November 2003 Newsletter

Contents

• President's Report by Steve Lafferty
• Election of Officers
• Looking to the Future by Margie Brassil
• Vinny DeMarco
• League of Conservation Voters
• Bull and Oyster Roast
• December Holiday Party
• Upcoming Political Events
• Veterans' Day Remembrance
• Operation Hero Miles
• Thornton Funding
• Interesting Opportunities
• Health Policy and Management Lectures
• Fair Taxes versus Higher Tuition
• An Assessment of President Bush
• Voting Machines
• Even the Great Ones Quake (Humor)
• Club Membership has climbed to 146
• Membership
• Upcoming Club Events
• What Do You Think?

President's Report by Steve Lafferty

I had on my Maryland Democratic Party hat when I went out the other night. I immediately started thinking about how I would respond to anyone who asked about Democrats or why I had that hat on. I would ask:

• Are Bush and Ehrlich the leaders you really want?
• Are the economy, the environment, or your sense of security any better today because of them?
• Are your values and your family better served because of them?
• Do you think that government is more responsive with either of them in leadership roles?

Well, instead, I saw two hard working Democrats whom I know and who care about Bush's failed Iraqi policy and the importance of good government for their children. Reaffirmed, yes. Still concerned, also yes.

Are Democrats adrift? We always ask about our message and how to deliver it. We need to stop our wandering and focus. Let me point you to the Frederick County Democrats. A very good article in last week's Gazette, www.Gazette.com, describes their struggles to regain the prominence of the early 90s. They have tried to target young voters, fund raise, offer more activities and look to the next group of candidates. The number of Republican voters has grown and the debate goes on- are Democrats too "Liberal" (ugh, that L word), adrift in conveying its message or unable to define the debate? Galen Clagett says it well: "It is not an excess of liberalism, but the success of Republicans in labeling all Democrats as liberals."

We know that it is not true. Each part of the State - and Baltimore County - has different Democrats. Sen. Jim Brochin has shown that he resonates with voters in a more conservative part of the County. The Democrats of Dundalk are different from the African - American Democrats of Randallstown, the Jewish Democrats in Pikesville or the yuppie Democrats in Towson. But, we are all Democrats that care about people, working families, a solid education for all children and the role of government in providing for these.

Tom Slater, from Frederick County, says, "Our message is more complex and it must be defined. It must be our own message and our own perception, not that of the media in the area. We must be proactive and do a better job of reaching out. Voters since 1994 have looked at the party label and stopped there." And, this message should be based on values that strike a positive cord.

Why do you think George Bush and Bob Ehrlich refuse to talk with the large newspapers but are reaching into the heartland to talk to and with "folks"? Why were "soccer moms" and now "NASCAR dads" important? What are the values that resonate with voters? Do we understand them enough to win in 2004 and 2006? If not, we better start listening.

Steve Lafferty

Elections of Officers

The Nominating Committee presented a slate of candidates at the September 23 meeting. This slate was published in the October newsletter. No other candidates have been nominated so the slate, as presented, is unopposed. At the official Annual Meeting November 11, CBCDC members will formally elect the a new officers and Directors-at-large who will serve for the next two years.

Current Board members nominated to continue on the Board are: Andrea Vernot and Bob Derbyshire for Directors at Large, Herb Lodder to continue as Treasurer, Judy Katz in a new role as Secretary, and Margie Brassil in a new role as President.

The other nominees are some new and some familiar faces. Wayne Definbaugh, nominee for Vice President, and Dorothy Foos, nominee for Director, are both members of the Baltimore County Central Committee and are known to many Club members as very active in the Democratic party. Julie Dreisch, a new nominee for Director, is connected to the Baltimore County Young Democrats and is employed on Congressman Elijah Cummings''s community outreach staff. Bob Anbinder, also a new nominee for Director, honed his political skills on Steve Lafferty's campaign and, as a resident of Pikesville, brings much-needed representation from the far western edge of "Central Baltimore County."

Looking to the Future

If elected as president, I believe it will be important that we continue to build upon the solid foundation created by our current president, Steve Lafferty (who will continue to be a member of the Board as Past President). My vision for the Club over the next two years is to make the CBCDC the "Go-To" place for Democrats in the Central County area. Our Club should be the source of information and inspiration for all Democrats - elected, activists and non-activists in our area. To achieve this vision, I will ask the Board to concentrate on three main goals over the next two years:

1. Creating an environment for elected and non-elected but active Democrats to network and make interpersonal connections.
2. Promoting the Club as a place that inspires and nurtures local Democratic candidates, playing a stronger role in getting Democrats elected in the districts our club represents.
3. Finally, to achieve the first two goals, the Board's third goal would be to continue promoting membership in our Club.

I will look to Club members to volunteer for new committees and help in activities that will be designed to further our mission. Count on hearing from your Board in the near future about what you can do to be involved.

Vinny DeMarco Speaks

Our guest speaker at the November 11 meeting will be Mr. Vincent DeMarco, Executive Director of Maryland Health Care Initiatives. He and his organization have been working in recent years to get the State government to provide health care coverage for all Marylanders. During the 2004 General Assembly Session, the Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative will be proposing legislation to guarantee quality, affordable health care for all Marylanders.

The Health Care For All Plan has been endorsed by over 1000 religious, community, labor, health care and business groups from across Maryland. According to an economic study done of the plan by the highly respected Lewin Group, the Plan can achieve its goal without causing businesses to leave the State or causing the State a net loss of jobs. Vinny will be explaining the initiatives and urging the Club to endorse the Plan! You can also find out more information about the Plan at www.healthcareforall.com.

League of Conservation Voters

Executive Director of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Sue Brown, was our guest speaker. Ms. Brown has been a leading advocate for environmental protection as the head of the League and has helped evaluate the voting records of elected officials. At the meeting, Sue talked about the main purpose of the League as being the environmental watchdog in Annapolis who keeps score on how our elected officials are actually voting on important environmental legislation.

The Maryland LCV advocates for sound conservation policies, promotes environmentally responsible candidates for public office, and holds elected officials accountable for the decisions they make affecting our air, water, open space, and quality of life.

Fortunately for the 42^nd district, State Senator Jim Brochin has received high marks from the League for his efforts in supporting the environment. Senator Brochin was a key player in the defeat of Lyn Buhl for Secretary of the Environment. Sue Brown also commented on other elected officials and encouraged members to check out the scorecard reports.

The League will be hosting a fundraiser in Annapolis on Wednesday, November 12^th in honor of State Senator Brian Frosh. For more information on this great event or wonderful organization, please see their website, www.mdlcv.org.

Tom Quirk

Bull and Oyster Roast - A Huge Success

The Club's 2003 Bull and Oyster Roast was a terrific success due to many, many factors. We were truly honored to have Speaker of the House Mike Busch as our distinguished guest. He not only educated the crowd but challenged them to stay focused on the Ehrlich administration's shortcomings and the need for continued involvement.

Board member Bob Derbyshire chaired this year's event and did a fantastic job. Due to his hard work and creativity we had wonderful music, an inside venue, held a raffle, a silent auction and gained significant sponsorships from Congressmen Ben Cardin and Dutch Ruppersberger, County Executive Jim Smith, State Sen. Jim Brochin and local business people Bob Bowie (an attorney), CDC Printing and Mike Hyatt (Wells Liquors). We had more paid attendees than last year -- and this is an off election year to boot!

It was a terrific time, a money maker (over $2,000 net) and an indication of the Club's appeal and strength. Please thank Bob when you see him and consider volunteering for next year.

Thanks to all of you who bought tickets and who attended. For those who did not, sorry that you missed a great time but plan to join us next year.

Steve Lafferty

December Holiday Party

This year's Annual Club Holiday Party will be held on December 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the home of Steve and Betsy Lafferty, 909 Wellington Avenue in Stoneleigh. We invite you and all other good Democrats to please join us for a social and political networking time in a festive holiday setting. We look forward to seeing you.

If you need directions or have questions, contact Steve Lafferty at 410-377-4521.

Upcoming Political Events

November 8 - Montgomery County Campaign Training, dedicated to Beating the Bushes. Campaign Training open to all Democrats, from 10am-2pm at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Service Center. $10/fee covers training & lunch. You must pre-register. Call 301-229-1697 or email aghumpgrey@aol.com.

November 9 - Health Care Town Meeting sponsored by Delegates Dan Morhaim (11^th) and Shirley Nathan-Pulliam (10^th). Topics will include health care costs, quality, access, personnel, malpractice, CareFirst. Northwest Hospital Conference Center, 5401 Old Court Rd. 3-5 PM (sign up to speak 2:30 -3 PM) For more information call 410-581-8712 or 410-947-7050.

November 9 - New 7th Democratic Civic Club Bull Roast, 2 - 6 pm. At Knights of Columbus Hall, Edgemere, MD. $25

November 13 - Breakfast with Delegate Adrienne Jones, at Linwood's Restaurant, Owings Mills, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Tickets are Sponsor/$250, Guest/$100. For more information call 410-974-6076.

November 16 - The Baltimore County State Central Committee Bull Roast, 1-5 pm at The Rosedale Volunteer Fire Dept. Hall, 8037 Philadelphia Rd. Contact Meg Ferguson hcferguson@comcast.net for more information. $25 per person.

November 17 - 10th Anniversary of Harriet's List, Maryland's only Democratic, pro-choice, women's organization dedicated to electing women, at the Radisson Hotel, Annapolis with special guests, Senator Barbara Mikulski and Former Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend along with many of the women that Harriet's List has supported during its 10-year history. For registration and information, 301-442-7573

November 21 - Maryland Citizen's Health Initiative Dinner honoring leaders in health care reform, at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum, beginning at 5:30 pm; $100 per person; call 410-235-9000 for more information or tickets.

December 15 - Public Forum on National Convention Delegate Selection, 6:30-8:15 at the Randallstown Library. Hosted by Senator Delores G. Kelley, 10th Dist. Democratic Club and the Baltimore Co. Democratic Central Committee. Contact 410-841-3606 for more information.

Veterans' Day Remembrance

On Veterans' Day, we honor all of those Americans who have served in the armed forces of our country, whether in war or peace, whether in combat or "on guard" during the long cold war. Here is an excerpt in tribute, spoken in a radio broadcast after the surrender ceremony on September 2, 1945:

"Today the guns are silent. A great tragedy has ended. A great victory has been won. The skies no longer rain death - the seas bear only commerce - men everywhere walk upright in the sunlight. The entire world is quietly at peace. The holy mission has been accomplished. And in reporting this to you, the people, I speak for thousands of silent lips, forever stilled among the jungles and the beaches and in the deep waters of the Pacific which marked the way. I speak for the unnamed brave millions homeward bound to take up the challenge of that future which they did so much to salvage from the brink of disaster. . . .And so my fellow countrymen, today I report to you that your sons and daughters have served you well and faithfully with the calm, deliberate, determined fighting spirit of the American soldier and sailor . . . . Their spiritual strength and power brought us through to victory. They are homeward bound - take care of them."

Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander

Operation Hero Miles

After Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced that the troops in the gulf region would be deployed up to two years, the Pentagon started giving soldiers stationed in Iraq two-week leaves and R & R. The soldiers could fly to Germany or BWI (Baltimore Washington International Airport) for free, but the soldiers are responsible for flights the rest of the way to their home destinations.

Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger went to BWI to meet the first group of soldiers and marines arriving home for R & R. What Dutch found out was that these exhausted troops were required to pay their own way for connecting flights to their hometowns all across the country with sometimes long delays.

Congressman Ruppersberger was seriously concerned about this excessive financial burden placed on the soldiers trying to spend some quality time with family and friends. He and his staff went to work on the problem. They met with Delta Airlines and worked out a program where citizens can donate their frequent flyer miles to a "SkyMiles for Heroes" program so soldiers can use these miles credits to fly to their hometowns for free. Delta will contribute 10 million miles to the SkyMiles for Heroes account to initiate the campaign.

The problem is that Delta does not fly to all locations across America. Dutch is negotiating with the other airlines to adopt similar programs. "I challenge other airlines to set up their own Operation Hero Miles' programs. Our men and women risking their lives serving our country in Iraq deserve our support. You can help American troops travel home to spend quality time with their loved ones without worrying about how much it will cost," said Congressman Ruppersberger. As of this writing, Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines have announced they will also participate in the Operation Hero Miles.

SkyMiles members may donate miles to support the United States military's Operation Iraqi Freedom Rest and Relaxation (R&R) program. Military personnel will use donated miles when returning home between Nov. 1, 2003 and Sept. 30, 2004.

See www.heromiles.org for more information.

Wayne Brooks

Thornton Funding

Full funding for Thornton or the Bridge to Excellence Act is critical to meet the demands for school accountability that both it and the federally-mandated provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act require. But our Governor and state lawmakers are contemplating ways to renege or reduce this funding. Faced with a budgetary crisis, proposals to extend the phase-in period for the $1.3 billion funding program from 5 to 10 years or to increase by percentages alone per year are being studied. The problem is that demands to meet certain educational benchmarks and the penalties for failing to do so will remain even if funding is not there. Local governments will be forced to bear the brunt of these demands and to find the money to insure compliance for their local schools.

A broad-based coalition of organizations around Maryland are banding together to insure that Thornton is fully funded and aid to local governments is maintained. Thornton funding requires results but gives flexibility to local school systems to determine how the money will be spent through the submission of master plans. Reducing class sizes, increasing teacher salaries, targeting programs for certain groups of children and providing all-day kindergarten are just some of the ways local school systems are using this funding that was passed to fund education throughout the state equitably and adequately--a state constitutional mandate.

At November's Club Meeting, a resolution for the Club to sign on as a Thornton coalition member will be introduced. On Monday, November 17 at 7 PM at the Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Dr. Alvin Thornton, the Chair of the Commission from which this legislation came, will speak to educate and inform the community about the Act and its necessity. All are welcome to attend.

In the last election, many of our elected officials were clear in their support for Thornton and voters responded to that commitment by supporting them. It is now time for our legislators and governor to honor the commitment made and to work for full funding of Thornton. Failure to fully fund the legislation may result in litigation, failure to meet state and federal mandates and, most importantly, lost opportunities for excellence for Maryland schoolchildren.

Vicki Schultz-Unger, 410-377-0828, vschultzunger@hotmail.com

Interesting Opportunities

Campaign Organizers needed:

Progressive Maryland is launching a statewide campaign to block further cuts to the state budget. They will be urging the General Assembly to invest in education and social programs by closing corporate loopholes and collecting fair levels of revenue from corporations and the wealthiest Marylanders.

For a job description, see www.progressivemaryland.org/jobs/campaign.php. Resumes should be sent to Tom Hucker at tom@progressivemaryland.org. No calls, please.

Health Policy and Management Lectures

(Organized by 11th District Delegate Dan Morhaim, M.D. and Donald M. Steinwachs, Ph.D. and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, these Lectures are free and Open to the Public - Free lunch provided beginning 12:00 p.m. Lectures from 12: 15 p.m. -1: 20 p.m. at the Hampton House Lecture Hall (Basement) 624. N. Broadway, Baltimore, across the street from the main hospital.) For more information, call Pam Davis at 410-955-3625. Remaining lectures:

November 20: Nelson Sabatini, Maryland Secretary of Health, has recently announced his intention to find a way to provide health insurance for all Marylanders. He will outline his plan and other goals for the Department of Health.

December 4: Barbara Heller, Executive Director, Center for Health Workforce Development, will share her insights on the vital issue of health care workers and the increasing shortages of nurses, technical and support staff, and doctors as well. What are the causes of the crisis and what can be done about it?

December 11: Dr. Gervais Tougas, a practicing gastroenterologist and public policy expert from Hamilton, Ontario, will share how the Canadian system works, pros and cons, for patients and providers, taxpayers and government.

Fair Taxes vs. Higher Education

Governor Ehrlich vetoed a bill that would have balanced Maryland's budget by imposing taxes on corporations located outside of Maryland on their sales within Maryland. The bill would also have imposed a 2% tax on HMO premiums and also would have imposed a temporary tax on certain Maryland corporations.

This veto necessitated cuts in state funds to Maryland's state sponsored universities and colleges. As a result of these cuts, Maryland's state colleges and universities had to raise their tuitions, some by as much as 21%. Furthermore, Richard Hug, Ehrlich's chief fundraiser, has indicated that he wants to double tuition costs at the University of Maryland.

The choice to Marylanders is clear: Do Marylanders want to preclude certain students from obtaining a quality education in order to subsidize non-Maryland corporations, HMOs and certain Maryland corporations? Governor Ehrlich and Richard Hug have indicated their preferences. What are yours?

Jim Kehl

An Assessment of President Bush

from MoveOn.org

For three years, President Bush has worked to build an image for himself that resonates with the American people. He's bullied the media, distorted the facts, and cowed his political opponents. Through it all, we've worked together to expose the gap between Bush's carefully constructed image and his failed policies. That image is now falling apart under the weight of a mismanaged economy, daily losses in Iraq, and the accumulated evidence of the President's distortions.

Over the next months, we're going to raise an unprecedented $10 million for the production and placement of ads that take the truth about the Bush administration directly to the American people in key battleground states.

This project is being run by MoveOn.org Voter Fund, which is a non-federal political organization under section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code. Unlike federal candidates' campaigns, the MoveOn.org Voter Fund can accept unlimited contributions from individuals who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. The Fund will not accept contributions from corporations or labor organizations.

The ad campaign will focus on three main themes -- themes which pollsters have found strongly resonate and which speak the truth:

President Bush's actions can't be trusted. He tells us he will leave no child behind, but he cuts funding for education. He launches a "healthy forests" initiative that is actually a smokescreen for more logging.

Bush's actions reflect a lack of concern for working families. He reduces benefits to pay for tax breaks for the rich. He favors drug companies over seniors who need cheaper medications. Bush's actions and record show a lack of competence to solve our nation's problems. He's mismanaged the war in Iraq. He failed to plan adequately for the post-war period. Deficits are out of control. Now, he's got no solution to the jobs problem.

Although some top [news] outlets are beginning to question the President's credibility, we can't count on the media to tell this story to the American public. And many Democratic politicians are still pretty timid about telling it like it is. With a big ad buy, we can go direct.

Voting Machines

The Campaign for Verifiable Voting in Maryland has been created to assure that voting machines can prove they have properly recorded every vote. But Gov. Ehrlich is apparently determined to install the Diebold (touch screen) voting machines despite security weaknesses and the inability to produce a paper trail.

Please go to www.freshaircleanpolitics.org/truevote. From that site, you can send a letter to the Board of Elections with a copy to the Governor and House and Senate leaders of the State legislature to protest this decision.

by June Clendening, Democratic Club of Worcester County, june@dmv.com

Even the Great Ones Quake

Humor Under Fire

"We could see the bomb bays open and distinguish each separate bomb as it dropped. [Capt.] Miles Browning yelled "Down!" but I was already down on the deck, "the fustest and the flattest." In fact the footprints of most other men on the bridge were printed on my back.

"This was the first time I had ever been under attack...I was scared, yes, but I think I am honest in stating that my dominant emotion was rage. I did not have much time to consider the question.

[After it was over} I took a deep breath ... I happened to look up and catch the yeoman of the day grinning at me.

"What are you laughing at?" I asked.

Embarrassed, the man mumbled, "Nothing, sir."

I asked Miles, "Who is this man?"

Miles must have thought I was daffy. "Why Admiral," he said, "That's Bowman. He's on your staff."

I said, "I don't mean that. What's his rate?"

"Yeoman first class, sir."

"That's where you're wrong." I said. "He's Chief Yeoman. Any man who can grin like that while my knees are cracking together deserves to be promoted."

(Adm. William F. Halsey, reporting about himself)

by James M. Kehl

The Club's membership is now 146 people!

Welcome to new Members: Steven M. Johns of Anneslie, Aaron W. Meisner of Mount Washington, and Brenda Pospisil of Timonium.

This year, the Club retained 40 "old" members (4 + years), 6 3-year members, and 21 2-year members. We gained 31 returning members and 48 new people joined. How about that!

Quote of the Month

"To support the Constitution, to observe the laws, is ... the path and the only path towards liberty. ...Liberty is not collective, it is personal. All liberty is individual liberty." President Calvin Coolidge, September 21, 1924

Membership

Regular membership in the Club is open to any person who is registered as a Democratic voter in Maryland. The are only $20.00 per person. You may be receiving this newsletter even though not a member. This is one of our ways to reach out to concerned citizens and Democrats. We encourage you to be a part the Club in our effort to build a stronger base in the central part of the County.

The label shows your status, including the last year for which you are paid up if a member. If your dues are current, we thank you. If not, or if you want to join our club, please send the coupon and your $20.00 dues to: Herb Lodder, 120 W. Seminary Ave., Lutherville, MD 21093.

Join The Club

Upcoming Club Events

Regular Meetings are open to all, and begin with social and refreshments at 7:00 PM followed by club business and speaker at 7:30 PM

Meetings are held at the East Towson Community Center, Lennox and Jefferson (left onto Jefferson from Towsontown Blvd East of York Rd.)

What Do You Think?

Members of the CBCDC are invited to send their own articles and letters of about 300 words or less. Send yours to the editor as the text of an e-mail message (not as attachment!).

We reserve the right to edit for grammar and space and to exclude anything we judge to be inappropriate for this publication. The opinions expressed are always those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Club.

	CBCDC News
	Editor
	404 Kilree Rd. #301
	Timonium, MD 21093

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