Folks,

It has been some 13 or 14 months since I first signed up to be a volunteer for Richardson, and while the ride has ended much sooner than I would have hoped, it has been a good ride and I have no regrets. We did some good work, and I sincerely believe that we have had an impact on the current campaign.

Certainly, Bill Richardson has helped shape the conversation of the campaign. His position on Iraq is now a mainstay of all the Democratic candidates. His position on energy, immigration, health care, education and No Child Left Behind, and on and on. Bill provided specifics and, at least in some cases, he forced these topics into the campaigns. Just watch, I fully suspect that much of what Richardson proposed will find it's way into the positions, policies and campaign promises of the remaining candidates.

He did good.

We did good.

And, don't doubt for a minute that he will not be back in the national spotlight at some point in the future. More people know of him today than did a year ago. He'll be a voice in our nation for a long time to come.

So, what about us? Where do we go from here?

Some of us will move our support to other candidates, or get involved with local campaigns. Some of us, like me, will sit back for a while to decide where, when and how to carry on the passion we've given (and been given) as part of Richardson's campaign. There are many possible answers to the questions above, and each and every one of us must find our own direction.

I only ask one thing - well two things.

First, please don't lose your passion.

If you can work for another candidate (at any level), do it.

Or get involved in your community. There are new voters to register. There are local issues to be championed. There are reasons why we all came here in the first place. Remember those reasons, and use your talents, skills and passion to have an impact!

My second request: Please take a page from Richardson's actions and words (at least here on the Richardson site) with regard to the other candidates. I've already seen comments in favor of other candidates (which is fine), and others that disparage the remaining hopefuls. Please, don't do that here. Richardson took the high road. We should do the same.

Finally, if you've read some of my previous comments, you know that this is all new to me. I came into the campaign as a mere volunteer and somehow became the host of the Pennsylvania group - for which I blame Richard Ponzio (the previous host) and Jeff Gulko. In retrospect, I have to thank them for arm-twisting me into doing it.

There are many here who have done much more for the campaign than I have. Folks like Brenda (who is a house-a-fire and an asset to whatever effort she next undertakes). People like Shaun who delayed a trip home from the west to go to Iowa and volunteer for the caucuses. Everyone who came to Philadelphia for the Drexel debate and waved signs and raised the presence of our candidate. To everyone who hosted or attended a round-up, a debate watch party, put a sign on their lawn, in a window, or put a sticker on their car or lapel, I sincerely thank you.

While I won't be able to fulfill my promise to one fellow Richardson supporter to dance with her at the Inauguration, I owe you all a figurative, if not literal dance. I'm glad that I met many of you, and regret not meeting all of you. But, I hope our paths will continue to cross over coming months and years.

The email address I use for these communications was set up exclusively for my activities with the Richardson campaign. I will keep it active and hope that we can keep in touch.

JFRice24@aol.com

So, I guess this is my last "official" comment as host of the Pennsylvania for Richardson Group.

As I've said before, we can change the world.

Well, we have.

Let's keep doing it.


John Rice
Host, Pennsylvania for Richardson (retired)

Folks,

I have to make an admission. I am not terribly political.

To be honest, my participation in local and national politics before this year was solely as a voter (with the exception of a single day many years ago when I passed out flyers for Jimmy Carter). Sure, I paid attention - perhaps more than some, but I've never gotten as personally involved in any campaign as I have been in this year's effort.

Somehow over the last year, I went from an early volunteer for Richardson to be asked to take the helm of the Pennsylvania for Richardson group. (And I'm still not sure how I got talked into it.) But I got involved because on the day I first heard that Bill Richardson was considering a run for President, I knew that he was the one I wanted to see take the oath of office in January 2009.

So, here I am - in the thick of it, watching the percent-by-percent results flash across the bottom of the screen on MSNBC. Not sure how I got here, but here I am.

And, it's here I intend to stay.

I'm not here to help elect the next Democratic Candidate. I'm here to make Bill Richardson the next President. And, as I've said to many people over the past months, "If Bill Richardson abandons his campaign, I'm gone." I'll go back to my role of interested observer and voter.

But, I'm not ready to go away yet.

I'm here for Bill.

I'm here for me - and my family, my community and my country. I have not wavered from my fundamental conviction.

Until the day that Bill Richardson tells me he is no longer in the chase for the White House, I'll be here to do whatever I can - neophyte that I may be - to make that goal a reality.

No rehash of his credentials tonight. No appeal for your support, your activities, your actions.

Just a simple statement of fact:

I'm here for Bill….

….and I have no plans to go away.


John Rice
Pennsylvania for Richardson

Folks,

I have to make an admission. I am not terribly political.

To be honest, my participation in local and national politics before this year was solely as a voter (with the exception of a single day many years ago when I passed out flyers for Jimmy Carter). Sure, I paid attention - perhaps more than some, but I've never gotten as personally involved in any campaign as I have been in this year's effort.

Somehow over the last year, I went from an early volunteer for Richardson to be asked to take the helm of the Pennsylvania for Richardson group. (And I'm still not sure how I got talked into it.) But I got involved because on the day I first heard that Bill Richardson was considering a run for President, I knew that he was the one I wanted to see take the oath of office in January 2009.

So, here I am - in the thick of it, watching the percent-by-percent results flash across the bottom of the screen on MSNBC. Not sure how I got here, but here I am.

And, it's here I intend to stay.

I'm not here to help elect the next Democratic Candidate. I'm here to make Bill Richardson the next President. And, as I've said to many people over the past months, "If Bill Richardson abandons his campaign, I'm gone." I'll go back to my role of interested observer and voter.

But, I'm not ready to go away yet.

I'm here for Bill.

I'm here for me - and my family, my community and my country. I have not wavered from my fundamental conviction.

Until the day that Bill Richardson tells me he is no longer in the chase for the White House, I'll be here to do whatever I can - neophyte that I may be - to make that goal a reality.

No rehash of his credentials tonight. No appeal for your support, your activities, your actions.

Just a simple statement of fact:

I'm here for Bill….

….and I have no plans to go away.


John Rice
Pennsylvania for Richardson

Change/Experience/Specifics.

If you watched tonight's ABC debate, you have to be exhilarated with Governor Richardson's participation in an event that was intended to focus on the Big Three…there can be no doubt that it's now the Big Four…the Final Four.

From my admittedly prejudiced perspective, I believe that Bill Richardson has catapulted himself into serious contention for the Democratic nomination. There was not another candidate on stage who articulated his/her value to lead the country in the two key (however simplistic) points that have become the focal points of this primary season: Change vs. Experience.

But, Bill rose above that fray and introduced another criteria (that I hope the electorate was paying attention to): Specifics.

While the trimuverate of Clinton, Obama and Edwards were repeating their mantras of what we need in "change", only Richardson offered concise and consistent specifics of the changes, policies, and actions he would undertake when he is elected President. And he covered the board: Immigration, Energy, Taxes, Health Care, Global Relations including the war in Iraq.

Given the opportunity to finally take center stage with the sweethearts of the democratic campaign, Richardson rose above the petty slap-fights taking place between the other 3, and when given the opportunity to join that Sophomoric fray, demurred.

He spoke of "change".

He spoke of "experience". (Who else on that stage has negotiated with world leaders, who else has balanced a budget, who else has politically impacted social services, teacher salaries, tax cuts….who has really changed laws.)

And, to my mind, the most important impact of the debate is that Bill Richardson provided specifics.

When the conversation/debate turned to Pakistan, who could articulate the laws of the country, and offer a detailed recommendation for a US response to the crisis.

When the conversation turned to energy, who could detail his specific proposals for short- and long-term resolutions to our county's dependence on foreign oil.

Time after time, while the other had dramatic and impassioned comments saying that we "must address….this or that", it was only Bill Richardson, ONLY Richardson who had a clear and cogent, detailed answer to address the issue.

Ah, we need Bill Richardson in the Oval Office - and tonight, he gave us the ammunition to prove others why we have believed in him.

And, as I've said before, we have work to do.

I am asking little and everything of you.

Please make a call to New Hampshire voters.

http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/page/contact/splash/nhid

Write a letter to a New Hampshire Newspaper.

Send emails to CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and any local news/web/broadcast/print outlet you can find.


We have a simple, perhaps difficult choice. We can stand on the sidelines and watch the game unfold before us.

Or we can get in the game…and impact the result.

It's time to suit up, get in the game.

We can change the world.


John Rice
PA for Richardson

Change/Experience/Specifics.

If you watched tonight's ABC debate, you have to be exhilarated with Governor Richardson's participation in an event that was intended to focus on the Big Three…there can be no doubt that it's now the Big Four…the Final Four.

From my admittedly prejudiced perspective, I believe that Bill Richardson has catapulted himself into serious contention for the Democratic nomination. There was not another candidate on stage who articulated his/her value to lead the country in the two key (however simplistic) points that have become the focal points of this primary season: Change vs. Experience.

But, Bill rose above that fray and introduced another criteria (that I hope the electorate was paying attention to): Specifics.

While the trimuverate of Clinton, Obama and Edwards were repeating their mantras of what we need in "change", only Richardson offered concise and consistent specifics of the changes, policies, and actions he would undertake when he is elected President. And he covered the board: Immigration, Energy, Taxes, Health Care, Global Relations including the war in Iraq.

Given the opportunity to finally take center stage with the sweethearts of the democratic campaign, Richardson rose above the petty slap-fights taking place between the other 3, and when given the opportunity to join that Sophomoric fray, demurred.

He spoke of "change".

He spoke of "experience". (Who else on that stage has negotiated with world leaders, who else has balanced a budget, who else has politically impacted social services, teacher salaries, tax cuts….who has really changed laws.)

And, to my mind, the most important impact of the debate is that Bill Richardson provided specifics.

When the conversation/debate turned to Pakistan, who could articulate the laws of the country, and offer a detailed recommendation for a US response to the crisis.

When the conversation turned to energy, who could detail his specific proposals for short- and long-term resolutions to our county's dependence on foreign oil.

Time after time, while the other had dramatic and impassioned comments saying that we "must address….this or that", it was only Bill Richardson, ONLY Richardson who had a clear and cogent, detailed answer to address the issue.

Ah, we need Bill Richardson in the Oval Office - and tonight, he gave us the ammunition to prove others why we have believed in him.

And, as I've said before, we have work to do.

I am asking little and everything of you.

Please make a call to New Hampshire voters.

http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/page/contact/splash/nhid

Write a letter to a New Hampshire Newspaper.

Send emails to CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and any local news/web/broadcast/print outlet you can find.


We have a simple, perhaps difficult choice. We can stand on the sidelines and watch the game unfold before us.

Or we can get in the game…and impact the result.

It's time to suit up, get in the game.

We can change the world.


John Rice
PA for Richardson

Without a doubt, we have some of the best supporters in the field. Thanks John!--Promoted by Joaquin

Folks,

Iowa is behind us. The rest of the nation is before us. And we have work to do.

The Iowa results did more than you might think if you've watched the national press coverage. It did not annoint Obama, nor did it destroy Clinton's campaign. (I'm still not sure what it said about Edward's campaign).

What Iowa did do - surprisingly quickly, was narrow the field of viable Democratic candidates down to FOUR.

Before midnight, Dodd, Biden and Gravel withdrew from the campaign. (And Kuchinich is Kuchinich - gotta love him.)

On Saturday night there will be a debate between the Democratic Candidates in New Hampshire - there will be only four candidates on stage: Obama, Clinton, Edwards - and Richardson.

On Saturday night, more people will hear more of Richardson than we've heard in previous debates - and I suspect that more people will be paying attention (in New Hampshire and nationally) than have been watching debates to date. There are no longer top- and second-tier candidates. There are FOUR candidates for the Democratic nomination.

So, let's get to work.

If you have any time over the next five days, ANY TIME, make some calls to New Hampshire voters on behalf of Bill Richardson. It's easy to do and the campaign has an easy process to get involved:

http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/page/contact/splash/nhid

If you are heading to New Hampshire for the weekend, God bless you. But if you can't travel, you can have an impact on next week's primary. If you have an iota of belief that Richardson is the best person to take the helm of our nation, please join your fellow Richardson supporters from around the country to make next Tuesday's primary a landmark date in his road to the White House.


John Rice
PA for Pennsylvania

Folks,

With just a few days until the Iowa Caucuses (and the first substantive numbers in the Presidential selection effort) something is abuzz, and we need to be aware of it - and make sure others are paying attention.

A just-released MSNBC/McClathy polls show Richardson at 12% in Iowa - jumping 3 points. Clinton and Obama are dropping. Something is going on!

Something good. Somthing important.

While the general press continues to focus on the three-way Democratic candidate race, Richardson is poised to be the big surprise in Iowa, and we need to muster all our efforts to make sure that come the morning of January 4th, the press is reporting the surge of support for Bill Richardson.

Those of us who believe that the Governor is the best person to take the helm of our country need to take our positions on the front lines to make sure that everyone, everyone hears his message in the next few days. And it is simple message to communicate:

Congressman
Secretary of Energy
U.N. Representative
International Negotiator
Governor of New Mexico
5-time Nobel Prize Nominee

Or, as he was introduced by Jay Leno last spring: "The most qualified candidate for President that you've never heard of."

Now is the time to make sure people hear of him.

Recent events can only confirm the need for a new President with the credentials, experience, wisdom and compassion of Richardson.

The Assasination of Bhutto in Pakistan reminds us of the fragility of the globe's political balance (or imbalance). While other candidates offered their concerns, commentary and personal reflections, who other that Bill Richardson responded with a clear and concise outline of what the U.S. should be doing regarding Pakistan. (And who of all the candidates did the major broadcast and cable networks turn to for analysis and direction after the assasination? Bill Richardson.)

We can, and we must, do all that we can do in the next few days to do whatever we can do to support, encourage and grow the surge of support for the man who should be our next President.

So, what can we do?

If you've received the email from Dave Contarino, Richardson's Campaign manager, you know that the campaign can use every dollar you can toss into the hat. If you can give $10, $50, or even more, please do - and do it now! https://secure.richardsonforpresident.com/page/contribute/fourdaystoiowa?source=z1700

If you can get to Iowa, and help spread the word, we can connect you with local coordinators who will welcome you with open arms - and find you a place to sleep and, probably, get you a good meal or two.

AND, if you have some free time, any free time, wherever you may be, make a call or two, or three or twenty to fellow citizens in Iowa.

The campaign has 1,000 remote internet lines for people to call up Iowa voter phone numbers for our remote calling program.
There are three distinct calling programs; for New Mexico residents, Spanish speakers, and the rest of the Governor's supporters from throughout the country.

For more information on remote calling, contact Cara Compton directly at:

cvalentecompton@richardsonforpresident.com

or call her directly at 1-505-803-2055. This is her cell number. The software program will only allow you to access numbers when it's okay to call Iowa voters so don't worry. You can also directly connect with the remote calling program at the Richardson for President site.

I don't want to sound fanatical, but - let's be honest - the future of our country is as stake.

WE need Bill Richardson. And Bill Richarson needs US.

Let's get to work.

It's only our future that's in the balance.


John Rice
PA for Richardson

Promoted by Joaquin

Folks,

According the calendar, there are 35 days until the Iowa caucus, the first formal event that will determine the next President of the United States.

Time, and recent events, are on our side. We have the opportunity to watch Bill Richardson move to the forefront of this political campaign.

But we need to do more than sit back and watch.

We need to do whatever we can, however big or small, to support Richardson, and to guarantee that he will be at the forefront of the coming caucuses, primaries - and perhaps most importantly, the national media spotlight that will increase it's focus on the upcoming elections.

So, you may ask "what can I do?"

Glad you asked.

Give Bill Richardson a Day.

24 hours over the next 30-some days...not much to ask.

Here in Pennsylvania, there is much to do. Beginning on January 3rd, we need to collect 2,000 signatures to get Richardson on the PA ballot. That should be easy, but we need people to both sign up, and get others to sign. Are you ready?

Here in Pennsylvania, we need to get Richardson supporters to be delegates for the Democratic Convention next summer. If you want to be one, let me know and I'll forward the information you need to get YOU on the ballot.

And, while we are not in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Nevada, or any other "early" states, we can be. Brenda Siegelman has been doing yeoman's work in coordinating trips to New Hampshire to canvass for Richardson. If you can join her, please email her at clashgirl@msn.com.

But if you can't take the trip to New Hampshire, there is still much we can do:

Do you have free cell-phone minutes during evening and weekend hours? Can you make calls to Iowa and New Hampshire voters on Richardson's behalf?
If you can't travel, can you support a fellow Pennsylvanian who can with gas money ot airfare?
Can you write a "letter to the editor" in your community, or nationally?
Do you have other ideas that we can implement here in PA or nationally to assure that we elect the right person as our next President?

Please give me a moment for the following disclaimer:

What I am about to say/type does not represent the Richardson campaign, but is solely my personal opinion.

- By my estimation (and most media commentaries), Edwards is out of the race. He has gained no support and holds steady (at best) or is falling in all national and local polls.

- The Clinton and Obama campaigns have apparently entered into a 'bitch-slap" strategy where they only wish to demean their opponent with essentiallly inconcequencially criticisms over minutea of their scripted positions and postures,

- Bill Richardson has continued to take the "High Road", and is simply asking the voters to judge him on his credentials, experience, character - and vision.

Good for him! Good for us. This is the kind of person we need in the White House!

We who support Bill Richardson do so with one fundamental belief: that he is the best one to take the helm of our confused and conflicted nation.

24 hour.

That's all I ask. Of you, and me.

35 days until the first, formal voices are heard to select our next President.

Give Bill a day.

It's a worthy investment.



John Rice
PA for Richardson

Promoted by Joaquin--The PA for Richardson group has been doing viz all day in Philly. Give them some props in the comments!

Tuesday night is the next Democratic Candidate Debate - this time at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

We'll be there! A bevy of Richardson supporters are gathering in the afternoon and evening to show our support for the Governor (look for us on the MSNBC pre-debate coverage).

Then, when the debate begins, we're gathering at a local restaurant to watch the debate - and, WiFi willing, post our collective comments here on the Richardson site Live Chat.

If you are in the area, please join us.

If not nearby, join us with your enthusiasm for the Governor's campaign.

We are moblized, we are are engaged, and we are here to show the nation that there is an ever growing support for the man who MUST be the next President of the United States.

Tune in.

Turn on.

And, if you can't be there, you'll miss some incredible pizza!


John Rice
Pennsylvania for Richardson

Folks,

The next national Democratic Candidate Debate will take place on October 30th, at Drexel University in Philadelphia!

Here is our chance (those of us in Eastern PA and New Jersey) to get together and show our support for the Governor - to the nation.

Let's gather as large a group as we can to support Bill Richardson.

Here's how it works:

Outside of the debate location there will be areas where we can gather that will be visible during all the pre-debate coverage on MSNBC. Coverage will probably begin around 4PM and continue right up until the debate starts at 9PM. These "Visibility Pits" are a perfect place to wave signs, fly balloons, and let everyone watching know that there is growing support for Richardson here in Pennsylvania. Come to the "Pit" whenever you can, for the whole time or even a half hour - the more the better.

And it's a chance to meet fellow Richardson supporters. And bring along some friends.

When 9PM rolls around, we'll go to a local establishment (to be determined) to watch the debate - and if the place has WiFi, blog with other supporters on the Richardson website.

Lots of details to be worked out - but for now, email me directly (@ jfrice24@aol.com) and/or reply on the Richardson site event posting.

We do need someone on or near the Drexel campus who can help coordinate logistics and do a little advance work (such as providing directions, parking suggestions, and recommendations for a gathering place).

Most of all, we need people! Lots and lots of people!


John Rice
PA Group Leader

Folks,

Things have been rather quiet in our Pennsylvania group of late. We need to fire up, the campaign(s) are getting serious and we are no longer "far away from the first primaries and caucuses". And while the national press seems ready to annoint Hilary Clinton as the nominee, we know there are many miles to go, and many votes to count.

We need to talk about we are doing - and what we want to do in Pennsylvania and beyond.

We need to get activities going in our communities - and on our campuses. I know there are a number of students in the PA Group. Please email me directly with what you are doing, what you'd like to do, and what you need.

I also know that the campaign is looking for people who are available to travel to New Hampshire to help the local efforts there. Again, if you are interested, email me directly (not to the group) and I can get you in touch with the right people.

There is talk that National Grassroots Director Jeff Gulko and Mara Meany-Evans may be in Pennsylvania in the next week or so. As those plans come together, I will keep all informed.

Now is the time to get busy.

Ready?

Good. Let's go!


John Rice
PA Group Leader
267-980-5919

Folks,

They call them the "dog days", these upcoming August days when it always seems to be a little hotter, there seem to be a few more thundershowers, we grab our last vacation days and watch, with either delight or trepidation, as Labor Day approaches knowing that the kids are heading back to school (their trepidation, our delight), and all those personal and professional projects that have been put on hold for the summer will soon be deadlines (our trepidations, our bosses/spouses delights).

It's difficult in these times to focus (or refocus) on other activities and efforts. But that is exactly what I am asking you to do. (And asking the same of myself.)


There is good news and good trends for the Richardson campaign. But there are frustrations, some of which I believe we all share.

First the frustrations:

The Media (aka 'Main Stream Media', or 'Drive-by Media' if you listen to Rush Limbaugh -but why would you) refuses to give the Governor his due. At best there are passing mentions, but usually as footnotes to coverage of the 'top-tier' candidates. (And they now seem to be undecided about whether Edwards is top-tier or not.)

They (the aforementioned media) are delighting in the latest Clinton-Obama slap-fight over foreign leaders. Yet, to my knowledge, not a single report on this inconsequential collection of soundbites has found time to mention the ONLY candidate who has any experience in negotiating with foreign, somewhat hostile leaders. If they (the aforementioned media and subsequent pundits) cared about the issue instead of the soundbites, they might be more analytical instead of covering this like the latest Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, or whomever escapade.

Kinda gets ya mad, doesn't it?!


I have yet to see a mass media analysis of last week's Democratic debate that delved into the substance of the responses instead of covering the best 'sound bite", greatest applause, best diss (re:Edwards on Clinton's jacket), or anything of substance.

Kinda gets ya steamed, doesn't it?!


There are new polls in Iowa, New Hampshire and other states. The reports I've heard, seen and read talk about Clinton's substantial lead - nationally and in New Hampshire - but little else (I over simplify, forgive me).

But let's look at some numbers:

In Iowa:

Edwards: 27
Clinton: 22
Obama: 16
Richardson: 11

Looks like the Governor is in 4th place.

But LOOK at the numbers:

From June to July:
Edwards - no change
Clinton - down 1.8%
Obama - down 1.2%
Richardson - UP 1.2%

Yes, it's about numbers, but it's also about TRENDS. If this were a horserace (which, of course, it is) would you pick the leader at the half-way point who is holding his own? The favorites who are losing ground? Or the up-start, long-shot with a long history of going the distance, who is closing the gap?

Kinda get's ya going, doesn't it?!


There are a lot of other good numbers out there.

Richardson is at 11% in New Hampshire - THIRD after Clinton and Obama - and AHEAD of Edwards.

He's 9% in AZ, 8% in PA.

(Someone please explain to me how he is SO strong in PA! He hasn't campaigned here, run ads here. But he has a strong, active group here. Hmmmm.)

Kinda gets ya pumped, doesn't it?!


We have a lot to do in a month when each of us has a lot of other things to do. But we need to do whatever we can, with whatever time and resources we can give - be it an hour, a day, a week, the month, or even the karma to support what we all know we need to accomplish.

There are two "Fairs" listed on the PA Group site. I know there are more fairs, community events, activities across the state in August. Post an event, invite others to take action. (And if they don't, you can always cancel an event. But how do you get people to get involved in an event if they don't know about it!).

PLEASE! Post your ideas, comments, frustrations, inspirations, or random thoughts to the group via email or blog. The more we talk, the greater we become as a collective group. We can't always meet face-to-face, but we can take advantage of this internet age to talk. Who knows where that will lead?

On a more specific note, this is the time to mobilize campus efforts and for us to support our group members who are heading back to their schools and colleges in the coming weeks. We have activities churning at Penn State, U of Penn, Elizabethtown College and others (forgive me if I missed your college or campus).

NOTE TO CAMPUS ORGANIZERS: Let us know where you are, who you are, and what you need! I believe a campus presence is vital, not only for Richardson's efforts, but for Democratic efforts overall, and ultimately to empower students throughout the state to get more politically active.

Can we help grow the Governor's numbers in the polls?

I think we can.

Can we mobilize campus activities in the fall?

I believe we can.

Can we change the media conversation to include Bill Richardson in their analysis of top-tier candidates?

I hope we can.


More importantly, can we elect the best candidate to be our next President?

I know we can.


John Rice
PA Group Leader
267-980-5919

This link was sent to me by one of the PA members:

Link

Please share it with your members.

Momentum begets momentum!

John Rice
PA Group Host

Folks,


I suggest we create a secondary group where we, as group leaders, can discuss issues we believe are important to the campaign, but don't overwhelm or misdirect the core focus of the main Organizers group, which I agree should remain focus on what we need to do to mobilize our members and grow our participation.

So, what do think about creating a Leader Chat group - where we can have the kind of discussions that have been taking place over the past few days - without overwhelming those who chose not to participate. I think there can be value to such a secondary group - for a lot of reasons (read between the lines below).

But, I would suggest a few ground rules:

1) There are no rules - unless they are generated and approved by a majority of the membership.
2) This 'chat' is voluntary and should not discuss elements that are key to organizing, or otherwise promoting Richardson's candidacy. (That's what the original group is for!)
3) We may post personal opinions, or those we feel reflect the opinions of groups (and will identify those as such).
4) We DO NOT tell the Governor what he should do, what he should think, where he should go, what he should wear, or what baseball team(s) he should support!
5) We DO offer our individual or collective opinions of those issue that we think are important to the campaign (and identify if those comments are personal, group-based, or from other sources - such as conversations with potential supporters, local press coverage, etc.).
6) We HOPE that those comments, questions, and ideas that WE as State and Local leaders believe are important are communicated to the campaign.

TO JEFF GULKO: To that point (#6) would you or Mara want to host the group, or join? Or could you identify an appropriate person from the campaign to be an active participant in such a group?

The 'rules' above are a proposition, and up for discussion.

The first point of conversation is do we, as group leaders, want to create this secondary avenue of conversation?

Let me know what you think, and how we should get it started.

Thanks,


John Rice
PA Group Host
267-980-5919

Hey Folks,

Just want to remind everyone about the next Democratic Candidate Debate on Sunday night. CNN, 7-9PM.

If you have the opportunity, and the locale, please consider hosting a "Debate Watch" gathering, invite fellow PA Group members and others. (And if you do, please post the event on the Group site.)

Also, consider hosting or participating in a "Meet Up" or as some have come to call them "RoundUps". The campaign has suggest the first Tuesday of every month as a date for such events (but of course, you can hold them anytime).

Pick a location (a local restaurant, bar, community center, home, etc) and invite people to come and just talk about Richardson, his campaign and anything else that comes to mind. (Again, if you create an event, please post it on the Group site, and any other groups you may belong to).

I live in Bucks County, but my schedule this coming Tuesday is up in the air. If I can clear the evening, I'd like to host an event around here. Please let me know if you'd like to attend (most likely in Newtown or somewhere nearby). Alternatively, if I can't clear my schedule, let me know if you'd like to 'host' the event.

Please email me with any questions or comments, or use the Group Blog to comment, suggest or just chat.

jrforbill@komediagroup.com

Thanks,

John Rice
267-980-5919

(NOTE: I tried to email this message to all group members, but I'm not sure if it got thru. If you read this on the blog, and also got an email, please let me know at the email address above. THX.)

The next Democratic Candidate debate takes place on Sunday night, June 3 - 7-9PM on CNN.

Please watch.

Better yet, create a Debate Watch event - and invite fellow group members, neighbors, friend, family and any one else who wanders by to watch with you.

The campaign has set up a live chat so we can all participate during the debate:

Link

See ya Sunday - virtually, at least.

John Rice

Gang,

Let's get this Blog active.

Please post your comments, opinions, questions and ideas.

Let us know what you think about this week's 'Meet the Press" interview with Bill.

Let us know what you are planning to do, or want to do, or wish you could do.

We are a growing group - and we need to keep talking.

John

Monday is Memorial Day.

Let's take some time to remember what the day means. Let's put partisan politics aside for the moment.

I'll be putting out flags on my front lawn - some of them older than me, passed down from my father (some with only 48 stars).

Sure, the grill be fired up and the neighbors will come by for a burger and a beer, the kids will run around. We'll all have a great time.

But before the coals are fired up, I'll be standing on a street curb watching our town's parade. The High School band will play. There will be a 'float' or two from this organization or another.

There will be cars carrying Gold Star mothers.

And, a "platoon" of soldiers will pass by. They will range in age from teenagers to those in their 80s (perhaps older). And, if this year is not any different than past years, they will hold their heads high. We will applaud and they will acknowledge us - but I know that they know that those of us who have not served in the military, who have not seen such service and war - will never know what they know.

I heard the end of a local talk show today that featured recently returned soldiers who have served in Iraq. One woman commented about what seems to have become a generic reaction to soldiers returning home. People say to her "Thank you for your service."

She said, she did not want to be 'thanked for her service', that's what she signed up to do. She said she wanted to hear people say 'Welcome Home."

And isn't that our goal, not in the grand scheme of world politics and conflict, but in the day-to-day lives we all lead?

We want them home.

They want to be home.

Some come home to resume the lives they left. Some come home only to find a place to rest and be remembered.

We want them home.

They want to be home.

On Monday, when the flags are flying, when the parades are marching and the band is playing, I really don't care about which 'side of the aisle' I support and what machinations are going on with our governing representatives. There will be time, another day, to have that debate.

On Monday, I intend to find someone, be they 18 or 80, or solely represented by a name carved on a plaque or a tombstone...

..and I'll say "welcome home."

Wow. In just a day, our group has grown to be 27 members strong! (Already larger than the old group on Zanby.)

PLEASE create a Profile if you haven't done so already. Let us know who you are - tell as much or as little as you want to.

And, I know that many members have reached out to friends, family and others. Keep that going.

Thanks to those who have sent me emails and called. Keep 'em coming (the emails and the calls). And feel free to write to the group as whole, or contact those who live near you.

At present, we are one of the top ten groups in terms of membership. The more the merrier.

John

So, today it begins in earnest.

With the Governor's formal announcement, the launch of the new website and, hopefully, some good buzz going around, it's time to move Bill Richardson into the 'top tier' of Presidential Candidates.

Let's start the conversation casually:

What do you think of the website?
What did you think about his announcement?
What do we need to do now!?

(NOTE: This blog only works if it is a conversation. Discuss!)

John