Happy 4th of July!

Fireworks on the Mall


21st Century Democrats Celebrate the 4th of July with a BBQ lunch

The Civil Rights Act - 44 Years Later

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving

Yesterday, as I reflected on the 44th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, I thought about how far we have come in the fight for equality and how much work we still have ahead of us. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence of the progress we have made as a nation all around us – none more visible than the Democratic Presidential Primary race between Senators Clinton and Obama. But even as we celebrate these victories we must keep in mind those who have been left behind in the struggle for equality.

As the recent California Supreme Court decision allowing gay marriage demonstrated, there are people and places in this country that are ready to correct the injustice being visited on gay Americans and support marriage equality. Many of the most ardent opponents of gay unions claim to be “defending marriage” as though allowing two people of the same gender who love each other to get married somehow weakens the institution of marriage.

Ignoring the incredibly high rate of divorce in heterosexual marriages, they reject the simple truth that providing a legal framework for gay couples to marry would create MORE strong, supportive families – not LESS. Would these people propose we ban divorce in order to protect marriage? Moreover, the opponents of gay marriage are largely the same group who stood against making interracial marriage legal over 40 years ago. How would Americans react today if we said interracial marriage should be banned? I think Americans would overwhelmingly oppose such a ban.

Democrats have been the driving force in much of the social progress we have made in the last 50 years, but we must always remember that there are people and parties in our country who seek to advance their own agenda by scapegoating and demonizing those who are different. We must stand up against this kind of discrimination at every opportunity and support what we know to be right. As we celebrate our nation’s independence this weekend we must remember not only what is great about our country, but how we can work to create a more perfect union.

A new generation of Americans is emerging and they generally don't think about race, religion or sexual orientation – when they make friends, date – or decide to marry. Hopefully the baby boomer generation and the depression era-WWII generation will learn from their children and grandchildren.

Speak No Evil - working on the Speaker Series

Corey Goldiner is a summer Fellow at 21st Century Democrats:

During my interview with 21st Century Democrats’ I was very excited about potentially working on a speaker series that has hosted some of my political heroes. I never knew the amount of detailed work that goes into progressive event planning.

Compiling a list of exciting progressives to invite was my first assignment for the speaker series. As a Collegiate Debater, and political junkie, I was naturally eager to create a list of people who I read about every day on the Daily Kos. Our goal in creating the list was to invite people with diverse experiences from throughout the progressive movement. Some of my favorite invitees are Senators Obama, Clinton, and Edwards, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, political strategists Joe Trippi and James Carville and President and Founder of Emily’s List Ellen Malcolm. Invitations are going out as we speak and I can’t wait to see who shows up this year!

Helping to create a flyer for the series was my next job; this was tough for me because I have little experience with Microsoft Publisher. I started out with a complex new design, but eventually decided a simple flyer was better. Navigating the various text boxes and images was not easy but with the help of Mike Kruger, Collin McDonnell, and some advice from Mark Lotwis the flyer was ready to be handed out.

Yesterday, I and the rest of our interns and fellows went to all the Democratic Senate offices, and some House offices (we are finishing the house side today) to hand out my flyers. Going to Capitol Hill for the first time in my life had me a bit awestruck! Growing up I listened to my Grandfather tell me about landmark pieces of legislation like the G.I. Bill, the Wagner Act, and the Voting Rights Act. Walking in the very halls where these bills were drafted was emotional for me. I hope someday, I will be able to tell my children that in these same halls, the Employee Free Choice Act restored collective bargaining rights for all Americans and here is where we ended the Iraq War.

After adjusting to the Hill and getting a little lost in the Hart building I stopped by Iowa Senator Tom Harkin’s office and had some popcorn. While in the Dirksen building one intern from Bernie Sanders’ office told me “Finally! I’m getting invited to an event that isn’t for Republicans!” I am thrilled at the prospect of meeting many more young progressives like myself!

Thoughts and Prayers with Darcy Burner

21st Century Democrats' endorsed candidate Darcy Burner experienced a personal tragedy yesterday. A faulty lamp in her son's bedroom caused a fire that completely destroyed her home and all the contents. Thankfully, Darcy, her husband, her son and the dog were able to make it to safety. Rather unfortunately, her cat perished in the fire.

Darcy has a statement on with more details and asking folks that want to help to direct it "toward your local humane society or animal shelter in memory of Charlotte [her cat], or to the Washington State Council of Firefighters Benevolent Fund."

You can be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with the Burner family at this time. But for me, this is more personal. The Washington 8th is my "home" district. My wife's family has been living in that district for 25 years. For 2 years right after university, I lived in that district and my old district has been underserved by Mrs. Burner's opponent. The current Congressman has consistently towed the line with the dreadful Bush administration. We need a change in the Washington 8th.

Darcy will obviously need to take care of her family and personal life in the near future. Therefore the progressives of Washington State and especially the Washington 8th need to step up to move the message of change forward. I would encourage everyone who is in the area to sign up to volunteer!

UPDATED:Both the DailyKos and MyDD have frontpaged articles relating to Darcy's house burning down. They have issued challenges to help her raise $400,000 on ActBlue. And people are responding!

UPDATED AGAIN: Someone has created a HelpDarcy website with simple ways you can help her and her campaign.

My 21st Century Story

Canvassing in CO-2

In November of 2007 I considered a Capitol Hill internship with Congressman Mark Udall (CO-2). Now, after taking a different course - an internship with 21st Century Democrats and an invaluable training experience - I am a field organizer for Joan Fitz-Gerald, the woman running to fill Congressman Udall’s seat as he runs for Senate.

Until 6:59 PM on June 4th I was frantically helping (21st Century Dems National Field & Training Director) Wendy Davis settle all the details for the Major League Action Training. But at 7:00, I ended my semester as an intern and became a trainee. It is hard to believe how quickly time has passed since then. Three weeks ago I checked in at Georgetown University for the field organizer training. Four days later I was one of the “Class of 2008” organizers being placed in the field. Eight days ago I began work with Joan Fitz-Gerald’s campaign in the second congressional district of Colorado. And in less than seven weeks, Joan and her staff face the major obstacle on her path to the Capitol, a primary election against millionaire opponent Jared Polis. I only started organizing phone banks, walks, and volunteers for these events last week, and yet mail-in ballots go out in less than a month. It is easy to say that there is not enough time to contact everyone who needs to be contacted, but the pressure and the unyielding deadline are the factors that make this job exciting.

When I was knocking on doors last week, I encountered a man who seemed to be leaning towards supporting us, despite the numerous television ads that her opponent has already run. I asked if I could speak with his wife and he respectfully called her over and left the conversation to the two of us; he did not want to impede on his wife’s independent decision. After finishing a conversation with the next door neighbor, Joan caught up with me and began speaking with them. After a long conversation these Wellstone Democrats decided to support Joan in the primary and even volunteer – “Let us know how we can help,” they said. Talking to these voters with Joan was one of those “Aha!” moments. Statistically maybe 50% of people will answer when you knock on their doors, even less will support your candidate. But because of the response at that one household, no other statistics mattered; my entire afternoon was effective.

Preparing to go door knocking
Joan is blessed to have a network of hundreds of volunteers and I am privileged with the task of translating their passion into action. As I contact our volunteers I am excited by their responses. They all want to help Joan in whatever way possible, whether it be calling, mailing, knocking, or showing up to events. Every time I meet a new volunteer I am reminded of a valuable lesson I learned at the training: volunteers keep a campaign’s wheels turning.

Coming into my summer as an organizer I worried that I had positioned myself for a future in campaigns, but I may not enjoy the work. Within the first day I knew my concerns were baseless. Now I look forward to “work” every day because I get to meet countless citizens – most of whom are unpaid – committed to a common cause. Together we envision a society in which success is based on effort and not on a person’s status at birth. We believe a country should make its youth a priority by investing in education and should not neglect its seniors by barring them from prescription drugs and healthcare. We need leadership that will respect and understand foreign cultures and make the very best effort to discuss differences before resolving them with weapons and violence.

I could continue this vision for pages but some volunteers just showed up and I need to give my two cents about the recent Supreme Court decisions…

Like Mom always said, "Clean up after yourself"

My mom always told me that I had to clean up after myself when I made a mess. Unfortunately, the Pentagon doesn't seem to be listening to my mother. Today the Washington Post is reporting that the Pentagon is fighting the EPA On pollution cleanup. "The Pentagon has also declined to sign agreements required by law that cover 12 other military sites on the Superfund list of the most polluted places in the country. The contracts would spell out a remediation plan, set schedules, and allow the EPA to oversee the work and assess penalties if milestones are missed." The DoD is poisoning drinking water with perchlorate and trichloroethylene and the EPA has told them to clean it up. However, being two federal entities, the EPA cannot sue the Defense Department. So the DoD continues to flout the law and act as though no law can restrict them.

Clearly George W. Bush, John McCain and their Republican allies in Congress continue to show their indifference to protecting our environment or making the Pentagon obey the law. At 21st Century Democrats, we endorse progressive leaders who support strong environmental protections to preserve our planet for future generations. Progressive Democrats would never allow the Department of Defense to poison our groundwater because it was too expensive to clean up or because they didn't want to give another agency some oversight on a publicly-owned Federal property. We can't wait for an Obama administration that will demand these Executive Branch agencies respect the law!

Updated: 5 Senators wrote Secretary Gates demanding the DoD comply with law.

Like Obama, 21st Century Democrats believe in progressive Southerners

In today's New York Times, they highlight that the Obama Camp Thinks Democrats Can Rise in South. This isn't a surprise to us here at 21st Century Democrats. We believe that not just any Democrat can get elected in the South, but that progressive Democrats can be elected at all levels of government in the South.

The article questions how serious Democrats are at campaigning in the South. At 21st Century Democrats we have put our money where our mouth is. We already have folks helping on the ground in North Carolina and are working toward putting people on the ground in Central Florida and Miami. Consider helping us with your expertise or your financial support.

Here are the Southern candidates we are excited about:

Mike Smith	US Congress 8th District	Florida
Larry Kissell	US Congress 8th District	North Carolina
Suzanne Kosmas	US Congress 24th District	Florida
Wendy Davis	State Senate 10th District	Texas
Adam M. Fetterman	State House 81st District	Florida
Michael Calderin	State House 119th District	Florida
Anton Gunn	State House 79th District	South Carolina

Bonjour à tous!

Clotilde Philip is a summer Fellow at 21st Century Democrats:

I’m really happy to be among 21st Century Democrats’ staff for this summer 2008.

I am a French student from Paris and because my program requires a three month internship, I decided to have a go in America, especially during a time of big political change! It’s my first time in the United States and I’m so excited to discover a new continent, a new country, a new culture, another way of life…

I have seen the presidential election in France last year and now I am very curious to learn about Americans’ campaign.

I’m very glad to be in Washington, DC and participate at this precious period for Americans and most of all, it is so great to be with a team like 21st Century Democrats!

Introducing the 9 newest members of the 21st Century Democrats family

Time flies when the future looks exciting. We have only 131 days until the General Election and we are working hard to put progressives in positions to win. 21st Century Democrats is striving to be the place where the netroots meets the grassroots. In pursuing that goal, today we endorsed 9 progressive leaders at all levels of government. The next step is to train field organizers and place them in as many competitive races as we can.

The progressive leaders that we chose today represent a cross section of Americans who are dedicated to putting our country back on the right track. Each of our endorsed candidates have a progressive vision for America and the ability to make it a reality.

Therefore We Are Proud To Announce Our Endorsement Of:

• Tom Udall - US Senate, New Mexico
• John Adler - US Congress, New Jersey
• Gary Peters - US Congress, Michigan
• Suzanne Kosmas - US Congress, Florida
• Larry Kissell - US Congress, North Carolina
• Hannah-Beth Jackson - State Senate, California
• Michael Calderin - State House, Florida
• Anton Gunn - State House, South Carolina
• Summer Starr - State House, Hawaii

These progressive leaders have all demonstrated their commitment to building a stronger, safer and more prosperous America. But as Democrats know all too well, having the right ideas is only half the battle. We must turn out the voters on Election Day to bring about the change we wish to see in the world.

We are excited to work with such an exceptional group of candidates and promise to spend every moment of the next 131 days working toward turning out volunteers and voters for them. I hope that you will join us in this effort.

Gordon Smith: Running For (and From) The GOP

How damaged is the Republican brand? If Gordon Smith’s new television spot is any indication, the GOP label must be fatal. The Republican Senator is now running an ad that claims Barack Obama credited Smith with helping to “lead the fight for better gas mileage and a cleaner environment.” The only problem: it’s not true. It’s not surprising that Smith would want to tie himself to Obama consider how popular the Democratic nominee is in Oregon, but the truth is Obama never made such a statement about Smith and has strongly endorsed his Democratic opponent Jeff Merkley.

Check out this report from KGW-8 in Portland, OR:

The excitement around here...

Obviously today is an exciting day around the 21st Century Dems organization. We are proud to throw our full weight behind these exciting and progressive candidates because of:

• Tom Udall's dedication to protecting our Constitutional rights.
  
• John Adler's committment to responsibly ending this war in Iraq so we can invest in priorities at home.
  
• Gary Peters' determination to make China and Korea play by international rules and demand that the world trade organization (WTO) address non-tariff barriers that prevent the importation of U.S. made products into their markets.
• Suzanne Kosmas' outrage at President Bush for handing out billions of dollars in subsidies and tax giveaways to Big Oil and Big Gas companies, while average Americans are struggling with high prices at the pump.
• Larry Kissell's compassion for the brave men and women who have served in the Armed Forces.
• Hannah-Beth Jackson's history as the leading protector of the California coast from the pollution caused by offshore oil drilling.
• Michael Calderin's insistence on one person, one vote, the fundamental building block of democracy.
• Anton Gunn's inspiring personal story and passion to make a difference in our world.
• Summer Starr's advocacy for shared natural resources, regardless of income or social status.

We couldn't be happier to be working for these candidates. But we aren't done yet! What issues do you want to see covered by our progressive candidates, both endorsed and future endorsees?

21st Century Democrats’ Major League Action Training: A Look through a Fellow’s Eyes

Deborah Block is a summer Fellow at 21st Century Democrats:

A month before graduating Tufts, I decided that I wanted to take a post-college path that was a little different from most of my peers. Where many of my friends were heading off to begin jobs as paralegals in New York City or do research and nonprofit work abroad, I wanted to throw myself in the middle of Washington, DC during a time when America was on the brink of a new Presidency and political change.

Because Tufts is a liberal college full of proactive students determined to one day change the world (I wish that didn’t sound so cheesy, but it’s actually how Tufts kids think), I naturally adopted this mantra, believing that somehow, someway, I could really make a difference. My decision to work for 21st Century Democrats was a reflection of that ideology.

Even in my college bubble, it was impossible to ignore the devastating state of our country and the negative ramifications of the Bush administration. The war in Iraq was costing us trillions of dollars, the economy was suffering, gas prices were at unprecedented rates, and that was only the beginning. My decision to start working at 21st Century Democrats was a decision to stop sitting around and watch our country fall apart. It was a decision to help elect Democratic candidates and of course, a Democratic President. It was a decision to fight for progressive politics and ultimately turn this country around.

But before I began my mission, I needed a break and was excited for a few weeks at home to sit on my couch and watch VH1. However, my “be lazy and do nothing” time was quickly cut short by a phone call from Wendy Davis, our National Field and Training Director, who needed me to come to DC as soon as possible to help with the Major League Action training at Georgetown University.

After reading over 21st Century Democrats’ website many times, it was clear what the purpose of this training was. In essence, this event would prepare and teach a diverse group of democrats to effectively organize and campaign on behalf of progressive candidates running for election all across the country. Reflecting the very mission of 21st Century Democrats, in training grassroots organizers to elect progressive candidates, this would ensure that progressive values would spread and the direction of this country would finally change.

So as it was, the first day of the Major League Action training was my first day of work. Waking up to report each morning at 8 am and finishing each evening after 11 pm, I spent every day doing exactly what I expected: making sure that meals went smoothly, taking pictures, making copies, handing out work sheets, making sure people knew where they were going, and other typical intern responsibilities.

But it was all worth it. Too overwhelmed with finishing college and quickly beginning a new job, I hadn’t even begun to think about the valuable first hand experience I would take away from this training.

For five days, participants’ schedules were jammed with speakers from morning to night. Participants had no time to rest, there was no down time, there was no opportunity to take the afternoon off and explore DC. But even with their demanding schedules, no one complained. After all, they weren’t there to relax, they were there to learn how to effectively campaign and elect progressive candidates. With this in common between all trainees, it was incredible to watch strong bonds form over a very short period of time. Whether it was a Southern woman with a husband fighting in Iraq, a college student from Arizona, a mother and son from Florida, regardless of where they came from, how old they were, their gender, or race—all came together to work tirelessly and learn everything they could to help each other and help America.

And I saw that their determination was unwavering. On the fourth day of training, I took trips back and forth to Virginia to pick up groups of our trainees who had been canvassing on one of the hottest days of the year. Expecting each group to be exhausted and grumpy from a long day, I was met with a very different reality. Instead, each group was energized and excited. Some groups even sang songs together and chanted cheers to congratulate their hard work. I was amazed.

And that’s when it hit me. No one made these people come DC to learn how to be grassroots organizers; they were there because they wanted to be, because they believed in progressive politics, because they believed in democratic values, and most importantly, because they believed they could make a change.

At the end of the training, I stepped back and watched as people who were strangers just days before hug each other, and exchange phone numbers and email addresses. They waved goodbye and sent each other off with words of encouragement to work hard and never give up. And with the support of new democratic friends who share a common belief in progressive values, it was clear that these people were not giving up any time soon. Instead, they were more determined than ever to act now and finally change America.

And that was just my first 5 days of work.

21st Century Dem endorsed Jeff Merkley clear on Iraq (unlike his opponent)

mcjoan over at Daily Kos has an excellent write up on how Gordon Smith in Oregon is trying to run as a Democrat because the Republican brand is so toxic. He's wrongfully claiming that he was one of the first to speak out against George Bush's Iraq War.

However, the local news won't let him get away with such blatant lies. And fortunately for Oregon voters, Jeff Merkley is truly committed to ending the Iraq War. He was speaking out against the war 3 years prior to his opponent. He has consistently been against the war and is committed to removing troops upon election to the Senate.

Why not head on over to Jeff Merkley's blog to find out more about him and how you can help out?

Diplomacy and defense are not substitutes for one another. Either alone will fail. - JFK

There is some great news out of North Korea today. The North Korean government has invited outside media to watch them destroy vital parts of their nuclear reactor.

"North Korea is to blow up a key part of its controversial Yongbyon nuclear reactor on Friday.

The destruction of the plant's cooling tower is part of an agreement with the United States aimed at denuclearizing the Korean peninsula in exchange for loosening some restrictions on the highly secretive Communist country.

The North Korean government has invited news organizations, including CNN, to witness the event."

This has only happen in spite of everything President Bush has done. At every turn he has threatened the North Koreans with military action. In fact, President Bush's foolhardy mission into Iraq allowed the North Koreans to build and distribute nuclear bomb technology. Luckily, through hard work by our other allies in the region, the North Koreans are shutting down their nuclear program without any shots being fired.

That is why we at 21st Century Democrats support a foreign policy that uses military force only as a last resort when our nation is attacked and not as the primary tool for resolving international friction.

21st Century Dems are Twittering

Although we have had a Twitter account for a while, we've been so overwhelmed that we haven't been able to update it very frequently. Not so anymore. Check out what we are doing several times a day via Twitter. And we'd love to know what you are doing, so follow us and we'll follow you. Or drop us a link in the comments and we'll follow your Tweets.