education and research.

The Democratic legislators also said they also want to eliminate wasteful spending and make education a larger asset to economic development and jobs in South Dakota.

[PenDems (127)] Ten For 2010

 PenDemorandum 

Ten for 2010

Now we set our sights on 2010. With more Dems in Pierre
and strong support for our next Democratic candidate for
Governor, Democrats will be on our way moving our State
forward by being the Party that listens and works to clear
the path for South Dakota's future.

But this won't happen without a solid, organized
Democratic Party in Pennington County.
After the efforts of 2006 and 2008, we know how to do this:
lots of hard work and smart tactics. But we also know that
success will only come with pro-active efforts creating
a Democratic presence and power base in West River,
before the next election cycle starts, and over the long term.

That's where this project comes in.
If only 100 of us can support our local party with
$10 per month, (the cost of a few fancy coffee drinks!)
the Pennington County Democratic Party
will have the funds to support our values,
our issues, and successfully support our candidates
in 2010. A strong West River Democratic
organization must have a presence starting
right now to build success in the future.

Please consider joining us at $10 or more a month.
http://www.actblue.com/page/pendems2010

Thank you!

Ten For 2010 Step by Step

The County Party is committed to changing the landscape in West River, a landscape that is, let's face it, not so great for Democrats. South Dakota legislative districts are drawn against us and we need to grow more Democrats and Democratic supporters in all of them.

To that end, all are invited, strongly encouraged to help us build a monthly regular income so we can secure our place in West River. Just being there during election season is not enough; we must be a "on the scene" with a visible office and presence. This can only happen with a regular income. That's where you come in.

Our goal is to sign up 100 Democrats to give a regular contribution through ActBlue. You can do this using your credit card or your VISA/MC bank card, and it's very easy to do and maintain. ActBlue has been a great resource for our candidates, and may have been one of the keys to our wonderful Democratic gains, from the Presidency on down in 2008. It doesn't have to be large, a $10 per month contribution from 100 Democrats will be enough to pay the rent, phone and internet needed for our permanent office in a visible part of Rapid City.

We can do this -- and we are well on our way!

Yes, we can!

Here's how:

1. Visit actblue.com/page/pendems2010

2. Fill out the basic information on the form, then click "Contribute Without ActBlue Express":



3. You are now in a secure web page (verify there is an "https:" in your browser's address bar to make sure). Enter your credit card information and the address information (this info is used to validate your credit card against your billing address).



4. Fill out the employer information (required because ActBlue is a PAC)



5. You may "tip" the ActBlue PAC here if you want to support their work on behalf of Democrats across the country. (totally optional).

Click the "Continue" button...



6. Verify the information, confirm, and you're done!!



Modifying your contribution

One of the best things about ActBlue is you can easily modify your contribution at any time conveniently 24/7 and online. Here's how to do that:

1. Visit www.actblue.com, and scroll to the bottom of the page. Click the Recurring contributions link:



2. Enter your card number.



3. Review your current recurring contributions. To modify recurring contributions, simply cancel and set up a new one.



Now you know what you need to know!

Please join us with a monthly contribution. If you have any questions, please contact us at democrats@pendem.org.

[PenDems (126)] MEETING TOMORROW - and a word from Cheryl Chapman

 PenDemorandum 

Volunteer Thank You and Election Review
Saturday, November 8th
10:00am - 11:00am
West River Dem HQ, 522 Kirkeby Lane, Rapid City
(next to Walgreen's on West Main)

A note and invitation from Cheryl

Dear Democratic Friends:

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our Democratic Party.
This week we witnessed an election of great national victories and
local defeats.  What a great nation we live in to elect Barack Obama
as our next President and decisively return Senator Tim Johnson and
Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin to Congress! 
Our Democrats gained four in the House, just breaking the long-held
Republican supermajority -- a very significant step. In 2009-2010,
our seats are 15 of 35 / 43% (Senate) and 24 of 70 / 34% (House).
This is very great news for all citizens of South Dakota, as it
ensures a conversation that includes both parties in Pierre.

However, although we wanted to elect fine local Democrats to the
State Legislature, and worked very hard, we fell short of that goal.

I know without question, though, that our local election results were
not because of our candidates, who were of the highest caliber and who
worked untiringly, and were not because of lack of commitment of the
hundreds of volunteers who worked throughout the campaign season. 
Our candidates were the finest and we can only hope they will join the
races in 2 years and work again for a Democratic victory--won't you
join me in encouraging them to do so?

So what does this mean for our political future? 

Come join us at 2008 Democratic Headquarters
(just east of Walgreen's on West Main)
Volunteer Thank You and Election Review
Saturday, November 8th
10:00am - 11:00am

If you're unable to attend, just reply to this email with your thoughts.
We'd love to hear from you as we develop and plan for 2010.

As you think about the future, here are some examples of our
accomplishments in 2008 to ponder and be thankful for:

* First time in many years that we had candidates
  running for all 15 Pennington County races. And support from
  our members contributed to new county organizations.
  (Meade County had the first full Dem slate in 41 years! Wow!)
* Democratic candidates with years of service to community,
  State and Nation.
* Democratic candidates who stepped up, showed up and
  spoke articulately about the issues.
* Democratic candidates collectively knocked on thousands of doors,
  mailed thousands of pieces of lit, attended hours of forums and
  events.
* Most Democrats registered in one year period.
* For the first time, our County Party provided support for fairs & events,
  parades, booths, billboards, radio, without tapping candidates' funds.
* Provided over $2700 to local candidates for   their individual campaigns.
* First time that we have captured, in a permanent data base,
  voter information that can be shared and used for future campaigns.

Thank you all, and hope to see you tomorrow!

Cheryl Chapman
Chair, Pennington County Democratic Party

[PenDems (125)] Democratic Victory Party Tonight

Tue November 4, 8 pm
PenDem Victory Party
Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn

After the work is over come and join us at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn
This is a new location for us for a victory party-- we will have a
big crowd so we needed a bigger venue! EVERYONE is invited;
we will have lots of food and special guests as we watch
the returns come in!

Come help us celebrate a historically successful campaign
for Democrats here in South Dakota and across the Nation.
We will also be powering up the future of our County Party--
come on out and find out about it!!

This day is going great. If you haven't voted, VOTE!
If you have an hour or more to help this afternoon,
PLEASE call 716-3393 to volunteer. Every call, every visiblity,
every urging of friends and family to vote counts....

Pictures to inspire...

http://penndemocrats.blogspot.com/2008/11/election-day-pictures.html

See you tonight!!!

--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
The PenDemorandum is a publication of the Pennington County Democratic Party. Please forward it along to your friends! Back issues are posted at http://pendem.org -- click the "Blog" link.

To subscribe, send a message to pendems-subscribe@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe, send a message to pendems-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/pendems
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

Election Day pictures!!

See you all the party tonight at 8 at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn in Rapid City!

electionday08

[PenDems (124)] A message from Sen. Tom Katus

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Date: Sun, Nov 2, 2008 at 8:23 PM

PenDems,

 

    I know that many of us are upset with the Rapid City Journal's editorial on Tim Johnson. I talked to Barbara tonight, and she felt the article was "cruel," As both Barbara and Tim have always been way too gracious, I believe this is a great understatement.

 

    While the RCJ has every right to its views and endorsements, going after Tim on his current physical disabilities is over the edge. I myself am a 12-year survivor of melonoma, the deadliest of cancers. Does this make me unqualified for office? And how about our greatest President in modern times, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who could not walk?

 

    I spoke briefly with Tyler Smith tonight. I feel strongly our support rally for Tim should meet at the FDR statue and walk across the street to the RCJ in full protest mode. Handicapped frriends in wheel chairs would be especially welcome. I, for one, plan to be there, and I hope all the rest of you will join in protest to the Journal's outrageous condemnation of Tim's physical condition. Like FDR, his mind is fine. I would encourage all of you who have disabilities or friends with disabilities to attend this rally in support of Tim's courageous comeback "from the valley of the shadow of death." We, too, should fear no evil.

 

    I hope to see you all tomorrow at 12:15. I recommend we start at the FDR statue, as we did two weeks ago, and walk across the street to the source of "cruel and unusual punishment"--the RCJ editorial board. Who are these insensitive people?

 

Warm regards,

Tom

[PenDems (123)] Reminder, come celebrate today at 4 pm!

Sun Nov 2 at 4 pm: Rally with Sen Johnson
Rally at the Labor Temple,
922 St Patrick St, Rapid City
featuring:
  * Sen. Tim Johnson
  * PUC candidate Matt McLarty
  * Our quality local candidates!
  * DD And The Fayrohs
See you there!

Also:
Noontime rally for Tim
Monday, Nov 3 12:15pm, at 5th and Main St.
come show your support!

http://penndemocrats.blogspot.com/2008/11/johnson-in-town-this-afternoon.html

Johnson in town this afternoon!

Call the Rapid City Journal (605-394-8400) and tip them off that Tim's "handlers" are "hiding him" today at a massive public rally at the Labor Temple this afternoon.


Don't miss it!

Sun Nov 2 at 4 pm: Rally with Sen Johnson
Rally at the Labor Temple,
922 St Patrick St, Rapid City
featuring:
* Sen. Tim Johnson
* PUC candidate Matt McLarty
* Our quality local candidates!
* DD And The Fayrohs
See you there!

also, come:

Rally for Tim on Monday
Mon Nov 3, 12:15 pm, 5th and Main, Rapid City
(in front of the RCJ offices)
Come shout out the truth in support of Sen Tim Johnson!!
Bring a sign!

Lit drop for Get Out The Vote in motion!

There are additional drops at 2pm today, noon and 2pm Sunday, 12 and 2 on Monday.

Come out and join us, we are having a blast. It's a new day for Democratic Party in West River, in South Dakota, and in the enter Nation.

More encouragement and signup info here.


As we drive around, it's really fun to listen to right wing radio (like Roger Hedgecock) so desperate that they are just... making up stuff! Americans now know better and it's showing. South Dakotans know better and it's showing in our shifting from red to pink to purple.

Excitement like this is enough to encourage even shy people to get out and do what needs to be done.

Hope to see you at HQ and on the streets!