On the anniversary of the birth of our country, I wanted to take this moment to first thank all the men and women who proudly serve our country in the armed services. I also think it's important to acknowledge Americans who have found other ways to serve our country - the Teach for America and AmeriCorps volunteers who work in America's most desperate pockets to help create a more just and equitable society, the volunteers from community, religious, and non-profit organizations who selflessly devote time and money in their local communities, and the volunteers in the Peace Corps and NGOs who generate goodwill the world over while presenting America's best face to allies and adversaries alike.
Forty-three years ago, my wife Patti and I heeded President John F. Kennedy's call, left Berkeley, and embarked on a journey that would shape our outlook for the rest of our lives. We joined the Peace Corps and spent two years working on the eradication of small pox in rural southwest Ethiopia. We witnessed unimaginable suffering on an almost daily basis, but we understood that the work we were doing was not just vital to good people desperately in need of help but also served to demonstrate to the world abroad the goodness of America.
Our friends at Blue America note Senator Dianne Feinstein is hiding under the covers at an undisclosed location:
Christy has put in tons and I mean tons of hard work finding out where our elected officials are going to appear over the fourth of July holiday. It seems some of them (*cough Diane Feinstein cough*) are using the "terrorist threat" to refuse to let their constituents know where they will be.
National security is a convenient excuse for so very many things.
So you'll probably have a tough time seeing DiFi this Independence Day to ask her to honor her oath of office to defend the Constitution and filibuster retroactive immunity. But Blue America has a nifty tool for you to whip votes.
There is a great deal of disgust with Barack Obama's massive flip-flop on retroactive immunity, but let's remember that from day one it was Dianne Feinstein trying to undermine him and the Constitution. I feel sorry for Obama, Senators like DiFi put him in a lose/lose situation. And if you've seen much news today, you won't be surprised that after flip-flopping on defending the Constitution he's getting beat up all over by people concluding he'll also flip-flop on Iraq. So give DiFi a call and give her a piece of your mind. Celebrate Independence Day and then go have BBQ or such to enjoy the 4th of July.
UPDATE: Senator Feinstein turned off the answering machine in her DC office and suggests calling a California field office. Numbers after the jump.
UPDATE II: Both her DC and LA offices automatically hung up after the message and the mailboxes are full at all of her other field offices. The online form is the only way to contact DiFi this Independence Day to ask her to support the Constitution. Turning off answering machines and hiding from the public? I think she belies her realization that constituents are pissed.
History was made again yesterday. Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to Huntington Beach once again for the Fourth of July Parade. And once again, the OC Democrats had a fantastic time being a part of the largest Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi River. And the party didn't stop when the parade ended, as local activists pitched up tent by the pier to wake up the neighbors, and let them know about the importance of next year's election. All in all, we all had a great time!
Follow me after the flip as I take you on a tour of the biggest and best party one could be at on the Fourth of July!
What do you think of when you think "Fourth of July"? The American flag, perhaps? Fireworks? Independence? Apple pie? Ice cream? The beach? A parade? Well, what if I told you that you can experience all of that AND MORE on Wednesday?!
Yes, my friends, this Wednesday is July 4th. And yes, this means it's time for the Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade, THE LARGEST INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER! And guess what? The Democratic Party of Orange County will once again have a fantastic float in the parade! Oh yes, and our fabulous Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez will be marching with us! Oh yes, and we need more people to march with us in the parade. Come on now, don't YOU want to be a part of the parade?
So would YOU like to be a part of this world-famous All-American celebration? Follow me after the flip for more...
