Diary Contest - Who's Your Favourite Presidential Candidate

We do hear a lot from the campaigns and their staff why their candidate is the best and why we should support them.

But what about you?

Who do you like? Who is your favourite Democratic presidential candidate? During the month of August we're looking to hear from you. Tell us why you like Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, or Bill Richardson.

All you have to do is register at My Silver State (if you have not already done so), log in and click "new diary" on the menu in the right sidebar. Writing a diary is relatively easy. All you have to do is type what you have to say, click preview and, if it looks okay, publish it. So even if you haven't done this before you shouldn't need to worry about that.

The rules are simple: you can remain anonymous or not, that is totally up to you, but we do limit this diary contest to Nevada residents. So please state in which city or county you live.

The best diaries will be promoted to the frontpage. Even though My Silver State only got started about three weeks ago, we already have a little less than 1,000 visitors per week with about 2,000 page loads. So at least several hundred visitors, if not more, will get to read what you have to say. You can write your diary in any way that you like. It's totally up to you. We just ask you to refrain from attacking other candidates. We want to hear what is good about your candidate, not what is bad about the others.

Get to work! Promote your candidate!

Introducing My Silver State - A Community Blog for Nevada

Nevada's blogosphere is diverse and bigger than one might assume. However, thus far there has not been a community blog for Democrats and progressives. This is about to change.

Today, My Silver State has been launched. My Silver State is a community blog for progressive Nevadans. Think Daily Kos, only in small and silver/blue.

Anyone who wishes to help elect Democrats in Nevada and anyone who would like to advance progressive causes in Nevada is welcome to register, comment and write diaries.

In the end it's up to you to make both My Silver State and Nevada your Silver State.

Suddenly Doolittle Wants Troop Withdrawal in Iraq

Oh my, oh my, how times have changed. Suddenly, John Doolittle has changed his view on Iraq. How can that be? Does he want to change subjects? Nowadays, most Republicans don't care to talk much about Iraq. But for Doolittle, Iraq ain't the worst thing in his world, the FBI investigation is his real problem. So, yeah he might actually be a Republican who might want to talk about Iraq. Changing his tune, so that it is more alligned with that of the electorate might be part of that as well.

So, let's compare Doolittle today and Doolittle a little while ago (something which the Sacramento Bee in its article failed to do).

Here's what he's saying now:

But Thursday, Doolittle characterized the war as a "quagmire" and said America should soon step back to a training and advisory role for Iraqi forces.

"We've got to get off the front lines as soon as possible," Doolittle told a gathering at the Rocklin City Hall chambers. "And in my mind, that means something like the end of the year. We just can't continue to tolerate these kinds of losses."

Doolittle added in an interview: "I don't want to keep having our people dying on the front lines. I am increasingly convinced that we never are going to succeed in actually ending people dying (in Iraq). I think it's going to be a constant conflict ... and if that is going to happen ... it needs to be the Iraqis dying and not the Americans."

Here's what he said in October 2006, less than an a year ago:

Doolittle said he would vote for war in Iraq again "if the same facts were before me" because it has meant protection for the United States.

Doolittle rolled religious beliefs into Iraq, noting that the Bible tells him Armageddon will take place the Middle East.

"I don't know how long it's going to go," Doolittle said. "It's a kill or be killed world unfortunately. I don't know how to solve the problem but it's better to be on the offensive than sitting here and letting people be killed."

Hmm, seems like Armageddon has passed us by. Fascinating, how Doolittle's world turns, ain't it?

Thankfully, there's an alternative to Doolittle.

Visit Charlie Brown's website to learn more, and you can contribute to Charlie here.

ABBA Explaining Iraq

Gotta love Abba:

Don't forget that Doolittle, Ensign, and Heller own this Waterloo as well. They have continously voted for the Iraq war.

New York Times Gets it Right on Tahoe Fire Victims

Unlike some local blogs, the New York Times actually gets it right on who the victims of the Angora Fire in South Lake Tahoe are. It's a sad state of affairs when a paper from the East Coast has to remind some people living at the foothills of the Sierras that many Tahoe residents have to work for a living and are doing so in hotels and casinos, in schools and police stations, in restaurants and shops. The arrogance of some non-Tahoe residents is just mind-boggling.

Donate to Charlie Brown & 15% Will Go to Tahoe Fire Victims

Last night I received a fundraising email from the Charlie Brown for Congress campaign stating that 15% of online donations will go to the Sacramento - Sierra Red Cross to help the victims of the Angora fire in South Lake Tahoe (which is in California's 4th congressional district).

Now, for those of you who don't know it, Charlie Brown has done something similar before. At the end of the previous fundraising quarter in March he pledged to give 10% of contributions to local veteran aide groups. The donations were distributed to the Sacramento Stand Down, Nevada County Stand Down, and Sierra College Veterans Club in mid April.

This is in stark contrast to the actions of Congressman John Doolittle who's practise it was to give 15% of all contributions to his wife. Charlie in contrast is giving money to the community in his district.

Here's the fundraising email:

As you know, the upcoming June 30th FEC deadline is a very important benchmark for our campaign. But it pales in comparison to what's happening right now in Lake Tahoe, where thousands of our neighbors are facing a devastating wildfire.

That's why between now and the FEC deadline of midnight on June 30th, we will be donating 15% of all contributions made through our online ActBlue page to the Sacramento- Sierra Red Cross--to help area residents who have been affected by this horrible tragedy.

CLICK HERE to Contribute Now! (15% of your donation will help Tahoe Area Fire Victims).

CLICK HERE for a list of groups who are helping those displaced by the fire, and information about how you can help.

Together, we've shown that leadership is about much more than just affecting policy in Washington. It is also about mobilizing our collective strength to address real life problems here at home. In other words, leading by example.

A few months ago, our "no veteran left behind" campaign did much more than provide needed funds to area organizations helping veterans and families in need. It set an example that others have followed- both inside an outside of politics. Veterans and families in need across America, not just in our own community, have been the beneficiaries.

The events of this week demand that we lead by example once again.

Please be aware that it says that 15% of all contributions through Charlie's ActBlue page will go to the Tahoe fire victims. So, I'm not sure if this also applies to other ActBlue pages raising funds for Charlie. I'll ask the campaign and update once I've heard back from them.

Tahoe Fire - How You Can Help

Unfortunately, the Angora fire in South Lake Tahoe hasn't been extinguished, yet. Further evacuations were necessary. To get the latest on the fire, photos and video go to Tahoe Daily Tribune, OurTahoe.org, Reno Gazette-Journal or Sacramento Bee.

If you want to help, I'm sure you'll a way from the list from the Reno Gazette-Journal:

Housing Assistance

* Free Housing For Seniors - Sierra Place, 1111 West College Pkwy., Carson City (775) 841-4111
* Red Cross - South lake Tahoe Rec. Ctr., 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, (530) 542-6056
* United Way of Northern Nevada - (775) 322-8668


Food, Clothes and Toys

* Food Bank of Northern Nevada - (775) 331-3663
* Reno Rodeo Foundation - 6121 Lakeside Dr. (RE/MAX Bldg.), Reno - (775) 851-3505
* Squaw Valley - (530) 583-6985
* Spoiled Rotten Pets - 748 S. Meadows Pkwy., Suite A-3, Reno (775) 829-7886
* Red Cross - South Lake Tahoe Rec. Ctr., 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, (530) 542-6056
* Bio Green - 3785 Baker Lane, Suite 202, Reno (775) 329-7272
* Custom Aire Mechanical - 2205 Glendale Ave., Suite 143, Sparks (775) 331-3337
* South Lake Tahoe Jail - 1051 Al Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe (530) 573-3030
* United Way of Northern Nevada - (775) 322-8668
* Together for Tahoe Wed June 27th, 6am-6pm, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa west parking lot, South Virginia & Peckham Lane. Cash, nonperishable food, seasonable clothing, blankets, pet food.
* Casino Fandango in Carson City is taking donations 775-885-7000
* Ice Box Kitchens is a drop off location for victims of the fire. They are looking for bottled water, personal hygiene items, and blankets. 775-829-1964
* Carson Valley Christian Center Drop off any supplies for the fire
1095 Stephanie way just south of Carson. Call: Laura Cotter 775-781-0633
* US Bearings & Drives in Sparks have set up donation boxes for the vitims of the Angora fire. They are asking for blankets and non-perishable food.
775-284-4737
* Oak Harbor Freight Lines Offering pick-up of donations for businesses only and will drive to South Lake Tahoe
8960 Terabyte Drive, Reno, NV Call: 775-851-9100
* Sierra Place Retirement is offering free accommodations to senior citizens affected by the Angora Fire.
775-841-5820


Pet Assistance

* Dr. Bree Montana (530) 414-0832 or (530) 546-7522
* Susan Paul (775) 720-3773
* Jeanine Chaney, DVM & Dave Haebler, DVM - (775) 884-4362
* Horse Pastures for victims in Carson Valley - (775)721-1574
* All Creatures Animal Hospital - Taking all animals, including horses, cats, dogs, snakes. Extra stalls available.
6474 Bonde Lane, Reno, NV Call: 775-851-3151
* Spoiled Rotten Pet Boutique in South Meadows is taking donations for fire victims. They are asking for things like blankets, pillows, warm clothes, bottled water, diapers, baby formula, baby food, etc. They are also taking monetary donations Call: 775-829-7886
* Four Paws 530-542-2377 - Taking small pets for people with Pet Network
* Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care 530-577-2273 - Will take injured-wild animals
* Jenny Austin is donating her services by transporting large animals..like horses.
775-291-8677


Misc.

* Debra Manley, the facilitator for "Stuff Ministries" in Gardnerville, has enough on hand to help three families that lost their homes stock their kitchens and bathrooms with supplies.
775-782-1700 x253, dmanley@maxtonvalve.com
* South Lake Tahoe residents affected by the Angora Fire are welcome to bring any towable assets to Sierra-at-Tahoe Resorts for storage.
530-659-7453 x400
* Rockwood Tree Service - 775-832-0777, Beth Moxley
Her company will donate chippers and cutters to clean up the areas of devastation.