Wednesday , August 13th, 7-9pm DFATucson Monthly Meeting, (2nd Wed. of every month) City of Tucson Ward 6 Office, 3202 E 1st St. (One block south of Speedway on Country Club, turn east onto 1st St to address) Click on Location Map
DO OUR REPRESENTATIVES REALLY REPRESENT US?
Speaker: Jody Gibbs, DFATucson Steering Committee member
Jody will present his views in detail, linking the actions or lack of actions of our elected officials to the factors that influence their decisions:
- Is there a substantive difference between Congressional District 8 Democratic Representative Gabrielle Giffords and the Republican candidate Tim Bee?
- 70% of Amercans oppose the Iraq War: a Democratic controlled Congress passes yet another $162 billion off-budget funding.
- Multiple other Bush supported issues are passed by the same Congress, now with a 9% approval rating by the public.
The big question then is what strategies will be effective to change the Let's get some new thinking and direction for our efforts. We will also have a brief update on impeachment.
Democracy for America-Tucson (DFA-Tucson) has produced a compelling 10 minute video capturing many of the arguments made by Tucson citizens on why it is important for our Congressional Representatives to conduct impeachment investigations now.
You can view this important video clip on the internet at the following web addresses. Simply click on any address below:
On February 20th, 2008, DFA-Tucson sponsored a public meeting with guest Maura Policelli, the Chief of Staff to Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The two hour meeting was marked with potent statements by the audience on the issues of impeachment and the illegal occupation of Iraq. Ms. Policelli tried to put a good face on Rep. Giffords' positions, but it became apparent that political calculations are keeping Rep. Giffords from upholding her Constitutional duty by supporting an impeachment investigation, which millions of Americans have requested. To his credit, Rep. Grijalva has supported such an investigation and has consistently voted against supplemental funding for the continued occupation of Iraq.
DFA-Tucson and the ad hoc group Get Giffords On Board to Impeach are asking all activists throughout District 8 in Southern Arizona to:
1. Watch the video 2. Share it with others who feel Congress must reassert its authority now 3. Call Rep. Giffords office and tell her you have seen the video. Add your personal thoughts, including the need for her to "sign the Wexler letter" calling for investigations into torture, habeas corpus, wiretapping, signing statements and illegal war.
The numbers are:
(520) 881-3588 (Tucson Office)
1(877) 331-1223 (Free Capitol Operator, ask to be directed to Rep. Giffords)
1(202) 225-2542 (Direct line to DC Office)
Please make every effort to call this week, however, it'll never be too late to add your voice to the growing local citizenry demanding impeachment hearings. We invite you to join DFA-Tucson in commitment to this and future efforts on behalf of democracy, human rights, peace and justice.
For more democracy, The DFA-Tucson Steering Committee
The following response was received by DFATucson following the meeting with Ms. Maura Policelli, Chief of Staff, Rep. Giffords' office, Washington DC. She wanted her reply to be shared with DFATucson members and other attendees:
Addressed to Chair of DFATucson, Dr. Rick Graap:
Dr. Graap -Thank you for the opportunity to meet with the Tucson Chapter of the Democracy for America organization last night. On behalf of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, I was honored to listen to the views of some of the Southern Arizonans she represents and discuss issues of great importance to our nation.
I commend your group for its dedicated participation in America's democratic process -- exercising your First Amendment right to free speech is a bold act of patriotism and I salute you for it.
Despite the fact that Congresswoman Giffords has not signed onto the impeachment resolution sponsored by Congressman Kucinich, she greatly respects your views as do I.
As I explained last night, I personally believe that the impeachment of President Bill Clinton tarnished the idea, the process, and even the word "impeachment." Most Americans have seen it used as a politically-motivated and partisan manuever. I believe that explains , in part, why the current leadership in the House has hesitated to bring impeachment procedures forward.
In addition, when Democrats won back the Majority in the House in 2006, the passions and policy ideas of many leaders of the Caucus were unleashed. Having been in the Minority for twelve years as the Republican-led Congress, joined by the Bush Administration, led America in the wrong direction, many senior Members were anxious to change the priorities and start to repair some of the damage. Chairmanships were appointed, new committees were formed, and ambitious agendas were set.
The 110th Congress got off to a running start, passing landmark legislation on issues of great importance to Americans. During the first 100 hours, the House passed bipartisan legislation on ethics reform, raising the the minimum wage, lowering prescription drug prices, cutting the interest rates on student loans, repealing the subsidies for oil companies, and inves ting in renewable energy.
I realize that you may not think that any of these policies are as important as impeachment. I am simply doing the best I can to address the strong desire among the attendees last night to understand WHY impeachment may not have been put at the top of the "to do" list by the new House leadership.
Since being sworn in last January, Congresswoman Giffords has been fighting for a responsible end to U.S. military combat operations in Iraq, better care for wounded soldiers and veterans, and more solar energy as one way to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. She believes that there is much more to do - our nation is at a critical juncture and facing remarkable challenges. Every day she focuses her energy on the specific needs and concerns of Southern Arizonans, knowing that some of her constituents will not always agree with her.
Thank you again for your leadership and activism. Your efforts - and the work of your organization - are critically important to the health of our democracy. Please forward this email to the individuals who attended the meeting last night.
Maura Policelli Chief of Staff U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
How Can We Get Tax Policy Right?
To whet your appetite on the topic, check out the commentary of investor Irwin Stelzer at the American Enterprise Institute, where he challenges the free market mantras.
