Comment

Comment by Daisy Stewart on November 18, 2012 at 6:30pm

Thank you, Henry, for all of your work over the years for Democratic candidates. I also appreciate the efforts of many others to make Democracy Prevails successful.

Comment by Michael Hudson on November 18, 2012 at 3:06pm

November 18, 2012

My friends,

Early in 2004, in response to national Democrats essentially giving up on Virginia and ceding Virginia as a hopelessly red state, I looked into ways to have a good solid Democratic presence here in Southwest Virginia.  I quickly realized talk was the only thing that was cheap, and to have  more visibility money was essential. We started to raise funds for campaign materials, followed the necessary procedures to become a federal PAC, and Democracy Prevails was off and running. We attended many community events, sold bumper stickers and buttons, and worked hard to elect John Kerry.  Our first two bumper stickers were

PEACE IS PATRIOTIC

and

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

BRING THEM HOME

I still smile when I see one lingering on a bumper. Though our efforts did not result in a Democratic victory  I like to think that the Democrats were visible in Southwest Virginia. After that election we began having monthly discussions over dinner on current topics. The dinners continued into 2012.

In Virginia there is an election every year so there were always races to win. We went to street fairs, gun shows, music festivals,  UMW fish fry, pot luck dinners…anywhere we could meet people, and spread the message of good Democratic candidates. 

In 2006 Democracy Prevails worked very hard to elect Jim Webb to the US Senate. That was a busy year and so many folks in Southwest Virginia were involved and active.  Senator Jim Webb has been an effective Senator the last 6 years and the contacts established then were long lasting.

2008 was a big year with the election of President Barack Obama. We distributed big “Obama Biden” signs, yard signs, and other paraphernalia, and traveled the district. Unfortunately, he did not carry the majority in the Fightin 9^th, but I think we did make a difference.

In the eight years of Democracy Prevails I have had support from so many people and I thank each one of you. Your moral and financial support, plus your volunteer efforts have made it all possible. We were all volunteers together. Unlike some federal PACS no individual received any salary or financial payments. The funds raised all went into the political activities we promoted. With the successful election this year it is time for me to retire from active participation in Democracy  Prevails. It’s been a fun run…all remaining funds were donated to Democratic candidates and with a zero balance  in the Democracy Prevails bank account  we no longer file with the FEC.

Thank you all for your support over the years.

Henry W. Tieleman,

Founder, Democracy Prevails

Comment by Michael Hudson on February 14, 2012 at 10:43am

Public Schools Are Under Attack!

This Valentine's Day, call your state legislators:

VA Delegates
Greg Habeeb: (804) 698-1008
Nick Rush: (804) 698-1007
Joesph Yost: (804) 698-1012

VA Senators
John Edwards: (804) 698-7521
Ralph Smith: (804) 698-7519

The state government in Richmond wants to destroy public education as we know it. Governor McDonnell has proposed a budget that will drastically cut the money given to public schools by the state. In Montgomery County, this will result in cuts in classroom budgets and the elimination of 16 full-time positions from the public school system without additional state funding. Meanwhile, corporations in Virginia, who depend from an educated work force, enjoy some of the lowest corporate tax rates in the country.

This must change. We urge everyone, on February 14th, to call our state Delegates and Senators and let them know that we want fully funded public schools. Use your own words or use the script below:

"My name is [name], I'm from [town], and I am calling to urge [legislator
you are calling] to support adequate funding of public schools. The
governor's budget drastically reduces funding for schools and
threatens the quality of public education in Montgomery County and
across Virginia. Virginia is the 6th wealthiest state in the nation,
yet it ranks dead last in average teacher's salaries relative to
average pay in the state, and 37th in per student funding.
Please make corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share to
ensure a strong public education system in Virginia."

VA Delegates
Greg Habeeb: (804) 698-1008
Nick Rush: (804) 698-1007
Joesph Yost: (804) 698-1012

VA Senators
John Edwards: (804) 698-7521
Ralph Smith: (804) 698-75190

Comment by Michael Hudson on February 6, 2012 at 9:57am

Organizing for America -  Blacksburg Phone Bank

Sign up here - https://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gppyh7

or by phone with Jenni Gallagher - 540-605-0365

Do you want to help keep Virginia blue for Obama in 2012? Come join us to reach out to other supporters and invite them to join us in securing the President's re-election. Are you a new volunteer? We'll provide training and plenty of camaraderie and support while we make calls. Please bring a charged cell phone.

Time: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Host: Jenni Gallagher

Contact Phone: 540-605-0365

Location: Blacksburg Public Library (Blacksburg, VA) Community Meeting Room 200 Miller St. Blacksburg, VA 24060

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Comment by Michael Hudson on February 3, 2012 at 3:25pm

Greetings Montgomery County Democrats!

 

We have a lot of things going on in the next few weeks that you won't want to miss.  Please read this news update carefully and join us at our upcoming events. 

 

Steve Cochran, Chair

MCDC

 

In this bulletin:

 

MCDC To Elect New Members and Officers - Get Involved!!

Lefties at Lefty's Monthly Social

DPVA JJ Dinner with Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer

Save the Date - Mark Warner Fundraiser in Blacksburg March 3

 

MCDC REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING FEBRUARY 4TH AT 10:00AM- REGISTRATION AT 9:30AM

 

Please join us Saturday morning February 4th at the Montgomery County Government Center for the election of members of the Montgomery County Democratic Committee for the 2012-13 term.  There is a LOT of work to be done - especially this year - and this is the perfect time to get involved!  If you are new to the community, or just one of those folks who have told yourself you need to be more involved with the Democratic Party, we want you to come to the meeting and join us.

 

The meeting will be held in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room on the second floor.  Doors will open at 9:30 for registration.  In order to participate in the caucus, you must be registered - or in line to register - no later than 10:00am.  The
Government Center is located at 755 Roanoke Street in Christiansburg. http://g.co/maps/5ackk  Parking is available in the rear of the building in addition to the main lot.

 

The newly elected committee members and alternates will meet following the caucus to vote on officers for the next two years.  Our bylaws have recently been changed to include four new functional area vice chair positions - Finance, Information Management, Operations and Outreach.  This meeting will be held later in February and only members and alternates newly elected to the committee will be eligible to vote.

 

For more information, contact Steve Cochran at morningview@verizon.net or 239-0980.  If you cannot attend the meeting, but wish to be more involved, we want to hear from you!

 

VIRGINIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY JEFFERSON-JACKSON (JJ) DINNER TO FEATURE GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER

 

MCDC has reserved a table at the upcoming DPVA JJ Dinner on Saturday, February 11th at the Richmond Convention Center.  This annual event is the primary fundraiser for the VA Democratic Party and is usually a sell out. In the past, we've been treated to speeches from Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, and many others.  This year's special guest is Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer.  You may remember, Governor Schweitzer was one of the speakers at the 2008 DNC in Denver and he really got the crowd going.  This promises to be a great JJ Dinner.

 

A few seats remain at the MCDC table at $175/each.  Single tickets are $200 each once our table is filled.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Steve Cochran ASAP. morningview@verizon.net or 239-0980

 

SAVE THE DATE - MARCH 3RD - MARK WARNER FUNDRAISER

 

On Saturday morning, March 3rd, Senator Mark Warner will be in Blacksburg for a fundraising breakfast.  Mark your calendar now!  Invitations will be sent via e-mail within the next few days.  Space is limited and RSVP's will be necessary.

 

MCDC MONTHLY SOCIAL - LEFTIES AT LEFTY'S - THIS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 5:30-7:30pm

 

The first Wednesday of every month Democrats from all around the area gather at Lefty's Main Street Grille for an informal social.  Come on out this Wednesday, February 1st, and join us.  There's always a lot of great political discussion and it's a great time to be with old friends and new.  We hope to see YOU there!

 

Lefty's is a Democrat owned business located at 1202 South Main Street in Blacksburg and has a wonderful menu of food and beverages!  http://g.co/maps/36hpz

Comment by Michael Hudson on January 30, 2012 at 11:17pm

Brian John of the Virginia Organizing asked me to spread the word that they are holding a rally in Richmond on Valentines Day!  They're going to let the legislators know that they're breaking our hearts (and the hearts of low income and working folks all over Virginia) on issues like predatory lending, health care, cutting funding to education, and voting rights! 

Please join them on Tuesday, 2/14, in Richmond.  We'll be leaving from our area either on Monday night, 2/15, or early on Tuesday morning.  We'll return Tuesday evening.  PLEASE let him know if you can make it!

email

bjohns@virginia-organizing.org

The Virginia Organizing Project

703 Concord Avenue
Charlottesville, VA 22903-5208
(434) 984-4655   •   (434) 984-2803 fax
www.virginia-organizing.org

Comment by Michael Hudson on November 26, 2011 at 10:55am

The Liberal stronghold of Riner VA will be hosting our Congressaman on Monday at Auburn HS.  Anybody feel like carpooling from Blacksburg?

Click here to see the event

http://www.progressandmain.com/events/congressional-town-hall-meeting

Comment by Michael Hudson on September 7, 2011 at 12:42pm

Election Season is approaching! Lefties are gather at Lefty's tonight @ 5:30pm  for dinner and conversation, election updates and organizing -

http://www.progressandmain.com/events/lefties-lefties-bar-grill.

Comment by Michael Hudson on August 22, 2011 at 8:34am

On My last message I misstated the day of the week for the Democracy Prevails meeting.  As Usual, the meeting will be on Wednesday, Aug 24, not Thursday.  My apologies for the confusion.  And Thank you Susan for pointing that out! 

 

MH

Comment by Michael Hudson on August 21, 2011 at 7:07pm

Please remember to join Democracy Prevails This Coming Thursday

Dr. S. B. "Chandler" Chandler will again talk to us about the coming green economy. In this session, he'll outline small decisions that each of us can make to make a big difference. Learn about gallons per mile, freedom lightbulbs, efficiency, water conservation, and the exciting topic of insulation. Simple investments not only improve the future but are investments with unbelievable returns.

There will be a half hour "social" starting at 6:30. This will allow us time to order a meal, or whatever, and then start the scheduled program at 7 P.M. The meeting will be at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Democratic Nominee for VA's 12'th district House seat - Don Langrehr is also expected

More information here- http://www.progressandmain.com/events/democracy-prevails-meeting-gr...

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