The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Having organized protests against the Republican Convention, I found I had a core of activists who were looking to me for support after Bush "won" re-"election". My carefully thought out suggestions as to where we could go from that defeat led to this more-or-less weekly newsletter.

This week I discuss fighting the Burmese dictators and making money by investing in alternative energy. I revisit from last week targeting one of the most horrible, corrupt, anti-science Republicans, Joe Barton, one of the Katrina 11. I also focus on local actions and events in New York State, New York City, Texas, Virginia, California and New Jersey. Don't forget to visit an advertiser or two and if you want more, please visit Culture Kitchen.

The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Having organized protests against the Republican Convention, I found I had a core of activists who were looking to me for support after Bush "won" re-"election". My carefully thought out suggestions as to where we could go from that defeat led to this more-or-less weekly newsletter.

This week I highlight a couple of primaries progressive Democrats need to focus on for 2008, I revisit the Katrina 11 (the 11 Republicans who voted against helping Katrina victims), I highlight MoveOn.org's efforts for our children's healthcare, I discuss how serious global warming is becoming and how we REALLY need to all act now, and I highlight some local stuff going on in Virginia, New York State, New York City and Colorado.

Cross posted on Texas Kos and Daily Kos

From the Desk of David T. Harris

***Disclaimer - I ONLY agree with him on this one issue and I still think he slithers when he moves. With that being said, read on..

I can't believe it, but I actually agree with Rick Santorum..."key provisions in the NIH Reform Bill missing... that are critical....Center of Excellence for Environmental Causes..." Joe Barton is holding the Combating Autism Act of 2006 hostage in Congress because he wants to pass the NIH Reform Bill in the Senate without language pertaining to investigating environmental causes.

Joe Barton is directly reponsible for shelving the Combating Autism Bill that was passed by an overwhelmingly by the Senate.   It is clear that his agenda remains with big business and politics and not the 1.5 million children and families that suffer from this terrible illness.  Have a look at his contributors,  need I say more

Joe Barton (R)
Comcast Corp
  $30,000

Lyondell Chemical
  $25,000

TXU Corp
  $24,000

Texas Spine & Joint Hospital
  $23,550

AMR Corp
  $16,750

Anadarko Petroleum
  $15,000

Verizon Communications
  $15,000

Reliant Energy
  $14,500

Suez Energy North America
  $14,500

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp
  $14,000

Pillsbury, Winthrop et al
  $12,250

AT&T Inc
  $11,700

Dutko Worldwide
  $10,500

Sidley Austin LLP
  $10,500

Azalea Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
  $10,350

Allergan Inc
  $10,000

American Academy of Ophthalmology
  $10,000

American College of Surgeons Prof Assn
  $10,000

American Dental Assn
  $10,000

American Electric Power
  $10,000

American Interventional Pain Physicians
  $10,000

American Osteopathic Assn
  $10,000

American Society of Anesthesiologists
  $10,000

Constellation Energy
  $10,000

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
  $10,000

Edison Electric Institute
  $10,000

El Paso Corp
  $10,000

Exxon Mobil
  $10,000

Merck & Co
  $10,000

National Assn of Broadcasters
  $10,000

National Assn of Convenience Stores
  $10,000

National Assn of Realtors
  $10,000

National Beer Wholesalers Assn
  $10,000

National Cable & Telecommunications Assn
  $10,000

PPL Corp
  $10,000

Texas Industries
  $10,000

Time Warner
  $10,000

UBS AG
  $10,000

   Source:  www.opensecrets.org
 

I got an email today about this post by DFJtoo over at Dkos.

I received a call from a good friend yesterday and could not believe my ears...how many of us have followed full funding of The Ryan White Care Act?  Probably none of us and now the children of Texas need our immediate help.  Please take a moment today and consider calling one or all of Rep. Barton's offices as well as the other members of the Energy and Commerce Committee (ENCOM).  

Barton and ENCOM are quietly putting a bill thorough that will gut the act's funding.

At present the committee is only giving a few hours today to take public comment. A rumor exists that there is a rule change being attached that will not allow any further change on this bill once its through, no Senators and no Whips, to prevent public outcry from making a difference. My interest is because of what will happen to organizations that need the funding here in my county but this translates all across the Nation.

More at the flip...