http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/category_rss/education What is wrong with the funding for important public policy think tanks on the  progressive/liberal side?  Rockridge is most associated with its co-founder and nationally known promoter of "framing," George Lakoff. But we came to know that it had a wonderful, committed, intelligent staff that tirelessly worked on helping to gain the high ground from right-wing think tanks by creating strategies for asserting progressive values in a manner that was cogent and persuasive. Unfortunately, we learned on April 21 that Rockridge must cease its work due to lack of sufficient funding. It is a dilemma faced by many innovative efforts to counter the right-wing rhetoric and think tanks. There has been some growth in investment in long-term progressive infrastructure -- beyond the immediacy of the political races themselves -- but not nearly enough. I can only see that money is what matters .  "Today's continuing success of the Hoover Institution is in large part attributable to the huge contribution of the Volker Fund, an endowment of tens of millions of dollars that support the domestic research programs of the Institution," said Raisian. "As chairman of the Volker Foundation, Morris Cox was key in arranging for a gift of $7 million which has grown tenfold today." And this : The market value of Hoover’s endowment as of August 31, 2004, was $276 million, with an additional $15 million of current reserves held in endowment. Look at the expenditures and revenue for the American Enterprise Institute, which does not include it's internal endowment: AEI enjoyed another year of very solid financial performance in 2006, with revenues of $28.4 million and $23.6 million in expenditures. Now look at the Heritage Foundation Annual Report for 2007 : Assets: 196,846,298 Operation Expenses: 48,783,325 Operation Revenue: 48,783,325 Operating Surplus: 429,078  What am I missing...an inspirational think tank co-founded by George Lakoff yet it goes under because progressive/liberal deep pocket funders cannot see beyond the next election cycle?  Is that it? There has been much discussion on the part of some people on the left on developing a "pipeline" that is the equivalent to what the right has.  I.e., recent graduates from higher education are hired by institutions like the Hoover Institute, American Enterprise Institute, etc. and then will be able to write and publish at their endowed chairs because the right's deep pocket funders are able to understand that in order to develop the intellectual part of a social movement it is necessary to spend money over long time frames. This is the biggest weakness that developing a left wing counter part has been so far unsuccessful to do because there is no consistent stream of money to fund insitutions beyond the election cycle. Will it be up to small donors to fulfill the gap and have the persistence of vision to make it work? How would you make the financials work that is people powered rather than have a few "fat cats" pulling the strings?  http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennethdebacker/CqY9 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennethdebacker/CqY9/commentary#comments Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:35:45 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennethdebacker/CqY9 Ken Ken 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqY9/ I seem to upset right-wing bloggers every time I point out how state Board of Ed member Bob Schaffer's charter school friends haven't turned out to be very good at, you know, running schools. Which seems to not be a dealbreaker when you have powerful allies like Schaffer to vote your way no matter how egregiously these for-profit charter schools fail children while siphoning money from public schools. Some of the more overtly corrupt political stuff involving Schaffer's buddies in the charter school "choice" bonanza, though, seems to be coming home to roost: Elections panel sets record $5.2 million fine A record $5.2 million fine was levied yesterday by the Ohio Elections Commission against a pro-charter-school group that helped elect Republicans across Ohio in 2006. The whopping fine fell on All Children Matter, a Michigan-based organization that the commission said illegally funneled $870,000 in campaign contributions through its Virginia political-action committee to its PAC in Ohio in 2006. David Brennan of Akron, Ohio's biggest charter-school operator, has donated $200,000 to the group... The fine amount was unheard of, particularly from a commission that is regularly criticized by watchdog groups and others for going light on campaign-finance violators. Philip C. Richter, executive director of the commission, said his previous highest recommendation for a fine was about $90,000. But normal cases don't exceed campaign contribution limits by $870,000. For those of you not following the David Brennan story here in Colorado , one of his charter schools in Denver was ordered closed by DPS for underperformance in '07, but Bob Schaffer cast the deciding vote on the Colorado Board of Education forcing DPS to reconsider--right before he took thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from Brennan. Brennan had also donated to Schaffer's '04 Senate run. And a year later, the same Denver charter school was once again ordered onto a watch list for continued failing scores . Various excuses made by Brennan and White Hat about their failing schools, blaming locals and disclaiming day-to-day control of these schools, look less credible after this report from last week. Also from Ohio: Teachers union asks IRS to curb charters The Ohio Federation of Teachers on Thursday sent a letter to the Internal Revenue Service asking it to investigate the nonprofit, tax-exempt status of at least 25 of the charter schools run by White Hat Management Inc. White Hat, a for-profit company based in Akron, operates 31 charter schools in Ohio, including four Cincinnati-area schools: Life Skills Centers in Middletown, Walnut Hills and Roselawn, and Riverside Academy, a Hope Academy in Riverside. Its Ohio schools serve more than 9,000 students; the schools received about $85 million in state revenue last year, the union said... Ohio law says charter schools - which are public schools run by independent boards - must be nonprofit or sponsored by a nonprofit authorizing entity. The IRS guidelines for nonprofit status are more specific, with several dozen standards that must be met before a school has tax-exempt "501(c)3" status. The union's letter says that White Hat's Ohio schools don't meet those federal standards. Susan Taylor, president of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, said White Hat, which is supposedly hired by the schools' boards, exercises too much control over the schools, boards and finances, violating IRS rules, she said. Also, at least 95 percent of these schools' revenues - mainly Ohio education dollars - are "passed through" to for-profit White Hat entities. Hat tip for these stories: Colorado Pols Blog-right windbags blustering on about these wonderful charter schools and the qualityplusvalue they deliver to students and taxpayers alike? Defending Bob Schaffer as the kindly champion of disadvantaged kids? Here are the people he's really fronting for, and be assured: they're in it for the money, and so is Bob Schaffer. Thank you, Bob. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/Cqft http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/Cqft/commentary#comments Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:02:14 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/Cqft Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cqft/ Anyone else sick of kids peddling gift wrap, candy bars and other unwanted stuff for their schools?  Couldn't we just fully fund public education?  Great Education Colorado Action and “Granny” are—again—exposing the chronic underfunding of public education that has taken a toll on kids and families across Colorado. Check it out at: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2700/t/5492/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=861.   This video pokes fun at the butter braids, oranges, smelly candles and other random junk that we buy to "help the kids' schools."  But it’s a serious problem—these fundraisers now fund the basics like teachers and books instead of “extras.”   Why?  Because Colorado’s investment in public education is $1,034 less per student than the national average. If you're sick being bombarded by school fundraisers--and think schools should be fully funded--pass it on!       http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/progressivepromoter/CqTW http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/progressivepromoter/CqTW/commentary#comments Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:59:10 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/progressivepromoter/CqTW Progressive Promoter Progressive Promoter 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqTW/ I am a consultant in development economics, so I travel internationally a lot. Currently I am in West Africa. This exposure gives me a special perspective on our elections. To the world, America is not just another country - it is an Idea. That Idea embodies all the words that we throw around in our political discourse - opportunity, justice, democracy, inclusion, tolerance. So this election is about the Idea of America. (Don't get me wrong. I have met no one so naïve as to think the reality always measures up to the ideal. People understand all about bigotry, abuse of power, kleptocracy, corruption and injustice. But these facts on the ground do not overcome the Idea.) One of the many tragedies of the Bush-Cheney years is that this Idea of America is on the verge of being extinguished in the eyes of the world. America is increasingly seen as guided by self-righteous self-interest. Big, dangerous, disrespectful, selfish, threatening and bullying. Bush and Cheney have turned America into just another country. So the issue here is not Hillary Clinton's question of which candidate crosses the threshold to be Commander-in-Chief. The issue is which candidate crosses the threshold to shift America from the pursuit of self-righteous self-interest back to the Idea of America. Which candidate most recognizes that our national self-interest is best furthered by embracing the Idea that America represents, that leadership means having a willing following, not one cajoled into obedient ranks by threats and bribery; one that recognizes our mutual global interdependence, not beggar-my-neigbor and go it alone. The world is following our election very closely. People may not understand our political process very well, with primaries and caucuses and all that. But they understand that democracy is in action. We are in a process that is being watched by cab drivers, waitresses, street vendors and panhandlers from Abuja to Yerevan and from Nassau to Addis Ababa. If we show the world that Americans can use democracy to restore the Idea of America, all God's children will be dancing in the streets. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/bullwinkle/CqTS http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/bullwinkle/CqTS/commentary#comments Mon, 10 Mar 2008 06:28:52 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/bullwinkle/CqTS Doc Martin Doc Martin 9 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqTS/ The wheels are moving to enshrine the current occupant of the White House on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. While it's clear the driving force to create this facility is to protect the secrets and offenses of the coWH, it is fun to see some critics having a laugh at W's expense. Still, there is soooo much work to be done correcting the damage he has done. America certainly does not deserve Bush McClone as the next President. Reprinted from an admired source (with a few choice edits) with an encouragement to share. The George W. Bush Museum is being planned at Southern Methodist U. DALLAS Methodists opposed to a George W. Bush Presidential Library, Museum and Policy Institute at Southern Methodist University here are mounting a last-ditch effort to block a nearly completed deal by throwing the decision to a regional church conference in July. Prominent features of the George W. Bush Library are: 1. The Hurricane Katrina Room, which will be perpetually under construction. 2. The Alberto Gonzales Room, where you can't remember anything and practice the phrases "…yes Mr. President…whatever you want, Mr. President." 3. The Texas Air National Guard Room where you don't even have to show up. 4. The Walter Reed Hospital Room, where they don't let you in. 5. The Guantanamo Bay Room, where they don't let you out. 6. The Weapons of Mass Destruction Room, which no one has been able to find. 7. The Iraq War Room. After you complete your first tour, they make you go back for a second, third, fourth, and sometimes fifth tour. 8. The Dick Cheney Room in the famous undisclosed location, complete with shooting gallery. 9. The Airport Men's Room, where you can meet some of your favorite Republican Senators. 10. Last, but not least, there will be an entire floor devoted to a 7/8 scale model of the President's ego. To highlight the President's accomplishments, the museum will have an electron microscope to help you locate them. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqTV http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqTV/commentary#comments Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:49:25 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqTV Ralph T http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqTV/ Every so often it's fun to take a stroll around Colorado right-wing blogs and see what our friends over there are talking about. It's kind of fun, and much like the feeling the Baptist preacher had leaving the strip bar, it doesn't leave you as dirty as you might think. It's actually an encouraging thing to do. I noted with interest a year or so ago how many brand-new rightie blogs were springing up in Colorado, coinciding with the return of native son Dick Wadhams, who developed the art of blog echo-chambers as campaign attack vehicles in GOP campaigns around the country. True, the last one in Virginia didn't go so well (Macaca), but that's an aberration in an otherwise formidable background. Guy's pretty good at what he does, his record precedes him. But I'm sorry to say that some of those new blogs didn't last very long. Some are gone completely , others are simply moribund as their authors tire of shilling for the Republican Party day after day with no apparent readership. Which helps sum up their problem. The biggest issue I've seen on these blogs is their generally unquestioning devotion to their party, and more to the point, GOP Senate candidate Bob Schaffer-which makes sense given Wadhams' time-honored strategy of paying blogger sockpuppets. I do see where they're coming from with this, being barely able to think and speak in grammatical sentences makes it tough for them to get that lefty blogs don't offer the same airtight propaganda in defense of their side. Criticism of Mark Udall, Ken Salazar, and other prominent Democrats is easy to find on just about any lefty blog, including this one, where Republican sites like Face the State are singlemindedly devoted to the cause of making the GOP look good. This has the effect of leaving the reader feeling as though he is reading an paid advertisement, not a candid opinion, and it shouldn't be a surprise that readers vote with their feet after awhile. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/Cqk7 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/Cqk7/commentary#comments Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:19:40 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/Cqk7 Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cqk7/ The Association for Women's Self Defense Advancement (AWSDA) will be holding their annual training seminar here in Pueblo in November 2009!! Participants will receive 4 days of intense self defense training and be able to explore an extensive self defense expo. Individuals may also choose to attend the conference and become a certified AWSDA Women's Self Defense Instructor, while networking with leading instructors from around the world. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/womensdefenseclass/Cqf5 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/womensdefenseclass/Cqf5/commentary#comments Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:47:19 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/womensdefenseclass/Cqf5 User from Pueblo, CO User from Pueblo, CO 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cqf5/ 12-15 hour course offered over three alternating Saturday's: March 1st, 15th & 29th at 12:00 noon to 5:30 p.m., class location @ The Dream Dance Arts Academy, 2334 N. Grand, in Pueblo. The course fee is $49 and includes a "FREE Life Time Return Policy", with completion of the course. Esther Mabry, Instructor, 719-251-5422 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/womensdefenseclass/Cqfp http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/womensdefenseclass/Cqfp/commentary#comments Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:15:55 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/womensdefenseclass/Cqfp User from Pueblo, CO User from Pueblo, CO 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cqfp/ Okay, don't gloat. Colorado gift law revived The Colorado Supreme Court today reinstated Amendment 41, the controversial measure that limits and bans gifts to government officials. The court ruling reversed a Denver District Court preliminary injunction which stopped the ban from being implemented. "Amendment 41 is back in effect," said Nate Strauch, spokesman for Colorado Attorney General John Suthers. The court ruled the challenge by a group of public officials was premature because the ethics commission meant to enforce the amendment was never put in place. Strauch said only four of the five commission members have been selected so far. When the commission is completed, it will start promulgating rules to enforce the amendment and hear cases, he said. Then, the plaintiffs could file a new lawsuit if they felt the amendment caused them harm, he said... This is exactly what Amendment 41's opponents didn't want. Sagely Pols weigh in : What many of 41's opponents fear most is the Ethics Commission prescribed by the law being successfully established, since it is likely to shake out the more alarmist hypothetical cases posed by 41's detractors as baseless and establish operating procedures that administer the law fairly. What the Supremes said essentially is that commission has to be established now, and a actual sanction made before the case is "ripe" to be adjudicated. Amendment 41's defenders at Colorado Common "Curse" Cause insist that the commission will demystify the "scare tactics" used by opponents and show that Amendment 41 can work constitutionally, dramatically changing the discussion. What, you mean the sky won't fall after all? You mean all that nonsense about kids denied scholarships...is going to be proven just that? That the will of an overwhelming majority of Colorado voters...might actually be followed? Be still my heart. See also: Washing my hands of Amendment 41 Imagine that -- Amendment 41 is doing its job Post's devastating criticism of Amendment 41 obstinates Amendment 41: thank you, Speaker Romanoff Amendment 41: "lobbyist-driven hysteria" Amendment 41: now here's an interesting idea Amendment 41: don't believe the hype, hard numbers edition Colorado Confidential demolishes Amendment 41 hypocrisy Amendment 41: don't believe the hype, part III Amendment 41: don't believe the hype, part II STOP the passive aggression on Amendment 41 Amendment 41: don't believe the hype, part I http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqfB http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqfB/commentary#comments Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:20:40 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqfB Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqfB/ Today's INBOX contains a disheartening new report from "Foreign Policy Magazine," the Center for a New American Security resulting from a survey of more than 3,400 active and retired officers at the highest levels of command about the state of the U.S. military. Their by-line quote is significant: "They see a force stretched dangerously thin and a country ill-prepared for the next fight." So much for national security and a competent effort to fight the "Global War on Terrorism." Here's the direct link to the story. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4198&page=0 I find it striking that such a high level of criticism and cycism would come out of this survey population. FP and CNAS turned to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) for the survey population and polled a very large number to build the data. MOAA is a moderate to conservative leaning group. The seniority of the survey population largely makes the conclusions indisputable. So much for the health of the greatest military force on the face of the earth. *More in the extended text.* http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqDy http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqDy/commentary#comments Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:49:21 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqDy Ralph T http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 2 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqDy/ Last year, as you may recall, we expressed discomfort over Colorado Board of Education member Bob Schaffer's vote to force DPS to reconsider its decision to close the Life Skills Center Denver, a charter school plagued by below-average test scores but run by a major donor to Schaffer's US Senate campaign. Well, it's been a nearly a year, and you might find it interesting to see how Life Skills has done since Schaffer forced through one more chance for his donor buddy to get this education thing right (you know, what charter schools are supposed to do better than the public schools they siphon money from). Charter schools face the music District staff members are recommending the board place the seven charter and contract schools that have had academic problems on two-year probation with specific plans for improvement... Other board members said they are equally frustrated with the lack of progress at Life Skills Center of Denver, an alternative school for chronic dropouts that serves 238 students. "I've lost my patience with several of those schools," said board member Bruce Hoyt, who would not identify ones he will vote to close. That was yesterday. Today's papers report that Life Skills was one of the schools placed on "probation," presumably because so many charter schools are failing in Denver that they can't close them all at once. Not to mention that Schaffer would probably overrule them again. Obviously, in voting to force DPS to remain saddled with this failing program intended to serve Denver's most at-risk students, Schaffer had the best interests of... somebody at heart. Though it doesn't appear to have been Denver's most at-risk students. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDs http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDs/commentary#comments Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:39:20 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDs Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqDs/ ProgressNow Pledges to Hold Benson Accountable Colorado Progressives Express Hope that New CU President "Proves Us Wrong" FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, February 21, 2008 CONTACT: Michael Huttner, Executive Director (303)931-4547 DENVER: After a three week campaign in opposition to oil executive Bruce Benson's nomination to the Presidency of the University of Colorado, ProgressNow congratulated Benson on his approval and expressed hope that the issues raised during his selection process would be addressed. "Despite the concerns raised by many members of the CU community, Benson will be the next President of the University of Colorado and has tremendous challenges ahead of him," ProgressNow Executive Director Michael Huttner said. "We owe it to Colorado's flagship academic institution to support Benson as he tries to solve CU's conservative-engineered funding crisis. We hope he lives up to the commitments he made to reject his partisan political past and embrace the groundbreaking energy and climate research going on at CU." Huttner noted that nearly all CU faculty and student associations condemned Benson's nomination, with at least two Regents attempting at the last minute to have the search process restarted and multiple candidates made public. "We're going to continue to hold Benson accountable to ensure that he puts the interest of the CU community above his personal political agenda," Huttner said. Huttner concluded, "For the sake of the CU community, we hope that Benson proves us wrong." ProgressNow thanked the thousands of members who signed petitions at www.boycottbenson.com opposing Benson and sent thousands of messages directly to CU Regents, and promised to keep them informed about Benson's progress in the months ahead. ### http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqD7 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqD7/commentary#comments Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:53:21 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqD7 Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqD7/ Two things strike me as important lessons following the GOP coup of elevating Bruce Benson to CU President: that this could have been foreseen in the GOP indignation to removing BB from the Metro State Board, and that this is the price Colorado pays for GOP dominance of any governing board like the CU Regents. The end result remains that Colorado has reduced the CU President from being a distinguished post for an accomplished leader in high education to an opportunistic prize for a marketing driven and profit focused political activist. Every Congressional District nominating assembly/convention must take a closer look at candidates for CU Regent. Removing the GOP Regents currently representing districts of Democratic members of the US Congress should now receive higher priority. The holder of a CU Regent's seat does matter. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqD4 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqD4/commentary#comments Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:06:46 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CqD4 Ralph T http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 2 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqD4/ This Wednesday at 4:00 pm the CU Regents will decide whether to approve right-wing activist and oil executive Bruce Benson as the next President of the University of Colorado. Thousands of ProgressNow members and CU community members have already gone on record against Benson at our website, BoycottBenson.com. We need you to speak out now in opposition to Benson's divisive nomination by contacting the two swing votes: 1. CU Regent, Patricia Hayes (R-7th CD). Hayes is the Chair Board of Regents. To her credit, Hayes has reserved making a final decision until waiting to hear what people have to say. ( Boulder Daily Camera , February 16, 2008) 2. CU Regent Paul Schauer (R-6th CD). Schauer, to his credit, told the media that "he is reserving the right" to make a final decision after hearing what people had to say. ( Denver Post , February 1, 2008) Please POLITELY but firmly let Regent Hayes and Regent Schauer know that you are opposed to Benson and that CU deserves better. Email Patricia Hayes now at patricia.hayes@cu.edu and call her at (720) 771-2971. Email Paul Schauer now at paul.schauer@cu.edu and call him at (303) 771-6826. Points to share: -- Why was there a secretive selection process that led to the sole nomination of Benson? And how did Benson get special exemptions when he doesn't even hold the basic requirements for the position, such as any post graduate degree, academic research, or any experience in higher education administration? ( Denver Post , February 1, 2008; Boulder Daily Camera , February 17, 2008) -- Why would CU want Benson, who has become the most divisive nominee for President in over 30 years when he could use his fundraising more appropriately in other roles such as the CU Foundation or the Alumni Association? ( Rocky Mountain News , February 16, 2008) -- Why hasn't there been an investigation into Benson's threat to finance attack ads against current CU Regent Paul Schauer (R-6th CD), prior to Schauer's vote on Benson's nomination, if Schauer decided to run for reelection? ( Rocky Mountain News , January 31, 2008) -- Why would CU want Benson, who as Chair of the Board of Metro State, verbally disparaged Metro's former President, Sheila Kaplan, violating a legal settlement and costing Metro and Colorado taxpayers an additional $25,000 penalty? ( Denver Post , February 17, 2008) -- How will Benson's role as a founding member of the Trailhead group, a 527 political attack organization that targeted key lawmakers including the Current Chair of the Joint Budget Committee and Governor Ritter, affect appropriations for CU? ( Colorado Daily , 2/4/2008; Denver Post, Feb 17, 2008) -- Why did Benson, an oil executive, refuse to acknowledge the evidence of climate change, claiming there was "good and bad research" on the issue? ( Denver Post , February 5, 2008) -- Why did Benson give $1,000 to the legal defense fund of former U.S. Senator Bob Packwood who was accused of sexual harassment? ( Colorado Daily , February 4, 2008) -- How will the fact that Benson has two DUIs on his record affect to the CU community, which has worked hard under the leadership of Hank Brown to rid itself of the image of an alcohol-ridden campus ( Colorado Daily , 2/4/2008)? # # # Hearing Details:   If you wish to attend or to speak at the public hearing this Wednesday at 4:00pm immediately prior to the vote, it will be held at St. Cajetan's Center on the Auraria Campus in Denver.  To speak be sure to sign-in at the very beginning. If you haven't already, please take a moment to sign our petition opposing Benson at http://boycottbenson.com . http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDd http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDd/commentary#comments Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:45:30 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDd Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqDd/ Over 1500 people go on the record to oppose Benson for CU President: Over 250 are CU Students, Faculty and Staff For Immediate Release Monday, February 18, 2008 Contact:  Michael Huttner (303) 931-4547 Denver: ProgressNow today released over 1500 names and comments opposing Bruce Benson nomination to be the CU next President, including over 250 CU faculty, students and staff who have gone on the record in opposition to Benson. "At the risk of retaliation hundreds of faculty students and staff are going on the record opposing Benson," stated Michael Huttner, Executive Director of ProgressNow, Colorado's largest online advocacy organization. "We need the public to call on the CU Regents to reopen the process and find someone less divisive." The updated information for the contacting the swing votes can be found at http://boycottbenson.com . To view all the comments visit: http://www.progressnowaction.org/allbensoncomments ProgressNow also unveiled a half-page newspaper ad set to run tomorrow, displaying the names of hundreds of opponents to Benson's nomination. To view the ad, click on the links below: http://progressnowaction.org/bensonadlow (low resolution, 2.5MB) http://progressnowaction.org/bensonadhigh (full quality, 17.5MB)   Sample Quotes from staff students and faculty "Benson does not possess the credentials necessary to run the flagship university in the state of Colorado.  He holds an undergraduate degree in geology, is from an oil and gas background, questions climate change research, and is not fit to lead CU-Boulder." Sarah Vieweg "It is appalling that such a partisan, political figure is the SOLE finalist for an institution such as CU, which is striving to regain its high academic reputation after a difficult decade." Margaret Whelan "As students, faculty and staff, at the very least, we deserve a CHOICE in candidates, instead of the continued single options we are "offered." Even if he were a great candidate, at least respect the university community enough to provide actual options. Surely there is more than one single person in the entire United States who is potentially capable of running this fine university." Shannon Szameitat # # # http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDL http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDL/commentary#comments Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:20:39 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDL Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqDL/ Fellow Democrats, I am very, very concerned. I think that, if we don't properly handle our nomination process over the next month, we could lose ALL of the support and good will gained with voters since 2006. The issue that could undo us involves the Super Delegates to the national convention, and the Cognitive Dissonance they may create. Before I go further, let me tell you about my background. I was an elected county party secretary from 2000 - 2002. I was a member of both county and state central and executive committees. I also ran for the state senate. Now, let me tell you all a secret. To read the rest of the blog entry, click here: http://liberalnn.blogspot.com/ http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/bobsampron/CqDQ http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/bobsampron/CqDQ/commentary#comments Sun, 17 Feb 2008 18:42:29 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/bobsampron/CqDQ User from Littleton, CO User from Littleton, CO 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqDQ/ A bill recently introduced in the Colorado Senate would severely restrict sex education programs in Colorado public schools under the guise of "protecting children from sexually explicit content." Although sex education is never claimed to be the target of Senate Bill 08-125, the overly-broad language of this poorly-written legislation is fraught with "unintended" consequences. Tell your representatives to kill this bill: http://progressnowaction.org/stop125 SB 08-125 seeks to prevent children from being exposed to sexually explicit materials already prohibited to minors by federal law. The problem is that the bill categorizes nearly all "displays" of sexual activity, even those intended for medical or reproductive education, as "sexually explicit." The sweeping language in this bill may even prevent medical professionals from using visual aids and life-size models to educate patients about cancer, urinary tract and vaginal infections, and a wide range of other medical conditions that involve the reproductive organs! This bill would complicate the job of educators trying to comply with Colorado's Comprehensive Sexuality Education Law, which Governor Ritter signed last year. House Bill 07-1292 requires that school districts that offer sexuality education provide courses that are scientifically based and medically accurate. SB 08-125 could prevent basic anatomy lessons from being included. Take a moment right now to write your Colorado legislator and senator, and tell them not to be fooled by SB08-125: http://progressnowaction.org/stop125 In addition, SD 08-125 will restrict law-abiding adults' ability to browse for and purchase a range of legally-available products. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that while some restrictions on access to explicit material by children are appropriate, those restrictions cannot "unreasonably hinder" access to such materials by adults. Particularly with regard to online communications, the restrictions mandated by SB 08-125 could prove so onerous that outlets would be forced to stop providing those materials to anyone--clearly violating First Amendment protections. Tell your legislators the truth about SB 08-125: a nice-sounding idea that goes way too far. http://progressnowaction.org/stop125 Thanks for standing up for civil liberties. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDv http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDv/commentary#comments Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:00:22 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDv Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqDv/ This just in, Carlisle backtracks on Benson University of Colorado Regent Cindy Carlisle will not vote for Republican Bruce Benson as the next CU president, she said Saturday, despite having previously endorsed the political activist as the sole finalist for the job. Carlisle, a Boulder Democrat and state Senate candidate, initially supported Benson as a candidate in the search to replace outgoing CU President Hank Brown, writing a Jan. 8 letter of support to the presidential search panel and later seconding and supporting a motion to have Benson be the sole finalist. However, Carlisle told the Camera both in a phone interview and through a commentary piece in today's Insight section that she met with Benson last week to say she would not support his bid for the office. "When the CU Presidential Search Committee met with the regents Jan. 30, I was dismayed Bruce Benson was put forward as the single finalist for the job," Carlisle wrote in her letter to the Camera. "Grudgingly, I voted to move the process to the next phase of evalua-tion of Benson by the university community." She said while having only a single finalist is a "ridiculous" process, it was outcry from the university community about Benson that changed her mind about supporting him. "I've heard from a wide variety of people who are unhappy with this choice," Carlisle said Saturday afternoon. "He is not the candidate for this job." The wide variety of people she heard from includes the hundreds of ProgressNow network members who called her office directly, or the thousands who signed the petition opposing Benson at boycottbenson.com . We and everyone else who cares about the University of Colorado's future welcome her change of heart. Regent Carlisle also provides an interesting bit of previously-undisclosed knowledge about the selection process in in op-ed also published today : In recent days I learned for the first time that at least two candidates for the CU presidency not only had strong academic credentials but were leaders of large state university systems with more students and more campuses than CU. I have no idea why they were never presented to the board. Before this process moves forward another inch, we have to know more about the other candidates and under what grounds they were rejected. Join the call to STOP Bruce Benson and start this whole thing over: http://boycottbenson.com http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDC http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDC/commentary#comments Sun, 10 Feb 2008 11:30:53 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CqDC Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 4 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqDC/ Hi. I just wanted to pass on the address of a progressive/liberal blog out of Denver, the site of this year's DNC convention. It's pretty good, and we hope you enjoy it. http://liberalnn.blogspot.com/ Best regards! http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/bobsampron/CqDB http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/bobsampron/CqDB/commentary#comments Sun, 10 Feb 2008 11:22:29 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/bobsampron/CqDB User from Littleton, CO User from Littleton, CO 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqDB/ Step up, don't be shy! We just had the gold-medal award-winning record-breaking GOP-freaking fantastically amazing caucus turn-out of all time (so far). There are swarms of new bees buzzing! NOW, how do we keep them active and making honey for the election in the fall? Let's all think of some ideas, and don't worry about whether someone else will think they are the best ideas ever. Just...share them. The thing about ideas is that often they generate MORE ideas. And one that might not totally work where I live (rural and red) could be perfect for Pueblo or awesome for Alamosa. I'll start. We are going to harvest the emails and PO addresses our county collected at the caucuses, and use those to start a 'known active' mailing list. It was pretty expensive to mail a postcard to every Dem household in our county, but mailing a few hundred postcards before other events? Doable. An idea I want to promote down here is to start up some committees new people can join. Bake sale contributers? Someone to work a MONTHLY voter registration table? (Maybe combine those two ideas? Register people AND sell them cookies?) I once read something about how to be happy: you need something to do, something to care about and something to hope for. The way I see it, we Dems have the power to help a LOT of people get happy! So first...ideas! Your turn! http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/neonnurse/CqzV http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/neonnurse/CqzV/commentary#comments Thu, 07 Feb 2008 23:47:59 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/neonnurse/CqzV Susan the Neon Nurse http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/4d9f8366c95149b114_4l1gmvoe1.jpg Susan the Neon Nurse 2 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqzV/