Welcome to Members and Guests. Elaine welcomed everyone and thanked Dona Maguire, Wendy Mizenko, and Evelyn Steen for refreshments. In discussing whether this pre-Meetup tradition should be continued, Dona said it’s good hospitality and presents an opportunity for good conversation. It was suggested we develop a sign-up sheet for this activity and that we leave it up to the person bringing refreshments as to whether reimbursement should be made. Alan Olson offered to take responsibility for refreshments for the October 1st Meetup.
Candidate Announcements. Bruce Tushingham is hosting a picnic on 9/13 at noon; check his website for details: www.brucetushingham.com. For Neil Clifford there will be a Rock the Vote event on 9/27; his website is www.neilclifford.com.
Treasurer’s Report. Clodius Willis noted the balance as $2,039.69 as of August 26. He said the newsletter cost was $566, which was covered by funds raised plus $100 extra. The collection hat was passed around.
Other Issues. Noise Ordinance. Clodius reported on the need for a noise ordinance in Gettysburg Borough, adding that the Borough is working on one that would cover all types of noise. He urged citizens to call or write the Mayor or Borough Council persons to give them your opinion on the issue. Avillo Campaign. Bob Knight announced that Phil is having a hard time raising funds for his campaign, but that an anonymous donor will match funds from $500-1,000 donations. East Berlin Area Event. Warren Steen announced a Town Hall type meeting would be held on 9/14 at Lake Meade to be attended by all local candidates. If you plan to attend, please contact Warren or Dona Maguire. Obama Campaign. Elaine announced that Obama would be in Lancaster on 9/4 at Buchanan Park; no tickets needed but gates close when park is full. Contact John Palinski, Obama Field Representative, for details.
Report from Action/Steering Committee. Elaine explained the slight modification to the Steering Committee. It will now be called the Action/Steering Committee; meetings will still be held in the homes of Committee members on an alternating basis, usually in alphabetical order. Those hosting may choose a meeting place other than their home. The next meeting will be hosted by Lou and Pat Hammann on 9/17 at Hundred Fold Farm. The October meeting will be hosted by Ginny Ciliotta at the Coffee Shop of Valentine Hall.
October Meetup. Elaine noted the Iraq Task Force has been working hard on all the war issues. She reiterated that the other three of DFA’s adopted issues of concern are Universal Health Care; the Global Climate Crisis; and Holding Elected Officials Accountable. The October Meetup will be an open mike session about these four areas of concern as well as “what the next president needs to know about significant issues.” It will be moderated by Thomas Jurney and ACTV will be asked to video the event for viewing on Channel 10.
DFA Task Force or Issue Meetings and Plans. Universal Health Care. Pat Hammann reminded all of the Single Payer Health Care conference to be held at Franklin & Marshall College on Thursday, September 18th, from 7-9:30 pm. Jeanne Duffy and Bob Knight are preparing a news release about the conference which should appear in the newspapers shortly. The next meeting of the Task Force will be on 9/24 at the home of Jeanne Duffy. The Iraq War. Alan Olson gave more details about the October program and the six areas of concern resulting from the war. He also mentioned the Peace Vigil held the second Saturday of each month from 11am-noon at the former Visitor’s Center on Steinwehr Avenue. Sandra Mackie announced that all who went on the Iran trip have been invited to attend the opening of the United Nations session on 9/25 in New York City. Amadinajad will be in attendance. She suggested she bring a message from DFA sending wishes and greetings noting that we support a peaceful, diplomatic solution to the war.
Donation Incentive. Barclay Brooks brought 35 butterfly bushes with him and announced that attendees could have a butterfly bush in exchange for a donation to either DFA or to Common Cause. Elaine expressed appreciation for this generous offer and then introduced the guest speaker.
CANDIDATE FORUM - 7:30 PM
How Do We Recapture the Flag? A Campaign to Restore
Core Values of American Democracy
Special Guest, Lauren Coletta
Director of International Programs at Common Cause
Lauren Coletta described the background and founding, 40 years ago, of Common Cause, noting they now have offices in 36 states and over 400,000 members. Interest in membership has grown exponentially over the last few years. She iterated the main areas in which Common Cause is carrying out their work today as: Campaign Finance Reform, Ethics issues (they were active in the passage of the election reform law); and Media reform. They are currently focusing on what is called the Recapture the Flag campaign in which presidential and congressional candidates are asked to sign the Citizen Pledge in an effort to make elected officials uphold the Constitution. More details can be found at their website: www.RecapturetheFlag.com. Ms. Coletta said that Rep. Platts finally agreed to vote yes on Campaign Finance Reform but has yet to sign the Citizen’s Pledge. So far, both parties in Congress have failed to counter the abuses of the Bush administration. The Judiciary was the only branch that stood up to the abuse in the Guantanamo Bay decision. Common Cause considered pushing for impeachment of the Bush administration. Both parties had loyalties to their respective parties rather than to their country. Instead Common Cause is now calling for an investigative Commission to look into the abuses of power. Common Cause will be doing some educating about the checks and balances of the three branches of government to try to overcome the serious politization currently taking place, especially in the Justice Department. With regard to signing statements (Bush signed over 700), John McCain has said he will not use them; Barack Obama has said he will use them only to clarify issues. Common Cause is working on strengthening the War Powers Act to try to marry this act with the Constitution. As for torture and secret renditions, Common Cause believes that there is no need to write new laws, rather the current laws need to be obeyed. They are trying to put together a Human Rights Commission to do oversight of abusive practices when they arise. If Congress doesn’t do the oversight, then this commission will be charged with doing it. As for Election Reform, Common Cause is active in monitoring elections. Ms. Coletta’s remarks were followed by a question and answer session.
The program/meeting ended at 8:35 PM.
Virginia A. Ciliotta
Recording Secretary