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Via the DCCC and Atrios.

Rep. John Hostettler, from Indiana’s 8th District, is now broadening his attacks on the freedom for people to marry who they want to the freedom to divorce.

Rep. John Hostettler told area clergy that divorce on demand is as dangerous as gay marriage, and pastors’ actions will be key to strengthening all Indiana families.

[…]

“The picture of marriage is the picture of Christian salvation,” said Hostettler, who describes his elected office as a ministry. “Any diminishing of that notion - whether homosexual marriage or any other degradation of marriage - is something we must fight in public policy.”

[…]

While Hostettler’s comments energized the group, laws governing marriage are rooted primarily at the state level. Enter the Indiana Family Institute [a nonprofit with close ties to Focus on the Family] and its lobbying efforts to strengthen state law’s stances on family.
(Source: Evansville CourierPress)

Apparently Rep. Hostettler thinks that we should enforce Christain Theocracy onto all of America’s citizens when it comes to anything connected to the issue of marriage. Let Rep. Hostettler know that America is not a theocracy.

And some statistics for Rep. Hostettler. If his theory is correct, that the degradation of marriage is such a danger, then you would expect those areas of the country that are the most “blue” (and the most supportive of such “degradation”) would be the most “degraded,” correct?

“Red states have a divorce rate 27% higher than blue states.”

Another quote from the original article that really puzzled me…

“Christians make the best citizens because we don’t answer just to local magistrates,” [Rev. Paul] DeHart [of the Newburgh Church of Christsaid] said.

Is Rev. DeHart actually implying that only Christains are the best (true?) citizens of this nation? I certainly hope not.

There are photos from the 2005 picnic at Ft. Harrison State Park available here.

From the Indianapolis Star:

Check out this e-mail the Indiana Republican Party recently sent to party contributors at several engineering firms.

“Chairman Kittle and the governor’s office are coordinating with Commissioner Sharp’s office in relaying concerns that our friends in the transportation industry are currently having,” reads the first sentence of the e-mail from the party’s fundraising department.
…
In shorthand, here’s what is happening: A political party’s fundraising unit is coordinating with a governor’s office to provide party donors access to a department head. This department head oversees hundreds of millions of dollars in road projects annually that the GOP’s “friends” hope to cash in on.
…
If this e-mail message should bother anyone, it’s Gov. Daniels. He spent the 2004 campaign blasting the alleged ethical failings of past Democratic administrations. He has continued to talk about those failings since taking office and insists his team is the cleanest around. But in this case, his office is urging a department head to meet with people seeking state business.

Had the Indiana Democratic Party sent this e-mail last year — when Democrats still ran state government — candidate Daniels surely would have called it shocking proof of a quid pro quo.

(emphasis added)

Tomorrow night, August 23rd, is the Indiana Democratiuc Club Anuual Picnic.

5pm-7:30pm at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park (there is a cost to enter the park - $4 per instate vehicle), Cherry Tree Shelter

Menu: hamburgers, turkey burgers, veggie burgers, hotdogs, brats, corn-on-the-cob, homemade ice cream, etc.

Cost of the meal: $5

Speakers: Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson and 7th Distric Congresswoman Julia Carson

Sponsors: Franklin Township Democratic Club, Southside Democratic Club, Larry Ryan and George Farley

RSVP (not necessary) or any questions call ken or Cheryl Kern at 317-353-6038

ALSO:
Sepember 3: Gather at 10:00 am at the corner of North and Pennsylvania Streets for the Labor Day Parade. Step off at 11am.

MARION COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY WEEKLY LIST
August 22 - August 28, 2005

The weekly e-mail list is a product of the Marion County Democratic Headquarters. If you have any questions about the events, or wish to be added to this list call Jen at 637-3366. The deadline for additions to the weekly list is Friday, for the next week.

********************************************************
Monday, August 22, 2005
12 Noon, Barringer’s For Lunch, 2535 S. Meridian Street, Meet and chat with a number of Democrats!

Tuesday, August 23, 2005
5:30 pm, Indiana Democratic Club Annual Picnic - Ft. Harrison State Park, 59th St. and Post Rd., Indianapolis - Hon. Bart Peterson will be on hand. All you eat for $5 - Menu includes Hamburgers, Turkey burgers, Veggie burgers, Hotdogs, Corn on the cob, Homemade Ice Cream, drinks, etc. Need 5-$70 sponsors.

Wednesday, August 24, 2005
7:00 pm, Lawrence Township Democrat Club. Greetings to all my fine Democrats, It was a pleasure to see so many of you at our last meeting. We had 31 in attendance. That was the best so far this year. Lets all try to beat that this month. We currently have 69 paid members. This months meeting will be the 24th. (always the 4th Wednesday of the month unless notified otherwise). We do have a tentative speaker and I will let you know who it is as soon as it is finalized. I have been informed that we will be having a Hawaiian Feast thanks to Valerie Hodgens. Who so graciously donated her winning form the 50/50 last month.

Saturday, August 27, 2005
8:30 am, Concerned Clergy, Carson Government Center, 300 East Fall Creek Parkway.

11:00 am to 5:00 pm, Perry Township Democrat Club Annual Picnic, Perry Park Shelter House, by the swimming pool, 411 East Stop 11 Road. Bring a covered dish. Hamburgers and Hot Dogs are furnished. Donations are accepted. Our Guest of Honor is Congresswoman Julia Carson!!

********************************************************
* Please Consider a Donation to the Julia Carson for Congress Campaign *
Your contribution will help to retain an independent strong voice, hard work and attention to what matters. Please go to http://www.juliacarson.org/ right now to make your donation.

If possible, please consider making your donation on a monthly basis. Your commitment of monthly giving illustrates the strong public support for Julia Carson and also provides the campaign with the ongoing financial stability necessary for success.

A monthly donation of $5, $10, $25, $30, $50, $100 or whatever you can afford goes a LONG way in securing victory for us all.

********************************************************
The Julia Carson for Congress campaign is currently in need of volunteers to help with data entry for an upcoming project. Please call Melissa at 231-6700 or e-mail her at melissa@juliacarson.org if you are available. Thanks!!

********************************************************

The United Wayne Township Democrat Club (UWTDC) has moved its monthly
meetings to a larger, more convenient location, starting July 12:

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW MEETING LOCATION & START TIME: Monthly meetings will now
be held on the second Tuesday of every month at the Speedway Library, 5633 West 25th Street, Speedway, Indiana 46224. The time has also changed; meetings are now from 6-8 p.m. Monthly meeting dates for 2005 are: ; Tuesday, September 13; Tuesday, October 11; Tuesday, November 8; and Tuesday, December 13.

SPECIAL SUMMER EVENTS:
Saturday, September 3 - “Annual Labor Day Parade”

You are invited to participate as a sponsor of the Annual Labor Day Parade on Saturday, September 3. The parade will start at Pennsylvania and North Streets at 11 AM. There will be special guest speakers, live entertainment, food, raffles, drawings and lots of fun. Immediately following the parade,
there will be a picnic on the grounds of the American Legion Mall. Make a float, dress the kids up, drive your American-made vehicle and bring your American-made products to show off with pride! Join thousands of proud Union members who will be marching in solidarity with friends and family
around Monument Circle. There are many ways to participate; sponsorships, volunteering and donations. Your sponsorship and participation is greatly appreciated. For more information, contact Julie Voorhies at the Central Indiana Labor Council at 317-638-3455 or by e-mail at: rvoorhies@inaflcio.org.

Saturday, October 8 - “Pancake Breakfast with Mayor Bart Peterson”
The United Wayne Township Democrat Club will host its annual all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson on Saturday, October 8, 2005 from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM. The breakfast will be held at the United Steelworkers Local 1999 Union Hall at 318 South Addison. The breakfast features all-you-can-eat pancakes, breakfast sausage, coffee and orange juice for only $5, while kids under age 10 eat free. The breakfast is open to the public. Call Andy Miller, Club President, at 317-684-5436 for tickets and sponsorship information.

e-mail to: waynetownshipdemocrats@comcast.net

********************************************************
The Indiana Democratic Club, Inc.

SPONSORSHIPS NEEDED
The Indiana Democratic Club is always looking for sponsors for their meetings. A sponsorship is $70. The cost of a meeting runs approximately $115. The Annual Picnic and the Holiday Party require more sponsors to keep the cost down for the people who would like to attend from the grassroots level. For the meetings in September, October, and November we need one sponsor each and at least 5-$70 sponsors for the Picnic in August and 5-$70 sponsors for the Holiday Party.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Cheryl Kern at-317/353-6038 or mail your check specifying which month you would like to sponsor to the Indiana Democratic Club, P.O. Box 1901, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

UPCOMING IDC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
AUGUST 23 - Annual Picnic - Ft. Harrison State Park, 59th St. and Post Rd., Indianapolis - Hon. Bart Peterson will be on hand. All you eat for $5 - Menu includes Hamburgers, Turkey burgers, Veggie burgers, Hotdogs, Corn on the cob, Homemade Ice Cream, drinks, etc. Need 5-$70 sponsors.

SEPTEMBER 27 - Membership Meeting - Speaker: Fran Quigley, Executive Director, I.C.L.U. - “Balancing Civil Liberties with National Security” - Need a sponsor.

OCTOBER 25 - Membership Meeting - - Need a sponsor.

NOVEMBER 22 - Membership Meeting -Need a sponsor.

DECEMBER 13 - Annual Holiday Party - Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Ave., Indianapolis - The Mayor of Indianapolis, Hon. Bart Peterson, will be on hand to talk about the past year and the upcoming year in Indy. All you can eat for $5. Need 5-$70 sponsors.

VOLUNTEERS
The Indiana Democratic Club, Inc. is always looking for volunteers. We need volunteers to help out at the Indiana Democratic Club day at the Marion County Fair; help with the luncheons, Picnic and Holiday Party; at the meetings; and/or any other items we need to do. If you would like to help please call Ken or Cheryl Kern at 317/353-6038.

********************************************************

Please join all Carson supporters in the Labor Day Parade on Saturday, September 3rd!

The Carson campaign will be at the annual Labor Day Parade, and we need your help! Whether you would like to help pass out materials or walk with us- we need you and we’re counting on your support. Please contact Melissa Lear at 231-6700 or melissa@juliacarson.org if you would like to join us in supporting Organized Labor.

We will also be attending the picnic held immediately afterwards, and we’d love to have you with us!

********************************************************

State Inspector General David Thomas (appointed by Mitch Daniels) has covered for Governor Daniels in the issue of whether parking “RV1″ outside a Republican fundraiser and using as transportation to that fundraiser violated ethics guidelines. The RV is state property and many people who paid for the fundraiser also were able to tour the RV.

State regulations bar state officers and employees from using state property for anything other than official state business.

How driving the RV to a partisan fundraiser and offering tours of it to people who donated to said fundraiser is NOT a violation of state ethics is beyond me.

Apparently the state’s Inspector General, an office created and appointed by Gov. Daniels to “root out corruption” in state government, is willing to carry water for his boss instead of doing the job he was appointed to do - the very fear that opponents to the appointed position had when debating this new office.

My favorite part?

Thomas said investigators did not interview the governor but did interview members of his office. No one was put under oath, he said.

So a full investigation was done, but the Governor wasn’t interviewed and no one was under oath.

While I’m catching up on updating the events calendar, here’s some news form the Indiana Democratic Club (from teh MCDP Weekly List, but put here for the website)

SPONSORSHIPS NEEDED
The Indiana Democratic Club is always looking for sponsors for their meetings. A sponsorship is $70. The cost of a meeting runs approximately $115. The Annual Picnic and the Holiday Party require more sponsors to keep the cost down for the people who would like to attend from the grassroots level. For the meetings in September, October, and November we need one sponsor each and at least 5-$70 sponsors for the Picnic in
August and 5-$70 sponsors for the Holiday Party.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Cheryl Kern at-317/353-6038 or mail your check specifying which month you would like to sponsor to the Indiana Democratic Club, P.O. Box 1901, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

UPCOMING IDC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
AUGUST 16 - Luncheon at the Southside Democratic Club, 1135 Shelby Street, Indianapolis - All you eat for $5 - Menu: Sandwiches (BBQ Pork, Sloppy Joes, Chicken Salad, and Vegetarian), salad, bread sticks, desert, and drinks. Need 2-$25 sponsors.

AUGUST 23 - Annual Picnic - Ft. Harrison State Park, 59th St. and Post Rd., Indianapolis - Hon. Bart Peterson will be on hand. All you eat for $5 - Menu includes Hamburgers, Turkey burgers, Veggie burgers, Hotdogs, Corn on the cob, Homemade Ice Cream, drinks, etc. Need 5-$70 sponsors.

SEPTEMBER 27 - Membership Meeting - Speaker: Fran Quigley, Executive Director, I.C.L.U. - “Balancing Civil Liberties with National Security” - Need a sponsor.

OCTOBER 25 - Membership Meeting - - Need a sponsor.

NOVEMBER 22 - Membership Meeting -Need a sponsor.

DECEMBER 13 - Annual Holiday Party - Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Ave., Indianapolis - The Mayor of Indianapolis, Hon. Bart Peterson, will be on hand to talk about the past year and the upcoming year in Indy. All you can eat for $5. Need 5-$70 sponsors.

VOLUNTEERS
The Indiana Democratic Club, Inc. is always looking for volunteers. We need volunteers to help out at the Indiana Democratic Club day at the Marion County Fair; help with the luncheons, Picnic and Holiday Party; at the meetings; and/or any other items we need to do. If you would like to help please call Ken or Cheryl Kern at 317/353-6038.

MARION COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY WEEKLY LIST
August 1 - August 7, 2005

The weekly e-mail list is a product of the Marion County Democratic Headquarters. If you have any questions about the events, or wish to be added to this list, call Jen at 637-3366.

The deadline for additions to the weekly list is Friday, for the next week.
*************************************
Nothing makes me happier than to hear a long-time voter say “I’ve never missed an election.” What a wonderful expression of confidence in the American system, and appreciation for our democratic rights.

That is a sentiment that I extend to those completing voter registration forms for the first time, especially young folks. How many times do we get the opportunity of exercising our franchise - once or twice a year? And this year, not at all.

Isn’t it worth the potential hassle of inconvenience to our normal destinations on election day to visit the polling site? I say this in anticipation of a low voter turnout next May, as usual for Primary elections. What was it the last time - 10%? What a disgrace!

We need to stimulate ourselves and fellow-citizens to vote every chance we get. Maybe the Primary issues are not compelling, but voting is habit-forming - like going to church on Sunday. How easy we find excuses.

Don’t let it happen in your precinct and ward. Democrats should be known as responsible citizens who never pass the opportunity to vote!

Paul G. Fox
Decatur Twp. Democrat Club
*************************************
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
SOUTHSIDE DEMOCRATIC CLUB WILL NOT MEET THIS EVENING!!!

Wednesday, August 3, 2005
Pike Township Democrat Club will not meet this evening. Please join us in September. Have a great summer!!

Thursday, August 4, 2005
6:30 PM, Community Solutions Town Hall Meeting, To Stop the Violence: A City-Wide Call to Action. Hosted by Concerned Citizens, Friendship Missionary Baptist church, 1301 N. Goodlet, Indianapolis.

Saturday, August 6, 2005
8:30 am, Concerned Clergy, Carson Government Center, 300 East Fall Creek Parkway.

*************************************
* Please Consider a Donation to the Julia Carson for Congress Campaign *
Your contribution will help to retain an independent strong voice, hard work and attention to what matters. Please go to http://www.juliacarson.org/ right now to make your donation.

If possible, please consider making your donation on a monthly basis. Your commitment of monthly giving illustrates the strong public support for Julia Carson and also provides the campaign with the ongoing financial stability necessary for success.

A monthly donation of $5, $10, $25, $30, $50, $100 or whatever you can afford goes a LONG way in securing victory for us all.

*************************************
Please help re-elect Julia Carson to the U. S. Congress!

The Julia Carson for Congress campaign is currently in need of volunteers to help with data entry for an upcoming project. Please call Melissa at 231-6700 or e-mail her at melissa@juliacarson.org if you are available. Thanks!!

*************************************
Sunday August 21,
2005 - 2pm to 5pm Food, Fun, Friends, and Cinema! Yes, it’s the Warren Township Democrat Club Family Picnic, at the UAW-CAP Council 6204 East 30th Street. $5.00 per person, children under 10 free. Melina Kennedy, David Orentlicher and other special guest speakers will be present. Please R.S.V.P. to Phyllis or Fred Nieske 894-9427. Hope to see you there!
Thanks, Melinda Jones

*************************************

The United Wayne Township Democrat Club (UWTDC) has moved its monthly meetings to a larger, more convenient location, starting July 12:

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW MEETING LOCATION & START TIME:
Monthly meetings will now be held on the second Tuesday of every month at the Speedway Library, 5633 West 25th Street, Speedway, Indiana 46224. The time has also changed;
meetings are now from 6-8 p.m. Monthly meeting dates for 2005 are: Tuesday, July 12; Tuesday, August 9; Tuesday, September 13; Tuesday, October 11; Tuesday, November 8; and Tuesday, December 13.

SPECIAL SUMMER EVENTS:
Saturday, August 20 - “Franks with Frank” Community Picnic
The United Wayne Township Democrat Club will host its annual community picnic with Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson on Saturday, August 20, 2005 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The “Franks with Frank” community picnic will be held at the American Legion Wayne Post #64 at 601 S. Holt Road. The picnic features hot dogs and all the fixins for only $5, while kids under age 10 eat free. The picnic is open to the public. Call Andy Miller, Club
President, at 317-684-5436 for tickets and sponsorship information.

Saturday, September 3 - “Annual Labor Day Parade”
You are invited to participate as a sponsor of the Annual Labor Day Parade on Saturday, September 3. The parade will start at Pennsylvania and North Streets at 11 AM. There will be special guest speakers, live entertainment, food, raffles, drawings and lots of fun. Immediately following the parade, there will be a picnic on the grounds of the American Legion Mall. Make a float, dress the kids up, drive your American-made vehicle and bring your American-made products to show off with pride! Join thousands of proud Union members who will be marching in solidarity with friends and family around Monument Circle. There are many ways to participate; sponsorships, volunteering and donations. Your sponsorship and participation is greatly appreciated. For more information, contact Julie Voorhies at the Central Indiana Labor Council at 317-638-3455 or by e-mail at:
rvoorhies@inaflcio.org.

Saturday, October 8 - “Pancake Breakfast with Mayor Bart Peterson”
The United Wayne Township Democrat Club will host its annual all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson on Saturday, October 8, 2005 from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM. The breakfast will be held at the United Steelworkers Local 1999 Union Hall at 318 South Addison. The breakfast features all-you-can-eat pancakes, breakfast sausage, coffee and orange juice for only $5, while kids under age 10 eat free. The breakfast is open to the public. Call Andy Miller, Club President, at 317-684-5436 for
tickets and sponsorship information.