www.uaprogressiveaction.com

This newsletter editon focuses on the economic crisis and a local news update.

Take Action News Alert

Don't miss our Action Newsletter to follow this edition. In it we highlight multiple ways to get involved. Some of you are already involved with your neighborhood team or with a candidate's campaign, but many of you have put off participating. There is something for everyone. Now is the time to step forward and take action!

This video will compel you to get involved. This one will inspire you to get involved. There are four weeks until election day - don't wait 'til it's too late!

The Cost of Deregulation

The cost of deregulation is indeed very high --- to the U.S. taxpayer.

(Source: Reuters)

How U.S. Regulators Laid the Groundwork for Disaster

NYTimes: The Reckoning: Agency’s ’04 Rule Let Banks Pile Up New Debt

Many events in Washington, on Wall Street and elsewhere around the country have led to what has been called the most serious financial crisis since the 1930s. But decisions made at a brief meeting on April 28, 2004, explain why the problems could spin out of control. The agency’s failure to follow through on those decisions also explains why Washington regulators did not see what was coming.

On that bright spring afternoon, the five members of the Securities and Exchange Commission met in a basement hearing room to consider an urgent plea by the big investment banks.

They wanted an exemption for their brokerage units from an old regulation that limited the amount of debt they could take on. The exemption would unshackle billions of dollars held in reserve as a cushion against losses on their investments. Those funds could then flow up to the parent company, enabling it to invest in the fast-growing but opaque world of mortgage-backed securities; credit derivatives, a form of insurance for bond holders; and other exotic instruments.

The five investment banks led the charge, including Goldman Sachs, which was headed by Henry M. Paulson Jr. Two years later, he left to become Treasury secretary.

A lone dissenter — a software consultant and expert on risk management — weighed in from Indiana with a two-page letter to warn the commission that the move was a grave mistake. He never heard back from Washington.

This article is now the most popular on the NYTimes site.

New Kingsdale Proposal Arrives -- Take Our Survey

Continental Real Estate has proposed a mixed-use plan for Kingsdale. Read over this press release and this article, then then take this short survey. We'll summarize the survey results and post them for everyone to see.

Tonight: The Statesman vs. the Hockey Mom

The traffic on our web site has been so high that you may have encountered some problems when trying to RSVP for the VP Debate Watching party. We've remedied the situation now, so if you recieved an error, please try to RSVP again.

Joe Biden is an intelligent, wordly statesman . . . but can he dress a moose?

Don't miss this much anticipated match-up between the Statesman and the Hockey Mom.

Bring your friends, wear your Obama gear and join us as we cheer Joe on to victory!

You won't miss a thing on the six, extra-large, state-of-the-art integrated viewing screens at Arlington Banquets. Donations are welcome.

Where: Arlington Banquets, 1967 West Henderson Road. Arlington Banquets is located right next to Kroger.

When: Tonight, October 2nd at 7:30pm

• 7:30 p.m. Meet and Greet w/Complimentary Appetizers and Cash Bar
• (full menu available for carry out in adjoining Arlington Cafe)
• 8:00 p.m. Brief Pre-debate Program
• 9:00 p.m. Televised Debate

Please RSVP.

Celebs to young voters: Don't vote!

Great video from Leonardo DiCaprio, Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, Tobey Maguire, Eva Longoria Parker and other stars. Lots of laughs.

Passing this video on to young people may be one of the most important things you do this election.

Use our send to a friend link.

www.UAProgressiveAction.com • Tuesday, September 30, 2008

VP Debate Watching Party

This Thursday, October 2, 2008, 7:30 p.m.

Arlington Banquets

1967 West Henderson Road

in the Kroger shopping center

Please park in the Henderson Road/Kroger parking lot and enter through the front entrance. Arlington Banquets is located right next to Kroger.

Don't miss this much anticipated match-up between the Statesman and the Hockey Mom. Bring your friends, wear your Obama gear and join us as we cheer Joe on to victory!

RSVP here

7:30 p.m. Meet and Greet w/Complimentary Appetizers and Cash Bar
(full menu available for carry out in adjoining Arlington Cafe)

8:00 p.m. Brief Pre-debate Program

9:00 p.m. Televised Debate

Watch the debate on six large, state-of-the-art monitors

STUDENTS WELCOME!

RSVP here

Our Obama store will be open and ready for business!

To help defray expenses, we're asking for a minimum $5 per person donation at the door.

Thank you for attending the Presidential Debate Party last Friday!

We were caught off guard when twice as many people showed up than we expected. This week, we'll be ready with more people to handle registration and more seating for all our guests. Please join us for a lively evening and delicious menu!

UAPA says: Vote Yes on Issue 5!

Ask yourself one question, "Is 391% interest too high?" The answer is YES!

Now you know how to vote on Issue 5, Ohio's payday loan referendum that greedy lenders are trying to get on the November 4 ballot.

Upper Arlington Progressive Action first brought this to your attention several months ago when we learned about the effort to reform payday lending. We applauded the passage of House Bill 545, which reduced the annual percentage of interest that can be charged down to 28%.

Then the national payday lending lobby started its shananigans. They are trying to overturn the reform measure by putting the issue on the ballot. But their petition circulators have been deceptive and their ballot language misleading.

UAPA joins nearly every major newspaper in Ohio, the governor, the speaker, the senate president, big-city mayors and city councils, and religious, business, civic and social leaders in urging you to remember:

Vote YES on Issue 5.

Spread the word!

Want to help? Visit www.yesonissue5.com.

OSU for Obama Needs Your Help!

We have potentially 50,000 Ohio State University students ready to vote for Obama. But we have to get them registered before Monday and to the polls.

How can you help? The OSU for Obama office at 1902 High Street, east of the Columbus campus, has lots of jobs.

Work for the office. Make phone calls, enter data, clean, hand out flyers, canvass, wave posters, work at a voter registration table, go clip boarding.

Contact: Thomas McMahon at thomas.w.mcmahon@gmail.com, or stop by the office at 1902 North High Street.

Public parking is available all day at Ohio Union Garage, 12th and High, north of construction; and after 4 p.m. in Arps Garage, 1945 North High. Cost is $3 for first hour, $1 each additional hour, $7 all day. Credit cards accepted.

Let's get the youth vote out and WIN this November!

I Voted For Barack and Joe Today!

And you can too!

Why vote early? Let us count the whys:

• Hassle free. Extremely helpful poll workers ensure that your ballot is filled out correctly and your vote will get counted.
• Choose your day. No sloshing through rain, storm and dark of night. You decide when the weather is right.
• Chose your time. Weekday, Saturday, even Sunday hours!
• Freedom. Now you can work the polls or get out the vote or be an observer on Nov. 4.

In person early voting started today and will continue through Monday, November 3rd. To vote an in person absentee voter ballot for the 2008 General Election before Election Day, go to Franklin County Veterans Memorial located at 300 West Broad Street in downtown Columbus.

• Weekday Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 7 PM beginning September 30 and ending November 3.
• Saturday Hours: From 8 AM until 5 PM on October 4, 11, 18, 25 and November 1.
• Sunday Hours: From 1 PM until 5 PM on October 5, 12, 19, 26, and November 2.

Take a Sample Ballot to the Polls When you Vote!

Click here for a sample ballot. Don't forget to print a copy and take it with you to vote.

Voter Registration Deadline is this Monday, October 6!

Make sure your student, neighbor or friend is registered!

For more information, visit the Franklin County Board of Elections website here.

www.uaprogressiveaction.com

UAPA Debate Watching Party

Join UAPA and other Central Ohio progressives for appetizers and cash bar, plus pre-debate briefing about the campaign this Friday, September 26, beginning at 7:30 p.m. You won't miss a thing on the six, extra-large, state-of-the-art integrated viewing screens at Arlington Banquets. Be sure to RSVP here. Donations are welcome.

PLAN AHEAD FOR THE VP DEBATE PARTY by clicking here for more details.

UAPA Presidential Debate Watching Party

this Friday, September 26, 2008

Arlington Banquets

1967 West Henderson Road [directions]
(next to Kroger, entrance and parking in the rear off of Nugent Road)

7:30 p.m. - Meet and Greet w/Complimentary Appetizers and Cash Bar
(full menu available for carry out in adjoining Arlington Cafe)

8:00 p.m. - Brief pre-debate program

9:00 p.m. - Televised Debate

Watch the debate on large, state-of-the-art monitors

OBAMA/BIDEN YARD SIGNS, BUMPER STICKERS AND BUTTONS available for a donation.

STUDENTS WELCOME!

To help defray expenses, we're asking for a $5 per person donation at the door.

For our planning purposes, we'd appreciate your RSVP.
If you are unable to do so in advance, walk-ins are welcome.

Judge Eric Brown Event Tonight in UA

A strong Judiciary is of the utmost importance, and Judge Eric Brown is one of the most highly regarded jurists in Franklin County.  Please support his candidacy for Franklin County Probate Court by attending a fundraising event in his honor.

Dinner Buffet on the Patio for The Honorable Eric Brown

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

5:00-7:00 p.m.

at the home of Barbara Sokol

2346 Fishinger Road

Suggested contribution $100

ABC Roundtable: Under pressure of financial crisis McCain becomes flustered rookie

McCain Loses His Head

By George F. Will

Tuesday, September 23, 2008; WaPo Page A21

Under the pressure of the financial crisis, one presidential candidate is behaving like a flustered rookie playing in a league too high. It is not Barack Obama.

Channeling his inner Queen of Hearts, John McCain furiously, and apparently without even looking around at facts, said Chris Cox, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, should be decapitated. This childish reflex provoked the Wall Street Journal to editorialize that "McCain untethered" -- disconnected from knowledge and principle -- had made a "false and deeply unfair" attack on Cox that was "unpresidential" and demonstrated that McCain "doesn't understand what's happening on Wall Street any better than Barack Obama does."

Read the rest of the George Will's Op-Ed piece here.

Upcoming Events

Columbus Dispatch: Obama signs are hot property

Obama yard sign theft has finally passed the threshold of press visibility, so the Columbus Dispatch did some calling around to see the extent of the problem.

As was the case in 2004 and 2006, Democratic candidate yard signs are being stolen at many times the rate as their Republican counterparts. In UA's case, it's around 100:1.

Again this year Democrats are going to great lengths to protect their signs. Bob Krasen (photo on right) of Blenheim Road in Clintonville has had three Obama signs stolen this year. According to the Dispatch article, "He added a cow bell to the third one as an alarm, but both the sign and the bell were taken. Now he has made a permanent sign and planted it in his yard."

Several UAPA members have had their signs stolen multiple times, others as part of the mass theft operation mentioned in the Dispatch story.

There have been many sign thefts over the past several weeks. We encourage you to take your sign in at night and place it prominently in your yard in the morning.

Remember if your sign is stolen:

1. Request a replacement sign from UAPA free of charge. Don't let the vandals and thieves silence your voice!
2. Put your address on the inside of the sign in case your stolen sign is recovered.
3. Consider donating to UAPA to help defray the costs of new and replacement signs.

Wednesday, September 24th: Meet the Candidates' Night 2008

Join your neighbors at Leadership UA's annual Candidates' Night. WBNS 10 TV's John Fortney will be moderating the candidates's forum to encourage and facilitate dialogue within our community.

Leadership UA has invited the candidates for the following races to participate:

• US House of Representatives, 15th District, Mary Jo Kilroy and Steve Stivers
• Ohio Senate, 16th District, Danielle R. Blue and Jim Hughes
• Ohio House, 24th District, Ted Celeste and Tim Rankin

6 to 7 PM-Informal open house in the lobby of Upper Arlington High School, 1650 Ridgeview Road. Candidates have been invited to be present and provide information to the public at this open house.

7 to 9 PM -Candidates' Forums in the high school auditorium.

Palin hiding from the press: Day 24

The Washington Post notes the historically unprecedented attempt by a vice-presidential nominee to hide from press accountability:

Mr. McCain's selection of an inexperienced and relatively unknown figure was unsettling, and the campaign's decision to keep her sequestered from serious interchanges with reporters and voters serves only to deepen the unease. Mr. McCain is entitled to choose the person he thinks would be best for the job. He is not entitled to keep the public from being able to make an informed assessment of that judgment. Ms. Palin's speech-making skills are impressive, but the more she repeats the same stump speech lines, the queasier we get. Nor have her answers to the gentle questioning she has encountered provided any confidence that Ms. Palin has a grasp of the issues.

There are only a few weeks to go before the United States may pick a potential president who has never given a press conference as a candidate for national office. This is not a functioning democracy.

And McCain is even worse: 40 days since his last press conference.

Read more here.

Saturday Night Live, Round 2

Graphing Lessons: Who's getting tax relief?

Justin Wolfers posts competing charts on the candidates' tax plans. Chartjunk's is adjusted for the actual contribution to revenues. Click here to see an enlarged version.

Dumbing down the VP debate

From the NY Times:

At the insistence of the McCain campaign, the Oct. 2 debate between the Republican nominee for vice president, Gov. Sarah Palin, and her Democratic rival, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., will have shorter question-and-answer segments than those for the presidential nominees, the advisers said. There will also be much less opportunity for free-wheeling, direct exchanges between the running mates.

McCain advisers said they had been concerned that a loose format could leave Ms. Palin, a relatively inexperienced debater, at a disadvantage and largely on the defensive.

You've got to be kidding, right? We are now rigging the debate formats to compensate for a know-nothing candidate drilled in meaningless talking points? And the Obama team agreed to this? And so did the press?

May we suggest

• Huffington Post: Dirty Secret Of The Bailout: Thirty-Two Words That None Dare Utter
• Olbermann video: Olbermann Gives $100 To Charity For Every Palin Lie, $3700 This Week Alone

www.uaprogressiveaction.com

UAPA Debate Watching Party

We're going to be looking for Barack's knock-out punch in the first televised debate, so bring your friends, wear your Obama gear and join us as we cheer him on to a first-round victory! Don't be left out!

Join UAPA and other Central Ohio progressives for appetizers and cash bar, plus pre-debate briefing about the campaign on Friday, September 26, beginning at 7:30 p.m. You won't miss a thing on the three, extra-large, state-of-the-art integrated viewing screens at Arlington Banquets. Be sure to RSVP here. Donations are welcome.

UAPA Debate Watching Party

Friday, September 26, 2008

Arlington Banquets

1967 West Henderson Road [directions]
(next to Kroger, entrance and parking in the rear off of Nugent Road)

7:30 p.m. - Meet and Greet w/Complimentary Appetizers and Cash Bar
(full menu available for carry out in adjoining Arlington Cafe)

8:00 p.m. - Pre-debate brief program

9:00 p.m. - Televised Debate

Watch the debate on large, state-of-the-art monitors

Bring your yard sign, t-shirt, bumper sticker and button orders with you.

Our Obama store will be open and ready for business!

STUDENTS WELCOME!

To help defray expenses, we're asking for a $5 per person donation at the door.

For our planning purposes, we'd appreciate your RSVP.
If you are unable to do so in advance, walk-ins are welcome.

Watch Obama's clear-headed thinking about the media ("the refs") and the message he'll be sending during the upcoming debates.

Saturday Night Live skit with Hillary and Sarah

This video has now more than 4 million views:

May we suggest

• One vice-presidential candidate is too fragile to talk to the press. The other is raising the roof. Man, this decision is easy, isn't it?
• NYTimes Op-Ed: Gov. Palin’s Worldview
• Rachel Maddow's debut on MSNBC
• Palin's repeated lies earns her 4 Pinocchios from Washington Post
• Tressel channeling Obama
• Sarah Quaylin

Upcoming Events

Canvassing this Saturday before the USC game

Here are some campaign facts related to Ohio that you may not know:

1. According to fivethirtyeight.com, the chance of McCain winning the election if he loses Ohio is 1.35%. In other words, we win Ohio, we win the election. (Feeling any pressure?)
2. Four years ago, a swing of about 9 or 10 votes per precinct in Ohio would have wiped out President Bush's 118,601-vote margin. If Kerry would have won Ohio, he would have won the election. (i.e. No War.)
3. Canvassing is the most effective way for the grassroots to win votes. This Saturday the Buckeyes don't kickoff until 8 PM. Instead of walking the floor while you wait, walk your neighborhood! This is the perfect weekend to take some time to knock on your neighbors' doors.

To find a canvass in your neighborhood, scroll down to the end of this email.

What you may not know about canvassing:

• If you have never canvassed before, you can choose to go with someone who has.
• It's not that hard. To read a story about volunteers canvassing in Dayton last weekend, see "Ohio: Door to Door": http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG5WXW
• Canvassing doesn't take all day. While most canvasses last 4 hours, you can canvass for 2 or 3 hours if you choose.
• Most of the contacts this weekend will be to register voters, and to identify undecided voters and those who will be voting for Obama. We will also be asking people if they would like to vote early and if they need a ride to the polls. It's an easy ask and most people will not mind answering your questions.
• The Obama campaign has the most effective grassroots campaign operation in history and the field organizers will have very specific plans and goals based on the information you obtain.
• You will not die. See "I canvassed and I did not die.": http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/6/164135/0958

Join us, meet some new friends and make a real difference. "A real difference" means that you helped get just one of those 9 to 10 votes per precinct.

Check below for the canvass in your neighborhood.

Campaign events in UA and Grandview

Friday, Sept 12th:

• Nor Four Phone Bank: Friday, September 12 at 6:30 PM
  Nor Four Phone Bank (Columbus, OH)
  We will be meeting on Friday, Sept. 12th for two hours of phone banking. Come and meet other Obama volunteers in the Upper Arlington area...
• Nor Four Phone Bank:Friday, September 12 at 6:30 PM
  Nan Merritt (Columbus, OH)
  Make phone calls for Barak and Biden on Friday, Sept. 12th from 6:30 to 8:30

Saturday, Sept 13th:

• Canvass of Columbus 33: Saturday, September 13 at 10:00 AM
  Ted Celeste's Office (Columbus, OH)
  Meeting Place - Ted Celeste's Office, 1632 West 1ST. 10AM. Materials, scripts, and instructions will be provided.
• Organizational Meeting -Columbus 33: Saturday, September 13 at 1:00 PM
  King Avenue United Methodist Church (Columbus, OH)
  Join the Movement Please join your neighbors in the Columbus 33 for an organizational meeting. Meet local Obama supporters and learn how you can get...

Sunday, Sept 14th:

• UA Canvass for Wards 1 & 3: Sunday, September 14 at 2:00 PM
  Robyn's house (Upper Arlington, OH)
• UA Canvass for Wards 2 & 5: Sunday, September 14 at 2:00 PM
  Meet at Northeast Corner of Tremont Library parking lot (Upper Arlington, OH)
  Join us for a canvass Sunday, September 14th from 2 – 5 pm. Everyone is welcome.
• UAHS Obama Party at the Park: Sunday, September 14 at 1:00 PM
  Fancyburg Park (Upper Arlington, OH)
  Please join us on Sunday, September 14 at Fancyburg Park. From 1 - 3pm, we will enjoy some pizza, get to know each other, and...
• NorFour Sunday Canvass: Sunday, September 14 at 2:00 PM
  Fancyburg Park (Upper Arlington, OH)
  Join us to canvass ward 4 and part of the town of Norwich. Experience not necessary!
• Canvass of Columbus 33: Sunday, September 14 at 2:00 PM
  Ted Celeste's Office (Columbus, OH)
  Canvass of Columbus 33, Meeting Place - Ted Celeste's Office. 2pm. Materials, scripts, and instructions will be provided.
• Grandview Heights Organizing Meeting: Sunday, September 14 at 1:00 PM
  922 Palmer Road, Grandview, OH 43212 (Columbus, OH)
  Join fellow Grandview Heights neighbors to make an action plan for promoting the Obama-Biden campaign locally. We need all the help we can get to...

Monday, Sept 15th:

• Ward 1 Organizational Meeting: Monday, September 15 at 7:00 PM
  Cook Home (Upper Arlington, OH)
  Please join your neighbors in UA ward 1 and Columbus ward 33 for an organizational meeting. Meet local Obama supporters and learn how you can...

Tuesday, Sept 16th:

• NorFour Tuesday Canvass: Tuesday, September 16 at 6:30 PM
  Fancyburg Park Pavillion (Upper Arlington, OH)
  Join us to canvass Ward 4 for two hours.
• UA Canvass for Wards 1 & 3: Tuesday, September 16 at 6:30 PM
  Robyn's house (Upper Arlington, OH)
  Come join us for a canvass every Tuesday from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Everyone is welcome. If you are new to canvassing or just need...
• Phone Bank of Columbus 33: Tuesday, September 16 at 5:00 PM
  Bishop Home (Columbus, OH)
  Come join us for a phone bank in our local neighborhood. We'll be reaching out to registered voters in our neighborhood. Phone lists and scripts...

Thursday, September 18th:

• Upper Arlington Regular Thursday Calls at Laura's: Thursday, September 18 at 6:30 PM
  Laura Kuykendall's house (Columbus, OH)
  Join us on Thursday evenings starting September 18 through Oct.30 at Laura Kuykendall's house at 6:30 to make calls in our UA neighborhood for Obama...
• Canvass of Columbus 33: Thursday, September 18 at 5:00 PM
  Audra's House (Columbus, OH)
  Canvass Columbus 33. Meet registered voters in our neighborhood. Materials and training will be provided.
• Phone Bank in UA for Wards 2 & 5: Thursday, September 18 at 6:30 PM
  Carol's House (Upper Arlington, OH)
  Phone bank for UA Wards 2&5 Snacks and drinks provided Please let us know if you need a cell phone to use
• NorFour Thursday Canvass: Thursday, September 18 at 6:30 PM
  Fancyburg Park (Upper Arlington, OH)
  Meet at 6:30 near the pavillion at Fancyburg Park to canvass for two hours.

Kansas and Arizona Governors to Kick Off Canvass in Columbus

Join us!

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, a former chair of the Democratic Governor's Associations and daughter of former Ohio governor John Gilligan, was rated by Time Magazine as one of the five best governors in America. Sebelius is an outspoken supporter of Barack Obama, and was widely considered to be one of the top contenders for VP prior to the selection of Senator Joe Biden.

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano served as the chair of the National Governor's Association, and was also rated by Time Magazine as one of the best five governors in America. Napolitano was an outspoken supporter of Barack Obama during the primary campaign.

Our canvass kickoff rally will begin at 10 AM at Worthington office, that's 6066 Huntley Road , and both governors will fire up the crowd before everyone takes their walk packet and heads out into their neighborhood to knock on doors.

Canvassing will last until 2 pm. For more information and to RSVP:

Saturday Kick Off and Canvass with Governor Sebelius and Governor Napolitano

www.uaprogressiveaction.com

Obama banks on the ground game

The ground game is the key to Obama's election strategy. Time magazine has a excellent new article about this stretegy: 'Obama Banks on the Ground Game'.

"With the surge in Republican enthusiasm ... it's no wonder that many Democrats are already hitting the panic button. The Obama campaign, however, isn't sounding any alarms... Much of its confidence stems from a tactical advantage on the ground ...."

This video shows the amazing work the Ohio neighborhood teams are doing. It should give you an idea of what you can do to make a difference. The atmosphere at this meeting was electric! It showed why so many people -- including your neighbors in UA -- are committed to making this happen!!  Watch the video.   Then sign up here.

Pundits are predicting that this election is going to be razor thin, especially in Ohio.  McCain has bought into the Karl Rove negative attack strategy, and as a result, 98% of McCain's remaining media buys will be nasty, personal and will continue to be full of lies, distortion and innuendo.  We need you now more than ever.

The effort that you make here in Columbus, in your UA neighborhood, could truly have repercussions throughout the world.  So let's get going!  This race is too important, and it is ours to win or lose. Did we mention . . .  we need you!

 Sign up here.

How do I get involved?

Join your neighborhood team!

UA is divided geographically into neighborhood teams, each running their own mini-campaigns. UAPA members have stepped up to fill all the team leader roles, and they really need your help.

If you want to make a difference and make history, sign up here today!  A neighborhood team leader will be in touch with you to get you plugged in.  The numbers look good, and get-out-the- vote is around the corner!  We need you in Upper Arlington! 

This is what you can do right now

Angry with the lies of John McCain and Sarah Palin? Frustrated with the media? Fed up with your friends or neighbors who don't stay informed? Don't sit and stew. Use that energy to put Obama and our local candidates like Mary Jo Kilroy, Ted Celeste and Danielle Blue over the top!  Get involved today!

1. Join the campaign.

   * Sign up here, and your neighborhood leader will contact you.

   * Get an assignment. You will work with a team of volunteers in your neighborhood where you can make the most difference. 

2. Reach out to your neighbors, friends, and co-workers. Now is not the time to be shy. It's OK to bring up politics. Wear Obama gear or a button to start the conversation. People will talk to you. You'll also get a lot of positive feedback.
3. Get on the phones. Attend a phone bank. (For more information, talk with your neighborhood leader.)
4. Make a donation. 
5. Hold a fundraiser.
6. Have a house meeting. This is more helpful than it sounds - it brings new volunteers into the campaign.
7. Write a letter to the editor.
8. Recruit your friends to get involved. Invite everyone you know that lives in a state that is not in play to come visit you in Ohio and put them to work too!
9. There's a lot going on in UA!  Check out all the UA neighborhood activities here. (Be sure to scroll down the page, the events are listed toward the bottom.)
10. Act now.  Don't delay.  You don't want to wake up on November 5th sorry that you didn't canvass one more street or phone bank a dozen extra calls or talk to just a few more friends.

We win when students vote

We have potentially 50,000 Ohio State University students ready to vote for Obama, but we have to get them registered and to the polls.  MONDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE.

How can you help? The OSU for Obama office at 1902 High Street has lots of jobs and the kids really appreciate the help.

     Work at a voter registration table, go clip boarding, educate students about early voting and sign them up for rides to Vets Memorial, hand out flyers, canvass, bring food, make posters, make phone calls, enter data.

Public parking is available all day at Ohio Union Garage, 12th and High, north of construction; and after 4 p.m. in Arps Garage, 1945 N. High. Cost is $3 for first hour, $1 each additional hour, $7 all day. Credit cards accepted.

We win when students vote!

Where Obama and McCain stand on the issues

To help persuade others, you must be able to articulate Obama's powerful message from the heart and in your own words. If you need talking points, CBS has created a series of short videos called "Where They Stand.' The segments plainly describes the candidates' core stances on the most important election topics. Here are the first two installments:

1. Tax policy and its implication for 3 Ohio middle class families
2. On how to end the war

Anti-Obama hate graffiti spray-painted on the side of an Arlington home displaying a 'UA for Obama' yard sign.

UA home vandalized

It looks like desperate people are resorting to...well desperate tactics. While this is a disturbing, not to mention criminal act, it is also an act of cowardice. This is the beginning of a tough road ahead. We can't afford to be complacent.

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.
----Thomas Jefferson

House meetings happening all over UA

While Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin, along with Rudy Giuliani, openly mocked and derided the job of community organizing at the RNC convention, another 100 people got engaged through UA house meetings during those three days -- and the pace hasn't let up yet. In fact the frequency and level of interest keeps going up.

A packed house: over 50 people came to this house meeting hosted by an Obama supporter and UAPA member. It's easy and fun to host or attend a house meeting.

House meetings are a powerful way to get others engaged in the campaign process. We need you! If you'd like to host or attend a house meeting, or just learn more about what it takes to host a house meeting (it's simple!), sign up here.

Both Giuliani and Palin specifically mocked Barack's experience as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago more than two decades ago, where he worked with people who had lost jobs and had been left behind when the local steel plants closed.

Let's clarify something for them right now.

Community organizing is how ordinary people respond to out-of-touch politicians and their failed policies.

As one UAPA member wrote: "After watching Sarah Palin last night, I'm completely dedicated to putting on my walking shoes and working for the Obama/Biden ticket."

Yard sign initiative: what a great response!

We distributed and planted over 200 more signs over the past two weeks. With the Labor Day Arts Festival, the historic Democratic Convention and Obama and Biden's visit to Dublin, the excitement continues to grow.

We know that Obama's support is both broad and enthusiastic, so it's our goal to plant another 200 signs by the end of September.

Be aware. There have been some reports of sign thefts this past week. Remember, if your sign is stolen:

1. Report the theft to the police department at 459-2800.
2. Request another sign from UAPA at info@uaprogressiveaction.com free of charge. Don't let the vandals and thieves silence your voice!
3. Put your address on the inside of the sign in case your stolen sign is recovered.

We need for you to sign up to turn UA blue by planting a sign in your yard. Already have your sign? Encourage your Obama/Biden supporting friends and neighbors, who may not know of our sign initiative, to sign up.

Sign up here to have a sign personally planted in your yard. We will include an envelope with your sign in hopes that you will mail us a contribution to help defray our costs.

The Daily Show at the RNC Convention, Day 3

After a week of the RNC Convention, The Daily Show's daily recaps are just the comic relief and insights the doctor called for.

On Day 3 of the RNC Convention, The Daily Show's Jon Stewart exposes the Republican's hypocrisy, inconsistencies and political theater.

See CBS's "Factchecking Palin" and 'Palin v. Reality' for a complete list of Palin's lies during her speech.

Obama vs. O'Reilly

If you were lulled to sleep last night during John McCain's speech, you probably missed Obama’s interview with Bill O’Reilly. And if so, you missed quite a show. It was a heated -- yet respectful -- interview over the surge in Iraq, Iran, and Pakistan. One thing is for sure: Obama does not shy away from going head-to-head with his media opponents . . .

Upcoming events

• Judge Eric Brown Fundraiser, September 18th at 6:30pm [more details]
• In-person early voting, Tuesday, September 30 through Monday, November 3 [more details]
• The deadline to register to vote for November's historic general election is Monday, October 6. Registration information is available at http://vote.franklincountyohio.gov/boe/voter-services/

Downballot watch

The AP is reporting that the National Republican Senatorial Committee has canceled its $2.3 million TV buy in New Mexico, "an indication that it's leaving the GOP candidate there to fend for himself as the party braces for losses." Not only does that seem to mean that the GOP is giving up on a second Senate contest (the first was Virginia), but how will that impact the presidential race in that battleground state?

Countdown

Countdown to the first presidential debate: 20 days
Countdown to the vice presidential debate: 26 days
Countdown to the second presidential debate 31 days
Countdown to the third presidential debate: 39 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 59 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 137 days

100 more signs planted. We need your yard, too!

Here's a Google map of about third of the Obama supporters displaying 'UA for Obama' yard signs. Click on the map to expand the image.

Your response to our sign initiative has been outstanding. Over the last several days we distributed over 100 more signs! Lots of people signed up for a yard sign online and at events.

Be a part of the movement here in UA. Planting a sign really makes a difference in ways you may not know. Your public show of suppoort impacts people in your neighborhood who trust and value your opinion.

Signs are also a great way to fight back against the smears against Barack Obama that will only get worse.

Our goal is to distribute 300 more signs before Barack's historic speech this Thursday. We need you to sign up to turn UA blue by planting a sign in your yard. Already have your sign? Encourage your Obama supporting friend or neighbor-who may not know of our initiative-to sign up.

Sign up here to have a sign personally planted in your yard during the week of the convention. We will include an envelope with your sign in hopes you will mail us a contribution to help defray our costs. We thank you in advance!

Additionally, UA for Obama and Ohio for Obama signs will be available at the Obama Acceptence Speech Party (sponsored by the Worthington Area Democratic Club) this Thursday, August 28, at the Holiday Inn Griswold Ballroom, just south of I-270 on High Street in Worthington. Signs will also be available at our booth nearby the UA Labor Day Arts Festival. Check back with the website in a few days to get more details about our location!

Democrats far outnumber Republicans

Friday, August 22, 2008

By Darrel Rowland and Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

As Ohio Democrats pack for their national convention in Denver next week, they have quietly rolled up an advantage that almost no one has noticed: nearly a million more registered voters than Republicans.

Almost three times as many Ohio voters have become Democrats as have become Republicans since the summer before the last presidential election.

Read the full story.

May we suggest

• Reflections on Leaving the Party: Susan Eisenhower believes the GOP has lost its way and has been awakened to the destructive nature of the Bush regime - the one her grandfather warned us about all those years ago.
• Watch the rare and unscripted interaction between Michelle, Barack and his children at the end of Michelle Obama's moving speech at the Democratic Convention last night. Michelle's life story video was also great.
• Montana's Democratic Governor Brian Schweitzer provided the red meat at last night's Democratic Convention: "We simply can't drill our way to energy independence, even if you drilled in all of John McCain's backyards — including the ones he can't even remember."
• Hillary Clinton delivers for Obama. About 15:00 minutes into the video speaking directly to her supporters, she said: "I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign just for me? Or were you in it for that young marine and other like him? Were you in it for that mom struggling with cancer while rasing her kids? Were you in it for athat young boy and his mom struggling on the minimum wage? forfor all the people who feel invisible? ..."

August 11, 2008 • Vol. 5, No.18 • www.uaprogressiveaction.com

Join UAPA at A Taste of UA!

Look for UAPA at our booth at the UA Chamber of Commerce Taste of UA, Tuesday, August 12, from 3:30 - 8:30 p.m. in Northam Park. Come meet and talk with local candidates, and stock up on our UA for Obama-wear and yard signs -- including our new "Ohio for Obama" signs for our friends and family in other communities.

BTW, the UA Republican Club sent out an email this morning saying: "A Taste of UA begins tomorrow at 3:30 PM. Rest assured that the liberals wil be there to politicize this family event. If you are interested in wearing a t-shirt to support one of our candidates (Stivers, Hughes, Rankin, etc.) please email Wade Steen."

The campaign is heating up, so let's show our community that UA for Kerry wasn't just a fluke! Be sure to wear your Obama, Celeste or UAPA T-shirt!

See you at A Taste of UA!

Canvass for Obama this Saturday!

There will be a canvass for Obama and the local candidates THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Please meet at the Tremont Library at that time. There will be a table outside the library, next to Northam Park, where we will gather. There will be two three-hour shifts: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

For more information, contact Ankit Patel at 614-735-2720 or apatel@ohioforchange.com, Laura Kuykendall at 486-9298 or 783-9677 (cell), or Jan Davis at 348-0820 or EyenDavis@aol.com.

THANKS AND SEE YOU THERE!

Fundraiser and Patio Dinner

Supporting

Danielle Blue

Democrat For State Senator, 16th Senate District

with special guest, Frances Strickland, First Lady of Ohio

Wednesday, August 13, 2008
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
2346 Fishinger Road, Upper Arlington

Students - $25 Bronze - $100 Silver - $250 Gold - $500 Sponsor - $1000
Please reply to Laura Pietenpol at 614-581-4759, or by email to her at laura@blueforohio.com.

Sponsored by the Ohio Democratic Women's Caucus.

Funnies

Obama's campaign centerpiece: community organizing with the house meeting

Barack Obama: "Ordinary citizens can have an enormous influence in what happens in Washington. The problem is citizens are just not organized right now, and so those who are organized, the corporations, the special interests and the big lobbies, have a disproportionate influence. Part of what this campaign is about is to tilt the scales more in favor of ordinary people." Watch the video.

Want to know the centerpiece for Obama's strategy for winning Ohio? In two words it's:

House Meeting

On-the-ground, good-old-fashioned grassroots field organizing and social networking is the game plan for winning in 2008. Yup, it's that simple.

It's not going to be the usual candidate campaign tactics in which hordes of political types swoop in and knock on thousands of doors without regard to communities, churches, neighborhoods, cultures and existing networks.

This community organizing and house meeting video describes the house meeting concept. It's not too much different than the UAPA house parties you may already be familiar with, but a big difference is emphasis on grassroots social networking compared to other campaigns. Read 'Obama's paid staff dwarfing McCain's'.

Can you host or attend a house meeting? Sign up here.

Not sure what hosting a meeting entails? It's really easy. Check out our House Meeting Frequently Asked Question list.

Sign up to host or attend a house meeting and we'll contact you with details on how to organize your network to help Obama!

AP: UA is now a swing suburb!

What once seemed almost impossible could become a reality this election: turning UA blue.

UA Progressive Action is the focus of an Associated Press story called 'Democrats target Ohio GOP suburban stronghold'

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (AP) — Democrats' display of support for John Kerry four years ago in this Republican stronghold ruffled more than a few community feathers.

Despite the efforts of the group UA for Kerry, President Bush beat his opponent handily. But Kerry also received a record number of votes for a Democrat in a city that just two decades ago was voting for Republican presidential candidates by 4-1 ratios.

Emboldened, the group has its sights set on the unthinkable this presidential election: turning a bright red town blue.

"My goal for Upper Arlington is for Obama to win, to get 51 percent," Melissa Hedden, a group founder, said flatly. " That would be my definition of success."

Read the rest of the AP story here.

In fact, it's happening in suburbs all over the country! (LATimes: 'Longtime Republican voters are airing new views')

Upcoming Events

• There will be a canvass for Obama and the local candidates this Saturday, August 16th, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Here are the details.
• "Audacity of Hope" Book Club meeting, Tuesday, August 19th
• Join the party to watch Obama's Acceptance Speech!

May We Suggest

• YouTube Video: 'Republicans and miltary men on John McCain'
• John Kerry: The liars are back. Time to finish them off. John's defense of Barack Obama has been both fierce and effective.
• Check out the front-page Washington Post article profiling Virginia as a battleground state. The article also talks in some detail about Obama’s local organizing tactics.
• Awesome new video: Approval Ratings: The Public v. McCain
• Conservative columnist David Brooks offers a strong endorsement of Obama's education policy.
• Eight Strikes and You’re Out: John McCain has a perfect record on a renewable energy bill. He has missed all eight votes over the last year — which effectively counts as a no vote each time.
• At least two of McCain’s one-time media fans are realizing that he’s not the man they thought he was.
  1. Time’s Joe Klein conceded last week that he was wrong to believe McCain is an “honorable man.” Soon after, writing about McCain’s attacks against Barack Obama, Klein’s headline read, “The Scum Also Rises .”
  2. It looks like Newsweek’s Jonathan Alter has joined the club, saying that he “misread McCain.”

Funnies

August 6, 2008 • Vol. 5, No.17 • www.uaprogressiveaction.com

UAPA Annual Garage Sale this Saturday, August 9, 8-3

Clear out the clutter for a cause!

Start gathering your gently used donations today and bring them to our garage sale location at 2174 Ridgeview Road on Friday, August 8, anytime from 11:00 until 8:00 p.m. If necessary, we can pick up the items at your home that day. Please contact Jim Fronk at 488-1235 or email him at frosick@aol.com to arrange for pick up if needed.

We also need volunteers for set-up on Friday and to work the sale on Saturday. Please contact Carolyn Casper-Duvall at 486-2159, or e-mail her at carolyntc3@yahoo.com to let her know when you can help!

Once you drop off your items or work a shift, you can stay and shop!

Canvass for Obama this Saturday!

There will be a canvass for Obama and the local candidates THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Please meet at the Tremont Library at that time. There will be a table outside the library, next to Northam Park, where we will gather.

Please pass this on to anyone who may be interested, and remember: Obama's counting on us to help deliver Ohio! For more information, contact Laura Kuykendall at 486-9298 or Jan Davis at EyenDavis@aol.com.

THANKS AND SEE YOU THERE!

Come join us for “A Taste of UA” Tuesday, August 12

Join UAPA at our booth at A Taste of UA on Tuesday, August 12, at Northam Park, 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. We will have UAPA promotional items as well as UA for Obama yard signs. Come meet and greet candidates, register to vote or sisgn up to volunteer! We hope to see you there!

May we suggest

• Jon Stewart's 'Dick Move of the Week' (video): McCain Attacks
• Building Iraq's infrastructure while ours decays
• NPR's Peter Sagal on this week's "Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me" pokes some fun (audio) at the McCain ad campaign.
• CBS Evening News produced this excellent news segment video entitled 'Payday Advance Loans Seem Simple, But Can Lead To Endless Cycle Of Debt'.

Funnies

Paris HIlton Responds to the McCain Ad (Video)

July 16, 2008 • Vol. 5, No.16 • www.uaprogressiveaction.com

Please join us this Thursday for the Campaign for Change

Sen. Barack Obama's Franklin County Campaign for Change

Organizational Kick-Off Meeting

When: Thursday, July 17 at 7:00 PM

Where: Plumbers & Pipefitter Local Union 189
1250 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212 (map)

Join organizers from Barack Obama's Campaign for Change for an organizational meeting. Learn about the campaign plan to win Franklin County for Democrats.

Get involved! Plan to attend this very important meeting.

The Obama campaign is a grassroots movement of volunteer leaders who organize and work within their own communities.

For more information and/or to RSVP visit http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4gv4h.

Join the Women to Women Canvasses!

Let’s Celebrate Women and Help Elect Democrats!

This Sunday, July 20, 2008

The weekend of July 19th-20th will mark the 160th Anniversary of the first Women’s Rights Convention in Senca Falls, New York. To celebrate this historic occasion, the Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus will host canvasses across Franklin and surrounding counties for our women candidates running for Congress, State Senate and State House. Specifically, we will be walking in targeted precincts for Mary Jo Kilroy,15th Congressional District, and Danielle Blue, State Senate District 16.

The meet-ups and canvasses will take place on Sunday, July 20th at 1:00 p.m.. Two special guests, who know first-hand the importance of electing more Democratic women to office, will join us on a conference call at 1:20pm to kick off the canvasses. We hope that you will bring your friends, sisters and daughters with you to meet our terrific women candidates and then spend a couple of hours in pairs talking with voters about the importance of electing Democrats to office this year.

Meet-Up Location

Host: Danielle Blue, Candidate for State Senate District16
Organizer: Jennifer Dillard
Districts: Danielle Blue, SD 16 & Mary Jo Kilroy, CD 15
Location: Home of Danielle Blue, 625 Guilford Road, Upper Arlington
Precincts: UA 1A, UA 1B, UA 1C, UA 1D, UA 1E

UAPA's Audacious Book Club Schedules Second Meeting

Please join us on Tuesday, July 29 for the next meeting of the UAPA Book Club during which we will continue to discuss Barack Obama's The Audacity of Hope. Please read chapters four through six to be prepared. You can also listen to the prologue and the first five chapters on our web site.

The meeting will be held at the home of Pat Hadler, 2477 Southway Drive, Upper Arlington. Please RSVP so we know how many cookies to bake!

Missing Your UA for Obama Sign? You're Not Alone!

The sign wars begin . . . already.

We report with regret that many of the UA for Obama signs already have been stolen since their debut in the city on June 22nd. This is a problem that we expect to continue and worsen as we approach the general election.

We understand your frustration, and hope to ease the pain by helping to make sign replacement easy and affordable. Visit our Stolen Yard Sign Replacement page to order your replacement sign. It will be placed in your yard by our volunteers, and the general location of the theft will be "push pinned" on our stolen sign map. Best of all, replacement signs are half-priced!

We encourage our supporters to report all sign thefts to the UA Police department. We hope that our local law enforcement will keep an eye out for any active sign thefts during their nightly patrols.

Just a reminder about the proper placement of your UA for Obama sign:

1) Signs must not be in the City's right-of-way (different for every street, but typically the area from the sidewalk to the curb), nor can signs pose a visibility issue for drivers.

2) Signs cannot be illuminated at night.

3) Signs that are deteriorating and unsightly, or violate the above restrictions, legally can be removed by the City.

There is no limit as to the number of political signs in your yard as long as the signs conform to the above guidelines.

In 2004, many of our UA for Kerry supporters came up with creative ways to protect their sign from theft, such as hanging it from tree or placing it in a cage. If you think of a clever and effective way to prevent your sign from being stolen, please drop us a line at info@uaprogressive.com.

Save the New Date!

UAPA Annual Garage Sale is August 9th!

We need your gently used donations!

Back by popular demand, our annual Community-Wide Garage Sale will be held August 9th at the same location as last year, Roy and Agnes Butler's home on the northwest corner of Ridgeview and Redding Roads.

Please start emptying your attics and burrow through your basements for gently used items. Popular sellers are furniture, household items, working appliances, garden tools, and knick knacks. Children's furniture, accessories and large toys also go quickly. We will not accept any clothing.

Start gathering donations today and, if necessary, we can pick up the items on August 8th. Please contact Jim Fronk at 488-1235 or email him at frosick@aol.com to arrange for pick up if necessary. More details to follow!

New Yorker Cover Illustration: Stupidity or Satire?

Is the New Yorker way off base? Or right on target? The magazine famous for its satire has generated a lot of attention for its July 2008 cover illustration of Barack and Michelle Obama in the Oval Office, with abundant terrorist symbolism.

According to CNN, New Yorker editors say the drawing is a comment on how the media has passed along ridiculous claims about the Democratic candidate. (Don't forget www.FactCheck.org is a great place to find out the truth when you hear allegations.)

The New Yorker magazine says its latest cover is satire.

Meanwhile, the Obama camp calls the cover " tasteless and offensive." McCain's campaign repudiated it. Liberal Liberal radio talk-show host Laura Flanders takes another view. She told CNN's "American Morning" on July 14 that Obama campaign "should have come out strongly endorsing this cover."

She said, "This isn't a jab at them, terrorist or any other kind. This is a jab at the media. ... It should be cause for our conversation to focus on the kind of fear mongering that the media and people on the right have engaged in." What do you think?

Funnies