February 2, 2012 • www.uaprogressiveaction.com

Please note both the time and location change!

Our next Coffee and Conversation will be held this Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Upper Arlington Main Library, 2800 Tremont Road. The meeting will be held in Meeting Room B, and coffee and light refreshments will be served.

This will be an interesting meeting. The Upper Arlington Public Library Director Ann Moore, and Board Members Bill Shikurti and Amy Sharpe, will discuss the library levy that will be on the ballot March 6th.  Additionally, Mike Schadek, member of UA City Council, will share his feelings about being on the Council and an update about what's going on with the city. Come and meet your fellow progressives in UA!

The Library is sponsoring Feed Down Fines this Saturday from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. Bring in canned goods and non-perishable food in exchange for a reduction of overdue library book fines. The food goes to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. The Library will also take donations of food if you have no fines!

Learn About the UA LIbrary Levy

The Library Levy will be on the ballot on March 6th.  The most important thing to know about the proposed levy is that it's not a tax increase. Homeowners will continue to pay the same tax rate for the library levy as they currently do. For more information about this issue, please attend our Coffee and Conversation on Saturday (info above), or visit the Library's Levy Renewal Fact Page.

2nd Annual Blue Brunch Fundraiser to Benefit UAPA

Please join us for our Blue Brunch on Sunday, February 12, 2012, 11:30 a.m., at the Amelita Mirolo Barn, 4395 Carriage Hill Lane in Upper Arlington. An amazing gourmet brunch provided by Park Creek Kitchens is on the menu along with entertainment, and an exciting silent auction of unique items. Additionally OBAMA and UAPA gear will be available to loyal supporters! Because we love all of our supporters, we've added another giving level of $50 per person. it's a great way to enjoy brunch amid your fellow Democrats and Progressives, as well as help support our mission to elect worthy and reasonable candidates for state, local and Federal office! 

Please send an email to feedback@uaprogressiveaction.com to let us know you're coming, and send your check, made payable to UAPA, to UAPA Blue Brunch, 2491 Lane Road, Upper Arlington, OH, 43220.  If you can't attend, please consider sending us a donation!

Meet Your Democratic Primary Candidates for the 15th  Congressional District

We have two candidates vying for the Democratic candidacy for the 15th Congressional District slot in the upcoming Ohio Primary on March 6. The winner will run against Republican Rep. Steve Stivers in the fall. 

Pat Lang, 34, is the Athens City Law Director, a position he has held somce 2007. 

Scott Wharton, 53, has been a commercial airline pilot for Delta for 22 years and runs a family farm in Amanda. For more information on both of these candidates, visit our website.

Admittedly the Democratic candidate will have an uphill battle against Stivers, but we feel that no one is unbeatable! We encourage our membership to support the candidate of their choice in the primary election in March, and to support the primary winner in the fall in the general election on November 6th!

The Successes of President Barack Obama

During this election year, it's particularly important to share the some of the achievements of the Obama administration, and when we talk about what separates a Democratic administration from a Republican one, there's no greater difference than how the poor are treated.

On February 1st, Mitt Romney told CNN that he's not concerned about the poor: 

“I’m in this race because I care about Americans. I’m not concerned about the very poor. We have a safety net there. If it needs repair, I’ll fix it. I’m not concerned about the very rich; they’re doing just fine. I’m concerned about the very heart of America, the 90 percent, 95 percent of Americans who right now are struggling.”

Compare that to the Obama Administration which has continually tried to pass legislation to assist all Americans, despite an obstructionist Congress. The Administration has provided affordable health care, championed a a payroll tax cut for small businesses and individuals, and created a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, headed by our native son, Richard Cordray, that safeguards all from predatory financial practices. The differences are very clear!

Funnies

January 23, 2012 • www.uaprogressiveaction.com 

UAPA Book Club Meets on This Monday

Enjoy stimulating and scintillating discussions with a congenial group at our next book club meeting this Monday, January 23, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in Donato's meeting room (corner of Northwest Blvd. and Zollinger Road). Ordering food is encouraged since the use of the room is free.  Our book is Conservatives Without Conscience, by John Dean.

Obama For America State of the Union Watch Party

Please join fellow Upper Arlington progressives for a State of the Union watch party on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.  Obama signs and bumper stickers will be available for purchase. Light refreshments will be served. Go to BarackObama.com to RSVP and get directions to the event.

 February Coffee and Conversation

Our next Coffee and Conversation will be held this Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. at Park Creek Kitchen, 2124 Arlington Avenue. There will be a $3.00 charge per person for coffee, tea, muffins and fruit.

This will be an interesting meeting.  The Upper Arlington Public Library Director Ann Moore, and Board Members Bill Shikurti and Amy Sharpe, will discuss the library levy that will be on the ballot March 6th.  Additionally, Mike Schadek, member of UA City Council, will share his feelings about being on the Council and an update about what's going on with the city. Come and meet your fellow progressives in UA!

UAPA is Looking for a Letters to the Editor Coordinator

We're looking for an organized, motivated volunteer to coordinate our Letters to the Editor program. The duties of this position are to help generate letter topics and talking points (with help from UAPA's executive committee), make assignments to volunteers who have indicated their willingness to write letters, and ensure the volunteer letter writers follow through with assignments. You aren't required to write letters but encouraged to do so.  Please contact us at feedback@uaprogressiveaction.com.

 Mark the Date!

The second annual Blue Brunch will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2012. More details to follow!

Call for Health Care Stories

UAPA would like to gather your stories about how the Affordable Health Care Act (President Obama's Healthcare initiative) had helped you and your family. Have you been able to get health insurance when you previously were denied due to a preexisting condition? Were you able to keep your 24-25 year-old child on your insurance policy? If you are a small business owner, did you take advantage of the tax credits to insure your employees?Send us your story! Contact us at feedback@uaprogressiveaction.com.

Funnies

January 13, 2012 • www.uaprogressiveaction.com 

UAPA Membership Meeting to Feature Speaker on Fracking

The next UAPA membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in the Little Theatre of the Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Road. Following a brief business meeting, Trent Daugherty from the Ohio Environmental Council will present "Fracking: An Economic Godsend or Environmental Disaster?"

The reasoned talk will cover the environmental, economic, health and political consequences of fracking -- hydraulic fracturing the earth for gas (and apparently earthquake) production. Light hors 'd oeuvres will be served. Following the presentation and Q&A, UAPA committees will have brief working meetings. If you want to build a better community, state and nation, consider joining one of our committees, or just learn about our upcoming events and projects.

UAPA Book Club News

Enjoy stimulating and scintillating discussions with a congenial group at our next book club meeting, Monday, January 23, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in Donato's meeting room (corner of Northwest Blvd. and Zollinger Road). Ordering food is encouraged since the use of the room is free.  Our book is Conservatives Without Conscience, by John Dean.

Looking for Data Entry Volunteers

UAPA needs your help.  We need to add to and clean up our database so we can use it for the upcoming elections.  We have a plan to get it done by the end of the month, but we need your help to do it. We know that you're busy, but any time you can give will allow us to reach our goal and be effective in electing Democrats!

We will provide you with training but be assured that the database is user friendly! This is a very helpful task you can do while watching TV! Please contact John Lytle at jlytle@columbus.rr.com.

Call for Health Care Stories

UAPA would like to gather your stories about how the Affordable Health Care Act had helped you and your family. Have you been able to get health insurance when you previously were denied due to a preexisting condition? Were you able to keep your 24-25 year-old child on your insurance policy? If you are a small business owner, did you take advantage of the tax credits to insure your employees?

Send us your story! Contact us at feedback@uaprogressiveaction.com.

UAPA Members in the News

At the last Coffee and Conversation, UAPA Member Allison Pierce described her recently opened one-woman photography exhibit, Unsustainable. Her photographs emphasize unsustainable environmental landscapes -- photo journalism at its best! The show runs through January 28, 2012, at the Ohio Art League Gallery, 1552 N. High Street, next door to the Gateway Theatre.

Have you done something newsworthy.  We want to know!  Send us your news at feedback@uaprogressiveaction.com.

UAPA is Looking for a Letters to the Editor Coordinator

We're looking for an organized, motivated volunteer to coordinate our Letters to the Editor program. The duties of this position are to help generate letter topics and talking points (with help from UAPA's executive committee), make assignments to volunteers who have indicated their willingness to write letters, and ensure the volunteer letter writers follow through with assignments. You aren't required to write letters but encouraged to do so.  Please contact us at feedback@uaprogressiveaction.com.

Mark the Date!

The second annual Blue Brunch will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2012. More details to follow!

The Successes of President Barack Obama

During this election year, it's particularly important to share the some of the achievements of the Obama administration, and when we talk about what separates a Democratic administration from a Republican one, there are no greater reminders about the differences than environmental priorities like the following:

Obama to Ban Uranium Mining around Grand Canyon

 By Deborah Zabarenko

ScientificAmerican.com

"The Obama administration is set to ban new uranium mining claims around the Grand Canyon for the next 20 years, a move hailed by conservation groups as a key to the president's environmental legacy.

The decision would put some one million acres of public lands outside Grand Canyon National Park off limits to all hard-rock mining for two decades, the longest moratorium allowed by law. Existing mining operations would continue.

The National Mining Association, an industry group, expressed disappointment, but stopped short of announcing an immediate challenge to the decision." Read the rest of the story here.

and then there was this last month...

Obama Administration Announces Standards to Keep Our Families Safe from Mercury and Other Pollutants

by Frances Beinecke

National Resources Defense Council Blog
"Whenever I talk with parents of young children about my work, they often ask me about mercury pollution.  They know it can harm children and pregnant women and they know it is pervasive, but they are unsure how to keep their families safe.

Today that job just got easier.  President Obama announced new standards to reduce mercury, lead, and other dangerous pollution from pwer plants.  Now dirty coal-fired plants that fought standards for decades will finally have to clean up their act."  Read the rest of the story here. 
 

Funnies

January 6, 2012 • www.uaprogressiveaction.com 

Coffee and Conversation

Our next Coffee and Conversation will be held this Saturday, January 7, 2012, from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. at Park Creek Kitchen, 2124 Arlington Avenue. Environmental activists Ellen Baumgartner and Carol Fisher will be our speakers.There will be a $3.00 charge per person for coffee, tea, muffins and fruit. Come and meet your fellow progressives in UA!

UAPA Membership Meeting to Feature Speaker on Fracking

The next UAPA membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in the Little Theatre of the Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Road. Following a brief business meeting, a speaker from the Ohio Environmental Council will discuss the environmental and health impacts of fracking -- hydraulic fracturing for gas (and apparently earthquake) production. The politics of fracking will also be covered.

UAPA Book Club News

The next book club meeting will be Monday, January 23, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in Donato's meeting room (corner of Northwest Blvd. and Zollinger Road). Ordering food is encouraged since the use of the room is free.  Our book is Conservatives Without Conscience, by John Dean.

Progressive Radio Returns To Columbus

Tune in to WVKO 1580 AM to listen to progressive talk, seven days a week. The lineup features popular radio hosts Ed Schultz, Stephanie Miller, Thoma Hartmann, Mike Malloy, and Leslie Marshall. Support progressive talk by liking them on Facebook and following them on Twitter.

The Successes of President Barack Obama

During this election year, it's particularly important to share the some of the achievements of the Obama administration. The following statistics illustrate the effectiveness of his healthcare initiative:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has enabled 2.5 million young adults to have health insurance converage, far exceeding the 1.24 million who were expected to benefit from the law. An estimated 82,000 young Ohioans have access to health care because of ACA.

Funnies

November 13, 2011 • www.uaprogressiveaction.com 

 

October 29, 2011 • www.uaprogressiveaction.com 

Vote No, No, No on Issues 1, 2, 3

While the polls might have us winning on Issue 2, that doesn't mean the fight is over.  In an off year election, voter turnout is vital and we can't afford to take any chances. Don't sit this one out thinking that the votes of others are enough to carry these issues -- your vote is really needed.

State Issue 1 extends the age limit for judges from 70 to 75 years of age. This extension would increase the length of service for individuals already entrenched on the bench. Moreover, State Issue 1 is likely to perpetuate a 6-to-1 Republican imbalance on the Ohio Supreme Court and similar imbalances on lower courts. A “No” vote on Issue 1 will promote a fairer judicial system.
 
State Issue 2 is an unfair and unsafe attack on the middle class. By voting “No” on Issue 2, Ohioans can stop Senate Bill 5. Senate Bill 5 ends most collective bargaining rights for police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers and other public employees. A “No” vote on Issue 2 will help our public employees better protect our communities and serve our people.
 
State Issue 3 seeks to overturn parts of the Affordable Care Act, which expands health coverage and reduces health care costs. Experts have determined Issue 3 will cost Ohioans millions in unnecessary lawsuits and that it would likely ban, freeze or prohibit child support orders, workers compensation, COBRA payments, school immunizations, disease tracking and court-ordered rehabilitation. It puts at risk Ohio's ability to license doctors and would prohibit Ohio from regulating health insurance companies.  A “No” vote on Issue 3 will protect health care in Ohio and expand coverage to people who have been previously denied

Click here for more information on all three of these issues.

UAPA Sample Ballot

View our 2011 Sample Ballot before heading to the polls on November 8.

Coffee and Conversation: November 5

Our next Coffee and Conversation is scheduled for Novmber 5, 9:00 a.m. at Park Creek Kitchen, 2124 Arlington Avenue. There will be a $3.00 charge per person for coffee, tea, juice and muffins.  Our speaker will be Brian Rothenberg, executive director of ProgressOhio.  Because the election is the following Tuesday, November 8, we hope to send out a group to canvass after the meeting.  More information below. 

UAPA Book Club News

UAPA Book Club will meet on Monday, November 28 at the Upper Arlington Main Library, Room B. Our next selection is "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide" by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. Learn more about this book on our website.

Author Sheryl WuDunn will speak about the topic at a free lecture sponsored by the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at the OSU Student Union on November 14 at 4:00 p.m. Registration is required by November 10. You can learn more or register online here.

Update on Efforts to Repeal HB 319 (End Unfair Redistricting)

As you remember, House Bill 319, signed into law by Governor Kasich, is the legislation that created some of the most gerrymandered congressional districts in the country.

Secretary of State Jon Husted certified on October 21, 2011, that "Ohioans for Fair Districts," the group seeking a referendum on House Bill 319, has met the initial 1,000-signature requirement needed to begin circulating petitions for the November 2012 ballot. Petitioners may begin collecting the required 231,150 valid signatures to place the measure on the ballot. In this case, petitioners would have until December 25, 2011, to collect the required signatures.

There will be an effort to collect petition signatures for the redistricting plan repeal outside polling places on Election Day.  If you'd like to volunteer to collect signatures, sign up here.

UAPA Website Story Source of National Attention

An anti-gay marriage group in New Hampshire doctored up a photo from a 2008 Obama rally that appeared on UAPA's web site. Fortunately, it wasn't long before the group 'Good As You' exposed this attempt to make it look like thousands of people are attending NOM's anti-marriage events.

This story has gained national attention on the Rachel Maddow show, Huffington Post, Talking Points Memo and Daily Kos. See the story on our website.

Funnies

 October 18, 2011 • www.uaprogressiveaction.com 

It's as Easy as 1-2-3: Vote No, No No.

State Issue 1 extends the age limit for judges from 70 to 75 years of age. This extension would increase the length of service for individuals already entrenched on the bench. Moreover, State Issue 1 is likely to perpetuate a 6-to-1 Republican imbalance on the Ohio Supreme Court and similar imbalances on lower courts. A “No” vote on Issue 1 will promote a fairer judicial system.
 
State Issue 2 is an unfair and unsafe attack on the middle class. By voting “No” on Issue 2, Ohioans can stop Senate Bill 5. Senate Bill 5 ends most collective bargaining rights for police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers and other public employees. A “No” vote on Issue 2 will help our public employees better protect our communities and serve our people.
 
State Issue 3 seeks to overturn parts of the Affordable Care Act, which expands health coverage and reduces health care costs. Among other benefits, the Act stops insurance companies from denying care based on pre-existing conditions and allows young adults to stay on their parents’ health plans until the age of 26. A “No” vote on Issue 3 will help support these vital reforms.

Click here for more information on all three of these issues.

UAPA Sample Ballot

View our 2011 Sample Ballot before heading to the polls on November 8.

Next Coffee and Conversation: November 5

The October first Coffee and Conversation at Park Creek Kitchen was very successful. Jim Slagle spoke to 32 interested attendees about the new gerrymandering redistricting map recently passed by the Ohio legislature (HB 319).

Our next Coffee and Conversation is scheduled for Novmber 5, 9:00 a.m. at Park Creek Kitchen, 2124 Arlington Avenue. There will be a $3.00 charge per person for coffee, tea, juice and muffins.  Our speaker will be Brian Rothenberg, executive director of ProgressOhio.  Because the election is the following Tuesday, November 8, we hope to send out a group to canvass after the meeting.  More information to follow.

Candidates Night for UA Council Candidates

Candidates Night is scheduled for Thursday, October 20, 2011. Q and A starts at 7:00 p.m. It will be held at the UA Municipal Center, 3600 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington. Although the Council seats are now uncontested, candidates are expected to attend as are UA school board candidates. This event is sponsored by Leadership UA.

UAPA Book Club's Latest Read: The Jungle

Join the UAPA Book Club on the 4th Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the UA Main Library for stimulating discussions of interesting books. Join us on October 24 for the thought-provoking classic, The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair.The book highlights in heartbreaking detail the difficulties faced by the working class at a time of unbridled capitalism with no checks and balances such as minimum wages, workplace safety, and disability. It shows the underbelly of a society that is dog eat dog with no mercy and no quarter.

Upper Arlington the Subject of Academic Article

"Not in My Front Yard! The Displaying of Yard Signs as a Form of Political Participation," a paper (download the PDF) prepared for the journal Political Behavior (July, 2010), included a case study of the use of yard signs in Upper Arlington.

Issue 2 in the National Spotlight

The October 16 edition of the New York Times featured an article about Issue 2.  "Ohio Wages Fierce Fight on Collective Bargaining" details the stuggles to repeal -- and keep -- this controversial law.

Don't be left out of the conversation! Join us on Facebook.

Be sure to "like" us on our homepage of our website!

Funnies

September 15, 2011 • www.uaprogressiveaction.com 

Help Stop Voter Suppression In Ohio

The facts

Here in Ohio the basic right to vote has been severely limited by the passage of House Bill 194. This bill will limit early voting and absentee voting, and remove the existing requirement that poll workers direct people to the correct preceinct if they go to the wrong one. Thousands of Ohioans will be prevented from voting if this bill is left standing, and that could impact the success of our Democratic and Progressive candidates in 2012.

However, through a petition signature collection effort, we have an opportunity to stop this voter suppression bill from becoming law. Volunteers will be collecting signatures as part of the effort to put this bill on the ballot for a citizen’s veto in 2012.  To stop the law from taking effect, petitions with a total of at least 231,154 signatures must be filed by September 29, 2011.

How can you help stop HB 194?

You can do your part by signing the petition at the following locations:

Colin's Coffee at 3714 Riverside Drive, Golden Bear Center: Thursday, 8:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.

UA Public Library (Main Branch and Lane Road): Friday,  3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

There is also a huge need for volunteers to circulate petitions and to get signatures at local events.  If you are interested in helping out or would like a petition to circulate, please contact Ashley Davis with Organizing for America at (614) 937-4344 or ashleyredavis@gmail.com

We're Rolling Up Our Sleeves and We Need Your Help!

 • We're involved in the fight to repeal SB5.

• We're identifying progressive UA City Council candidates and supporting them.

• We're working hard to reverse HB194, the unfair Republican voter suppression bill.

• We're laying the groundwork for 2012's Presidential, Senate and House races.

• We're providing you with a forum to discuss and learn about timely local, state and national topics at our monthly Coffee and Conversation.

• We're about to unveil our new UAPA website to keep our UA progressives informed and plugged in.  

• We need your financial support in order to continue fighting for our progressive agenda. 

Please consider making a contribution of $100, $50, $25 or any amount you choose to UAPA.  If every UAPA member made a modest contribution, we'd be able to accomplish all of the above and a great deal more...of course the more you donate, the more impact we have!

Send your check, payable to UAPA, to 2491 Lane Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220.

Thank you in advance for your generous support!

New Location of Coffee and Conversation Beginning October 1st

Coffee and Conversation will meet at a new venue on Saturday, October 1 at 9:00 a.m.  We're excited that Park Creek Kitchen, 2124 Arlington Avenue, has agreed to open their doors for UAPA. There will be a $3.00 charge per person for coffee, tea and muffins, which we think is a pretty good deal. Visit Park Creeks's website for more information about the restaurant and a map. Our October speaker will be Jim Slagle, Ohio Campaign for Accountable Redistricting, to discuss the current plans for redistricting in Ohio. We look forward to seeing you!

Clintonville Education Summit on Issue 2 (Senate Bill 5) This Saturday

Come to North Broadway United Methodist Church, 48 E. North Broadway, on Saturday, September 17, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Find out more about the effort to repeal SB 5, which strips public unions of their collective bargaining rights.

The event will feature a panel discussion followed by public questions and answers as well as comments from both the No On Issue 2 and HB 194 campaigns. Your UAPA supports this event and encourages you to attend.

Comics

September 1, 2011 • www.uaprogressiveaction.com 

Help Stop Voter Suppression in Ohio 

Roughly 30 days from now House Bill 194 is supposed to go into effect. This bill, passed by the Republican controlled Ohio General Assembly, can seriously impact the Democrats chances of retaining the White House and the Senate seat held by Sherrod Brown.  Issues with the bill:

• It reduces the number of days that mail-in absentee voting can occur before the election from 35 days to 21.

• It reduces the number of days people can vote early at their boards of elections from 35 to 14 days before the election.

• It eliminates in-person early voting in evenings, and on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before the election.

• Poll workers at polling places with multiple precincts are not required to direct people to the correct precinct table if they show up at the wrong one.

What can you do to help stop HB 194

An effort is underway to collect enough signatures to put the Republican voter suppression bill on the ballot. To stop the law from taking effect, petitions with a total of at least 231,154 signatures must be filed by September 29, 2011. To help this effort you can:

• Sign a petition.

Carol Mohr will have petitions available at her house this Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (both days.) Her address is 2567 Westmont Road, Upper Arlington, 43221.

• Help circulate a petition and/or contribute to the Ohio Democratic Party. Contact the ODP to offer your help.

Need more convincing why HB 194 is so bad?

Read this thought-provoking op-ed piece in the New York Times written by U.S. Representative John Lewis. An excerpt:

"Since January, a majority of state legislatures have passed or considered election-law changes that, taken together, constitute the most concerted effort to restrict the right to vote since before the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In Georgia, Florida, Ohio and other states, legislatures have significantly reduced opportunities to cast ballots before Election Day — an option that was disproportionately used by African-American voters in 2008. In this case the justification is often fiscal: Republicans in North Carolina attempted to eliminate early voting, claiming it would save money. Fortunately, the effort failed after the State Election Board demonstrated that cuts to early voting would actually be more expensive..."

Speaking of Voting, Absentee Voting Rules Have Changed

You will NOT automatically be sent an application to get your absentee ballot. You must request the application one of two ways:

Call (614) 525-3100 OR complete an application online or mail your application to the Franklin County Board of Elections. Visit the Board of Elections for more information.

Coffee and Conversation

We'll gather this Saturday, Sept. 3, at La Chatelaine, 1550 W. Lane Avenue, Upper Arlington, at 9:00 a.m. for lively conversation. The room will not be reserved and there will be no guest speaker this week.  Just look around for familiar faces!

UAPA Book Club News

Our next meeting will be Monday, September 26, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. in Meeting B of Upper Arlington's Main Library, 2800 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington. We are starting a new book: Outright Barbarous: How the Violent Language of the Right Poisons American Democracy by Jeffrey Feldman. Everyone is invited.

From Amazon.com:

"... political language expert Jeffrey Feldman analyzes the words of leading conservative figures Ann Coulter, Dinesh D’Souza, James Dobson, Wayne LaPierre, Pat Buchanan and Bill O’Reilly to show how the Right’s language of violence is polluting our public discourse and limiting the free exchange of ideas. In addition to exposing the conservative obsession with violence, Feldman also shows how the civic discussion in America can be reshaped without the use of violent language, creating a healthier political climate."

Funnies

August 31, 2011 • www.uaprogressiveaction.com 

Help Stop Voter Suppression in Ohio 

Roughly 30 days from now House Bill 194 is supposed to go into effect. This bill, passed by the Republican controlled Ohio General Assembly, can seriously impact the Democrats chances of retaining the White House and the Senate seat held by Sherrod Brown.  Issues with the bill:

• It reduces the number of days that mail-in absentee voting can occur before the election from 35 days to 21.

• It reduces the number of days people can vote early at their boards of elections from 35 to 14 days before the election.

• It eliminates in-person early voting in evenings, and on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before the election.

• Poll workers at polling places with multiple precincts are not required to direct people to the correct precinct table if they show up at the wrong one.

What can you do to help stop HB 194

An effort is underway to collect enough signatures to put the Republican voter suppression bill on the ballot. To stop the law from taking effect, petitions with a total of at least 231,154 signatures must be filed by September 29, 2011. To help this effort you can:

• Sign a petition.

Carol Mohr will have petitions available at her house this Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (both days.) Her address is 2567 Westmont Road, Upper Arlington, 43221.

• Help circulate a petition and/or contribute to the Ohio Democratic Party. Contact the ODP to offer your help.

Need more convincing why HB 194 is so bad?

Read this thought-provoking op-ed piece in the New York Times written by U.S. Representative John Lewis. An excerpt:

"Since January, a majority of state legislatures have passed or considered election-law changes that, taken together, constitute the most concerted effort to restrict the right to vote since before the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In Georgia, Florida, Ohio and other states, legislatures have significantly reduced opportunities to cast ballots before Election Day — an option that was disproportionately used by African-American voters in 2008. In this case the justification is often fiscal: Republicans in North Carolina attempted to eliminate early voting, claiming it would save money. Fortunately, the effort failed after the State Election Board demonstrated that cuts to early voting would actually be more expensive..."

Speaking of Voting, Absentee Voting Rules Have Changed

You will NOT automatically be sent an application to get your absentee ballot. You must request the application one of two ways:

Call (614) 525-3100 OR complete an application online or mail your application to the Franklin County Board of Elections. Visit the Board of Elections for more information.

Coffee and Conversation

We'll gather this Saturday, Sept. 3, at La Chatelaine, 1550 W. Lane Avenue, Upper Arlington, at 9:00 a.m. for lively conversation. The room will not be reserved and there will be no guest speaker this week.  Just look around for familiar faces!

UAPA Book Club News

Our next meeting will be Monday, September 26, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. in Meeting B of Upper Arlington's Main Library, 2800 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington. We are starting a new book: Outright Barbarous: How the Violent Language of the Right Poisons American Democracy by Jeffrey Feldman. Everyone is invited.

From Amazon.com:

"... political language expert Jeffrey Feldman analyzes the words of leading conservative figures Ann Coulter, Dinesh D’Souza, James Dobson, Wayne LaPierre, Pat Buchanan and Bill O’Reilly to show how the Right’s language of violence is polluting our public discourse and limiting the free exchange of ideas. In addition to exposing the conservative obsession with violence, Feldman also shows how the civic discussion in America can be reshaped without the use of violent language, creating a healthier political climate."

Funnies

August 2, 2011 • www.uaprogressiveaction.com

Your Help is Needed Now to Fight Voter Suppression 

The Ohio Democratic Party and allied groups are in the beginning stages of an effort to repeal House Bill 194 -- the Republican voter suppression bill -- which makes it harder for Ohioans to vote and makes fewer votes count. In Franklin County, for instance, four out of ten voters would be impacted by House Bill 194.

Check out the story of what the Republican voter suppression bill does, and be sure to volunteer or donate to help defeat this restrictive, discriminatory bill.

Coffee and Conversation Continues

You can find out more about Republician voter suppression tactics at our next UAPA Coffee and Conversation this Saturday, August 6, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. at La Chatelaine, 1550 W. Lane Avenue in Upper Arlington. Our speaker will be Daniel Tokaji, professor of law, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Dr. Tokaji is an authority on election law.  He will discuss the new election legislation in Ohio and other states, and the negative impact on voting rights.  No RSVP is required.  As a courtesy to La Chatelaine for the free use of their space, please be prepared to order a drink and/or food item. Thank you.

Ok, So How Did We Get Into This Financial Mess?

No doubt your Republican friends will continue to complain about the debt crisis. Yet it was the Republicans in Washington who bear the responsibility for it.  Here's a fast read by Paul Begala in the Daily Beast that it explains it all.  "How Republicans Screwed the Pooch" is must reading for good Democrats who want to counter the misleading and downright false info being circulated by the Party of No.

UAPA is on Facebook!  

Be sure to "like" us on the homepage of our website, and click the link to be taken to our FB page! We want to hear from you!  Be sure to post your comments to be part of the conversation!

June 28, 2011                            uaprogressiveaction.com

This is the perfect week to celebrate democracy in action!

Help hand in SB5 petitions June 29

Following unprecedented levels of support for the repeal of Senate Bill 5, the We Are Ohio campaign will deliver all of the petitions to the Secretary of State's Office in Columbus on Wednesday, June 29. We will celebrate the delivery of the petitions by holding a parade — The People’s Parade. We wanted to invite you to join this historic event.

Wednesday, June 29, at 10 a.m., thousands will march from COSI to the Secretary of State's office and turn over 700,000 signatures -- way more than enough to put Gov. John Kasich's anti-worker bill on the ballot this fall and let voters veto it at the polls!

Can you join the march? Click here for details and to RSVP.

And after the march and the delivery of signatures, there will be a people-powered celebration in nearby Columbus Commons -- hope you can make it!

Tell Stivers to keep hands off Medicaid June 30

Politicians are currently negotiating a deal in Washington that would cut Medicaid for seniors, people with disabilities, families and kids while at the same time giving millionaires another tax break. Their schemes could cost Ohio billions of dollars and thousands of jobs.

Earlier this month Congressman Steve Stivers voted for the Republican budget that would slash Medicaid spending by one third and would end Medicare as we know it.

Join Health Care for America Now (HCAN) Ohio Coalition organizations, retirees, and activists on June 30 in Columbus to send a message to Rep. Steve Stivers that we won’t stand for him gambling with Ohio’s future. We need to make sure our elected officials hear us loud and clear when we say "Hands Off Medicaid!"

What: Hands Off Medicaid!! Rally and Press Conference

When: Thursday June 30, 2011 11:30-12:15

Where: John W. Bricker Federal Buildling– 200 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio

[click here for directions]

Participating Organizations: Ohio Communities United, Alliance for Retired Americans and ProgressOhio

RSVP: Christine Kozobarich, Ohio Communities United - christine@ohunited.org

Coffee & Conversation takes a short break

We know our supporters are all set to enjoy the Independence Day weekend, so Coffee & Conversation will not be meeting this Saturday, July 2. 

However, that gives us more time to arrange another thought-provoking discussion for our next Coffee & Conversation on Saturday, August 6, from 9-10:30 a.m. at La Chatelaine on Lane Avenue.

We look forward to seeing you then.

Have a safe and fun 4th of July weekend!

Coffee and Conversation

We are back....at Le Chatelaine that is....where the eggs are yummy, the atmosphere is cozy and the conversation is invigorating.  Please join us this Saturday morning, June 4th from 9:00 to 10:30. The group, Sustainable UA, will be our special guest.  Find out the "green" possibilities in our backyard.

A SB5 petition will be available to sign.

 We hope to see you Saturday at Le Chatelaine, 1550 West Lane Avenue.

May 14, 2011                                                        www.uaprogressiveaction.com

REMINDER: Stop SB5!

Support teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public employees! Help stop extremists who have launched an attack on the middle class.

Ted Strickland is leading a Rally for Repeal
Free and open to the public!
Sunday, May 15
6-7:30 p.m.
Auditorium, Upper Arlington High School, 1650 Ridgeview Road (directions)
You don't have to live in Upper Arlington to attend. All are welcome.

Reception with Ted Strickland

UAPA invites you to a small gathering with Gov. Ted Strickland
Sunday, May 15
5 p.m.
East Cafeteria, Upper Arlington High School, 1650 Ridgeview Road (directions)

Suggested contribution: $25 per person. Pay at the door, but register, please

See you Sunday!