For Immediate Release
Date: Monday, September 12, 2005
Contact:   
Eric Loeb, 215-849-2737, info@goodworks-pac.org

PHILADELPHIA VOLUNTEERS JOIN KATRINA RELIEF EFFORTS

(Philadelphia, PA) A group of volunteers from the Philadelphia area is gathering Wednesday (September 14) at 1907 S. 13th Street Philadelphia (19148) at 7:00am in order to drive to Montgomery, AL.  They will be joined in Montgomery by volunteer groups from Doylestown, PA, Seattle, WA and Atlanta, GA, completing their work group of 40 - 50 people.  They will receive a Red Cross orientation and training and be assigned to relief efforts further south along the gulf coast.

"We all want to help our neighbors in need," said trip organizer, Philadelphia resident Eric Loeb.  "And many more people want to help than are able to leave town for a week of relief work.  Right now we are collecting cell phones and chargers to bring with us.  Our trucks and suitcases are already full with donated linens, fresh underclothes, and toys."

The ship of state is being run aground by children who stand giggling at the helm.  It does not matter that they are just standing around smirking.  As adults we must step in and alleviate the suffering they have caused.  The liberal blogosphere is raising money for hurricane relief, and that's great.  However, those of us who can give more of our time should do so.

I am forming a Pennsylvania Democratic/progressive work crew.  If you live in or near PA I hope you will join us.

This Tuesday, Aug. 23, Joe Otterbein Jr. will announce his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 19th Pennsylvania district, the seat currently held by Republican Todd Platts.  See news item at http://ydr.com/story/politics/81455/.

Joe is following the GoodWorks-PAC.org game plan by calling for more Democrats to compete against him in the Democratic primary.

I've posted an interesting audio here.

I have a commentary on the audio here

Basically, I think the leadership HAS TO clear the field in the current circumstances.  The solution to clearing the field is either
(A) Elect irresponsible leaders (bad idea)
OR
(B) Change our primary campaigns (hard idea)

The purpose of GoodWorks-PAC.org is to pursue option (B).  Please check it out.

A recent LA Times story paints the blogs as being in conflict with the Democratic leadership.  Should we fund a candidate in every Congressional district?  Bloggers are saying yes.  Leadership is saying that's not the best use of finite resources.  

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-dems10aug10,1,1254752,full.story?coll=la-new s-a_section

GoodWorks-PAC.org exists to fund Democrats in the Quixotic races where the odds are crazy against us.

The twist: we can use those districts to experiment.  The money we spend there need not be wasted if we focus on learning new ways to manage our campaigns.

If you believe as I do that we need to run campaigns in every Congressional district, please visit www.GoodWorks-PAC.org and help us grow the PAC.