GARLANDDemocratic Voice

News & Information for Garland Area democratsAugust 17, 2010 Garland, Texas Edition #12

The Bottom Line Is JobsThe national debt is over $13,000,000,000,000 ($13 trillion dollars).

In 2001, Republicans in Congress passed a massive tax cutbill that affected nearly all Americans and businesses. Thistax cut will expire on December 31, 2010. The bill waspassed using the reconciliation processes and without anycorresponding increase in revenue or decrease in spendingto offset the lost revenue. The tax cuts, touted as “the BushTax Cuts,” are estimated to have added $2,100,000,000,000($2.1 trillion) to the national debt. (Citizens for Tax Justice) If thetax cut is extended for everyone, it will add$3,700,000,000,000 ($3.7 trillion dollars) to the debt over thenext 10 years.

President Obama and most Democrats want to eliminate thetax cut for individuals making more than $200,000 dollarsper year or couples claiming $250,000 or more per year in

income but continue the tax reduction for incomes under $200,000 per year. Only the top 2% of thetax payers would see an increase in their income tax.

Why are we to believe that extending the tax cuts will create jobs?

Republicans balk at the suggestion that the tax rate for the wealthiest people in the country should beincreased in this time of recession. The primary argument is that these are the people that create jobs.The same 2 % of people who enjoyed the benefits of the “Bush Tax Cuts” in 2008, when 3 millionpeople were ushered out the door and into the unemployment lines at the rate of 700,000 per month,did not create jobs in 2008 or 2009.

Both Democrats and Republicans would like to pay-as-you-go but no one has suggested a method tooffset the tax cuts if they are extended. The only way to make up the shortfall and reverse the trend ofhigher and higher deficits is to grow the economy, creating new jobs that stay in the United States.

Jobs are not created by wealth. Five top corporations are sitting on billions of dollars in cash. Thisstored cash has not created any jobs. Demand for product creates jobs. Manufacturing creates jobs. The service industry creates jobs. Farming creates jobs. The Government creates jobs. Supporting theauto industry continues to creat jobs, supporting alternative fuels creates jobs, supporting small,profitable businesses creates jobs.

Eliminating tax breaks for corporations that export jobs is vital to the recovery for the manufacturingsector of our economy.

There is room for compromise such as phasing out the tax cuts over a three year period but clearaction must be taken to reverse the present, spend but don’t pay approach to fiscal responsibility.

- Contributed by Charles E. Ford, Jr.

Produced and Printed In House by Rachel Baker Ford, 3317 Knights Haven Lane Garland Texas 75044

Garland Democratic VoiceEDITORIAL

July 2010 has been an incredible month. Economic reports indicate the Recovery has slowed. The party of,“NO!”

continues on the path of rewarding the wealthy and putting the brunt of the debt squarely on the shoulders of the

middle class. The Oil leak has been tenitively capped with the relief well nearing completion, yet the marsh lands may

never heal. The Congress passed an extention of unemploment benefits . (NOTE: $1.00 in unemployment benefits returns

$1.63 the government. $1.00 in tax cuts returns $1.03) A devastating heat wave continues in the States; there are floods in

Kentucky and Pakistan. 10 humanitarian medical workers were murdered by the Taliban as the war continues.

Members of Congress are touting amendments to the Constitution, a process which takes years (there have only been 27,

10 are The Bill of Rights) The challenges continue to the citizenship of our President, the Healthcare Bill and the

vacation of the President’s wife and daughter. Immigration issues remain.

Rep. John A. Boehner, OH-8thR, has time for 118 golf outings in the past year and there was an outcry by the GOP

because Nancy Pelosi called the House into session during their summer vacation to get a vote on a bill to assist the

states - preventing the layoff of public servants - teachers, fire fighters, police officers and others and the cut of

medicare and other human services.

The solution, the answer rests with each of us. Neighbor talking to neighbor, spreading truth-filled information of

candidates and policies. True Grassroots politics. Precinct Walks are going on right now. Candidates and volunteers

are knocking on doors and greeting folks, spreading the Democratic message. Every candidate needs volunteers -

folks who can walk the precincts, work in the campaign offices and make phone calls. The Dallas Coordinated

Campaign is organizing many opportunities to be part of this historic election (contact the party office 214-821-8331)

Lets each of us set a goal of getting five voters back to the polls. Nurturing the Electorate is now. We can replace

apathy with truth filled energy. Every voice counts. Government is by the people and of the people.

All the people.

**Rachel Baker Ford, Editor

Community Opinions: The Dallas Morning News July 18, 2010

From the Editor:

Some constiuents in Sam Johnson’sdistrict (TX-3rd) have receivedanother glossy 4 page color mailer, from his office, also paid for by thetaxpayers and sent via the UnitedStates Post Office titled,“ 2010Constituent Guide.” This guidereports Mr. Johnson’s office willarrange tours of the US Capital, FlagRequests for purchase, going to theTexas Secretary of State to Registerto vote, information about attendingthe Service Academy, a Novemberinformational session on Medicarefor Seniors, mobile office hours,conducted by the Staff to assist uswith a government agency, facilitatean overseas adoption or hear anopinion on an issue before congressand an announcement concerningthe Youth Advisory Council. For acomplete list of services we aredirected to go to his website. Thismailer, at taxpayer expense, wouldfit on a postcard.There are 13,484 households in Zipcode 75044, which makes up part ofRep. Johnson’s district. The cost formailing PreSorted Std mail is $.75.7per piece. (USPS) The postage forthis mailer to 75044 was $10,207.39. A postcard mailing cost would be$3303.58. Printing costs, (4-Color,8.5 x 11, heavy weigh paper - off set)15,000 units would be approximately$2,210.00. Design and Addressingservices would be additional.

August 17, 2010 Garland, Texas Edition 12, Page 2

Garland Democratic Voice-Willa’s Words

Sometimes It Is the Quiet Ones You Need to Watch

US Congressman Sam Johnson, Texas Congressional District 3 is so low profile that when JohnLingenfelder, block walks he often finds six or seven District 3 Democrats in a row who don’t know thename of their current Congressman.

Sam’s barriers to communication are impregnable. If you send a question to his office, it’s answeredwith, “I’m glad you agree with my position on that.” He never has to appear anywhere a person, whois not a Sam toadie, can ask a question. He almost never gets any news media coverage. About theonly thing he will do for the average constituent in his District is send them a few slick Party linemailers at taxpayer expense.

Is it any wonder too many of us think Sam Johnson does nothing because he does nothing for us? Wecheck on children when they’re quiet because that’s when they’re making a mess. Well, look at thethings a Congressman gets to mess with: human rights, environment, economy, wars, and…….. Andreluctantly, I took a look at the record of a too quiet Congressman. Bad news. He votes. He sponsorsbills. He raises more money than he needs and gives it to needy and equally bad news Republicans. Hedislikes humans and likes guns more than I realized. In 2010, he has voted 95% of the time with theRepublican and 5% of the time he didn’t vote (The GOP probably gets a touch liberal for him).

In 2010 Sam has sponsored 11 bills (Pete Sessions sponsored 7). A couple of the bills Sam co-sponsored give a good idea of his values.

H.R.5827 - Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act of 2010To exclude guns from inclusion in the bankruptcy estate.H.R.5840 - Sanctuary City Prevention Act of 2010To prevent the participation of the Attorney General in any lawsuit that seeksto invalidate certain provisions of Arizona law relating to aliens unlawfullypresent in the United States without first satisfying certain conditions. Reference: http://www.opencongress.org/ and http://www.votesmart.org/

Sam Johnson likes guns and business. He doesn’t like people. His votes have been rated: A by the NRA.100% by the US Chamber Of Commerce.7% by the ACLU.0% by the Human Rights Council, indicating an anti-gay-rights stance. 11% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance 0% by the ARA, indicating an anti-senior voting record. 0% by the AFL-CIO, indicating an anti-union voting record. Reference: http://www.ontheissues.org/tx/Sam_Johnson.htm

For the 2008 election Johnson raised at least 1.2 million (just a little below average for a member of theHouse but a 79 year old man has simple needs, right?). As of June 30, 2010 he had raised $804,595. Reference: www.opensecrets.org

Johnson spends our money and votes against wasting it on the unemployed. Earmarks aren’t always bad,but he sponsors his share and won’t consider raising taxes. Sam Johnson sponsored or co-sponsored 8earmarks totaling $14,410,000 in fiscal year 2010 ranking 249th out of 435 representatives. Reference:

Earmarks at www.opensecrets.org

Sam Johnson has been a quiet Congressman since 1991, and, yet, it is President Obama’s fault we have a budget deficit and high unemployment

-Willa B. Kulhavy

August 17, 2010 Garland, Texas Edition 11, Page 3

Garland Democratic VoiceNews & Notes

GADC: August 12, 2010

The Garland Area Democratic Club convened onThursday, August 12, 2010, at 7:38 p.m. (delayed)at the Women’s Activity Center, 713 Austin,Garland, TX 75040. Candidates/Elected Officials/Visitors:Jerry Pittman, candidate for Constable Pct #2Jamie Dorris, candidate for TX StateRepresentative District 113 – Grand OpeningCampaign Office, 4125 Broadway, #230 on Aug21 (Sat), 10 am, Tom Berry, candidate for USHouse TX 5 Dist TomBerryforCongress.com,th

Judge Rob Canas, Dallas Co Criminal Court #10,and Representatives for Wesley Johnson’s,candidate for Justice of the Peace Pct 2, Place 2

DiscussionTea Party Forum held 8/12 at Garland Atrium –Wesley Johnson (JP, Prec # 2, Pl 2) and JerryPittman (Constable, Prec #2) spoke as candidates. The consensus of attending GADC members is The Tea Party supports: 1. Immigration lawmuch like Arizona’s. 2. Very limited power of thefederal government over the states and 3. Non-compliance of federal mandates.DCDP’s Coordinated Campaign -Is providingprecinct chairs the opportunity to record robo-calls for the November election, targeted call /walk lists for contacting Democratic voters toincrease turn-out and recruit volunteers and candidate and Democratic literature fordistribution, will operate continuous phone banksVolunteers are needed. Business:Successful (Carried) Motions:

1. $1,000 Club donation to Dallas County Coordinated Campaign2. $200 each to the following campaigns: Wesley Johnson, Jerry Pittman, JamieDorris, Tom, Berry, John Lingenfelder3. $40 NAACP Freedom Brunch for Rachel Baker Ford (Newsletter event coverage).

GADC (continued):General / AnnouncementsGarland Labor Day Parade – Willa Kulhavyhas entered GADC, Richard Davis willprovide trailer for decorating. Walkersneeded. Rowlett – Democrats have formed a new cluband need start-up assistance, next meeting8/14 at the Rowlett library, 3 pmDACED meets in Mesquite 8/25 at Martina’s,Program – Death PenaltyCollege of Complexes- meets Saturdayevenings at Highland Park Cafeteria.discussions and debates. Donation: $3.00Sandy Paul needs assistance re: receptions atGolden Acres Garden Room, 2525 CentervilleRd (Sept 11) and 11409 N Central / TownVillage North for the Coordinated CampaignThe next meeting will be on Thursday,September 9, 2010.

HD 112Forty-three attended the meeting of HD112Democrats (7/28/2010). Featured speaker,Rachel Pinn and two friends Derek andRondo, talked about Social Networking,specifically Twitter, Facebook, and blogs as away to communicate politically. Thanks to David Reazin for his work on thecomputer lists for the individual precincts. Peggy Henger then reviewed the differentactivities that the Coordinated Campaign willsupport during the fall campaign. They willbe supplying on a precinct by precinct basisboth walking and calling lists help the PrecinctChair with a mailing, and with signs, pushcards, and robo calling. The group collected$223 (Plus $100 added later) to support theCoordinated Campaign. Next meeting: Wednesday, September 1 , st

6:30 pm at Siciliano's Restaurant, 2210 W.Buckingham, Garland, 75042.

August 17, 2010 Garland, Texas Edition 11, Page 4

Garland Democratic VoiceWalk the Walk, Talk the Talk

Meet & GreetsSandy Paul, 1821 Precinct Chair has set up

Receptions for Dallas County Judicial

Candidates at Senior Living Centers inGarland, Dallas and Richardson. She needs ourhelp with unloading, set up and serving. 1. Sat Aug 28th 1 to 3 PM Town Village North,12271 Coit Rd Dallas 75252 Theme: “Beat theHeat with a Tropical Treat” Authentic HawaiianDancers will perform.2. Sat Sept 11 , 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Theme:Remembering the 9-11 tragedy) Dallas Home For Jewish Aged/Golden Acres2525 Centerville Rd Dallas, 752283. Sat. Sept 18 The Tuscany 13731 Goldmark Dr., Dallas 75240 Sandy's building. Gate Code #2000(time to be announced) Residence of the OaksDuncanville Rd 75211Call Sandy to help 972-792-0095 (No email)

John Lingenfelder,

Candidate US House District 3Open House for John LingenfelderSunday Sept 12 2:00 pm to 5:00 pmPat Seehorn (Precinct Chair: 2106)2210 Moss Trail, GarlandPhone (972) 495-5816

Jamie Dorris,

Candidate TX House District 113Grand Opening CelebrationSaturday, August 21, 10:00 am - 12:00 pmCampaign Office 4125 Broadway, #230Garland, 75043Mega Walk with OFASaturday, Aug 28 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Meet at campaign office.Block Walks and Phone Banks Every Saturday 9:00 am -1:00 pm and Monday through Thursday 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Information: Kate Hudson, Finance Director -Jamie Dorris for State Rep, District 113(214) 577-7890, www.jamiedorris.com

Precinct WalksHonorable Carol Kent, TX HSD102

We will be walking Garland Precincts 2121, 2122,2126 Garland the week of September 7, 8, 9, 2010Meet at Campaign Office at 5:30 pm.

Carol Kent Campaign Office9638 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75243

(Same location as the 2008 office - Red brick, two story building,

just south of Forest Lane and across from Braums. )

Block Walking every Saturday morning at 9:30a.m. and Tuesday Evening at 5:30 pm Meet at thecampaign office. Phone bank every Wednesday nights, 5:00 p.m. We have office needs including data entry Event: Campaign Open HouseSunday, August 29, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Refreshments. Sign up for volunteer opportunities. For further information and RSVP email:melessa@reelectcarolkent.com Carol Kent Campaign (972) 480-0400 www.reelectcarolkent.com

John Lingenfelder, for US House Dist 3Blockwalking Fridays 9:00 am - 12:00 pmAug 27, Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 Phonebanking Tues. & Thurs. 6:00 pm to 9:00 pmAug 17, 19, 20, Sept. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23Phonebanking at the Headquarters Office.Blockwalking: Meet at Headquarters officeBirthday Celebration! Tue, Aug 24- 5:30pm - 9:00pm Happy Birthday LBJ & John LingenfelderCampaign Headquarters1108 W Parker Rd. # 108, Plano, 75075(SW corner of Parker & Alma)contact Peachis Gray at (972) 468-1127email:pgray@lingenfelderforcongress.comfor information and specific details. Also: Info@lingenfelderforcomgress.com

August 17, 2010 Garland, Texas Edition 12, Page 5