Not a Poll, John Edwards / Wildfires

by geauxjo, Tue Oct 23, 2007 at 09:54:47 PM EDT

As everyone knows by now the widfires are raging in California. Since there are many people facing loss of homes and other hardships involved in this disaster, and we all hope for the best for everyone, there is some information I think needs to be shared.

As a member of John Edwards One Corps we have done things around the country to help people who may be less fortunate than ourselves. Organize food drives, work at soup kitchens, donate goods for the soldiers to let them know we haven't forgotten them and that we do support them. Well it is time to step up again, we learned from the actions of FEMA after Katrina hit New Orleans, we can't trust this President or his cronies to act in a timely manner, it is up to us to care for those in need and lend a hand.

Follow me after the fold for a few actions suggested by Senator Edwards, because as he says, "It's time to be Patriotic about something other than war".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the more than 300,000 families who have been forced to flee their homes to escape the wildfires spreading across southern California. Those affected by this tragedy should take comfort in the fact that their fellow Americans are standing with them and will do whatever it takes to fight the fires and rebuild the homes and businesses that were destroyed."

John Edwards has set up a page where anyone who is interested can sign up and pitch in to help. If you are near and have the ability, you can sign up and the campaign will put you in touch with the California One Corps that are helping in this effort.

If you are not close enough and would still be interested in helping he has provided us some links to enable us to lend a hand in other ways.

The Red Cross notes that a financial contribution -- rather than sending supplies -- is the best way to help. Learn more and contribute.

The latest fire disaster information. Includes updated maps and emergency contacts.

Volunteer opportunities related to the Southern California wildfires.

The state's Web site has updated emergency information.

There it is Senator Edwards is leading us once again. Reminding us we are Americans and some things take precedent. If you are able to help in any way at all, I urge you contact the campaign, or go to one of the links provided,and be patriotic about something other than war. Thank you.

Tags: California, John Edwards, Red Cross, Volunteers, wildfires (all tags)

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Re: More Important Than a Poll / Wildfires

Or you can sign a birthday card for the inevitable one.

Priorities are important in a leader.

by geauxjo 2007-10-23 10:17PM | 0 recs

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Re: More Important Than a Poll / Wildfires

Highly unnecessary cheap shot. Are you saying Hillary Clinton does not care about the wildfires in California? I guess you are, and it smells foul.

Don't you realize that it is exactly that type of arrogant cartoonization that has led to a counter reaction/pushback amongst Democrats and made matters much worse for your candidate?

by georgep 2007-10-24 04:06AM | 0 recs

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Re: More Important Than a Poll / Wildfires

You're the second one to imply that something said by someone on a blog has something to do with Edwards' support in the general public. I'm sure we'd all like to think that the points raised and issues well argued here makes a difference, but really it would be a rare circumstance that anything said on a blog by a supporter of a candidate would reflect on the candidate in such a way so as to make a difference off the blog at all.

by Quinton 2007-10-24 04:53AM | 0 recs

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Re: More Important Than a Poll / Wildfires

Did I really? Read again. I stated "it is that type of arrogant cartoonization that has led to a counter reaction/pushback..." I did not mention a blog anywhere, just the overall thrust of the comments, be they on a blog or from Edwards' campaign itself.

The comment I was referring to was of course: "Or you can sign a birthday card for the inevitable one.

Priorities are important in a leader."

With a link to a birthday page for Hillary Clinton.

A disservice to your candidate to engage in such unnecessary cheapshots. The issue and short comment from Edwards could have just stood on its own.

by georgep 2007-10-24 05:13AM | 0 recs

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Re: More Important Than a Poll / Wildfires

Not a disservice to the candidate, but to the diary. I agree the comment was unnecessary, and put a sour note on an otherwise extremely positive diary. It's obviously pretty hard in primary season for people to restrain themselves from making little (or big) partisan jabs. Those jabs clearly go both ways around here. It's a reflection of how much of a threat each group of supporters sees the other candidate. There are few if any such jabs made in the direction of the lower tier candidates.

by Rob in Vermont 2007-10-24 05:51AM | 0 recs

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Re: More Important Than a Poll / Wildfires

Sorry I wasn't here earlier.

As far as the cheap shot, after lurking here for as long as I have and seeing some of the disparaging things said about Sen. Edwards, I felt a need to point out a lack of leadership.

BTW, maybe the Sen. really would enjoy a signature from her followers. That is why I provided the link.

by geauxjo 2007-10-24 06:41AM | 0 recs

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Re: More Important Than a Poll / Wildfires

i smell bullshit

"thats why i provided the link"

come on, we're supposed to take that as a sincere gesture? give me a break

by sepulvedaj3 2007-10-24 06:44AM | 0 recs

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lighten up, George

If Hillary had quickly moved to mobilize her national network of supporters to help in this way, there would be a diary by a Hillary supporter praising the action.

I'm not saying she is not concerned about the fires, but she has been slower to use her platform to launch an organized response by her supporters.

And I agree with what Quinton said above my comment.

by desmoinesdem 2007-10-24 04:58AM | 0 recs

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Re: lighten up, George

he isnt taking any shots at Edwards' attempt to help the situation. He's calling out the cheap shot by the diarist.

by sepulvedaj3 2007-10-24 06:45AM | 0 recs

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This says a lot about John Edwards.

American people are in need, and Edwards points his supporters to the links to send money and help. For many people, this means the sum they can afford to give will go to California this month, instead of to the Edwards campaign.

This simple action, during a campaign where fundraising has become the media's measure of success, is very touching to me. We finally have a leader who acts according to his principles.

We finally see a leader who puts the needs of American people first.

by bettync 2007-10-24 05:28AM | 0 recs

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Re: More Important Than a Poll / Wildfires

You really ruined a nice, positive diary with this cheap shot.

by Steve M 2007-10-24 08:20AM | 0 recs

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Shame there are not picket lines at the fires

Johnny could have ran off and marched.

by dpANDREWS 2007-10-24 07:18PM | 0 recs

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Re: Not a Poll, John Edwards / Wildfires

OneCorps is a very valuable organization that contributes to community building or activism for various causes. The immediacy of action is evident in this crisis.

Thanks for sharing the information!

by benny06 2007-10-24 04:59AM | 0 recs

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Re: John Edwards / Wildfires

A great diary with links on how people can help whether through OneCorps or other ways.

And given Edwards approach to doing useful things now I am really pleased to see
that he is providing ways for his supporters to help with this emergency.

May everyone be safe and that the fires are soon under control.
And we hope that the weather cooperates.

by pioneer111 2007-10-24 05:02AM | 0 recs

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Re: Not a Poll, John Edwards / Wildfires

You might want to consider cross-posting this on Calitics.

http://www.calitics.com

by sirius 2007-10-24 05:09AM | 0 recs

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Re: Not a Poll, John Edwards / Wildfires

People here in San Diego appreciate any help from any source. Thank you to anyone who is doing anything to help us right now.

by MisterPib 2007-10-24 05:48AM | 0 recs

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Re: Not a Poll, John Edwards / Wildfires

Good luck out there, let us know whats going on and by all means be safe.

by geauxjo 2007-10-24 10:08AM | 0 recs

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John Edwards Talks, Bill Richardson Takes Action

While John Edwards suggests actions that can be taken to help folks in California, even trying to raise money for the cause, Governor Bill Richardson has personally taken action to assist.

Yesterday, Governor Richardson donated $10,000 from his campaign to the Red Cross to assist with relief efforts.

In addition, Governor Richardson ordered New Mexican fire crews to California to help put the fires out.

by Ken Camp 2007-10-24 08:03AM | 0 recs

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Re: Bill Richardson Takes Action

Good for Governor Richardson, glad he is shining a light on this. After Katrina I am sure any and all help to replace the federal reaction is appreciated.

by geauxjo 2007-10-24 10:06AM | 0 recs

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Re: Bill Richardson Takes Action

I send Richardson 10,000 thanks.

by SoCalGal220 2007-10-24 08:53PM | 0 recs

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Not a Poll, but a request for personal information

Not to be completely cynical here, but after you input your personal information on Edwards site, are you then "signed up" for emails in the future soliciting donations to his campaign? Of did the Edwards campaign learn anything from when persons emailed sympathy wishes to Elizabeth Edwards after the spread of her cancer was announced?

by Stephen Cassidy 2007-10-24 08:21AM | 0 recs

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Re: Not personal information

That is why I provided links in the diary. In case someone is adverse to Sen. Edwards, you can still take some sort of action.

This is about the victims, no matter my offenses of mentioning the candidates. I also wanted to add a link to the aspca but couldn't make a connection, if anybody could that would be great. Thanks.

by geauxjo 2007-10-24 10:01AM | 0 recs

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John sends his prayers California!

Never fear! John Edwards is praying for you! Go back to your homes and trust that John and Jesus are on your side.

Meanwhile Richardson sends money and firefighters.

But what can we expect? Edwards can't send firefighters, because he isn't and never has been in charge of them. Oh, and the money? Edwards better hang on to that too.

by liberaltruthsayer 2007-10-24 08:38AM | 0 recs

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Re: John sends his prayers California!

Why do the Richardson people hate Edwards so much?

by desmoulins 2007-10-24 09:06AM | 0 recs

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I could ask the same question

of the Edwards supporters.

by Ken Camp 2007-10-24 09:29AM | 0 recs

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Is there any basis to ask that question

But I've not met a single Edwards campaign worker or supporter who speaks negatively of Edwards. Yet I've heard multiple Richardson national staff (not the admirable and idealistic young people who went out canvassing for him in 110+ heat on their summer break) talk down Edwards at every opportunity. I'm not talking about stupid adolescent blog posts; I'm talking about a strategy that is based on trying to beat down Edwards here in NV because Richardson is desparate to climb into third. So Richardson folks when making their pitch to labor repeatedly claim that Edwards hasn't done anything, etc, in terms of such animosity that I can't understand it.

What Im asking is not why you like Richardson, but why not the same animosity towards Hilary and Obama?

PS. IF you're paying attention, Richardson has hit some very perilous waters here in NV since the story of his support for Yucca mountain broke yesterday. Richardson has been stressing his support for nuclear power to try to win the Plumbers & Pipefitters' endorsement, but that isn't going to play well here.

by desmoulins 2007-10-24 09:44AM | 0 recs

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Re: Is there any basis to ask that question

Sorry, that should have read "single Edwards campaign worker or supporter who has been critical of Richardson."

by desmoulins 2007-10-24 09:44AM | 0 recs

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Re: Not a Poll, John Edwards / Wildfires

Good for Edwards.

by Korha 2007-10-24 09:24AM | 0 recs

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Re: One Corps is great!

A call to action must be heeded. Let's show em what we are made of, thanks.

by geauxjo 2007-10-24 10:11AM | 0 recs

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This is clearly something

That will never get any media attention. He's not ahead in the polls omg! Nothing else matters.

by KainIIIC 2007-10-24 10:48AM | 0 recs

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Where's the National Guard?

A question all candidates should be pressing Bush on:

Today, we all extend our sympathies and prayers to those devastated by the wildfires in California. Millions of Americans are impacted by this natural disaster.

Neighbors should help neighbors in their time of need. As Governor of New Mexico, I ordered two fire crews (strike teams, with 5 engines and 21 crew members each) to California. As a candidate for President, I donated to the American Red Cross and I encourage you to do so as well, click here to do so.

But as someone who believes the war in Iraq is a complete disaster and that we need to get our troops out now (www.getourtroopsout.com), I look at the natural disaster in California and feel compelled to also ask President Bush and every candidate who thinks it is okay for our troops to remain in Iraq until 2013 or longer - where is our National Guard?

It is a sad irony that yesterday, the very day I sent fire crews to California, 300 more New Mexico National Guard members were sent to Iraq. Just when we need them most at home, more of our brave men and women, true public servants, are sent away to a war we cannot win.

From http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gov-bill-r ichardson/where-is-the-national-gua_b_69 735.html

by Stephen Cassidy 2007-10-24 12:47PM | 0 recs