Sunday, November 29, 2009

NEWSLETTER FOR NOVEMBER 8, 2009

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

CLUB MEMBERS MEET TO SEE MOVIE “CRUDE”
Mon, Nov 9, Houston Theater District
Meet for dinner at Birraporetti's between 5:45 and 6pm, 500 Louisiana Street, Houston TX 77002, just behind the Alley Theatre on the corner of Prairie and Louisiana
Movie starts at the Angelika at 7:40pm. If you don't want to meet for dinner beforehand, look for others in the lobby at 7:30pm.

BILL WHITE THANK YOU PARTY
Mon, Nov 16, 6-8pm, Bill White Campaign HQ, 2100 W Loop S Fwy, Houston TX 77056
Bill White & his campaign has invited all Democratic club members to a thank you party. Here is his personal invitation:

“Your support and work has been vital... and I want to thank you. On Monday, November 16th, from 6 to 8 pm, please join me for a "Thanksgiving Thank You" reception at our campaign office located at 2100 West Loop South near 610 and San Felipe. We will have yard signs out front to guide you from the service road to our free parking garage.

“I am very grateful for the support that Democrats and our Democratic clubs have given to me and, as we start our new campaign, I wanted to thank you. It has been a great honor to serve you as Mayor of Houston, and I have enjoyed working with you and making progress for our great city.

“So join us on Monday, November 16th, for some pumpkin and pecan pie. In Houston, we have a lot to be thankful for, and I hope you can join us to give thanks and celebrate our shared success.”

CLUB MEMBERS MEET TO VIEW MOVIE “COAL COUNTRY”
Sun, Nov 22, 3pm, home of Randy Scott, 5606 Saxon Drive, Houston, TX 77092
OPD members are meeting to view the movie “Coal Country” at the home of Randy Scott. Contact Randy at rscott77092@oplink.net if you plan to bring friends, since his space is limited. Bring your own munchies and drinks. Saxon is the first street west of Antoine, on the northwest corner of Antoine & US290, and 5606 is the only house with a standing gas light in the front yard.

OPD DECEMBER MEETING & HOLIDAY PARTY
Tue, Dec 22, 7:30pm, home of Roopa Gir, 4903 Mayfair Street, Bellaire TX 77402
More details to come. We will be making officer nominations in a brief meeting, so this is an important meeting. Please RSVP to Roopa at
Roopa10@gmail.com.

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS
Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email Donna with your updated information.
Have you paid your dues, or do you want to make a donation to the club or to the PAC? Dues are $25.00 per person/$10.00 Reduced/Student. If you are not able to attend the next meeting, you can mail your check to Roopa Gir (see her contact information below). Please make your check payable to Oil Patch Democrats. Or go to our contribution connection on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership, or if you're contributing more than the membership, just email Jim Cargas & Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS
Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—
John Moffitt (President)—John.Moffitt@nov.com
John Preston (Vice President)—johnwmp@hal-pc.org
Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa10@gmail.com
Jim Rine (Secretary)—jmrine@hotmail.com
Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

NEWSLETTER FOR OCTOBER 20, 2009

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

THIS THURSDAY!! OCTOBER OPD MEETING
Thurs, Oct 22, 6:30pm social, 7-9pm meeting, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
Wow! Have we got a show...uh...meeting for you! This month, we welcome the hosts of Channel 8's political interview program, Red, White, & Blue—David Jones & Gary Polland (http://www.houstonpbs.org/site/PageServer?pagename=con_rwb_david_gary_bio), the respective feisty left-and right-wingers who have interviewed so many of Houston's and Texas' most prominent politicians. This will be a lot of fun, so bring yourself & bring a few friends along, as well. We'll probably have a few munchies for you, too.

NOV 3 ELECTION INFORMATION
Early voting for the Nov 3 election started today & will extend through October 26. It is CRITICAL that everyone vote in this election & vote on all amendments & FOR ALL RACES.
For more information on the 11 constitutional amendments, go to http://www.tlc.state.tx.us/pubsconamend/analyses09/analyses09.pdf or to http://scotthochberg.com/amends.html or to http://www.kirkwatson.com/watson-wire/get-ready-to-vote/.
For early voting.locations/times, go to http://www.harrisvotes.org/docs/EV/earlyvotinglocations_schedule_ENG.pdf.
For a sample ballot for your precinct, go to http://www.harrisvotes.org/.

JEFF WEEMS FUNDRAISER
As you know if you read this newsletter, OPD unanimously endorsed the candidacy of Jeff Weems for Texas Railroad Commissioner at our August meeting. At the same time, we started an internal fund-drive so that we could put our money where our mouths are and give Jeff's campaign a substantial bump. So far, the total amount stands at under $500. Here are a few words from John Preston, our founder and current vice president on the subject:

“Friends, there is not a race in Texas or America next year that will influence your jobs and the health of this state and even our nation (at least concerning energy) than this contest for the Texas RRC. Jeff Weems is the best candidate I have seen for this position in my lifetime (and I did work in the losing campaign for Jim Hightower for RRC before he ran and won as Ag Secretary).

“We can do more than $500 and I’m hoping the membership will jump into this at some point. $500 for me would be a huge amount and I assume for most of you, but $500 from the OilPatch Democrats should be chump change. Sure, when Jeff has the nomination sewn up and the law firms and oil industry folks with some business sense jump in, he won’t need our money. Now, some early money could make the difference between having a real candidate in this race or opening it up to a nutcase who picks strawberries but thinks he should be our Democratic candidate because his strawberries are carried on the railroad.”

Any donations are welcome, but donations of $50 or more would be super. Go to our ActBlue site to make your donations— https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607
And think about signing up for a recurring monthly donation (okay, maybe in a smaller amount), so that our fundraisers won't have to beg so pathetically in the future. :)

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS & STUFF

NEXT EVENING BROWN BAG
Tues, Oct 27, 6:30pm, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
No speaker, but a meet and greet with city-wide candidates (mayor, council, etc.).
2009 PROGRESSIVE FORUM FALL SPEAKER SERIES
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Information available at http://www.progressiveforumhouston.org/. Order tickets at https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=1420&eventID=13156.
• James Hansen, Thurs, Oct 29, 7:30pm—Premier Climatologist whose presentation will be “Threat To The Planet, Implications for Intergenerational Justice.” James Hansen was the first to create broad awareness of global warming in his Congressional testimonies in the 1980s. His recent research has made the public aware that the climate is even more sensitive than previously thought, that the safe level of atmospheric CO2 is 350 ppm and must be returned to below that level over time. The current CO2 is now 387 ppm and rising steadily. Hansen says the climate is nearing tipping points "that would be irreversible if we do not promptly slow fossil fuel emissions...." James Hansen is the director of the leading U.S. governmental agency responsible for atmosphere and space studies. Government regulators preclude us from naming the agency in advertising, describing his Forum appearance as "personal/outside activity." Dr. Hansen is making a rare and timely appearance just prior to the critical Copenhagen Climate Conference in December whose purpose is to forge an international climate treaty. He does not have a book, but his articles will be available and he will greet fans at the end of the evening.

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS
Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email Donna with your updated information.
Have you paid your dues, or do you want to make a donation to the club or to the PAC? Dues are $25.00 per person/$10.00 Reduced/Student. If you are not able to attend the next meeting, you can mail your check to Roopa Gir (see her contact information below). Please make your check payable to Oil Patch Democrats. Or go to our contribution connection on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership, or if you're contributing more than the membership, just email Jim Cargas & Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS
Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—
John Moffitt (President)—John.Moffitt@nov.com
John Preston (Vice President)—johnwmp@hal-pc.org
Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa10@gmail.com
Jim Rine (Secretary)—jmrine@hotmail.com
Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

NEWSLETTER FOR OCTOBER 12, 2009

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

OCTOBER OPD MEETING
Thurs, Oct 22, 6:30pm social, 7-9pm meeting, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
Wow! Have we got a show...uh...meeting for you! This month, we welcome the hosts of Channel 8's political interview program, Red, White, & Blue—David Jones & Gary Polland (http://www.houstonpbs.org/site/PageServer?pagename=con_rwb_david_gary_bio), the respective feisty left-and right-wingers who have interviewed so many of Houston's and Texas' most prominent politicians. This will be a lot of fun, so bring yourself & bring a few friends along, as well. We'll probably have a few munchies for you, too.

JEFF WEEMS FUNDRAISER
As you know if you read this newsletter, OPD unanimously endorsed the candidacy of Jeff Weems for Texas Railroad Commissioner at our August meeting. At the same time, we started an internal fund-drive so that we could put our money where our mouths are and give Jeff's campaign a substantial bump. So far, the total amount stands at under $500. Here are a few words from John Preston, our founder and current vice president on the subject:

“Friends, there is not a race in Texas or America next year that will influence your jobs and the health of this state and even our nation (at least concerning energy) than this contest for the Texas RRC. Jeff Weems is the best candidate I have seen for this position in my lifetime (and I did work in the losing campaign for Jim Hightower for RRC before he ran and won as Ag Secretary).

“We can do more than $500 and I’m hoping the membership will jump into this at some point. $500 for me would be a huge amount and I assume for most of you, but $500 from the OilPatch Democrats should be chump change. Sure, when Jeff has the nomination sewn up and the law firms and oil industry folks with some business sense jump in, he won’t need our money. Now, some early money could make the difference between having a real candidate in this race or opening it up to a nutcase who picks strawberries but thinks he should be our Democratic candidate because his strawberries are carried on the railroad.”

Any donations are welcome, but donations of $50 or more would be super. Go to our ActBlue site to make your donations— https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607
And think about signing up for a recurring monthly donation (okay, maybe in a smaller amount), so that our fundraisers won't have to beg so pathetically in the future. :)

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS & STUFF

COHEN HOSTS FORUM ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Wed, Oct 14, 7-8:30pm, Lanier Middle School, 2600 Woodhead
Rep. Ellen Cohen has recruited a group of experts to address the constitutional amendments included on the November 3, 2009 ballot. She will moderate the panel as they present background on each of the eleven amendments. Representatives from the Comptroller's Office, the General Land Office, the University of Houston, and Emergency Services are among those currently scheduled to participate. For more information on the amendments, go to http://www.tlc.state.tx.us/pubsconamend/analyses09/analyses09.pdf or to http://scotthochberg.com/amends.html or to http://www.kirkwatson.com/watson-wire/get-ready-to-vote/. For more information about the forum, call 713-627-0134 or email info@ellencohen.org.

JOHNSON-RAYBURN-RICHARDS DINNER
Sat, Oct 17, Hilton Americas Hotel
Congressmember James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, Majority Whip of the United States House of Representatives, the third highest ranking Democratic position in the House, will be the featured speaker at this year’s Johnson-Rayburn-Richards Dinner. It will begin with a VIP reception at 6pm, followed by dinner and a full program starting at 7pm, and will feature the annual silent auction. Numerous elected officials and candidates from across the state are expected to be in attendance, as are Democratic clubs and organizations and other activists from across Harris County. Representative Clyburn was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1992, becoming the first African-American South Carolinian to serve in Congress since 1897. He has been Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and of the House Democratic Caucus. He sits on the powerful Appropriations Committee.

2009 PROGRESSIVE FORUM FALL SPEAKER SERIES
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Information available at http://www.progressiveforumhouston.org/. Order tickets at https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=1420&eventID=13156.
• James Hansen, Thurs, Oct 29, 7:30pm—Premier Climatologist whose presentation will be “Threat To The Planet, Implications for Intergenerational Justice.” James Hansen was the first to create broad awareness of global warming in his Congressional testimonies in the 1980s. His recent research has made the public aware that the climate is even more sensitive than previously thought, that the safe level of atmospheric CO2 is 350 ppm and must be returned to below that level over time. The current CO2 is now 387 ppm and rising steadily. Hansen says the climate is nearing tipping points "that would be irreversible if we do not promptly slow fossil fuel emissions...." James Hansen is the director of the leading U.S. governmental agency responsible for atmosphere and space studies. Government regulators preclude us from naming the agency in advertising, describing his Forum appearance as "personal/outside activity." Dr. Hansen is making a rare and timely appearance just prior to the critical Copenhagen Climate Conference in December whose purpose is to forge an international climate treaty. He does not have a book, but his articles will be available and he will greet fans at the end of the evening.

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS
Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email Donna with your updated information.
Have you paid your dues, or do you want to make a donation to the club or to the PAC? Dues are $25.00 per person/$10.00 Reduced/Student. If you are not able to attend the next meeting, you can mail your check to Roopa Gir (see her contact information below). Please make your check payable to Oil Patch Democrats. Or go to our contribution connection on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership, or if you're contributing more than the membership, just email Jim Cargas & Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS
Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—
John Moffitt (President)—John.Moffitt@nov.com
John Preston (Vice President)—johnwmp@hal-pc.org
Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa10@gmail.com
Jim Rine (Secretary)—jmrine@hotmail.com
Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com