When, in the course of U. S. Presidential Elections, it becomes necessary for one portion of a political party to assume among the people of the nation a position different from that which they have previously occupied, but one to which the laws of nature and of their Constitution entitle them, a decent respect for the opinions of fellow citizens requires that they should declare the causes that impel them to such a course.
In agreement with generations who have gone before us, we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed at birth with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of those who suffer from it to refuse allegiance to it, and to insist upon the institution of a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form as to seem most likely to affect their safety and happiness.
Prudence will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for transient causes; and accordingly experience has shown that citizens are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the political structures to which they are accustomed. But political parties are not governments, and when a long train of abuses and usurpations evinces a design to reduce them under authoritarianism, it is their duty to throw off such a political party, and to provide different representation for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of many in the Democratic Party, and it is this suffering which compels them to now demand the representation to which they are entitled. The recent history of both parties is a history of repeated injuries on the part of elected officials against the electors, having in direct object the establishment of authoritarian power over them, for the purpose of profit. This has rendered the Democratic Party unrecognizable to ordinary citizens. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.
Objections
The members of the Democratic National Committee’s Rules and By-Laws Committee violated The DNC charter on May 31, 2008 by meeting in private, in direct violation of the Sunshine Rules Provision of said Charter.
On that same day, the Democratic Party grossly violated ethical standards when it awarded four delegates to candidate Barack Obama based on actual votes for candidate Hillary Clinton, and in addition, awarded him delegates based on votes for “Uncommitted.”
Earlier in the campaign season, the Democratic Party violated its own Delegate Selection Rules by applying penalties to only two states who broke Section 11 calendar rules, even though five states broke those rules. In addition, Florida and Michigan were originally stripped of 100% of their delegates, even though the rules stipulated a 50% penalty.
The decisions of the RBC meeting mentioned above are evidence of sexism and authoritarianism within the ranks of the Democratic Party.
Caucuses are a violation of the one-person, one-vote and secret ballot principles that have been cornerstone Democratic values for more than a century. They produced a skewed and unfair result this primary season. Caucus states are also over-represented in the pledged delegate count, in violation of the one-person, one-vote principle.
Sexism was allowed to flourish as never before not only because of the behavior of the mainstream media, but also by the actions of many in the progressive online community, the stark silence of the Democratic Leadership and because ordinary Americans, male and female, engaged in it as long as it advanced their favored candidate.
Barack Obama and his campaign exploited racial issues in the primary campaign, which risks setting back the Civil Rights movement, and cynical Democratic leaders, as well as some ordinary Democrats, approved of this campaign tactic.
The voices of 18 million voters who supported Hillary Clinton have been illegitimately silenced, ridiculed, and subjected to outright fabrications on the part of the mainstream press and the Internet press.
The evidence is present, for anyone who wants to see it, that authoritarian tendencies fueled by greed are on the rise in the Democratic Party.
Now, in view of the dismissal of one-half the Democratic voters of this primary season, their social degradation, in view of the unjust actions above mentioned, and in view of the disenfranchisement of the voters in two states, and because we do feel ourselves aggrieved, oppressed, and fraudulently deprived of a free and fair primary election, we insist that the Democratic Party address our objections, or risk the loss of our votes come November.
In entering upon the work before us, we anticipate no small amount of misconception, misrepresentation, and ridicule; but we will use every instrument within our power to affect our objectives. We will employ agents, circulate tracts and flyers, blog, advertise in all media, petition state and national Democratic leadership, and endeavor to enlist the press in our behalf.
Resolutions
Resolved, that the Democratic Party must seat the full Michigan and Florida delegation in adherence to the thoroughly Democratic principle of one-person, one-vote.
Resolved, that Michigan delegates must be awarded according to the actual votes cast, specifically that Hillary Clinton must be given 73 delegates and Barack Obama must be given 0 (zero).
Resolved, that Hillary Clinton’s name must be offered on the first roll call at the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August of 2008, in accordance with tradition for 16 of the last 18 Democratic National Conventions.
Resolved, that caucuses should be abolished, and the Democratic Primary system in its entirety must be reformed to better reflect the one-person, one-vote principle, as well as the equal representation principle enshrined in the Constitution.
Resolved, that millions of women and men alike no longer think of the Democratic Party as the party for women’s issues, or for equality and fairness, or for the protection of abortion rights, and will no longer vote for them based on such criteria.
Resolved, that the cynical exploitation of cultural issues will not be rewarded with votes, and that it is part of the PUMA mission to educate the electorate about such abuses.
Resolved, that the PUMA movement is comprised of traditional and loyal Democrats who have carefully watched and recorded the events of the 2008 Primary campaign season.
Resolved, that 18 million Americans voted for Hillary Clinton, more than any other presidential primary candidate in history, and they have a right to help shape the agenda and processes of the Democratic Party.
Submitted July 4, 2008
July 4, 2008 at 12:06 am
BRAVO! Well done and all inclusive. I can’t wait to paste this on the door on my democratic party office door. Thank you.
July 4, 2008 at 12:16 am
Great job!!! Thank you. PUMA
July 4, 2008 at 12:22 am
annabellep- FABULOUS!!!
July 4, 2008 at 12:22 am
These things are self-evident — not a word of hyperbole or embellishment — not a word of disrespect or derision — not a word of anything but fairness — a work of inspiration. I’m going to take up wallpapering with this — thank you.
July 4, 2008 at 12:27 am
Thank you. This was truly a people-powered document, as several hands went into the making and editing. I’m just proud to play a part.
Oh, and wallpaper away. This document comes with a call to action: post it, print it, deliver it.
July 4, 2008 at 12:31 am
BTW, this has been posted at MyDd and DailyKos. If you are a member, please go rec those diaries.
July 4, 2008 at 12:33 am
Whoopeee!
Thanks so much for all this work, annabellep.
Now you know what Thomas Jefferson felt like!
July 4, 2008 at 12:36 am
Oooooh, I don’t think for a minute I know what Thomas Jefferson felt like. His ideas were original. I’ll settle for knowing what Elizabeth Cady Stanton felt like. I am a Stantonian Democrat.
It does feel good. Heh.
July 4, 2008 at 12:37 am
PS–duh! Thanks for YOUR help editing, Valhalla. You were truly an inspiration.
July 4, 2008 at 12:39 am
Hey, Annabellep, don’t be modest, now.
Bask.
You deserve it.
Kudos
July 4, 2008 at 12:49 am
I represent PUMA on Facebook, and am the creator of swingcrats.org and thepetuniapolitikposts@blogspot.com. I am proud to feature this brilliant manifesto on our PUMA site, and will distribute it for all to see. We stand together in UNITY……..onward to Denver, and may the best FEMALE CANDIDATE CLAIM HER PRIZE.
July 4, 2008 at 1:49 am
Beautifully done.
Thank you. PUMA.
July 4, 2008 at 2:15 am
My God, it’s beautiful.
Independence Day has never had so much meaning for me. Thank you Annabelle and PUMA contibutors. I am going to bed now, and am donating to Hillary first thing tomorrow.
My fellow PUMAS- I am so proud!
Joanie
July 4, 2008 at 2:32 am
Nice!
And what about the fact that by the rules, Obama should have received NO delegates from Florida, because he broke the agreement not to campaign there?
No one even TRIED to enforce this on him! I hope someone does at the Credentials Committee.
PUMA blowout!
July 4, 2008 at 4:00 am
[...] July 4, 2008 at 7:39 am (barack obama, bill clinton, election 2008, hillary clinton, politics) (bill clinton, democratic party, dnc, election 2008, hillary rodham clinton, politics, racism) Declaration of PUMA Objections [...]
July 4, 2008 at 4:51 am
Okay I have sent this to every hillary group I’m of which I’m apart. That makes about 12 posts in total. A lot of the places I went already had the post but I think I got the spares.
Awesome work girl! Beware, I think you’re about to get a lot of traffic because I linked to you everywhere. Ready your spam filter.
July 4, 2008 at 7:47 am
Annabelle, your Declaration is on the fast track to Murphy herself. (I just got an email saying as much.) Great work!
July 4, 2008 at 8:28 am
Good work! Have you sent it to the MSM? Somehow the word needs to get out to a wider audience.
July 4, 2008 at 8:38 am
Happy Independence Day
you made my day !!! lets get this to GRETA WIRE too
July 4, 2008 at 8:45 am
[...] and Lilies write their Declaration of Objections Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)When the Supremes Get [...]
July 4, 2008 at 8:46 am
Annabellep
Beautiful work! This work expresses what real UNITY truly represents. I will be posting to all the media in the Chicago/Indiana area, as well as the Dem offices. I am proud to be a PUMA.
July 4, 2008 at 9:10 am
Fantastic news, Reg, and I truly appreciate your legwork, er, um, fingerwork on this one! Thanks to all for the comments.
July 4, 2008 at 9:11 am
What a magnificent document and such a tribute on this day of independence. Well done! We should spread this far and wide!
July 4, 2008 at 10:27 am
Annabellep, This article is a brilliant piece of work!! THANK YOU! Everything I’ve been feeling, but could never express to perfection like this! If you haven’t written a book, you could!! All I want to know is, do we have permission from you to copy this….I would love to send it to Dean and his cohorts and some of the super delegates…..Please let me know and thanks again for this wonderful gift on Independence Day!!
July 4, 2008 at 10:32 am
JAR, not only can you copy this, you are compelled to do so.
Yes, yes, please, post it everywhere, print it out, paste it, tape it, staple it, stamp it, mail it, whatever! Just get it out there. It’s vital that we petition the Convention with rational arguments.
Thanks!
July 4, 2008 at 10:37 am
They also met in private over dinner (the night before) and discussed the ground rules (what would be said and what would not be said out in public). Donna gave an interview to a reporter and stated that. So, the whole thing was really orchestrated and the fact that they wouldn’t even tell us where the “public” meeting was until a couple of days before shows they were going to do what they wanted and VOTERS BE DAMNED! THE PARTY NEEDS REFORM…
July 4, 2008 at 10:48 am
Brilliant!!
Send it to the SDs. It’s not too late–the convention isn’t over! We can still have the best candidate!
Proud PUMA!
July 4, 2008 at 10:52 am
I firmly agree with the listed objections, but not the resolutions; the Democratic Party ignored the will of 18 million voters so it’s not going to change its mind because a few bloggers scream bloody murder.
Everyone needs to accept the fact that the Democratic Party is a dead-end for progressives and liberals and switch the Green Party.
Until the Democratic Party has to compete for our votes, it will not stop its rightward slide. And if we can turn the Green Party into a viable political force, it can REPLACE the Democratic Party.
This is the best time to do this. Let’s strike while the iron is hot.
July 4, 2008 at 11:04 am
[...] by semidi Skipping the flowery language at the beginning of this post (much of it adapted from the Declaration of Independence and the Declaration of Sentiments) to get [...]
July 4, 2008 at 11:09 am
I agree with #28
The Republicrats have no regard or concern for their party members, only for wealthy donors, corporate CEOs, and Unions or PACs. That said, we still have to try to reclaim our Party and the only way we can do that is to retire Hillary’s debt and refuse to vote for BO. We have to by either using or silently condoning sexism, the DNC, the media, and their corporate sponcers will suffer the consequences. These will not be “party unity” until the Party returns to it’s principles and honor the vote of it’s constituents.
July 4, 2008 at 11:19 am
annabelle,just read the above from my link at the confluence a truely inspired document. Please do not forget today is Hillary Clinton financial independence day if 500,000 people donate $ 20.08 the debt is gone and Hillary can walk free at he the convention.
My $ 44.44 contribution has been made @ 1216EST 4th of July 2008 because I still believe she will make the best choice for our 44th president.
fuzzybeargville
July 4, 2008 at 11:22 am
Hey thanks, Semidi and Lynn, for your comments. Dialogue is part of the point here, and I hear your objections. I agree with you both to a certain extent, but I would ask you to consider this in addition to everything else.
PUMA is unified by their support of Hillary. Wherever else we fall on the spectrum, we all support Hillary and think Obama’s selection was irresponsible and unjust. There is a lot here for which we should be angry with the Democratic Party. BUT, what if we could build something before the Convention that was pretty significant, and what if we forced them to recognize us before and at the Convention? Wouldn’t that be movement on transforming the party into something more in line with your (and our) values?
It sounds like for both of you want to be able to have a legitimate choice when it comes to voting for candidates. You are, like a lot of PUMAs deeply principled citizens. We all know how corrupt the Republicans are. It goes without saying that they are for moneyed interests, and that is the foundation of their party and their principles. But Democrats have traditionally, and should continue to be founded, on something else, something more in line with the common people, since it is through their consent (going by shear numbers) that they govern.
July 4, 2008 at 11:23 am
Hey thanks fuzzy. I donated this morning. Posted it at the Confluence!
July 4, 2008 at 11:25 am
One last thing, because I forgot. If the DNC won’t listen before and at the Convention, I , and I think most PUMAs, are totally on board with leaving the party and trying to build something else to take it’s place.
July 4, 2008 at 11:52 am
YAY! ANANBELLE!!!!!
July 4, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Excellent! I totally agree. The Rules Committee violated the rules it was supposed to enforce. The “D” in “DNC” really stands for “dictatorship”. PUMA
July 4, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Oh crap, here’s an idea! Flood the PA governor’s mansion (HOUND creator Ed Rendell’s office) with e-mails and paper copies. Man, that would be something! Info:
Governor Edward G. Rendell’s Office
225 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Governor/govmail.html
July 4, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Awesome. I will send this to the supers from my state (I suppose including HRC because she is my senator!)
If anyone wants to send the declaration to their Supers, use this site:
http://www.lobbydelegates.com/
It’s very quick and easy to email Supers, you can also request to send them a hard copy by mail.
July 4, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Great job! Thank you so much.
July 4, 2008 at 2:23 pm
WONDERFUL!!!! Thank-you for all your hard work. I’ll get lots of these printed up!!
July 4, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Nice. We had our first O-bot. I deleted his comment.
That said: here are the links to the Mydd and Dailykos Declaration diaries. If you are a member there, please rec those diaries up. Better yet, since my diary scrolled off by morning (I posted them at 12:0-something too), just copy and past this whole thing into a new diary with a link back here at the end so they can peruse the links.
http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/7/4/0525/17048
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/7/4/0144/06708/836/546312
Thanks!
July 4, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Happy Independence Day! Nice work! I’ll post you at SavagePolitics & around (credited, natch)!
July 4, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Fantastic, thanks nomnomnom. We got picked up by Corrente too. I wanted to post my thanks, but ironically, even though I signed up to comment over a week ago account is still in moderation. Heheh. Oh well.
July 4, 2008 at 3:39 pm
If anyone needs a copy of the text with html formatting present (to preserve links), I can send you an rtf of it. You will most likely have to reformat the spacing though.
July 4, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Beautifully expressed and well thought out. Thank you.
July 4, 2008 at 4:16 pm
28 semidi
Everyone needs to accept the fact that the Democratic Party is a dead-end for progressives and liberals and switch the Green Party.
…This is the best time to do this. Let’s strike while the iron is hot.
====
Semidi, I read the links to the original documents and their history that annabelle posted. It took those women years to forge change.
The Green Party jumped the gun in 2000 and what did they get for it? Bush won and even Nader shat on them instead of building the party from that time on.
Forgive me for not panicking. We have time to enact great change as time unfolds. First things first.
And this is a brilliant start!
Thanks, annabelle~! I will be cross-posting this and posting it in the real world.
July 4, 2008 at 4:19 pm
34 annabellep
One last thing, because I forgot. If the DNC won’t listen before and at the Convention, I , and I think most PUMAs, are totally on board with leaving the party and trying to build something else …
=========
Those in Massachusetts PLEASE REMAIN DEMS till SEPT!!
There is an important primary where we can kick JOHN KERRY to the curb and elect a populist progressive Ed O’Reilly to take his place!!!!
July 4, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Great point, Zee. We support Ed O’Reilly’s cause here at P&L.
July 4, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Thank you for this wonderful document. What an inspiration!
July 4, 2008 at 5:07 pm
[...] the grand tradition of American political declarations, a group of PUMAs have prepared a declaration — part Declaration of Independence, part Declaration of Sentiments, part Martin [...]
July 4, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Beautifully written! I sent a link to Howard Dean.
July 4, 2008 at 5:34 pm
annabellep, what a beautiful document . thank you. PUMA
July 4, 2008 at 5:49 pm
[...] with links here: http://annabellep.wordpress.com/2008/07/ 04/declaration-of-objections/ Posted in [...]
July 4, 2008 at 5:55 pm
As an observer, living in Ireland I would compliment you on
an excellent resume of what has happened in recent months,
I feel that the injustices and the corruption of natural justice that has been inflicted upon the Democratic party in general and upon Senator Clinton in particular by the Democratic National Committee should be further publicized by the more balanced American press.
I cannot understand how any Democrat, who has seen the way the election was conducted, the unfairness of the D>N>C, the bias of
the media. the subjugation of one of the Presidential candidates……it is more like what happens in Zimbabwe………
a stain on the history of the great nation of America.
Who could in all conscience could continue to unite and work for a disgraced party? Democrats should consider their own pride and withhold their support and funding until all has been rectified.
Politics in the United States are at gutter level and could not be lower at present,as seen from this side of the pond.Take back,
Democrats,your historical party and restore it to its’ former glory.
Best of good fortune with this problem
Senex, Ireland
July 4, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Hhow abut a million person march at the convention site to DEMAND JUSTICE! the OBOMMUNISTS are screwing up the party and potentially this country! Rally your troops! protest! demonstrate! demand that Clinton be voted on the first ballot! she will WIN!# 1 ! HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY ! GO FOR IT!!!!! now is the time !!!
July 4, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Please let’s all work toward the convention and make sure Hillary is on the ballot and there will be a roll call. Let’s plan to attend the convention and be there for Hillary and for 18 million people who voted for her.
July 4, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Nice! There is a typo, though, that should be fixed before this is widely disseminated:
but we will use every instrumental within our power
July 4, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Well said!
July 4, 2008 at 7:11 pm
That’s great! Everyone please digg her blog.
http://digg.com/politics/PUMA_s_Declaration_of_Objections
July 4, 2008 at 7:27 pm
46 Zee,
I have no illusions that Cynthia McKinney — or whichever Green gets nominated — will win the White House this year.
As you said, it took years for the Suffragettes to build their movement. This is the best time for a Green Party recruitment drive, to get people into a party that will better represent them, and to show the Democratic Party’s leadership that the Dems aren’t the only game in town for those of us who can’t stomach voting for a Republican.
That might mean a win for McCain, but you know what? We’ve survived eight years of the Bush Junta, so I’m willing to bet we can survive two years of Grumpy McAngrypants and two years of whatever wingnut VP succeeds him when Grumpy dies of a stroke in office.
I think that the best shot of reforming the Democratic Party requires working from the outside, by building up a decent opposition party.
If Hillary Clinton couldn’t change the party from the inside, what chance do the rest of us have?
July 4, 2008 at 8:10 pm
semididi,
While I understand your point of view, many of us are not yet ready to officially leave the Democratic Party. For myself, I am prepared to leave, but not ready yet. I think if we walk away before even trying to rectify at the Convention, then that will have a negative effect on Hillary’s power. If we try to make them listen, then leave if they won’t, that embues her with much more power. I think I said that earlier, not sure if you caught it.
July 4, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Thanks, Zelda, for the tip. I fixed it.
July 4, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Semidi — leave and go Green? I considered that myself. Cynthia McKinney has much to recommend her, but her ties to Farrakhan are intolerable.
She gave a lecture on the death of Malcolm X not long ago. You may be familiar with the person Betty Shabazz accused of being responsible for that event.
July 4, 2008 at 11:35 pm
This made my 4th the most meaningful yet! Some leaders of the democratic party have forgotten why our forefathers and “foremothers” established this nation. It was because of the tyranny of English rule. This document reminds us how our present day circumstances in the democratic party are very akin to how England treated its colonists in the New World.
For those who think the democratic party leaders will not pay attention to a few bloggers, I say its more important to protest and to continue to protest even if it seems in vain because that is what “justice demands.” Our nation was founded on “dissent” and every great movement in this country that raised the consciousness of the citizenry of this nation always began with the refusal of the individual or a “few” to bow down to the “status quo” and to those who were in power.
July 5, 2008 at 12:01 am
[...] Day (h/t DWPforHill at bitterpoliticz for the title). Yesterday we published and shared the Declaration of Objections. For those of you who want to join us in our real world action tomorrow, today we prep for the [...]
July 5, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Excellent, thank you, also for the many links to other articles. One piece that I feel is missing from everything I read is the super-delegate piece. All during early spring O and the media were making it clear they wouldn’t stand for the SD deciding the nominee. Then when SD started moving toward O, fueled by his 3 to 1 contributions to them, all mention of SD disappeared. Many folks, to this day, think O won enough delegates in the primary elections to clinch the nomination. He didn’t. When they proclaimed him the winner it was based on 395 SD that had been polled by the media. If the SD had gone for HC, the plan on O side was to riot in the streets, every media outlet would have had the headline, SD pick nominee, and I doubt Dean would have gone along with declaring her the winner based on SD. Think we should add something about SD not being allowed to pick the nominee or declare prior to the convention.
July 5, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I’m a Republican, but have been following the issue of the Democratic Party nomination with interest and am in sympathy with those who for very valid reasons are objecting to the way in which the Democratic primary process has been controlled and manipulated by special interests within the party. This Declaration of Objections sums it all up and I commend you all.
July 5, 2008 at 8:49 pm
annabellep,
Thank you for this Declaration of Objectives. I like that….. “Stantonian Democrat”. See you in Denver with my extra pair of flip flops! From a Michigander, who feels our state, and Hillary, was shafted! I am off to contribute $20.08 and to digg this!
July 5, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Good Job!!!!
By now the DNC must realize they made a “Bonehead Mistake” and picked the WRONG guy – BUT – they can fix it at the convention and elect Senator Hillary Clinton as the Democratic Nominee.
Obama is a FRAUD!
July 5, 2008 at 10:40 pm
I think these are perfect. I agree with you 100%
July 5, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Supers should be really uncomfortable with letting the DNC pressure them into endorsing the weakest candidate.
They have time to correct their decision, let’s hope they do.
July 5, 2008 at 11:39 pm
[...] read more | digg story [...]
July 5, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Thank you! This says it all.. perfectly. The Declaration is an excellent document that I hope will be published widely.
July 5, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Excellent document. PUMA makes sense . . . for those of us who want to take bacj out Party and stop the sale of superdelegate votes. Our time is now. Go PUMAS!
July 6, 2008 at 12:06 am
Great Document. We have and should allways have are independece and our freedom of speech. I love being a PUMA and we need to take our Party back and if not that then we are strong enough to crush the UnDemocratic Party and start a New Democratic Party.God Bless America
July 6, 2008 at 12:18 am
I finally had time to go back and tally what I hope is everyone who had a hand in creating this document:
I do want to make it known that I only drafted it. It was substantially changed as a result of discussion that went down in the 1st draft thread. Many PUMA paws went into the revision, and we all deserve credit. Valhalla, RegencyG, CognitiveDissonence, diana, honora, josgirl, & bostonboomer
all offered opinions and contributions, as did others in that thread. If you see them around online someplace, offer some kudos.
July 6, 2008 at 12:58 am
[...] http://annabellep.wordpress.com/2008/07 … bjections/ [...]
July 6, 2008 at 2:26 am
Great article. I’ll be sending this to everyone in my address book, Democratic and Republican a like. I do have a question. It’s my understanding that Obama campiagned both in Michigan and Florida which was not allowed and the DNC knows. Does anyone know if this is true and if so is the DNC really going to do nothing about it. My email is proudwoman4hillary@yahoo.com
July 6, 2008 at 10:12 am
Bravo! on this piece, annabellep, and the same for your view on supporting Senator Clinton through the convention!
I would like to most highly recommend a video newly put up at larouchepac.com, “1932.”
Senator Hillary Clinton is our modern day FDR, and a good part of this video is about FDR’s fight for the nomination, including at the 1932 convention. Today’s happenings are not explicitly mentioned, but the parallels are striking and obvious.
Those who hate what Franklin Delano Roosevelt stood for will hate this video. It also features lots of rare historical political cartoons and movie footage.
July 6, 2008 at 11:12 am
I met with a local meetup group in Oakland California yesterday.
We are getting organized to help plan for Denver, and for marches within our state to coordinate with other major cities across the country.
We had people attend from San Jose, San Francisco and San Ramon as well as Oakland. The organizer is also planning a conference call with Southern Ca.
If you are in the state, please go to this site and join us.
http://hrclinton.meetup.com/129/
It was a great time brainstorming and sharing ideas.
I even met the famous Normita.
Please join us if you are in Calif. to ensure our state organizes a HUGE number of participants.
July 6, 2008 at 11:39 am
Obama did campaign briefly in Florida, which was against the rules and for which he was to be penalized, but apparently was not.
He didn’t campaign in Michigan during the primary, because he thought he’d gain more by taking over the caucus in Iowa and letting Michigan go.
Michigan was headed for a Clinton win, but the DNC was declaring the votes wouldn’t count, if the election were earlier than what they wanted in the steering of the first primary wins for Obama.
July 6, 2008 at 1:42 pm
One tiny step for O-de-man, one giant leap for women-kind.
Great job.
Well done.
Hillary in ‘08
There can be no other!
July 6, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I’m proud to be a PUMA comrade.
But a few words, anabellep:
Superb, intelligent, cogent, accurate, dead-on, inspiring, motivating, hopeful, AMERICAN!
July 6, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I am so very proud to be a part of this remarkable group.
Thankfully there are those who are able to express so eloquently what so many are feeling.
Thanks to all of you who are helping us to get this put out there for all to see.
HILLARY 08
July 6, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Nice work! It gives me so much hope! Thanks to all who had a hand in this. I can’t wait for Denver. The DNC and all those who have labeled us as “disgruntled old women” and said “we just need to get over it”. On 5/31, I was in DC. and I came home feeling so DISMISSED, but then this wonderful movement evolved.
Proud to be a Puma!
Marg Mackall
July 6, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Annabelle, re: your comment #61. You are totally on target. There are times when it is almost obligatory to have outside forces working to change government or corporations and I am familiar with them. In this particular case, it is mandatory that the membership change the DNC from the inside. They have demonstrated that they will not pay attention to anything, but they have to pay attention to the loss of your vote and your money.
I am an independent totally committed to PUMA. And I know that if I write to the DNC and tell me I object to everything the membership objects to, my objection will be shredded. But when y’all demand change, rectification, truth in politics and more, from the inside, you will shake up the system. Because the system depends on you, the members, not on me, the independent. And if democrats leave the DNC, you will lose your awesome leverage you are just beginning to wield.
Your Declaration of Objections is awesome. I plan to print it out and post it on bulletin boards where I live. I don’t know if it is considered a political document and if there are restrictions on it, but I’ll find out.
Thank you with all my heart to each one who gave input to this genuine Declaration. You spoke for all of us.
July 6, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Folks this is brillaint and to get the attention it deserves we have to work together and DIGG it
It needs 150 DIGGS to be a top story – we have gone from 11 DIGGS to 87 in in less then 24 hrs
Here is the link – if you are not registered its easy (takes 5 minutes)
http://digg.com/politics/PUMA_s_Declaration_of_Objections
Spread the word – thanks
PUMA
July 6, 2008 at 6:24 pm
tremendous work…i am very glad to be a part of a movement that is identifying the negative behaviors that have become so pervasive on the national political scene. i’ve wondered if the dnc leadership has been psyched out by watching too many reruns of the godfather or reading karl rove’s playbook over and over. thank you for putting together all the objections. i’ll print this and post it in as many places as i can. i’ll plastic protect the pages, carry them with me where i go and refer to the objections as talking points to anyone who will listen to me. PUMA
July 6, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Excellent testament ***** 5 stars!!! We must put “country before party” when any branch in our government chooses their will over the will of the American people. We are fighting for the right of all Americans to be heard. We must preserve this fundamental freedom for our children. It is a cause that is greater than our selves. Shall we risk the peril of losing our voices, to have our freedoms disappear like a silent thief in the night? Will the DNC actions affect all Americans? YES! The DNC is going to override the voices of the people and tell you who one of your choices for president will be in the general election. Is this right? NO. Every American should be concerned, and angry. We have one “selected” presumptive nominee (NOBAMA) and one “elected” nominee (McCain). How soon will it be before ALL the candidates are “selected” for us? Democratic, Republican, and Independent voters will lose half their choices in the general election. Is this the America you envision for your children? NO!! If we lose our voice, the world will lose their voice, and our children will have NO VOICE.
It’s time to rein the politicians in. Aren’t you tired of this win at any cost mentality that is starting to destroy America with ARROGANT politicians that do not put America before their own self interests for power and wealth? The Democratic Rules Committee took votes from one candidate and gave them to another. How could that be? Votes have to be counted in the same strength and manner in which they were cast by the voters in America. You know something is terribly wrong when millions of democrats are putting COUNTRY before their own PARTY to protect their voice in elections. We have the right to “elect” the nominee with our votes. The Democratic Rules Committee took votes from one candidate and gave them to another. How could that be? Votes have to be counted in the same strength and manner in which they were cast by the voters in America.It’s time to rein the politicians in. Aren’t you tired of this win at any cost mentality that is starting to destroy America with ARROGANT politicians that do not put America before their own self interests for power and wealth?
July 7, 2008 at 3:26 am
Bravo to all the hard working people that have made this possible.. Yes we need to let the parties know that we will not take anything corrupt by seating down. I have signed as many petitions as I can to have Hillary on the ballot. That is a must. The parties and the government need to know that Americans will fight back and continue to fight back as long as possible. All of these hard work by Helen Nadel, Liverp2, Jackanna410, etc. And especially the PUMA Organization have shown to me that I am not standing alone in fighting for my vote to be counted correctly.
July 7, 2008 at 9:37 am
Hi! I am stealing this to post on an Eons.com group I started- with a link back of course!
I needed soemthing to get this new group focused and you are it!
Thanks- if you object, please let me know and I will take it down right away!
July 7, 2008 at 10:02 am
commonsense. Steal this post. It’s free and available for use without attribution. Thanks for spreading it!
July 7, 2008 at 12:33 pm
To quote what I posted at Reclusive Leftist:
And profound thanks to you both for all the superb writing and inspiration.
July 7, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Just a few days ago, guess I was musing out loud that it seemed as if it was now time to wind down somewhat on the more philosophical/literary portions of the blogs and start to focus more narrowly on our objectives regarding the DNC/Convention/presidential nomination. (Don’t get me wrong – there have been many, many brilliant pieces written that have inspired us all. Well, we’ve been and remain inspired.)
My rather apolitical Irish-born (naturalized American citizen) husband, who does vote, said in response -
“Well, there’s no Pulitzer Prize for writing on the blogs, is there?” He had a point.
The Declaration is a very necessary piece of work. This is the sort of thing that needs to be written and signed onto in order for us to be taken very seriously. Only about 7 weeks left to get our job done. When PUMAs growl, we mean it.
July 8, 2008 at 12:38 am
Great article. Obama is NOT the legitimate nominee and never will be. Now where is the Petition to sign?
July 8, 2008 at 2:13 am
WHOOO HOOO!!!Hope the teeth bite!
July 8, 2008 at 9:27 am
[...] read more | digg story [...]
July 9, 2008 at 11:10 am
Here is what happened in Florida: the Republican governor (Crist) and the Republican legislature initiated the early vote with a very important Save Our Homes initiative on the ballot. This bill doubles the homestead exemption and makes it portable. It was very important to homeowners in the state hid hard by hurricanes and the resultant skyrocketing of homeowner’s insurance premiums. In my county, an artificial “bubble” resulted in higher tax collections, which did not result in a lower millage rate for homeowners. I know this is confusing, but it is the reason Floridians voted early…a dirty trick by the Repugs.
If you really do not want to vote for Barack Obama, then write in your candidate. Hillary will not win the Democratic nomination. If you, as a Democrat, vote for McCain, then you have violated your own principles, cut off your nose to spite your face, thrown the baby out with the bathwater…
July 9, 2008 at 11:20 am
breezi,
All of us are quite aware of exactly how the Florida and Michigan debacles came to pass. And we reject your attempt to tell us how to use our leverage this year. We don’t give one whiff of shit about your opinion on what we do or should do.
July 9, 2008 at 3:52 pm
[...] in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence and the Declaration of Sentiments, drafted a Declaration of Objections, included a call to action, and provided updates and photos here and [...]
July 10, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I couldn’t read all the comments, but has anyone talked about what HRC thinks about all this? Isn’t it important that she’s on-board with this? I wish she hadn’t conceded and took the fight all the way to the convention. It would have given America enough time to see Obama as he truly is–a dangerous man to America. Is it too late? since she’s already conceded? Or can enough superdelegates be encouraged to switch by Convention time to give the nomination to her? And I wish she would stop showing up in those Unity charades. She should spend her precious time and effort to campaign for herself to retire her own campaign debts, since BHO and his supporters have no intention of helping her in this regard. BHO just dangles the VP in front of her and has absolutely no intention of giving it to her. And truth be told, she should throw it back at his face if he offers it to her. He’s no good. She should go her own way and build on her elder stateswoman status. BHO is going to screw up so badly if he’s lucky enough to get to the W.H. that tying herself to him will bode bad things for HRC.
July 10, 2008 at 3:53 pm
To clarify… I asked in my previous post what HRC thinks about all this, because she’s going around BHO, fundraising, etc. Why doesn’t she stop? BHO and his supporters will never do anything for her. He needs HRC more than she needs him. She has the upperhand in this case. She’s gained so much respect with her courageous fight during the primaries, why doesn’t she just stay away from this guy? Why doesn’t she wake up and see that he will never never never offer her the VP spot? She needs to go out and campaign for herself, not only to retire her debts, but to gather money that she will need if, by miracle, she is given the nomination at the convention. Judging by the last Bob Herbert’s column in the NY Times, BHO is making his own core supporters nervous with this flips and flops. And there’s enough time for those dumb “superdelegates” — which is another illegal and undemocratic idea — to change their minds and give their support to her. After all, they were the ones who gave it to him. Neither BHO or HRC could outright claim to be the nominee without the “superdelegates.” If those dummies gave it to BHO, they sure as hell can take it away from him.
She needs to be ready if and when the nomination comes her way, and showing up in Unity Charades is not going to help her case, or the case of her supporters who desperately don’t want BHO. I am so sick and tired of the Dem party. I changed my party this year because of what was happening in the primaries. They don’t represent me. And that thing that really galls me is when I hear about what’s good for the Party. What about what’s good for the Country? What a novel idea.
July 12, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Did anyone mention that there is something real obviously wrong with a party that is more than half female, but 2 out of 3 superselegates are male?
The Democratic Party has an inappropriate glass ceiling.
July 24, 2008 at 10:09 pm
I am an Obama-troll. I leave my stinking piles of shit everywhere. Hopefully soon I’ll be leaving this world Russert-style, but in the meantime, I’m gonna shit everywhere. Hope you don’ t mind the stink!
July 26, 2008 at 11:21 am
I agree, DoB, she should ignore him, but this movement isn’t about her: it’s about holding the Democratic Party accountable when they act like Republicans. We’re keeping the Democratic Party democratic, as Heidi Li so eloquently put it.
Great point, Lu4Puma.
August 2, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I agreed with you
August 8, 2008 at 1:09 am
[...] I have had a relationship in the past. They spearheaded the effort to get a modified version of the Declaration out of the pumasphere once it went viral, and coordinated with Seneca160 to hold events on the [...]
January 2, 2009 at 2:18 am
[...] The Declaration of Objections: This is my real #1 post, even though it comes in at #2. This post is also responsible for the most traffic hits I’ve ever received in one day, over 1,800, on July 4th. Special thanks to Blue Lyon, New Hampster, and Dr. Violet Socks for re-posting this important piece of rhetoric at the time. [...]