Democracy for New Mexico

Volunteer Now to Help Staff OFA/Dem Booth at State Fair

OFA is seeking volunteers to staff the OFA/Democratic Party booth at the New Mexico State Fair. You can get more info and/or sign up for one of the shifts listed below by contacting Tomas Talamante by email at tomtalamante@gmail.com or phone at 505-301-1821. If you are a Voter Registrar, please tell Tomas. Usually the booth needs at least two staffers -- including at least one Voter Registrar -- for each shift. All volunteers receive free entry into the State Fair for the day they volunteer.

Saturday, September 10th
10-12PM
12-3PM
3-6PM
6-9PM

Sunday, September 18th
10-12PM
12-3PM
3-6PM
6-9PM

Saturday, September 24th
10-12PM
12-3PM
3-6PM
6-9PM

Volunteers are also needed for the other days of the Fair. If you are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays during the State Fair (which starts on September 10, and ends on September 25), contact Tomas at 505-301-1821 or tomtalamante@gmail.com. (This year, the State Fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.) 

Compare and Contrast: Liberal Lion Ted Kennedy and the Liberal Bashing Obama Admin

Caroline's intro, video tribute, Teddy's speech (at 14 minutes)

It was three years ago yesterday when the Liberal Lion of the Senate, Ted Kennedy, overcame the health difficulties he was experiencing to address (text) the Democratic National Convention in Denver. I was very fortunate to be in the hall that night as a state blogger (thanks Howard Dean), and clearly recall the electricity and emotional intensity that swept the hall when Teddy strode onto the stage for the last time at a Dem Convention, and gave a moving and rousing speech on behalf of Barack Obama. In an odd coincidence, Ted passed away from a brain tumor exactly a year later, on August 25, 2009. And so it is inevitable that Dems like me have thoughts of Ted Kennedy swirling in our heads at this time of year.

I have many memories of Teddy fighting the good fight for the people -- for workers, for minorities, for children, for seniors, for health care for all, for the impoverished, for women -- over his many years of public service, as well as his no-holds-barred liberalism in the face of whatever nasty rhetoric was issuing from right-wingers in any particular year. There are few politicos today who call themselves Democrats who are as proudly and unabashedly liberal as Teddy was.

No, it is now the fashion, from Obama on down, to embrace the phony, expedient labels of "centrist" or "moderate" or "nonpartisan" and pretend that there is a middle we can meet in and still effectively make the deep-seated changes needed to return our American economy, culture and communities to anything resembling fairness, compassion and opportunity for all. Ironically, most of the traditional values of the Dem Party now match the positions supported by a majority of Americans -- it is only politicos of both parties who stand in the way of the progress we need to regain our footing and thrive.

Ted vs. Barack
Teddy was known to be an excellent negotiator and, believe me, he did not start the compromise negotiations by giving away most of the store before the dealmaking had even begun. In other words, he was no Barack Obama. Thankfully. No, Teddy was known as a successful persuader of his fellow lawmakers, as well as a true leader who could inspire and marshall the great energies of the people to push for real change we can believe in.

Senator Kennedy did not stand there and make excuses saying things like, "hey, this is the best we can do because Republicans will never support anything more so we're not even going to try for what we really believe in, what the people really want. I'm the wise, all-knowing one and I will start out already across the line into right-wing corporatist territory in my negotiations and go from there. And the Democratic base should take it and shut up. If they don't support me, they just aren't smart enough to get the beauty of my strategies and tacitics. I call the shots, not them. I listen to my corporate/banking/Wall Street "advisers" and donors, not to the motley crew who comprise the Dem base."

Well, Obama never says exactly that, but that's the message that seems to frequently emanate from the White House, whether from the President himself or his public mouthpieces and leakers.

Can anyone imagine Ted Kennedy mocking the Democratic base or liberal values or progressive activists?

What Would Teddy Do?
Before his death, Teddy worked very hard to get Obama the nomination and the presidency. I wonder what he would think and do now after witnessing the steady and incredibly depressing transition of Mr. Hope and Change into Mr. No Way, No We Can't. I can't help but believe he'd be just as disgusted as so many of us are with the failure of Obama and so many of the DC Dems to BE DEMOCRATS instead of mewling technocrats in the service of some of the worst financial and economic forces on the planet.

Can anyone imagine Ted Kennedy allowing Sen. Max Baucus and his gang to stall away a whole summer working on watering down and corporatizing the health care reform bill as much as humanly possible while the right wingers went nuts spreading false information at crazy town halls and Obama sat on his hands, mostly mute? I don't think so.

Disturbing Contrasts
Here's an excerpt of what Caroline Kennedy had to say in her introduction of Teddy at the Dem Convention in Denver. Think about it, as well as what Teddy said that night, and then think about the kind of lip service and dismissiveness we're getting from President Obama at a time of incredibly upsetting economic and environmental peril:

For 46 years, he has been so much more than just a senator for the people of Massachusetts. He's been a senator for all who believe in a dream that's never died. If you're no longer being denied a job because of your race, gender or disability, or if you've seen a rise in the minimum wage you're being paid, Teddy is your senator too.

If your children are receiving health care thanks to the Children's Health Insurance Program, if you see a nurse at a community health center or if you're benefiting from the Medicare program that he fought to create, and that just last month he returned to the Senate to save, Teddy is your senator too. If your child is getting an early boost in life through Head Start, or attending a better school or can go to college because a Pell grant has made it more affordable, Teddy is your senator too. And if you're an 18-year-old who's going to vote for the first time-and I bet it'll be for Barack Obama- Teddy is your senator too.

Not only has Teddy helped put the American dream within reach for so many families, he's been a powerful force around the world for human rights and human dignity, for refugees and the dispossessed. He helped end apartheid in South Africa and bring peace to Northern Ireland. He's been a leader on nuclear arms control. And he took a strong, early and courageous stand against the war in Iraq.

It's a contrast that is breaking the hearts of increasing numbers of loyal Democrats, grassroots activists, progressives and ordinary Americans. Now we have an allegedly Democratic President who actually puts Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security cuts on the table at the outset of the debate and thinks cruel measures of "austerity" are the way to jump start the economy and create jobs. We have a President who is conducting covert military operations and attacks on whistleblowers that go beyond what even Bush dared to implement -- one who believes he doesn't have to get congressional approval to participate in a war in Libya. We have a President who clearly seems to be siding with the criminal bankers who caused this mess, instead of putting the people's needs first. We now have a President who has had ICE round up, incarcerate in private prisons and deport more immigrants than Bush did in any year of his administration. I could go on. 

What would Teddy say? I can't imagine him defending this behavior, that's for sure.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Yes, I know, Dems are between a rock and a hard place as far as the 2012 presidential election goes. We are constantly warned that we must support Obama 100% or else face the insanity of a right-wing president like Bachman or Perry. Maybe the big-money, behind-the-scenes big shots set it up this way on purpose, just to ensure another four years of Obama the appeaser. In the current political environment it's hard to know who or what is actually driving events -- here and on a global scale. 

I'd love to see Obama face a primary opponent, at the very least. One who could strongly and clearly express many of the ideas and positions currently being put forth by Sen. Bernie Sanders, for instance. Regardless, I think it's imperative to keep the pressure on Obama and to call him out when he sinks to the kind of actions I've cited above. As far as I'm concerned, it's no longer an option to once again don our cheerleader gear and blindly support Obama's presidency or his reelection.

After last week's kerfluffle (that got national attention) over the embarrasing emails mocking liberals and progressives sent out by NM OFA head honcho Ray Sandoval, I admit that it's hard for me to think about lifting a finger to help reelect Obama. And I know I'm only the tip of the iceberg. Many say it will be our fault if Obama loses, but I say that it will be his own fault -- for refusing to be a strong Democratic leader fighting hard and long for true Democratic values, and for insulting and demeaning the very people in the Dem base who worked their asses off and gave tons of small donations to get him elected last time. Obama is the one who needs to wake up -- not us.

As Senator Kennedy said, "The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die." And that's regardless of whether or not a Democratic president holds the White House. We must continue to fight for this, no matter what: "For me this is a season of hope -- new hope for a just and fair prosperity for the many, and not just for the few — new hope." If Obama continues to refuse to lead on that basis, we need to find someone who is willing to at least confront him.

Sentimental Journey
Before I wrote this post today, I indulged in a sentimental journey to the last president cycle -- and the incredible excitement and yes, hope, we had for an Obama presidency. The contrast with my feelings today couldn't be starker. And that's a real shame.

If you're so moved, indulge yourself in a trip to the past. Perhaps it will inspire and energize you to fight on for our Dem principles, and keep the pressure on Dem officeholders and candidates to do the same. We need to be loud and proud and unrelenting, don't you think? There's just too much at stake to take whatever our Dem leaders hand out, no matter how weak or misguided, and keep our mouth shut. We need to ACT UP!

Photo album here

Our convention blog coverage from 2008 can be found in our archive. And here are our videos.

6/3: Meet OFA New Mexico's 35 New Summer Organizers

From Raymond Sandoval, New Mexico State Director, Organizing for America:

You are cordially invited to our Organizing for America NM Headquarters, in Nob Hill Albuquerque, to meet our 35 new Summer Organizers!

On Friday evening June 3, 2011 at 6:00 PM, please come to our office for a "Celebration of Dedication," to welcome the talented individuals who are going to be working around the Land of Enchantment this summer. We have organizers coming from several states, along with some great New Mexican local talent. 

Our Summer Organizers will start their training on Saturday morning, so let's show them our hospitality. We will have great New Mexican food and games to enjoy but it's also a potluck, so please bring your favorite dish to share.

WHEN: Friday, June 3, 2011 at 6:00 PM
WHERE: OFA NM HEADQUARTERS, 115 Montclaire SE, ABQ 
CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS 
WHAT: Meet, Greet and Eat with our Summer Organizers 
RSVP:  PLEASE RSVP BY CLICKING HERE

Photos & Videos: Rep. Martin Heinrich Opens 2010 Campaign HQ in Albuquerque

Click for larger version or photo album

Yesterday, Congressman Martin Heinrich hosted supporters at the grand opening of his campaign headquarters, located in Suite A at 2610 San Mateo NE in Albuquerque (map). More than 200 folks showed up on a rainy afternoon to celebrate the event, down some BBQ provided the IBEW, sample other goodies and sign up to volunteer for Rep. Heinrich's re-election campaign. Originally set to be an outdoorevent, folks had to pack into both floors of the two-story office space when a monsoon rain swept in, complete with thunder, lightening and, eventually, a rainbow.

Rep. Heinrich, who was introduced by super volunteer Ramon Mondragon, State Senator Tim Keller and DPBC Vice Chair Victor Raigoza, ended up having to give two different speeches -- one to the crowd packed into the upstairs space and another to the crowd downstairs, outside the office, when the rain finally stopped. Two for the price of one!

Also on hand as speakers and/or supporters were Attorney General Gary King, State Auditor Hector Balderas, PRC Commissioner Jason Marks, Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales, Sandia Pueblo Lt. Gov. Scott Paisano, AFSCME's Carter Bundy, DPNM Executive Director Scott Forrester, DPBC Chair Ana Canales, Sandoval County Dems Chair David Montoya, Young Democrats' Sisto Abeyta, OFA's Cisco Padilla, the wonderful guys from Roma Bakery, a passel of Deaniacs of yore and many more.

Rep. Heinrich speaks to upstairs crowd

GOP Wants Return to Bush Agenda
Rep. Heinrich talked about how Republicans have said out loud that they want to take back the House so they can return to pushing for the "exact same agenda" they had when Bush was in the Oval Office. In order to do that, the GOP needs to win back Rep. Heinrich's seat in NM-01, as well as Rep. Harry Teague's seat in NM-02, so they'll be pouring money into New Mexico to do just that.

The Republicans will be trying to privatize Social Security, voucherize Medicare and turn back the clock on everything the Democratic-dominated Congress has achieved over the past two years. We can't let them do that but, in order to win, we'll have to make sure Democrats get out and vote in droves -- including all the young Dems and first-time voters who turned out in such great numbers in 2008 to vote for President Obama.

GOTV: If Democrats Vote, Democrats Win
How do we do that? By getting involved NOW and volunteering as much time as we can to call voters, walk precincts and get the word out about what's really at stake on November 2nd. There are less than 90 days left until the general election -- and fewer than 60 days left until early and absentee voting begins. Every minute counts from now until election day. Volunteer and convince your friends, colleagues, neighbors and family members to do the same. As Rep. Heinrich said, "If Democrats show up, Democrats will win."

Rep. Heinrich speaks to outside crowd

Not a Normal Election Year
Congessman Heinrich also talked about how, in a normal election year, he and other Democrats would be talking about the many accomplishments of the last two years -- mentioning how Democrats took on entrenched interests to pass the Lily Ledbetter Act, credit card reform, health care reform (something that had been worked on for literally 100 years) and Wall Street reform. This year, however, is not a normal year.

"There are too many people out there who are still hurting and still trying to recover from this economy that we were left with at the end of the Bush administration.... We are still working day and night to pull out of that recession and, until everyone who wants to find a job in the state of New Mexico can go out and find that job, we are not going to run on our accomplishments but on what there is more to do," Rep. Heinrich said,

The GOP's Cynical Bet
Rep. Heinrich also explained how the Reublicans made a "cynical bet" to dedicate themselves to making sure that Democrats fail to get anything done so they can win at the ballot box. They are bent on beating Democrats, and don't care what "collateral damage" happens to the nation or America's families in the process. We can expect much worse if the GOP regains the House and Rep. John Boehner becomes Speaker -- he has said he wants to repeal health care reform and the Wall Street reform bill, just for starters. Not on our watch!

Sen. Tim Keller, Ramon Mondragon talk about Rep. Heinrich

Are you on board?
To sign up for or donate to Team Heinrich, visit Martin's campaign website. Do it now. Convince others to do the same. We can't let the Republicans drag us back to the days of the damaging Bush agenda. It's all on the line this year ...

6/5: Join the Launch of OFA-Vote 2010 and Help Canvass First-Time Voters

From Organizing for America-New Mexico: 
On Saturday, June 5, Organizing for America launches VOTE 2010. We need canvassers and canvass captains to start our re-engagement process with First Time Voters that will continue throughout the summer, all the way to November 2 - ELECTION DAY 2010.

We need your help. The President needs your help. A critical way to help the President is to start talking to those people who voted for the very first time in 2008. With their full support, and with yours, we can help the President fulfill his commitment to changing our country for the better.

Some of the times and locations in Albuquerque are as follows, but there may be other groups. Please contact Ray Sandoval, State Director for OFA, at 715-0736 if you would like to volunteer to canvass this Saturday or to get more information.

Downtown area - Host: Dallas Timmons
10:00 AM shift or 12:00 PM shift
Contact Phone: 505-217-4882
Location: Dallas's place
417 14th St SW

Nob Hill area - Host: Judith Smith
10:00am shift or 12:00 PM shift
Location: OFA Office
115 Montclaire Blvd. SE

NE - Sandia Heights area - Host: Tom Solomon
10:00 AM shift or 12:00 PM shift
Contact Phone: 505 856 1244
Location: Sandia Heights
1512 Eagle Ridge Rd NE

North Valley area - Host Margo Morado
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
Contact Phone: 505-294-0000
Location: North Valley
5121 San Luis Place NW

Also check out OFA-New Mexico's Facebook page.

5/12: OFA Tele-Townhall with Sen. Jeff Bingaman - Register Now

From OFA New Mexico:
I am very pleased to announce that our friend, U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, New Mexico's senior Senator, has scheduled a Tele-Townhall with OFA NM on Wednesday, May 12, at 7:00 PM MDT. As you know, Senator Bingaman is a champion for health insurance reform, and was instrumental in making health insurance more affordable for working New Mexicans

Senator Bingaman will discuss issues important to New Mexicans, including the recently enacted Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, as well as Wall Street Reform, currently being debated in Congress. The Senator will also take questions from callers.

Please forward this information to any family, friends and/or neighbors who you think would be interested in joining the call.

This Town Hall will be conducted via conference call. To register for this call, please click on this link: Senator Bingaman Tele-Town Hall Registration

Once you register, you will receive an email with a call-in telephone number and pin number. Each pin number is unique, and you cannot share your pin number. We urge all those wishing to participate to separately register. You will not need a computer to participate in the call, but you will need the number and pin obtained by registering.

PLEASE NOTE that when you receive your confirmation email about the call, the email will note that the call starts at 6 PM PACIFIC TIME. Don't worry. This is our call, which will start at 7:00 PM MOUNTAIN TIME.

Organizing for America New Mexico is honored to facilitate the Senator's Town Hall in this virtual format, which will allow constituents like you, all across the state, to not only learn about issues directly from the Senator, but to also learn what your fellow New Mexicans are thinking.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Raymond G. Sandoval
OFA New Mexico State Director
Organizing for America New Mexico
OFANewMexico@dnc.org
Facebook Page

5/1: Health Care Forum in Albuquerque for New Mexico Democrats

From the DPNM and OFA:
Come learn what the historic passage of Health Care Reform means for you, and how to talk to your peers about it. The experts from Organizing for America will be there to discuss the effects and immediate benefits, as well as answering any questions that you may have.

There is much mis-information out there; learn what's true and what's not.

Saturday, May 1st, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
AFSCME Union Hall
1202 Pennsylvania St. NE, Albuquerque, NM

Hosted by the Democratic Party of New Mexico and Organizing for America. Lunch will be served. To RSVP, please call Sisy Garcia at 505-830-3650, or email at sisy@nmdemocrats.org.

Stephen Jones Reports: Las Cruces Residents Weigh In On Health Reform (with Photos)

Click for larger version or photo album

This is a post by contributing writer, Stephen Jones, who is a progressive political activist and a resident of Las Cruces, New Mexico. He IS our Southern NM Bureau.

Several dozen Las Cruces residents rallied both for and against the health reform bill pending in Congress outside Congressman Harry Teague’s local field office on Wednesday morning. The St. Patrick’s Day rally was led by Las Cruces members of Organizing for America (OFA). A candlelight march is planned for later this evening.

While the majority who gathered at Water St. and Griggs Ave. in downtown Las Cruces favored the pending bill, local Tea Party activists, some waving Confederate flags, also rallied at the same location. Despite the contentious differences of opinion, the competing groups often co-mingled and debated one another on the sidewalks near Teague’s office.

Members of Teague’s staff met individually and in small groups and heard directly from constituents on the issue, and jotted down statements and opinions on the bill to pass along to the Congressman, who is currently in Washington. The office also accepted petitions and written statements. Teague’s staffers told concerned voters that “the Congressman is weighing the amendments offered to the current bill” before deciding his final vote on the legislation, but assured them that he “remains committed to holding the line on costs.”

The candlelight vigil will meet at the Las Cruces Downtown Post Office at E. Las Cruces Ave and N. Church St. 7:00 p.m. and proceed to Teague’s Office several blocks away at 135 W. Griggs Ave.

In an email to supporters, OFA said there's a good chance that Congressman Teague will reveal how he will vote on the health insurance reform bill on Thursday.

To read more posts by Stephen Jones, visit our archive.

1/23: Grand Opening, Organizing for America State Office in Albuquerque

OFA's Frank Cole at this month's DFA-DFNM Meetup

Organizing for America invites you to join them for the grand opening of the OFA State Office on Saturday, January 23 at 1:00 PM! It's located at 115 Montclaire Blvd. SE, just south of Central. There'll be refreshments, music and speakers.

Please RSVP to: Frank Cole at (505) 715-0801. Or email: colef@dnc.org.

As Frank explained at this month's DFA-DFNM Meetup, OFA will be working hard for Democratic candidates up and down the ticket during the 2010 election cycle. Whether you were involved with the Obama campaign or you're new to grassroots activism, now's the time to learn more about OFA and how you can get active to keep New Mexico Blue.

Guest Blog: Grassroots Taos Town Hall for Health Care Draws 140+

This is a guest blog by Bonnie Korman, a longtime resident of Taos who has worked in the social services field and been politically active on and off throughout her lifetime.

This past Saturday, August 29, Taos activists held a Health Care Town Hall, under the umbrella of the Taos Democratic Party and the Taos Health Action Committee (THAC), a local spin-off of Organizing for America (OFA). All three of our delegation, Sen. Bingaman, Sen. Udall and Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, were ultimately represented, not without our persistence, and some prodding in the form of many phone calls.

Knowledgeable staffers of Bingaman gave the senator's case for his many years of support of quality health coverage, but did state that he would NOT refuse to vote for a bill lacking a strong government managed program, or 'public option'. Our group's conclusion is the same as stated on this blog and elsewhere, that we must continue to focus our efforts to encourage Sen. Bingaman to take the lead on this, not just give us lip service.

Rep. Lujan was in Taos that morning speaking with constituents for five-minute sessions, scheduled beforehand with his office. The Congressman did eventually visit the almost three-hour-long Health Care event for about 30 minutes, speaking of his sponsorship of the 'Medicare for All' bill and reassuring the crowd he fully supports the public option.

Rep. Lujan is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, but has not formally pledged to REFUSE to vote for a bill lacking a 'public option'. He feels we should trust him on this issue. He told one of the five-minute interviewers that he is wary of citizen organized town halls, and that he would hold one of his own in Taos in September. A New Mexico legislator from Taos, Rep. Roberto Gonzales, offered to help arrange that forum.

We had a very successful turnout -- 140 people on a summer Saturday -- and a good, open discussion of the issues with an informed, prepared crowd. Many brought questions and these were taped onto the walls around the room, grouped by topic. Several local health care providers offered experienced comments and questions for the staffers and Rep. Lujan.

THAC has also been a strong presence with this issue on the local progressive radio call-in program, Jim Ball, 1340 AM, KVOT. You can reach them at taos.health.action.network@gmail.com or spoon@kitcarson.net.

This is a guest blog by Bonnie Korman, a longtime resident of Taos. The day after John Kerry conceded the election of '04, she and a friend started a progressive grassroots group in Taos that works on local, state, and national issues, including voting reform.

To submit a piece for consideration as a guest blog, contact me by clicking on the Email Me link at the upper left-hand corner of the page.

Organizing for America: 1000+ Rally for Health Care Reform in Albuquerque

Click for larger view of slideshow.

Organizing for America's Health Insurance Reform Now: Let's Get it Done! cross-country bus tour to promote meaningful health insurance reform -- including a strong public option -- stopped in Albuquerque last night for a huge rally at the National Hispanic Cultural Center attended by an estimated one thousand people.

The crowd was so big it spilled out beyond the main rally space into adjacent areas. The excitement was palpable in the crowd and among the speakers because we are the closest we have ever been to achieving what Senator Ted Kennedy said was "the cause of my life."

Sen. Dede Feldman

NM State Senator Dede Feldman -- a legislator who has been dedicated to improving access to quality health care for all for many moons -- gave a rousing speech full of facts that dispel the negative spin being generated non-stop by the monied interests working so hard to defeat health care reform. You're strongly encouraged to read the text of her remarks and pass along the info to folks you know who need some facts about health insurance reform. Sen. Feldman was appointed by the White House to be a member of State Legislators for Health Reform. She knows her stuff.

L to R: Sen. Dede Feldman; Sisto Abeyta, Fonda Osborn RN;
Greg Bloom, Field Director for Sen. Bingaman; Dr. Luella Toni Lewis, Dr. Elaine Bradshaw

Other speakers included the Executive Director of OFA, Mitch Stewart, Greg Bloom from Senator Jeff Bingaman's office, Dr. Elaine Bradshaw and Dr. Luella Toni Lewis, President of the Committee of Interns and Residents, Fonda Osborn, a registered nurse and Young Democrat Sisto Abeyta. Former Democratic Party of New Mexico Chair Brian Colon -- who's running for Lt. Governor -- as well as probable new DPNM Chair Javier Gonzales attended and greeted the crowd.

Javier Gonzales & Brian Colon, City Councilor Rey Garduno

All of the speakers urged supporters of health care reform to reach out to friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members NOW to dispel the myths and downright lies being spread by right-wing media figures and shills for the insurance industry. Get informed and get going. It's now or never and we are now in a position to make a difference not only for Americans alive today, but for generations to come. You can find OFA health care reform events near you by typing in your zipcode here.

Mitch Stewart, Director of Organizing for America

The New Mexico skies that provided a dramatic backdrop for the rally, going from sunny to dark and dumping pouring rain near the end of the rally -- with one of our famous Land of Enchantment double rainbows to add just the right punctuation. Or was it Teddy sending a little message that this time -- THIS TIME -- we're finally going to get it done for all Americans?

Click on images for larger versions. All photos by M.E. Broderick.

Today, 6PM, ABQ: Join OFA's Bus Tour Rally for Health Care Reform at National Hispanic Cultural Center

From Organizing for America (OFA): Join fellow New Mexicans for OFA's bus tour rally to promote meaningful health insurance reform - with a Public Option! The Executive Director of OFA, Mitch Stewart, will be speaking to the crowd along with State Senator Dede Feldman, Greg Bloom from the office of Senator Jeff Bingaman, Dr. Elaine Bradshaw and Dr. Luella Toni Lewis, President of the Committee of Interns and Residents, Fonda Osborn, registered nurse and New Mexico resident Sisto Abeyta.

Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee dedicated to supporting President Obama’s agenda for change, said that the Health Insurance Reform Now: Let’s Get it Done! Bus Tour, is part of a wider set of events in the next two weeks being held throughout the nation in support of health insurance reform. Sign up for the New Mexico Health Insurance Reform Bus Tour here.

Bring your rally voices, and your positive energy, as we display support for Health Insurance Reform just before our members of Congress return to DC! Please arrive by 6:00 PM. The rally will be in the Plaza Mayor on the Hispanic Cultural Center Campus. Plenty of parking is available on site.

Thursday, August 27 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Hosted by Luis Hernandez
National Hispanic Cultural Center
1701 4th St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87106, Map