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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article17943.htm
Time Is Right for New Pentagon Papers
By Amy Goodman
06/30/07 "ICH" -- - Of the Democratic presidential candidates, Sen. Mike Gravel is probably the least well recognized. His dark-horse candidacy may be the butt of jokes on the late-night comedy shows, but that doesn’t faze former Pentagon analyst Daniel Ellsberg: “Here is a senator who was not afraid to look foolish. That is the fear that keeps people in line all their lives.”
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.gravel2008.us/
Get Mike on the ballot in your state!
"Each generation has a right to choose for itself the form of government it believes most promotive of its happiness."
Thomas Jefferson, 1812
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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CAMPAIGN MEDIA ADVISORY
July 26, 2007
Senator Mike Gravel will appear tomorrow morning on a specially filmed segment for the NBC TODAY Show, 7/27/07 at 7:48 AM.
The crew filmed Mike as he drove through New York City in a Checker Cab just like he did in his college days. A must see!
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/john_baer/20070725_John_Baer___Are_Dem_candidates_sellouts__Follow_the_money.html
Follow the Money
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://youtube.com/watch?v=YIRTNar2lcw
Follow the money
Follow the money
It IS the stupid currency - are you still stupid?
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://youtube.com/watch?v=VQGb7qEfuLo&mode=related&search=
It takes somebody willing to stand up.
...Scare stiff...
I knew my country was killing people uselessly.
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://youtube.com/watch?v=b84xZ5kQvdM&mode=related&search=
Be tough...
Come one people; how can you stomach the lies that continue to spew forth from the torturing and mass murdering criminals when you see a real honest human being speaking the truth?
The contrast is night and day.
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://youtube.com/watch?v=XSyowryDU6c&mode=related&search=
Criminal indictment.
What can be done about torturing mass murderers?
I'm going to hold these other people accountable?
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://youtube.com/watch?v=mlnFwbzEPRI&mode=related&search=
Understand that all it does is create crimnals
Please put pressure on these people to step up and end this War on Drugs which is ravishing your community.
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8481947913401709466&hl=en
We've got to understand that these deaths are preventable.
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.gravel2008.us/?q=node/1871
The plan has obvious advantages. National popular votes, for example, may be the only way to pass laws that are against lawmakers' interests, such as campaign finance reform, term limits, and caps on congressional pay. They would also reduce the disproportionate power of small geographical pockets. Under this system, senators from coal-producing states, to give one example, would have a much harder time holding up research on renewable sources of energy. A legislature of the people would also help to counter the influence of money in Washington—special interests and lobbyists can co-opt key members of Congress with campaign contributions and other perks, but would have a much harder time swaying the hearts and minds of millions of Americans.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Cwenv5YZZx4
Note: Government by the people is an accomplishment of the people and for the people universally or words are being used to falsify and empower some of the people to gain the expense of some of the people.
Digg?
Last edited on Mon Aug 13th, 2007 01:40 pm by Joe Kelley |
Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mb7aiM9K9Q
REALITY CHECK!
Ron Paul is spreading falsehood.
Please stop.
How about hearing a democrat speak for himself?
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1877958690011143601&q=mike+gravel&total=797&start=10&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1877958690011143601&q=mike+gravel&total=797&start=10&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1
Schooling Congress and the Senate.
"...there will be no pre-emptive wars with nuclear devices..."
Is that confusing?
Why punish two democrats for the actions and intentions of any other democrats?
Is that not 'collective punishment'?
Who is the communist running for president?
Who uses collective punishment as a means of accomplishing a political goal?
These 'leaders' MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE for their own actions.
These 'leaders' deserve credit for what they have done and for what they do intend to do with leadership.
It is past time to set aside the lies.
Way past time.
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PU9Lm6V1rc&mode=related&search=
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilqe6oQZrP8&mode=related&search=
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q8VdNnFf5o&mode=related&search=
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Presidential candidate and former U.S. Senator Mike Gravel will appear live on HBO "Real Time With Bill Maher" Friday, August 31, at 11 p.m. EST, and tape delayed broadcast at 11 p.m. PST.
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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September 12, 2007
Joe
This is a big issue full of news on the campaign trail. Here's what's in this issue of Gravel 2008:
-My 9/11 Article in Huffington Post
-Matching Campaign Funds
-At the Presidential Forum on Latino Issues, Miami
-My New Web Site
-Fundraiser in Colorado - meet Mike
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My 9/11 Article in Huffington Post =============================
I wrote a blog entry on "the Huffington Post" challenging the myths of 9/11. And on the sixth anniversary of that terrible day, I delivered a speech at the UN lambasting our foreign policy since the attack and calling for a new, truly independent 9//11 Commission that will investigate unanswered questions about our government's failure to protect us before and after the attack.
Use this tiny url redirect to read the Huffington Post I wrote, titled " The Real Lessons of 9/11":
http://tinyurl.com/2b7ta3
1.) Click on "I'M A FAN OF THIS BLOGGER" next to "SEN. MIKE
GRAVEL".
2.) Leave a comment -- this is very important -- the more
comments that article gets, the higher up the article goes
in the Post -- and the more it's read!
Thanks for reading it and helping my message get out to more people.
=============================
Matching Campaign Funds
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For the next month, I will be campaigning in key states across the country, which means I will need your support now more than ever. Because I do not have the deep-pocket support of corporate interest groups, I am focused on securing federal matching funds for the campaign, which will bring in as much as $200,000.
The federal matching funds program is one of the best ways to raise money without having to sell out. But not surprisingly, those in power have set the bar high and made it difficult to do this. There are a host of rules limiting the dollar amount of donations, but simply put: If I can raise $5,000 in 20 states, I can qualify.
There are a lot of details and rules, but the bottom line is, we need your support in the states below more than ever. Please email your friends in the following states to donate now using the links below. As soon as we raise the money stated in these states, we get our check from the federal government.
If you live in the following states or know someone who does, I am asking for your help supporting my campaign. I need to raise at least the following amounts:
ARIZONA: $984
COLORADO: $1,169
CONNECTICUT: $868
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA $1,034
MARYLAND: $1,109
NEW HAMPSHIRE: $730 (very close NH!)
OHIO: $794 (close Ohio!)
WISCONSIN: $1,257
Of course, you can see this hasn't been a problem for me in many states. For example, in Alaska, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Oregon, I have raised enough funds to qualify -- thank you to those states!
We can change the way Washington works together. Really. I've been around long enough to know the game. Get me in the game, keep me there, donate now!
1. Credit Card: https://secure.gravel2008.us/donate.php
2. Paypal: http://www.gravel2008.us/donatepaypal
3. Check/Money Order: https://secure.gravel2008.us/donate-mail.php
=============================
At the Presidential Forum on Latino Issues, Miami =============================
This week on the campaign trail I dispelled some major myths of American politics.
In Miami, at the first ever Presidential forum on Latino issues, I challenged the notion that illegal immigrants pose a great threat to our republic. As I explained during the debate, the current fixation on illegal immigrants is a symptom of general anxiety about the direction our country is headed. Americans are anxious about a lot of things: our failing schools, our disastrous war, and our sputtering economy. Our political leaders lack the courage and resolve to fix these problems, so they trot out the red herring of illegal aliens. All this worry about immigration is another example of scapegoating. The audience appreciated this rare instance of honesty and one popular blog, vivirlatino.com, pronounced me the winner of the debate
http://vivirlatino.com/2007/09/10/underdog-gravel-shines-as-star-can
didates-gives-latinos-more-of-the-same.php
================================
My New Web Site
================================
We have a brand new web site! Everyone who registers there will automatically get the PDF "Man for America," a full bio on Senator Gravel and more. Plus, they'll also get the opportunity to ask the Senator a question he will answer on his new LIVE weekly video blogs.
Tell your friends to check out the new site now, http://Gravel2008.us
The site is designed to focus our users' attention on joining the campaign, volunteering and, of course, contributing to the campaign. Everything else (news, special announcements, invitations, etc) will come from the email newsletter. So it's important everyone join by entering their email address. If you received this email, you've already joined.
================================
Fundraiser in Colorado - meet Mike ================================
The Senator will be near Denver, CO September 14 evening at a fundraiser. If you are in the area and would like to attend, please contact Skyler McKinley, CO State Director and at
smckinley@gravel2008.us.
Best,
Team Gravel
PS. Invite your friends to join at our web site for these emails and more!
Http://Gravel2008.us
Official Mike Gravel 2008 Campaign | P.O. Box 948 | Arlington, VA 22216-0948
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Dear Joe ,
I absolutely, truly can win this election!
You have probably heard the question before: How can I compete against candidates who have raised tens of millions of dollars? You see Hillary leading the polls by double-digits and wonder whether someone can win the presidency while telling the truth and battling politics as usual. My answer is Yes, I Can Win. Let me show you how.
MY "PLAN A"
----------------------------------------
To answer Plan A, let me first show you something...
Take a look at this blind poll (http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_justresults.php
) sponsored by vajoe.com, a web site for military service people and veterans. Rather than asking you to name a favorite candidate, this poll asks for your feelings on all the major issues. Then it reveals which candidate most closely matches your beliefs. I won the poll by a significant margin! Since the military is a cross section of America, I believe this poll shows that a plurality of voters shares my views and is looking for an alternative to the top-tier candidates. Good job vajoe.com!
This, and other information I have access to, tells me I must continue to present my ideas and soon voters will see that I am the best candidate to represent their positions in November.
Now, as promised, the how. My friend, our campaign is at a crucial juncture. I've launched an aggressive push for New Hampshire. As many of you know, New Hampshire has an open primary so independents can vote. My plan is to appeal to smart Democrats who are disgusted by their party's failure to stop the war and independents who don't trust the top-tier Democratic candidates. (Remember Eugene McCarthy vs. Lyndon Johnson in 1968.) A strong showing in New Hampshire will wake up the media and generate massive press coverage that will inspire voters in the 20 states voting in primaries and caucuses on February 5. Once voters see that I can win, they will join our cause and push us to victory next spring.
Before New Hampshire, I need your vision and your energy! None of this can happen without your support. We have opened a new office in New Hampshire and we need funds for staff and travel. Your dollars will go far in the Granite State and may even turn the tide of history. That's not hyperbole -- it's real and 100% possible.
Please go to our new web site (which your donations made possible) and make a contribution to our Granite State Push. https://www.gravel2008.us/donate.php. As I always say, change can only come from one source -- and that's you, the people.
What's my Plan B you ask? This is not the right time...
"$200,000 Big Ones for our Campaign"
----------------------------------------
We are just 7 states from qualifying for our matching funds from the Federal Government to the tune of about $200,000.
To a clean campaign like mine, free of any lobbyist or special interest money, that $200,000 is everything. We don't need Obama or Clinton money because we don't have the huge staffs they do and overhead. I run a smart, lean, creative campaign. I can make $200,000 go a long way, believe me.
This matching funds program was created by Congress several decades ago specifically to reduce the corrupting influence of large private contributions in presidential elections. The money actually comes from the voluntary three dollar "checkoff box" that appears on federal income tax forms.
Here are the states where we need you to step up. You can make a serious effort by emailing your friends, family and colleagues in these states. Tell them a presidential candidate from Alaska, who is not for sale, needs clean money to fight another day.
Everyday, I get emails from Democrats and also Republicans praising me for my fresh, honest voice in this election. If you too feel that way, I need you to take action now. Email everyone you know now and help me in these states.
Here is all I need for our matching funds check to arrive:
1. ARIZONA -- Four $250 donations
2. CONNECTICUT -- Four $250 donations
3. DC: -- Four $250 donations
4. MARYLAND -- Four $250 donations
5. MICHIGAN -- Eight $250 donations
6. NEW HAMPSHIRE -- Three $250 donations
7. WISCONSIN -- Five $250 donations
That's it! Who do you know in those states you can email?
Have them go to https://www.gravel2008.us/donate.php and make a donation. Forward this email and just tell people to take a look at me. You won't need to sell me; let me sell myself.
You'll have a very profound effect on my campaign and help set an example for how an honest campaign can be run.
Let's get these 7 states wrapped up in the next 48 hours -- we can do it with you, Joe !
We have real momentum. I am right where I expect to be at this stage in the game and I have you on my side!
https://www.gravel2008.us/donate.php
In gratitude,
Mike Gravel
PS. Watch the Yahoo/Slate online Debates I just completed video: http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid980795874/bclid1029828
662/bctid1184468261
You may have to copy/paste this code in your browser or use this tiny link:
http://tinyurl.com/yrbgta
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18474.htm
Before reading and quoting from the article above I have to point out that Mike Gravel is well worth any effort expendend toward knowing his message. Some people are actively censoring his message, which, you may also find to be accurate, moral, true, and economically viable.
What more can you ask for?
The hypocrisy of Hillary and the 75 other senators who called for more unilateral sanctions on Iran, was exposed Monday by German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier who said, according to Spiegel Magazine, that American companies are violating existing U.S. sanctions by surreptitiously doing business with Iran through front companies in Dubai.
Joe Lieberman wrote the resolution authorizing the invasion of Iraq that was passed with Democratic support on October 11, 2002. Lieberman’s new resolution setting up a Bush-Cheney invasion of Iran passed by 76 to 22 with Democratic backing on September 26, 2007. These are two dates that will live in infamy in the 21st century. Led by Senator Clinton, it was another sad day for the Senate and for Senate Democrats, who were elected to the majority in November in order to end a war, not start a new one.
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Hillary, War with Iran is No Laughing Matter
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvQi8k5g99w&NR=1
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18503.htm
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18512.htm
Mike Gravel (Democratic Presidential Candidate): "Wait a second. They'll (sic) be some information coming out about how this thing was drafted. So the answer is yes, the short answer. ... This is what's at stake with this resolution. And it's the height of immorality, irresponsibility, and the United States Senate, with the Democrats in charge, voted for the passage of this resolution. It doesn't get any worse than that, Ray.".
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.lewrockwell.com/blog/lewrw/archives/016039.html
The person publishing (or having published) the link is rendered 'speechless'.
People are inclinded to be rendered speechless by their ignorance.
If a person knew, for example, that a voluntary world government already exists in the form of a network where national borders are rendered superfluous, then, a person can begin to understand what may or may not be meant by the words spoken by Mike Gravel.
When laws are voluntary rules that are agreed upon by honest and productive people, then, people (our world) is mature enough for world government.
When laws are involuntary dictates meant to injure innocent, honest, and productive people, then, people are not mature enough for family life never mind entertaining a notion of A NEW WORLD ORDER.
Please note the difference between someone advocating a voluntary membership of people abiding by aggreable rules and a NEW WORLD ORDER.
One is voluntary.
One is despotic.
Night is when the sun is blocked from view.
Day is when the sun is not blocked from view.
Words are not deeds. Mike Gravel, if you look into his life, is the one person who ended the draft in America. See this please.
People who advocate 'government' may be the same people who advocate the taking of young people by force and making young people kill for profit.
People who advocate 'government' may be a person who advoates empowering honest and prodcutive (mature) people with the power to govern themselves.
Being speechless is a significant confession.
See this:
http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=6688
What American leaders and officials called the “New World Order” is what the Chinese and Russians consider a “Unipolar World.” This is the vision or hallucination, depending on perspective, that has bridged the Sino-Russian divide between Beijing and Moscow.
Confusing a "New World Order" of imposed obedience by force with a voluntary association of sovereign beings agreeing to abide by at least one universal law (such as no torture or no mass murder) is the very weapon of mass destruction that empowers organized crime such as the current torture and mass murder being perpetrated by Neo-criminals like Cheney and Bush (and all their co-conspirators).
Last edited on Thu Oct 11th, 2007 02:48 pm by Joe Kelley |
Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Joe
This week, while campaigning in New Hampshire, I wrote a column for the Huffington Post "blog," which is read by millions of people on the Internet, expressing my thanks to some of my fellow Democratic presidential contenders for helping me keep the focus on the neocons' dream of a war with Iran.
You can read it here http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sen-mike-gravel/note-to-obama-and-edw
ards_b_68621.html
(Please comment on the article so it gets more attention and
traffic)
Last month, during the debate in New Hampshire, I raised this issue by speaking out about Senate Amendment 3017 which recently passed, giving President Bush justification to go to war with Iran. Senator Hillary Clinton had voted for it. Senators Joe Biden and Chris Dodd had voted against it. And Senator Barack Obama was not even present that day to cast his vote!
Since that time, Senator John Edwards and Obama have joined me in assailing Hillary for handing Bush another excuse for waging war--this time on Iran.
I also spoke about this when I met with executives at Google.com's headquarters in Mountian View, California, on Oct. 10. You can watch a portion of my meeting here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_OBslG2Arc
Bringing peace to the Middle East is one of the main reasons why I'm running for president. Until I raised this critical matter, no other candidate had even breathed a word of this dangerous measure passed by the Senate. That is exactly why it's critical I stay in this race! The primaries are only 90 days away, and I need your support now more than ever to continue making ripples throughout the establishment in Washington.
MORE GOOD NEWS
Thanks to generous donations from good folks like you, we met our goal for federal matching funds last week. From now on, all donations will be matched by the federal government. This is important for a campaign like mine because I have zero dollars from special groups, lobbyists or PACS. None. I rely on each of you who feel my message should be heard and what I stand for should be a part of the American leadership to take action and contribute to my campaign.
So if you have not donated, please do! Every dollar = $2 now.
It's matched by the Federal Government now. Time to double your bet Joe !
You can Donate online, by mail or Paypal here: https://gravel2008.us/donate.php
You can also buy tshirts, bumper stickers etc here (these funds are not matched) http://www.gear.gravel2008.us
This is going to help me continue to travel around the country, campaigning for you. Keep in mind that the federal government only matches the donations that are sent to me, so I need your support.
Despite not having the support of the mainstream media or corporate interests, I still believe I can win with strong grassroots support from people like you! For example, my YouTube page, where I regularly respond in video posts to questions submitted by supporters, is just behind Hillary's and Obama's in terms of views.
To watch some of these videos, go to youtube.com/gravel2008.us.
Finally, don't forget to vote in Democracy for America's online poll. Go to http://democracyforamerica.com/pulsepoll?c=5 and place your vote today!
Best,
Mike Gravel
PS. New pictures posted to my blog! http://www.gravel2008.us/blog
Official Mike Gravel 2008 Campaign | P.O. Box 948 | Arlington, VA 22216-0948
I signed up on the web site as a volunteer vice president.
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.wral.com/news/political/story/1949463/
Gravel out of Next Democratic Debate
He told Clinton at the last debate he was ashamed of her for voting for a Senate resolution declaring the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization. Earlier this year in a discussion about using nuclear weapons against Iran, he confronted Obama.
"Tell me Barack, who do you want to nuke?" Gravel said.
"I'm not planning on nuking anybody right now, Mike," Obama replied.
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Joe
In the past year, I have attended 11 national Democratic debates of which two were sponsored by corporate media giant NBC. However, last week, NBC suddenly conjured up arbitrary polling and fundraising requirements specifically designed to exclude me. None of the previous debates I attended held such requirements.
When my staff called NBC directly to find out why I was now barred from attending, Chuck Todd, NBC news' political director, told us that there were three criteria we did not meet, namely that I had not campaigned in New Hampshire and/or Iowa at least 14 times in the past year, that I was not polling at 5% and that I hadn't raised $1 million.
It is clear that NBC just wants me out of the race. This was made evident by the fact that NBC did not even inform me of its arbitrary criteria before making the decision to stifle my campaign. NBC's Todd waited until 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, to inform my staff that I was not invited to the Oct. 30 debate at Drexel University in Philadelphia. That's a fact!
Since I announced my candidacy for the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States on April 17, 2006, I have certainly traveled to New Hampshire and Iowa at least 14 times. And, according to a recent CNN poll, I am tied with Joe Biden, Dennis Kucinich and Chris Dodd.
NBC claims I haven't raised enough money to qualify. I'm proud of the fact that I don't collect millions from special interests (or fugitives like Norman Hsu). The reason why Senator Hillary Clinton seems to have a fundraising scandal every month is because money has corrupted our democracy. By stifling my voice on the basis of fundraising dollars, NBC is reinforcing the power of money over our national political discussion and our freedom.
But why has NBC suddenly come up with "requirements" designed to exclude me from the debate?
NBC's decision is proof that our corporate media do not want a genuine debate over our impending war with Iran. During the last debate I was the only one to aggressively confront Senator Clinton over her vote to label the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization. Had I not brought up the subject, seasoned NBC commentator Tim Russert, the moderator of the Sept. 26 debate, would not have even asked about it.
Most Americans still don't appreciate the gravity of that vote and they don't understand that our government is intentionally raising roadblocks to diplomacy. Corporate media have once again failed to investigate how Bush and a compliant congress have set us on the warpath. Instead the media simply parrots the demonization of Iranian President Ahmadinejad and the administration's unproven accusations against Iran. NBC and the other corporate media have jumped on the war bandwagon and they are determined to shut up anyone who tries to stop it.
The fact that NBC is owned by General Electric, one of the world's leading military contractors, is frightening and certainly smacks of censorship directed at the most outspoken critic of the influence that the military-industrial complex holds over this great nation. In the past decade, GE has benefited financially from the global war on terrorism and currently holds almost $2 billion in military contracts .
So I ask that anyone, who is as concerned as I am about the power of the mainstream media and the military-industrial complex, speak out in support of my campaign today.
Joe here are 3 powerful things you can do:
1. Sign the online petition to have me included in the debate! http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/letgravelspeakoct30
2. Contact NBC and GE and tell them they are wrong for trying to stifle my campaign! Here are there emails you can copy/paste into your "TO:" field of your email.
chuck.todd@nbcuni.com, viewerservices@msnbc.com, directors@corporate.ge.com, ombudsperson@corporate.ge.com, jeff.zucker@nbcuni.com, lynn.calpeter@nbcuni.com, steve.capus@nbcuni.com
3. Email the DNC at http://www.democrats.org/page/s/contact
Finally, since the powers that be now require that I raise $1 million in order to participate in the debates, please make a donation to my campaign.
I will not stop. In fact, this fuels my fire even more.
Unlike my fellow candidates, I am not focused on raising millions of dollars; I am focused on fixing representative government. Help us reach that arbitrary threshold for financing and I will continue to fight for democracy and peace for all of us, not just the wealthy.
Best,
Mike
My web site: http://Gravel2008.us
PS.
On a personal note, I want to thank the many volunteers who made my recent swing through Florida such a huge success. I will be attending the Florida Democratic Party Convention and the United For Peace And Justice (UFPJ) Southeast Regional Rally & March in Orlando on Oct. 27. For more information on these events, email David Nelson-VanDette , Florida State Director.
PPS. PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM!
If you live anywhere near Philly, we are planning an event at University of Pennsylvania on Oct. 30, the night of the debate. If you live in the area and would like to attend, please contact my office via email at phillydebate@gravel2008.us.
Edit (e-mail reply):
Thanks for your email. As you may already know, no network has given Sen. Gravel more opportunity to get his message across than NBC and its affiliates via both interviews and debates. But with the election season beginning in just 72 days and more candidates trying to get into our debates, we believed it was necessary to have some minimum standards. Leaders and activists from both parties believe our requirements are very fair. Unfortunately, Sen. Gravel did not meet those minimum requirements. The standards we used included measuring the amount of time the senator spent campaigning as well as poll standing and financial resources.
From: Joe Kelley [mailto:josf.kelley@verizon.net]
Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 4:11 PM
To: Todd, Chuck D (NBC Universal)
Subject: Mike Gravel
Chuck.Todd,
Are you going to let Mike Gravel be censored?
Seriously
Joe Kelley
Last edited on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 05:01 pm by Joe Kelley |
Joe Kelley
Administrator
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rgent Message
From Senator Mike Gravel
Tuesday, October, 30, 2007
Joe
Even if you've read this, it's worth repeating.
Corporate censorship has taken over the Presidential race. I have been excluded unfairly from the MSNBC Debate at Drexel University this Tuesday. Why? GE owns MSNBC and NBC. Last minute, they claimed I did not raise enough money.
I won't stand for this in my country!
Join me for this truly historic event, tonight! LIVE.
http://Gravel2008.us/LIVEDEBATE
I am broadcasting via WebCast tonight from Philadelphia
across from the debate site at Drexel University and I will be answering many of the same debate questions that Hillary and the others are answering at the MSNBC debate. So join me on the web at 6pm PT, 7pm MT, 9pm ET at http://Gravel2008.us/LIVEDEBATE ...bookmark this page
If you live in the Philadelphia area, I will be at World Cafe Live http://www.worldcafelive.com with hundreds of supporters and anti-war protestors to protest GE (the owner of MSNBC and NBC) and corporate media censorship in this election. Join me at "World Cafe Live" -- doors open at 8:30pm ET.
Even if you have donated to my campaign, I urge you to donate again. I need you to take a stand with me today. According to
NBC, money talks. Let's show them we can speak up!
Yours in gratitude,
Senator Mike Gravel
http://Gravel2008.us
http://Gravel2008.us/LIVEDEBATE -- link good for tonight only
Official Mike Gravel 2008 Campaign | P.O. Box 948 | Arlington, VA 22216-0948
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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NBC has offered Sen. Gravel many opportunities to get his message across, in both interviews and debates. However, with the election season approaching and more candidates vying for an opportunity to join the debates, NBC News felt it necessary to set minimum criteria for participation in the debate -- including measuring the amount of time the candidates spent campaigning, as well as poll-standing and financial resources. These are similar to guidelines used by non-partisan organizations that manage the presidential and vice-presidential debates, and leaders and activists from both parties believe these requirements are fair. Unfortunately, Sen. Gravel did not meet these minimum requirements.
NBC News has a long history of editorial strength and independence and made this decision based on the abovementioned criteria.
Gary Sheffer
GE
Executive Director, Communications & Public Affairs
T 203 373 3476
http://www.ge.com/news
3135 Easton Turnpike
Fairfield, CT 06828 USA
General Electric Company
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.opensecrets.org/
http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/index.asp?cycle=2008
Note: Mike Gravel is listed as a PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.ustream.tv/Gravel2008/videos/lYSUmY,gpZixLmp7zuvXQA
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Gravel Fights Back
Against Corporate Censorship
Fresh on the heels of MSNBC's exclusion of Senator Mike Gravel from last week's Philadelphia debate, we now hear that CNN has cut the Senator from its November 15 debate in Las Vegas. Like MSNBC, CNN's justification comes down to one ugly factor: MONEY.
CNN says Mike must meet three criteria:
* Form a federal exploratory committee and officially declare his candidacy. (He did.)
* Poll at 1% or above. (He does.)
* Raise at least $1 million in individual contributions since January 1, 2007. (He has not.)
Once again, MONEY decides who gets to participate in America's political debates.
But is this the only reason why Mike is being excluded? And why isn't the Democratic National Committee standing up for him and our party's tradition of fighting for the underdog? These debates are sanctioned by the Democratic Party, and this is a terrible reflection on the national party.
The fact is, Mike angered powerful people when he confronted Senator Clinton over Iran during last month's debate. Up to that moment the Clinton juggernaut was rolling over everyone. Now Mike is paying the price for speaking truth to power.
Fighting Back
Members of the Gravel Team are already in Las Vegas setting up another Alternative Debate like the one in Philadelphia. Our webcast from Philly attracted thousands of viewers and generated news coverage in The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer and countless blogs. Ustream.tv, which streamed the event live across the Internet, has promised to feature our Vegas Alternative Debate, which is sure to attract even more viewers and media buzz.
Our Clark County Director Becky Isais has reached out to Nevada Democrats, who have told us in no uncertain terms that they will treat Mike the same as all of the other candidates. In addition, Mike will be participating in the state party's annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner, which follows the evening's debate. This dinner is widely recognized as Nevada's largest political event of the year.
It's clear that Democrats in Nevada want to hear from Mike. Now he needs your help.
If 80 people just give . . .
$250 -- We can secure a spectacular Alternative Debate venue.
$100 -- We can stage and promote the entire event.
$50 -- We can plaster Las Vegas with 5,000 posters supporting Mike's fight against corporate censorship.
So here's your chance to help Mike with a donation and show corporate media that they can't control our democracy. If we all join Mike's Fight, we can make a difference.
For more information, call the national office at (703) 652-4698 or email lasvegasdebate@gravel2008.us.
Learn More http://www.gravel2008.us
Official Mike Gravel 2008 Campaign | P.O. Box 948 | Arlington, VA 22216-0948
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Gravel's Alternative Debate
Another Hit!
Corporate media's attempt to silence Mike Gravel has backfired! Last night, thousands of viewers at various times tuned in to watch Mike's historic Alternative Debate streamed over the Internet live from Las Vegas. National print and online publications lauded Mike's revolutionary use of the web to air his unfiltered reaction to CNN's debate.
After the debate, Mike electrified an audience of thousands of Nevada Democrats with a speech about how Democratic Party leaders knuckled under to George Bush on everything from Iraq to torture. Local Nevada Democrats were appreciative of the fact that the Senator is still out there, campaigning hard, despite attempts to shut him out.
By the end of the night, it was clear to everyone that Mike's still in the fight.
You were key to this great success. Your donations, large and small, helped the campaign reach last week's $20,000 fundraising goal and put on this groundbreaking event.
Thank you for your generous support over the past two weeks!
Still, we can't give up yet. Please keep the momentum going and again help Mike fight for our democracy. Please make a donation at the official site.
If you missed the debate, you can watch it at Ustream.tv, which was instrumental in helping the campaign pull off this off.
Mike's not giving up. So help him stay in the fight today!
Learn More http://www.gravel2008.us
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slgquowo5n0
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S2zkh6ZOGE&v3
Power to the people.
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig8/gravel1.html
The National Initiative creates the machinery to enable the people to act as a legislative body adding a fourth branch of government while leaving the first three in place, essentially adding a fourth check to our three existing checks and balances. You can vote today to empower yourself at http://www.ni4d.us Check it out.
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Mike Takes on Rivals
In National Iowa Debates
Democratic Presidential candidate and former U.S. Senator Mike Gravel will be appearing in two national debates in early December while campaigning in Iowa.
On Saturday, Dec. 1, the Senator will be at the Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum at North High School in Des Moines. The debate starts at 7 p.m. CT (8 p.m. ET) and will be aired live on HDnet, the country's largest high-definition television network.
It will be moderated by Michele Norris, host of National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," and Ray Suarez, senior correspondent for PBS's "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer." There will also be a preview show beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT hosted by Dan Rather, Global Correspondent for HDNet's "Dan Rather Reports."
For those who live in the Iowa area, we will have 40 tickets to give away. If you're in the area and would like to attend, send an email to volunteers@Gravel2008.us. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. CT. All must be seated by 6:45 CT.
In addition, Senator Gravel will be at the National Public Radio Debate at the State Historical Building at 600 East Locust Street on Wednesday, Dec 4. This debate will be aired nationally over NPR stations from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. CT.
$1 MILLION
If you can't make it -- we still need your support. Please visit our web site http://www.gravel2008.us and contribute! It's coming down to the wire, and we need your help. Only you can help us stay in this fight. So, please, help today.
And don't forget to visit the Senator on YOUTUBE. One of our supporter-generated videos - which has only been up for a few days -- has already topped 30,000 views. See it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S2zkh6ZOGE
[size=Tune in to see Mike speak truth to power! Don't miss out.]
Learn More http://www.gravel2008.us
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Hello Gravel Supporters!
Here's a quick update to let supporters know where the campaign is going.
As of today, the Gravel Campaign is right on schedule when it comes to getting Mike's name in all the primaries and caucuses across the country. We already have confirmation from the 15 states where the deadline has passed, and we are hard at work on the remaining states. So far, we are confirmed in Michigan, Utah, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Iowa, Missouri, New Hampshire, California, Connecticut, Arizona, Maryland, Arkansas, Tennessee and Washington State.
Censorship has been one of the key issues of the presidential primary season so far. Despite being cut out of two critical DNC-sanctioned debates by the media and the Democratic leadership, have you seen how Mike has still shaped the dialogue on the most important issues of today?
The most important question of the Las Vegas debate was a mom asking, "Will my son be redeployed to Iran?" This was a direct response to Mike calling out Hillary on Sept. 26 for her vote giving Bush the power to go to war against Iran. Mike got it started, and then Obama and Edwards got a clue. Mike was on it from the start!
Mike is getting his message out in all kinds of creative ways thanks largely to our network of grassroots supporters, who are using any means to get word out about our campaign to empower the people. The recent Power to the People Youtube video is a perfect example of this. It is now ranked number one on AOL's web site and is generating a tremendous buzz on the Internet. This is the first in a series, so I can't wait to see the next!
Americans deserve peace, green energy, universal healthcare and so much more. Tell the Corporatocracy and the military-industrial complex that We, The People, will not be silenced!
PLEASE CONTINUE THE EFFORT!
If you would like to help get Mike on the ballot in your state, please email Eli Israel, our ballot access and caucus coordinator, at eli@gravel2008.us.
Help us raise the funds that are vital to keeping Mike challenging "Politics as Usual." Gather friends for a Friendraiser/Fundraiser. Make it fun. Show your favorite Youtube campaign videos.
DONATE TODAY what you would spend on a latte or a movie.
Remember that DEC. 5 IS MASS DONATION DAY for Mike Gravel, so please help us keep the fight alive.
You can make a difference. We can all do this, if we act together.
Please join us in what Mahatma Gandhi expressed: "Be the change you want to see in the world!" Thank you for your support and stay strong!
With peace and sustainability,
- Lynne
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3czbDhws_ck
Mike Gravel VS Ron Paul Impeach Bush Views
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://vote.org/gravel
AGSOC
In an effort to broaden the ownership of capital in our society, the senator authored and secured the passage into law of the General Stock Ownership Corporation (GSOC), Subchapter U of the Tax Code. With the hope of first using this law in Alaska, he brought about an initiative decision in the state’s general election of 1980 on the creation of an Alaska General Stock Ownership Corporation (AGSOG). As part of this effort, he negotiated a tentative agreement with the British Petroleum Company to sell their interest in the Alaska Pipeline to the AGSOC. The electorate failed to approve the AGSOC initiative. BP now considers its pipeline interest to be one of the most profitable of its Alaska holdings. Had the AGSOC been approved and the purchase gone through, it would be paying out dividends of several hundred dollars a year in income to every citizen/shareholder in Alaska.
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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We Need Your Help Now!
Dear friend,
Here at the national campaign office, we are working hard to keep Mike in this fight. It's our mission to get his name on primary and caucus ballots in states across the country. We have also been working with our state directors to shore up support in key states like New Hampshire, South Carolina, Iowa, Florida and Michigan.
However, if you do not take action today by making a donation, Mike could run out of funds to keep going.
You heard that correctly. . . . After all of our hard work, Mike could literally run out of funds.
It is that serious.
We all know that Mike has made a difference in this presidential race. Let's look at what he has done so far:
* He forced the other Democratic presidential candidates to clarify their positions on whether they would be willing to use nuclear weapons on countries like Iran;
* He brought national attention to those neoconservative politicians who seek to widen the war in the Middle East;
* He sounded the alarm on the fact that some of the leaders in the Democratic Party have tried to drive progressives from the party; and perhaps most importantly,
* He has consistently been a fierce advocate for the millions of Americans out there who are growing increasingly angry over the direction in which this country is headed.
The risks Mike has taken by not playing it safe, and the backlash he has faced as a result of standing up for our country, will be for nothing if you do not take action today.
Don't let this be our last stand.
Please, make your most generous donation now.
Chris Petherick
Chief of Staff
Mike Gravel for President 2008
Donate and Show Your Support Today!
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Merry Christmas!
Dear Friend,
Happy Holidays! I hope you are enjoying your holiday season. This past year has been quite an adventure for us. We've been all over the United States speaking to supporters and future supporters about the campaign. It's amazing to see how many people are tired of politics as usual and ready for a change. But I'm sure I don't have to tell you that!
This time of year always makes me think of family and friends. I also reflect on all the things that our family has to be grateful for. I am blessed with two wonderful children and four grandchildren. While I am so grateful for all that we have, this time of year also reminds me that there are many who are left wanting. Too many parents will be without their sons and daughters for another Christmas because they are in Iraq fighting George Bush's oil war. We have 46 million of our fellow Americans who will go through another Christmas without health insurance. And some of our nation's poorest citizens are taking on more than their fair share of our tax burden.
I want to change this. We need a President who is willing to make the tough decisions and initiate the changes that our country needs. I want to bring the troops home now, provide healthcare for all Americans with my Healthcare Security System and make the tax system in our country fair by abolishing the IRS and implementing the Fair Tax.
We also need to enact the National Initiative for Democracy (NI4D), an amendment to allow for federal ballot initiatives. The NI4D is vital, because the only way we are going to see the changes our country so desperately needs is when the people demand them.
I hope you will take a moment to visit http://www.nationalinitiative.us to learn more about the NI4D.
I know during the holidays budgets are always tight. Trust me; we have four grandchildren and plenty of nieces and nephews who believe that grandparents were made to spoil them. Still, I hope you will consider supporting my campaign with a small holiday donation of $10, $25 or $50. This would go a long way in helping to get my name on the ballot in the remaining states. It would also help to purchase more campaign materials for supporters or even bring the campaign to your state.
Finally, I want to send a personal thank you for all that you have done to help the campaign this year. I know that spreading the word, donating to the campaign, and volunteering can be a time-consuming and sometimes thankless jobs. I hope you know that none of this would be possible without you, and I appreciate all that you have done.
I want to wish you a wonderful holiday season. Stay warm, and enjoy this time with your family and friends. Remember: New Year's resolutions don't start until next year!
Love,
Mike and Whitney Gravel
P.S. I hope you will pass along this email with my holiday wishes to all your friends and family.
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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January 3, 2008
Arr: 12:00 AM Luncheon and Address to Portsmouth Rotary Club
Redhook Ale Brewery
35 Corporate Dr. (Pease International Tradeport)
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Arr: 1:30 PM Talk & Discussion with History Students
Oyster River High School
55 Coe Dr.
Durham, NH 03824
Arr: 3:00 PM WUNH Radio Interview (91.3 FM)
Memorial Union Building
83 Main St.
Durham, NH 03824
Arr: 3:30-5:30 PM NH Presidential Primary Televised Health Care Forum
Manchester Community Access Media (MCAM-TV23)
540 N. Commercial Street
Manchester, NH 03101
Arr: 6:00-7:30 PM "Initiatives for Empowerment" Democratic Debate
Manchester Community Access Media (MCAM-TV23)
540 N. Commercial Street
Manchester, NH 03101
January 4, 2008
Arr: 6:25 AM Interview at WMUR Studios
100 S. Commercial St.
Manchester, NH 03101
Arr: 12:00 PM "Left, Right & Correct" Radio Program w/ Dan Belforti
Portsmouth Community Radio
707 Islington St.
Portmouth, NH 03802
Arr: 7:00 PM Young Americans Debate (The BUNDE Group)
Keene High School Auditorium
43 Arch St.
Keene, NH 03431
January 5, 2008
Arr: 11:00 AM Discussion with the Indian-American Community
Meadowview Estates Clubhouse
1 Meadowview Circle
Nashua, NH 03062
Arr: 1 - 5 PM Women Working Together to Make a Difference Forum
Palace Theatre
Manchester, NH
Arr: 10:00 PM Interview at WMUR Studios
100 S. Commercial St.
Manchester, NH 03101
January 6, 2008
Arr: 10:30 PM Candidates Reception and Breakfast
Temple Adath Yeshurun
152 Prospect Street
Manchester, NH 03104
Contact: Sol Rockenmacher, MD
Tel: 603-232-3477
Arr: 1:00 PM Town Hall Meeting
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Franklin
206 Central St.
Franklin, NH 03235
Arr: 7:00 PM Town Hall Meeting
Phillips Exeter Academy
20 Main St.
Exeter, NH 03833
January 7, 2008
Arr: 10:15 AM Morning Coffee & Talk with Residents
New Hampshire Veterans Home
139 Winter Street
Tilton, NH 03276
Arr: 12:00 PM Every Child Matters Forum
2 Delta Drive (Maine Room, 2nd Floor)
Concord, NH 03301
Arr: 5:10 PM Interview at WMUR Studios
100 S. Commercial St.
Manchester, NH 03101
January 8, 2008
NH PRIMARY DAY
Arr: TBD Primary Night Party
Campaign HQ
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.ni4d.us/
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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I'm Still In It!
Dear Friend,
At this point, I have become accustomed to many trying to silence my message to the American people -- the plain, simple, uncompromising truth. Nor does it come as any great surprise that the mainstream media is now putting words in my mouth. Not kind words, but bold-faced lies. Thursday evening at New Hampshire headquarters, on the most frigid night yet this winter, my campaign staff was dumbfounded to watch MSNBC anchor Keith Olbermann announce I had dropped out of the race.
With only days left to go until the New Hampshire Primary, Olbermann's report was news to me!
Fortunately, there is nothing further from the truth. I have no intentions of leaving this race, and will continue to bring my message to the American people. I brought this to the attention of Mr. Olbermann, and you can see video of him retracting his statement posted on my site, gravel2008.us.
My schedule here in New Hampshire is full through primary day, and I will soon after be traveling to many other primary states. Nevada. Michigan. Florida. And beyond.
What message will I continue to share? It will include: Ending our corrupt, oppressive tax system. Making quality healthcare and education a basic, fundamental right for citizens. Ending our feverish addiction to oil and imperialist wars. Protecting our environment and precious ecosystems against short-sighted interests. Dismantling the military-industrial complex and our culture of fear. Not allowing those in power to exploit our fears and insecurities to their own gain, but building a society based on love and courage. Finally, I will continue to press for empowering the American people by enacting the National Initiative for Democracy.
I'm asking you today to help us turn the tables. New Hampshire is an opportunity for me to send a very pointed message to the media and those that might silence my message.
If you're in New Hampshire, please canvas for the day, hold signs at a busy traffic spot, or call up your friends and family who are still on the fence about who to support. If you're in New England, give our New Hampshire office a call, or join up with fellow supporters in the Granite State. The weather dipped to -15 degrees recently, but that has not chilled our spirit here.
Real change is not popular at first. It is not a soundbite you can digest in 30 seconds. It's gritty and raw and is going to upset some people. I have never shied away from a fight! Two decades ago Nixon wanted to throw me in jail for telling the American people the truth about Vietnam. Today I have been the first candidate to speak out against the dangers of war with Iran, and will continue to be the fiercest critic of our destructive foreign policy.
It doesn't matter whether the media deems my views as "unpopular" or "dangerous." It's time to tell the truth, and it's time for America to wake up. Some might lament or opine that my candidacy won't be appreciated in its own time. I say, the year is now 2008, and this is the time to make it resonate.
I hope to see everyone in New Hampshire at the polls on Tuesday.
And for those of you who live in other parts of the country, please make your most generous donation today.
I know you believe in this fight. Please help today.
Gratefully,
Mike Gravel
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.gravel2008.us/content/noam-chomsky-applauds-senator-gravels-past-and-present-accomplishments
Noam Chomsky applauds Senator Gravel's past and present accomplishments
January 7th, 2008 by April
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.gravel2008.us/impeachment
Impeachment Statement by Presidential Candidate Senator Mike Gravel
January 25th, 2008 by J. Skyler McKinley
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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The Florida Primary
& An Alternative Debate
Dear Friend,
Tuesday, January 29, is primary day in Florida, and the LGBT Democratic Caucus in Florida has graciously offered to host a reception for Presidential Candidate Mike Gravel during the evening on that day.
Mike has been the only Democratic presidential candidate to publicly and honestly campaign in Florida despite a ban imposed by the party. He has also been the only candidate to openly criticize the party's decision to disenfranchise the state by deciding not to seat its delegates.
If you live in Florida, please come down to Georgies Alibi, to meet with Mike. The reception will take place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The address is 2266 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida.
ALTERNATIVE DEBATE
Senator Gravel will be holding another Alternative Debate, this time in California, on Jan. 31, to coincide with the official Democratic debate, which will be aired live 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET).
During the last Alternative Debate in New Hampshire, nearly 30,000 people over the course of the evening tuned in to hear Mike's insightful, biting commentary.
You can tune in to watch the debate on Mike's Ustream.tv site. Watch the official web site, Gravel2008.us, for all of the details. Please check back on our web site in the coming days for more information.
Without your support, Mike will not be able to continue campaigning across the country. Please make your most generous donation today to help Mike.
Donate and Show Your Support Today!
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3wFlwqhnzY
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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MEDIA ADVISORY
WHO? ]Democratic Presidential Candidate and former
United States Senator Mike Gravel
WHAT? Meet and Greet]
Discussion and Q and A
WHEN? Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 3 PM
WHERE? Circus Gallery
7065 Lexington
West Hollywood, CA
323 962 8506
Open to the Press and Public
Senator Gravel
Mike Gravel, a resident of Virginia, is a former two-term Senator from Alaska with a distinguished record that includes successfully ending the military draft with a five-month filibuster, releasing the Pentagon Papers risking both prosecution and jail, playing the leading role in making the Alaska pipeline a reality, and ending nuclear testing in Alaska. ]He is the driving force and author of the National Initiative for Democracy, a proposal to bring the ballot initiative lawmaking process--already proven in many states as an effective and necessary check on unresponsive representative government--to the Federal level. Senator Gravel's book "CITIZEN POWER" is now available. Go to our web site http://www.gravel2008.us for more details.
Last edited on Fri Feb 1st, 2008 01:50 pm by Joe Kelley |
Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Gravel Campaign Update
Dear friend,
Over the course of the next few days, Mike will be in New York City, meeting with supporters, giving interviews to national media and speaking at locations around the city. Check back with our web site at Gravel2008.us for the latest details on his schedule.
On another note, Mike's update to his classic book, Citizen Power, is now in stock and available for order at the web site Citizen-power.us.
While Mike was back at the National Office in Arlington recently, he took some time out of his busy schedule to sign 50 copies for supporters. He will be offering these to the first 50 people who respond to this email today.
Mike's newly revised book is a sobering assessment of today's problems. More troubling still is the fact that little has changed since Gravel first put pen to paper 36 years ago. In fact, in most cases, the problems have only gotten worse. Despite all of this, readers of Citizen Power are not left with a sense of hopelessness. There is a solution proposed by Mike, which will lift the spirits of even the most seasoned cynic: "The only possibility of government reform is through empowerment of the people. Wouldn't you rather be a part of the governing process instead of being under the thumb of those who control the government?" asks Mike. "Wouldn't you like to have enough control so that government and corporate power respond to your needs?"
And that's the reason why Mike is running for president: To empower you.
Get your copy of Citizen Power today at Citizen-power.us.
Last edited on Thu Feb 14th, 2008 10:24 am by Joe Kelley |
Joe Kelley
Administrator
|
Today Senator Mike Gravel filed a federal lawsuit against a pro-Hillary 527 political organization, which is running a YouTube ad that, if aired on TV, flagrantly violates the law. The Senator has asked the court to slap a temporary restraining order on this 527 to prevent it from breaking the law with this commercial. This 527 has failed to register with the Federal Election Commission.
The law prohibits 527s from distributing ads that use "phrases . . . or individual words, which in context can have no other reasonable meaning than to urge the election . . . of" a particular candidate or "[w]hen taken as a whole and with limited reference to external events, such as the proximity to the election, could only be interpreted by a reasonable person as containing advocacy of the election . . . of" a particular candidate (2 U.S.C. § 431(17)).
In this ad, the narrator states:
"If speeches could create jobs, we wouldn't be facing a recession. But it takes more. As senator, Hillary Clinton passed legislation to bring investment and jobs to struggling communities, and worked to end tax breaks for corporations sending jobs overseas. Her economic blueprint is endorsed by Governor Strickland. Tell Hillary to keep working on these solutions for the middle class."
Senator Gravel says, "This ad is clearly an appeal for people to vote for Hillary and therefore directly contradicts both the spirit and the letter of the law.
"This ad affects me not only as one of the three remaining candidates for the Democratic nomination but also as a citizen who has watched 527s run circles around the FEC," Gravel declared. "I urge the courts to ban this ad and any other similar ads from airing on TV, or alternatively, would welcome this 527 organization to properly register with the Federal Election Commission and play by the election campaign rules."
For more information, please contact:
Dr. David Eisenbach
Communications Director, Senator Mike Gravel's 2008 Presidential Campaign
dce1@columbia.edu
(917) 528 1691
Jared H. Beck, Esq.
Beck & Lee Business Trial Lawyers, Miami
Attorneys of Record for Senator Mike Gravel
jared@beckandlee.com
(305) 789-0072
Richard M. Kerger, Esq.
Kerger & Associates, Toledo, OH
Attorneys of Record for Senator Mike Gravel
rkerger@kergerkerger.com
(419) 255 5990
Learn More http://www.gravel2008.us
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Statement on Deadlock Over FEC Appointments
The White House and the Democratic Senate are caught up in a cynical game of who blinks first when it comes to making appointments to head the Federal Election Commission, said Senator Mike Gravel during a campaign stop at Cornell University in upstate New York.
The FEC is the federal agency tasked with enforcing campaign laws and investigating violations.
"This is politics as usual," said Gravel. "The Republicans are seeking to force cronies into positions of power, as the Democrats bring the federal government to a grinding halt. Meanwhile, the FEC has been effectively neutered with respect to policing the entire 2008 election cycle as a result of Democrats blocking appointments."
More precisely, Sen. Barack Obama has been identified in the Senate as one of the senators who has a hold on these appointments.
With only two members, the six-member commission is two votes short of the quorum it needs to protect the interests of the American people. As a result, the FEC is unable to certify public funding for presidential candidates. The agency is also unable to investigate allegations of campaign finance violations in this election cycle, which has spawned unprecedented amounts of donations.
"The two major parties in Washington could resolve this impasse,' said Gravel. "But it now appears that their power is being abused to prevent any other presidential candidate from getting a fair shake."
Last edited on Tue Apr 1st, 2008 10:29 pm by Joe Kelley |
Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Gravel For President 2008
April 15, 2008
Today is Tax Day!
Once again, you and millions of our fellow Americans will surrender thousands of hard-earned dollars to the IRS. I have long supported eliminating the IRS, which stifles incentive and investment, and getting rid of the income tax. Now I am running for nomination of the Libertarian Party so that I can fulfill my pledge to institute a progressive sales tax.
You can help me by joining the Libertarian Party. As a member, you can attend the Libertarian convention and participate in the nomination contest as a delegate. Come to Denver to help me win the nomination so I can work to end the War on Drugs that turns millions of citizens into criminals and bust the Military Industrial Complex.
Join our crusade to take back American democracy (and your tax dollars) from corporate and government elites, and consider donating to my campaign. Become a Libertarian and let's go to Denver where we will change history together!
http://www.Gravel2008.us
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Gravel For President 2008
April 24, 2008
Dear Friends,
Two days ago I attended an event to address both one of the most disturbing and overlooked consequences of the Iraq War. Attended by both scientists and Iraq veterans, I heard how depleted-uranium weapons and ammunition have turned Iraq into a nation littered with radioactive fallout. We gathered across the street from General Dynamics in Scranton, PA-a war profiteer whose profits have spiked in the wake of the illegal Iraq War. The Nation magazine estimates over 11,000 US soldiers to have been killed from exposure to uranium since the first Iraq War. That does not even address the vast destruction to the Iraqi people and their country. Onset of cancer, permanent respiratory and neurological conditions, deformities in the children of our servicemen-make no mistake: Depleted-Uranium (DU) is the Agent Orange of the Iraq War.
How did we get here, that our industries are poisoning and killing our own troops? The fundamental problem is pervasive and the result of our militarized culture. On Earth Day, it was clearer than ever that we cannot sufficiently tackle the myriad environmental problems we face without bringing the Military-Industrial-Complex to heel. The links between nuclear power (against which I fought and succeeded a generation ago) and our malignant warfare industry is undeniable and inextricable.
Yet it is very possible to shake the military-industrial-complex's grip on our society. It will only come from empowering the people with The National Initiative. Our Congress is controlled by this complex lock, stock and barrel, and we have seen both the Democrats and Republicans dissolve into war parties, neither offering a definitive plan to end the War in Iraq. Nor will they end American Imperialism, which will ultimately bring future wars, havoc and destruction to the innocent. I count our delicate planet and natural world among those innocent victims.
I adamantly believe that, as a nation, we can get off of gasoline in 5 years, and the world can get off of carbon in 10. We have such great ability and capacity, yet we are squandering our treasure and resources on war and killing. I remember how American Industry could produce only one ship per year in 1941. Three years later, heeding the call to WWII, it was one per week. That same spark is possible to heal the environment, if we turn the military-industrial-complex on its head. Our society's massive abilities and capacities have been hijacked by war, but we can reclaim them for limitless sources of innovation. Zero-emissions transportation, revitalized infrastructure and mass transit system to counter congestion and spur real productivity-these possibilities go overlooked when we foolishly wage wars for finite, carbon-spewing fossil fuels. Rather, we must harness the resources before our eyes: the sun, wind, and the people's creativity.
Dwight Eisenhower, who predicted the military-industrial-complex, said that "one day, the people will want peace so badly that they will push the government aside." That reality is before us by unleashing the creativity of the American people with The National Initiative. Today, I believe in that possibility more than ever.
Yours in peace and a healthier future,
Senator Mike Gravel
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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The Road to Denver!
May 5, 2008
Friends & Supporters,
Libertarians will select their presidential candidate at their National Convention in Denver at the end of this month. We have been working tirelessly to secure the nomination. We Libertarians have an outside chance of winning the general election. My political career has taught me that anything is possible, particularly when the nation is headed for a perfect storm.
I need your help to field a credible campaign in Denver and to make a Libertarian victory in the fall a reality. Your personal and financial support is crucial at this time. Please contribute.
If chosen by the Libertarian Party as their standard bearer, I will campaign in every state to not only grow the party, but to win in November. The American People are fed up with the two-party monopoly and the corruption of our political system. Libertarian values are more in line with the values of most Americans. The voters do not support pre-emptive war or an imperial foreign policy that both Republican and Democratic administrations have pursued for more than half century--under the influence of the military-industrial complex and greedy Wall Street special interests.
The corporate media-controlled televised debates have offered tepid, if not farcical, levels of political dialogue. Once I become the Libertarian nominee with your support, I will change these dynamics with serious questions that the pundits dare not ask. Whether the Democratic nomination ultimately goes to Obama or Clinton, I will ask them and McCain to explain to the American people: Why is it that the U.S. spends more on defense than the rest of the world put together, when no nation on earth wants to attack us? Our schools are failing, our citizens are without adequate healthcare. Neither our environmental problems, nor our energy needs are properly addressed. Our nation's physical infrastructure is in shambles. Our nation is bankrupt--in hock to other nations. Why? We are a great people blessed by history. How could our leadership and government have squandered so much?
The definition of freedom is participation in power. The central power of government is lawmaking. Without participating in that kind of power we are not really free. We will continue to delude ourselves until we gain control of government as the Founding Fathers envisioned. Americans must become lawmakers so they can make and repeal laws and decide the policies that affect their lives. Decisions the Congress seems incapable of making. The solution to our dilemma of governance does not lie within the capability of representative government. If it did, we would not be in the mess we are in today. The solution lies with the people, who can creatively address these problems with a lot more common sense and a lot less government.
Electing good people to office is very important, but it simply is not enough. American citizens must be brought into the operations of government as lawmakers, in partnership with their elected officials. If I am elected president I will be doubly honored to be the People's legislative leader, even though I will only have one vote under the procedures of the National Initiative. The Congress will never pass my legislative agenda to reform the nation, but I am convinced that the American people would enact it.
Please empower yourself today by voting for the National Initiative, share this message with everyone who wants real change, real power and real solutions. And if you are able, please contribute to our campaign. If you are planning to come to Denver as a delegate, I look forward to meeting you there.
Remember! Libertarians have an unusual obligation in this election year. They must turn this country around and restore freedom to the people as individuals and as a constituency. Government oppression and this Republican-Democratic monopoly must end.
Yours in peace, justice, liberty and freedom.
Senator Mike Gravel
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Happy Birthday Mike!
May 13, 2008
Today is Mike's birthday! Our favorite Senator turns 78, and still has more fire and energy than most of his younger supporters. Let's admit it; we know the man drinks from the fountain of youth, though he's not telling us where it is (we hear it's hidden deep in a glacier in Alaska). He's just getting fired up for the general election season! Make no mistake; Mike is the Iron Man of this presidential race!
So go ahead, tell Stephen Colbert that there's another truthy birthday boy today. A guy with a smart gut, too. Like when he spoke out in 2002 against the Iraq War, knowing then it was an imperialist war for oil. Or when Mike stood up to President Nixon and the Military-Industrial-Complex by filibustering the end of the draft, releasing The Pentagon Papers, and stopping the expansion of nuclear power. That's the gut of a leader.
All that said, let's get Mike the attention he deserves! For his wisdom, his courage, and his vision for how our democracy can flourish again. In the United States, it's all about the fluff and tiddlywinks, the sparkle and glamour of celebrity candidates that hypnotizes people. Fortunately, Obama Girl likes older guys with good dance moves. So now:
Yes we're going to a party party
Yes we're going to a party party
What party you ask? The Libertarian National Convention in Denver! Less than two weeks away, on May 25 they will nominate their presidential candidate. And we need your support to make sure that Mike is their candidate! Then it's on to the general election in November, to challenge the "politics as usual" of Obama, Clinton and McCain.
Our gift to you is this video celebrating Mike's career and his candidacy. Please give Mike a birthday gift by contributing to his campaign. If you were on the fence about donating, now is the most crucial time yet as we look to secure the Libertarian nomination. Anything is appreciated, but here are some donation suggestions for the birthday boy:
$19.30 - the year Mike was born
$78.00 - years of wisdom and leadership he will bring to the presidency
$200.80 - for the year that we finally break the two-party monopoly on our democracy.
Also, in honor of Senator Gravel's birthday today, he will be participate in a radio discussion on his life's work, The National Initiative for Democracy. Empower yourself as a lawmaker today -that's a gift to both Mike and yourself. In that same spirit, V-RADIO will dedicate its entire 2-hour broadcast today to a discussion of direct democracy. Mike will be on starting at 1:30 pm EST and a birthday surprise will be revealed on-air. Tune in to their web broadcast here.
You can send Mike your Birthday wishes here, be it a letter or e-card, and we'll share them with him at the end of the day!
PS - Wish Dr. Stephen Colbert a Happy Birthday and ask him to do the same for Mike on his show tonight!
Thanks for all your support,
The Gravel Campaign
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Dear Friends,
We want to thank you for the support and dedication that has sustained us throughout Mike's campaign. Yesterday, Mike knew that his career in politics would either continue through November or end at the Libertarian convention. Though Mike's career in active politics is now over, we know his message does not end here.
The message of empowering the people transcends any candidacy. It transcends any individual, but draws right from the people and their infinite well of creativity. To quote James Wilson, the wisest (and Mike's favorite) of The Founding Fathers, "All power is originally in the People and should be exercised by them in person, if that could be done with convenience, or even with little difficulty."
The answer has been there all along. Don't look to representative government alone; look to yourselves. Promote the National Initiative, share it with others, and encourage them to sign on.
As for Mike, he will continue to write and speak on the issues, promote the National Initiative as well as his books coming out this summer. They include The Kingmakers, co-written with Professor David Eisenbach, an analysis and polemic on corporate media and how it distorts our political dialogue, including Mike's own campaign. A Political Odyssey, co-written with Joe Lauria, is an examination of Mike's career in politics, his personal life, his fight against the Military-Industrial-Complex and the rise of US imperial power. There is also The Voice of A Maverick, a compilation of Mike's speeches and writings from his presidential campaign.
Again, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the unwavering support, and will keep you informed of Mike's efforts to bring peace, freedom, and love to our society. We salute Senator Gravel's service to our country, and eagerly look forward to what the future holds.
The message is simple. Power to the people. Give peace a chance. It's up to us to share it.
Our deepest thanks and gratitude,
Jon Kraus & Skyler McKinley
Deputy Campaign Managers
Mike Gravel for President
Thanks Mike!
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Many keen observers of our representative democracy comment again and again about our broken political system, especially because of the corrupting influence of money on our elected representatives. Too often, the resulting public policy provides benefits to the corporate-military-industrial complex rather than enhancing the public interest.
During my many years in elective office, I saw the trade-offs and pay-offs (direct and indirect) that are common in the political arena. I saw how difficult it was – and is – for the most well intentioned elected officials to bring about the needed changes because of our flawed government structure. And, typically, in their attempts to navigate a flawed system, the legislators themselves become flawed.
How can we achieve public policy that more closely reflects the public interest? Bring the people – American voters – into a decision-making role in government as citizen-lawmakers in partnership with their elected representatives. The National Initiative for Democracy (NI4D), a legislative proposal that amends the Constitution and provided legislative procedures in a Federal Statute, does just that: empowers citizens (you and I) to be able to vote on the public policies that affect our lives – empowers citizens (us) as lawmakers.
I ran for president to bring attention to the National Initiative. As a result:
- There is a growing list of volunteers
- We are sending out monthly news letters
- Other people than myself are now speaking out about this in public
- People are planning film projects about NI4D
- More and more people are blogging about the National Initiative
- A very real grass-roots effort has begun which will be difficult to ignore
- NI4D is far more well known today than before I ran for president.
However, the problem now is that the Obama presidency has generated a renewed optimism that representative government may work this time. Donations have greatly decreased. It will take some time before Americans realize that electing a new cadre of politicians will not bring change. As I said in the campaign: “follow the money if you want to know the kind of government you're going to get.” Wall Street continues to rule the economy, banks are getting most of the stimulus, and the military defense budget grows.
The rhetoric of White House policy is considerably improved and sounds cooperative but with one thousand military bases around the world, our nation's policy remains imperialistic, even though we are broke and going the way of all empires.
I continued to speak out against these misguided policies and offered the obvious solution: empower American citizens as lawmakers. At a conference on direct democracy, last October in Switzerland, a professor from South Korea heard me speak about the National Initiative and asked if it could be applicable in Korea. My research before and since my subsequent trip to South Korea has convinced me that South Korea is one of the likeliest venues in the world to enact a National Initiative.
Democracy is a lot fresher in the minds of Koreans, evidenced by the people’s candlelight protests. They have the highest per capita savings rate in the world, so are the least likely nation to be affected by the global meltdown. Korea is one of the most Internet-wired nations in the world. And English is a mandated educational requirement from kindergarten on.
Most significantly, the South Korean Constitution is superior to our own.
- Article 1 of the Korean Constitution states:“all power emanates from the people” .
- Only the people can amend the Korean Constitution – they did eight times. The U.S. Constitution has been amended 27 times - not once by the people.
- American federal elections are conducted by state and local governments and as a result are subject to partisan corruption. The Korean Constitution creates a non-partisan Central Election Management Committee to conduct all elections.
- Korean citizens enjoy a lifetime voter registration regardless where they live.
The host of my initial trip (Korea Democracy Foundation) was not able to extend financial support for my return trip to Korea due to delays in government funding,. Nevertheless, some members of the Foundation and others have facilitated setting up lectures at universities and civic organizations. The title of my lecture says it all: “This Generation of Koreans has a Rendezvous with Destiny.”
I use the lecture to motivate volunteers from the audience to join teams committed to inform Koreans about the Korean National Initiative (KNI) and to seek its enactment by Korean voters in a national election. KNI is a recast of the American National Initiative. In three weeks starting from scratch, I have been able to develop eight teams with more than sixty members. The quality of the volunteers is awesome. Teams meet weekly and have 5 to10 members; when they acquire more than 10 members, they will replicate themselves into new teams. I personally meet with each of the teams to get them organized. The team strategy is the beginning of a grassroots educational movement to acquaint Koreans about the empowerment opportunity of the National Initiative.
I firmly believe we can succeed in enacting the National Initiative in Korea. The global attention generated by this success will become the catalyst to enact the National Initiative in the U.S. The KNI will then become the 21st century national model for direct democracy copied by most G-20 countries.
My wife, Whitney, and I are funding my present trip in Korea from our modest personal resources. We cannot continue beyond June, even though my message is resonating with Koreans. The fees, when available, for my lectures do not cover all of my living and travel expenses. It will take at least five months before I can secure the government authority for a foundation in Korea that will then permit us to raise funds from Koreans.
The Democracy Foundation (the sponsor of the National Initiative) needs funding to prosecute its programs in the U,S. and to finance my travel expenses until we can do a Korean fund raising campaign. I desperately need your help. Therefore, I am appealing to you – the 8,000 supporters on my Facebook political account, and the 20,000 in the U.S. National Initiative database – to make a donation to keep the National Initiative vision alive.
I hope you will respond to this appeal. The situation is critical and the opportunities enormous. I need your help, and I need it now. Thank you in advance and for your help in promoting direct democracy. Follow our progress at http://www.mikegravel.us and at http://www.NI4D.US.
Sincerely, Mike Gravel
P.S. Click on the Donate link below, It will take you to a secure site for your tax deductible donation. Thank you.
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Joe Kelley
Administrator
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Mike speaks out
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