Something to think about...(from BCTDW)

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Something ugly has happened in our country. Our national dialogue has taken on a tone that is unforgiving, intolerant, and malicious. Our airwaves, newspapers, and bookstores overflow with nastiness, meanness, judgement, and maliciousness. The loudest voices sound their views with self-righteous fervor and vindictiveness. When we disdain and demoralize each other, there is no hope for working together toward a better society.

Protestant theologian, C.S. Lewis wrote, “Democracy demands that little men should not take big ones too seriously; it dies when it is full of little men who think they are big themselves.” Linda Seger, Th.D. and author of Jesus Rode a Donkey suggests that perhaps it is time we denounce this rhetoric, for the sake of democracy.

We are a diverse people, a pluralistic society and as such, our nation requires tolerance, understanding, and accommodation. So, how then do we express our dissent and discuss our differences without being defensive or judgmental of others? And what values do we want in government, in our social and political landscape?

Most people don’t really care at all about the Left or the Right. Most people are tired of political rhetoric and of the endless divisiveness that this discourse generates. People are yearning for a whole different level of discourse. Most people want to see the human race get over its petty struggles, its nationalism and wars, its racism and demeaning of others. Freedom. Equality. Honesty. Justice. Mercy. Compassion. These are the values most of us espouse.

I believe that the Democratic Party’s current agenda: to end the war, provide for the poor, save the environment, protect civil liberties, fight for social justice, respect for the rights of minorities and groups that have faced discrimination or oppression in the past, end torture, respect human rights is consistent with the values of most Americans. We can come together and change and heal our world.

I pray for the well being of our country and all people on our planet. And I ask for God’s blessings not only for those who agree with me but also for those who don’t.

Bell County Texas Democratic Women Luncheon

BELL COUNTY TEXAS DEMOCRATIC WOMEN
December 2007

Texas Democratic Women promotes the increased political activity and influence of Democratic Women in Texas politics and government. (from the TDW Mission Statement)
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December Meeting
Bell County Texas Democratic Women and the Salado Democrats
Christmas Luncheon Buffet
$20 per ticket
Mill Creek Country Club
1610 Club Circle
Salado
254-947-5141
11:30am December 15, 2007
Guest speaker will be the Honorable Diane Henson

Deadline for tickets is December 12.
Contact Miriam Oliver (939-2546) or Aliceanne Wallace (939-8178) or Janice Ward (634-8830) or Laura Calhoun (771-2357) or Wilma Allen (698-1880) or Hulda Horton (947-8300).
Silent Auction table to raise funds for scholarships.

Bell County Poll

From BCD:

Are you disappointed that Bell County Democrats will be voting for their Presidential nominee after the primary race has possibly been decided?

Well, now here's your chance to make your voice heard. Go the BCDP website (http://democratsbellctytx.com) and vote for your favorite nominee. Forward this message to any Bell County Democrat.

Let's make some noise in Bell County!

Filing for State House District 55

Monday, December 3rd, 2007 at 11:00 am, Democratic candidate Sam Muphey will be filing his application for State Representative District 55. A brief announcement will be held on the north steps of the Bell County Courthouse in downtown Belton. Murphey, a retired Army officer and 44-year Bell County resident, served as a long-time staffer to Congressman Chet Edwards and is an active community and civic leader. Sam and his wife of 41 years, Peggy, welcome your attendance and appreciate your support.

BIOGRAPHY OF SAM MURPHEY

Sam Murphey retired on March 31, 2007 after working for U.S. Representative Chet Edwards for the past 16 years.

Sam graduated from The University of Texas in 1967 earning a bachelors degree in business administration and a commission in the Regular Army of the United States as a 2nd Lieutenant of Field Artillery. Sam later earned his Master of Science degree in Management from the University of Central Texas in 1981 and he has completed an additional 18 post-graduate hours of study in political science.

Following his graduation from the University of Texas, Sam began a 22-year career in the U.S. Army that took him to assignments in the United States, Europe, Korea and Vietnam. He spent his combat tour in Vietnam as a Field Artillery Forward Observer and Liaison Officer with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Notable experiences during his military career include a teaching assignment in the Gunnery Department of the U.S. Army Field Artillery School, graduation from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and an assignment at the U.S. Air Force Academy as Air Officer Commanding of Cadet Squadron 29. He retired from the Army at Fort Hood, Texas on October 1, 1989.

Immediately after his retirement from the Army Sam became an account manager with the Acacia Group, a financial planning company with headquarters in Washington, D.C. In March 1991, newly elected U.S. Representative Chet Edwards hired Sam as his primary contact for the military and veterans communities in then District 11. Sam became the District Director in January 1996.

Sam is also active in local community affairs. He continues to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Heart O’ Texas Federal Credit Union. He is a past president of the University of Central Texas Alumni Association, and has taught government and business classes at the University of Central Texas and Central Texas College as a member of their adjunct faculty. He is a past chairman of the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and served six years as Commissioner on the Harker Heights Planning and Zoning Commission. He is a co-founder of the Harker Heights Economic Development Corporation and is a past president of the Central Texas – Fort Hood Chapter of the Association of the United States Army and of the Central Texas Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (formerly The Retired Officers Association, TROA). He is a graduate of Leadership Temple and Leadership Killeen and is a co-founder of the Leadership Belton program. He was recently named Chairman of the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee.

Sam is married to the former Peggy Roberts of Killeen, Texas. They have two children, Steven and Kathleen and five grandchildren, Samantha and Steven Murphey; Hartley, Elle and Sophia Corsi. Sam and Peggy reside in Harker Heights, Texas.

Response to blogger

Bell County Democratic Chair Arthur Resa responded to the post regarding the BCD's stance on Hillary:

Repukes are scared to death of Hillary, who is unstoppable and I would bet two to one she will be our next president. Hillary has the ability to use both sides of the brain, which is called critical thinking. Critical thinking is vital to making educated decisions and communicating. Critical thinkers make good leaders and other leaders work well with them.... thus creating harmony. George Bush uses only one side of his brain (non-critical) which makes him a bad decision maker and poor communicator. People who use only one side of the brain are destined to be failures and take down those around them using the blame game. Mike Gravel and Dennis K. are what Repukes and far left Democrats typify as true Democrats, due to their liberal views. What voters need to know is that there are conservative democrats within the ranks. These conservative democrats are quickly promoted due to their ability to reach across party lines and are more electable (critical thinkers). As far as Ron Paul, he is what I would call a conservative democrat. He will come in last among the Republican candidates.

No more *gasp* hard thinking!

In just 26 easy questions, you can know who to vote for:
http://www.selectsmart.com/president/2008.html

The BCD behind Hillary?

I received this email a couple of weeks ago:
Do you guys support Hillary? The only true Democrats that are running for President are Mike Gravel and Dennis K.. Democrats should truly rally behind Congressman Ron Paul even though he is running as a Republican. What do you think?

The short answer is:
The Bell County Democrats have not yet endorsed a specific candidate. There tends to be many many discussions and disagreements when endorsing a candidate...I personally agree with you about Kucinich and Gravel. I think that Ron Paul is a surprise to Republicans and Dems alike because he represents something entirely opposite than the Bush administration. When the People have had enough, they tend to look for the absolute extreme opposite. He might just be that. In fact, two citizens have filed with the FEC, a Vietnam vet and a truck driver. People are sick and tired, I think.

I have forwarded your question on to the Dem. Chair, Arthur Resa. He should reply shortly. Please send any news you find my way.

Candidates you won't hear about

Two candidates who have filed with Federal Elections Commission (FEC):

http://www.danfrancis2008.com/
I am the only Democrat who has seen combat – twice in Vietnam. I know combat. I also was a Marine interrogator my last few years on active duty, and I know about the issue of torture. I can tell you that it does not work under any conditions. As far as NSA domestic spying – all the lipstick in the world can't dress up that mess to try and make it look pretty or legal. It is an infringement on our most basic Constitutional rights. I have to wonder why the courts are so silent.

http://www.krueger08.com/index.cfm
"OUR MILITARY SHOULD BE USED AS A LAST RESORT, AND WHEN IT IS USED IT SHOULD BE VERY FORCEFUL WITH A SHORT AND CONCLUSIVE DURATION."
- Karl Krueger.

Call for precinct chairs

The Bell County Democratic party has vacancies for Precinct Chairs in many precincts. If you are interested or know someone who might be, browse the website http://democratsbellctytx.com and click on the Precinct News submenu. Follow the instructions in the Importance of Precinct Chairs item. The Precinct News page has a listing of current Precinct Chairs. If your precinct already has a Chair, contact them and let them know you would like to assist.