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It's Our Party and We'll Cry If We Want To...! | Coffee Party Radio

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 11:15pm — Coffee Party USA

by Michael Charney

Last week on The Middle Ground we had a number of guests discussing the state of the GOP, and whether it made any sense at all to remain part of the Republican Party. Several spoke on why they had left while others — including me — talked about why we stay and try to change things from within. This week, we're opening up the discussion to Democrats and those who do not belong to any political party.

THE MIDDLE GROUND
with Michael Charney & Eric Byler

Tuesdays at 8 pm ET (5 pm PT) | CLICK HERE for podcast

I'll be joined tonight by Jeanene Louden (host of Thursday's Lunch with Louden) who is subbing for Eric Byler. We'll ask you to call in and answer some tough questions, like:

  1. Are political parties good for the country?
  2. Independents keep growing in number. Why?
  3. Can a third-party candidate ever have an impact other than spoiler?

And, of course, we'll take up any questions YOU want to ask. Join us TONIGHT at 8PM EST/5PM PST on THE MIDDLE GROUND. Call in at 646-929-2495 and tell us how YOU feel about the political parties.  We're looking forward to hearing from all of you!

PS: We are 100 percent people-powered by small contributions and membership dues. That's why we are free to follow the truth where ever it leads us. No oil barons, no partisan operatives, no casino moguls. We're proud of the fact that our average donation is less than $30. Please become a member, and/or help us along when you can.

Moderate Republicans re. Today's GOP: "Should I stay or should I go?" 


THE MIDDLE GROUND
with Michael Charney & Eric Byler
Tuesdays at 8 pm ET (5 pm PT) | Click here for podcast

by Eric Byler

We are proud of the fact that the Coffee Party is a gathering place for former Republicans and questioning Republicans who put the facts first when looking at important issues. One of my primary goals as a Coffee Party leader is to create a "safe environment" where no one is bullied or rejected because of their beliefs, cultural background, or upbringing.  There are, unfortunately, some in our community who are distrustful and even hateful toward Republicans, but, many moderate Republicans have told me that the Coffee Party community is the one where "we are least abused."  Let's see if we can improve on that.  

Our Tuesday Sept. 25th presentation of The Middle Ground (8 to 9:30 pm ET) will be dedicated to current and former Republicans who are unhappy with the extreme elements of their party. D.R. Tucker is a freelance writer and conservative thought-leader who strongly opposed Massachusetts Gov. Duvall Patrick, then had a change of heart and recently explained his decision to vote for President Obama in his essay "Breaking Away."  Alanna Almeda is a life-long Republican, a blogger and a stay-at-home mom in Prince William County, VA best know for standing up against her party on the issue of immigration.  Lacy Ward Jr. is a former Republican nominee for the Alabama House of Delegates, and staffer for two Virginia Congressmen who has been critical of President Obama's approach to education. And, Hal Ziegler is a former Republican State Senator from the state of Michigan.

The topic of the show was inspired by a recent essay on the environment by former Delaware Republican Party officer Michael Stafford, a long-time Coffee Party contributor and now a syndicated columnist.  Mr. Stafford will join us to discuss issues like immigration, climate change, and tax policy, as well as attitudes and tactics that have caused him to leave the GOP. We'll also be joined by moderate Republicans who remain with the party for the same noble reason that Mr. Stafford made the video above during the height of the 2011 Debt Ceiling Crisis, hoping to create grassroots support for moderate Republicans to counter Fox News & the Tea Party. Our show's focus for the evening will be a question that is a painful and difficult one for moderates across the U.S. who feel isolated in today's GOP: Why Remain a Republican?

The hosts of The Middle Ground include moderate Republican Michael Charney, and filmmaker and registered Independent Eric Byler (me).  Both of us have a track record of reaching across the aisle. Michael Charney has decided to remain a Republican in order to fight for the soul of the party. Michael Stafford fought that fight for years but has given up and become an Independent who is very critical (as Charney has been at times) of the Mitt Romney campaign.
 
I believe that principled, moderate Republicans are the "Most Valuable Players in American politics today."  It's a lesson I learned during the making of 9500 Liberty, and have applied in the creation of the Coffee Party.  Many of the heroes of 9500 Liberty are courageous Republicans who broke with their party to stand up to extremism on the issue of immigration (see video below featuring Mrs. Almeda).  In fact, it is 9500 Liberty that first brought me together with Mr. Stafford and helped to introduce the Coffee Party to Mr. Charney.
 

"Transpartisan" is not a synonym for “neutral"

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 1:49am — EricByler

Eric Byler is an award-winning film director and a co-founder/president of Coffee Party USA. This essay was originally published July 4th, 2011.

by Eric Byler

A transpartisan approach to civic engagement steers clear of pre-packaged issue platforms.  It encourages all Americans to put the facts first, and use their own intelligence in approaching complex issues. 

Coffee Party USA is an invitation to participate in the democratic process with civility, with respect, and within a transpartisan framework.  But let me make this clear: transpartisan is not a synonym for “neutral.” It is not a barrier to participation.  It is not a constraint.  It is a liberation.

Understandably, the word "transpartisan" attracts people who want to have a voice in our political process, but are turned off by the partisanship and ugliness with which it is waged.  Often, they are conflict-averse, as most humans are.  So, they seek a non-partisan or transpartisan group with which to organize.  But they are often unable to take collective action because their desire to avoid conflict supersedes their desire to have impact. 

To silence them, all that is required is a loud, aggressive, (and usually extreme) position.  If it is repeated often enough, it is labeled “controversial” and “partisan,” and so too is anyone who challenges it.  Thus, a conflict-averse citizen or organization is barred from taking a position on anything people scream about in front of cameras.  If we allow this to govern our civic life, the result will be a political process dominated by people who thrive on conflict, who subscribe to dogmatic ideologies, and aren't able to use their intelligence to examine complex issues because they are too busy fighting.

Chasing the Middle

Another pitfall for active citizens who are conflict-averse is that they spend too much time and energy “chasing the middle.”  If your only goal is to find the "center" between two opposing arguments, you are giving up your right to define your own values.  Since the 2008 election, the Republican party has moved to the right, decrying health care and climate change policies they had once championed in order oppose President Obama.  Does that mean that a "centrist" must re-calibrate his or her beliefs on those issues in order to find the new "middle?"  As responsible citizens, we cannot allow someone else's electioneering strategy to alter who we are.  

Let's be cautious of the assumption that, "the right answer is always in the middle."  Often, the right answer simply cannot be found on the line defined by the only two options we are given.  Often, it's somewhere else entirely.

Transpartisanship and Coffee Party USA

So, how can the Coffee Party, or any transpartisan organization have impact in a deliberative process dominated by conflict-driven political entertainment? 

  1. See transpartisanship as an exploration, not a constraint.
  2. Learn to deal with criticism, and accept that conflict cannot always be avoided. 
  3. Remember that our guiding principles cannot be abandoned, even in the face of strong rhetoric.

Organizing with the Coffee Party is not going to be a refuge from criticism or unfair accusations.  Any movement, in fact any opinion that stands in the way of somebody's political agenda is sure to get a dose of that. 

But, if you are willing to transcend partisanship, and stand up to the bullying and misinformation that disguise and perpetuate the Cycle of Corruption — without becoming part of it — your civic life will have an authenticity and integrity that enriches our deliberative process, and sets an example that inspires others to join you. 

Coffee Party Radio: Civil Incivility - Is truth a victim of civility? Sat 12 to 2 pm Central (1 to 3 pm ET)

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 10:53pm — EgbertoWillies

Politics Done Right with Egberto Willies

Saturdays 12:00 Noon Central/1:00 PM Eastern 

Listen to PODCAST

Please call in and give me hell today on Politics Done Right (1 to 3 pm ET). Today I want to ask you whether the Coffee Party's "Civility Pledge" is an obstacle to finding and stating the truth. 

After having a civil exchange with several of my Right Wing friends at the gym this week, I wrote a blog post titled “Are You A Traitor Or A Patriot – Your Vote In This Election Will Decide.”  As a preface for to the post I made the following statement:

“If you knowingly cause harm to your country because of willful ignorance are you accountable? If you are accountable then isn’t a knowingly detrimental vote to one’s country an unpatriotic act?”

Because I knew the title was pushing the Coffee Party civility envelope I stayed on our Facebook page to take some of the heat I expected. Some of the stock Coffee Party members thought the comment was not up to the standard of civility that we set for ourselves as Coffee Party contributors, and that we aim to spread. Others were in complete agreement. In my comments I apologized to those who thought it went over the top.

For today's show, I invite you to call in and help me explore this topic within the context of our election specifically and our body politic in general. I also want you to think about this question; “Can the truth be the victim of civility?” “Can unabashed civility be detrimental to political relevance & viability?“

Listen And Chat <Here> at your computer or smartphone

Please call me at (646)929-2495 let us discuss these issues. I want to hear and discuss ALL points of views.

Listen And Chat Here at your computer or smartphone

Join My Coffee Party Group
Americans for Racial Equality and Economic Justice

LIKE My Facebook Page

WAR ON VOTING, and Happy Birthday OCCUPY!

Thu, 09/27/2012 - 12:46pm — debilyn

 

Today’s Blue Plate Special: Steve Spaulding of Common Cause joins us to review “Bullies at the Ballot Box,” a report and strategies he co-authored with others, outlining protections needed in 10 states to protect the freedom to vote against intimidation and wrongful challenges on election day.  This report is a response to strategic plans outlined by a voter suppression group, targeting minority and student populations.

And for dessert, we’ll talk with members of OCCUPY groups from around the country (NYC & Portland, OR, plus YOU), in a celebration of the 1-year anniversary.  We want to know what has been the impact of Occupy in your community and what’s next?  As we can see from Spain and Greece, Occupy is far from over. 

LUNCH WITH LOUDEN
Thursdays at noon Pacific (3 pm ET)
Call in at 646-929-2495
Or click HERE to listen live

So join us for a heapin’ good time on LUNCH WITH LOUDEN, today by calling 646-929-2495.

Coffee Party ON!
Jeanene and Debilyn

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P.S.  My show is part of our "Be the Media" campaign.  This campaign costs $37,000 per year and is 100% supported by members.  Please consider joining, renewing or making an additional contribution.  Thank you!

Is Romney Blowing the Election for Fox News, or Did Fox News Blow It For Romney Long Ago?

Mon, 09/24/2012 - 9:23pm — Coffee Party USA

by Don Manning

The whole world is a-Romney-bashin'. So tonight, when you call in to Speaking of America, let's see if we can't cut the man some slack. I'd like to talk about the warped world that Fox "News" and the Republican media empire has foisted upon Mr. Romney. Could anyone have done any better at the top of a GOP ticket in 2012?
 

"Speaking of America"with Don Manning

Mondays 8 to 10 pm Pacific (11 pm to 1 am ET)

Romney's campaign appears to be betting that there are enough Republican media consumers in America to win a general election. But my guess is they realized long ago that this is a losing bet. The problem is that, if Romney so much as mentions facts and events from the reality-based world, he is crucified by consumers of Fox "News" and Rush Limbaugh whose self-esteem and/or business plans depend upon denying any such a world exists. The man can't win!

Tomorrow night's Coffee Party Radio show will be a forum for moderates who remain in Republican party, and the conflict they have with the "base" of the party. But when we talk about the "Republican base," who are we really talking about if not Republican media consumers?  As Jonathan Bernstein explained recently in Salon: 

"....Romney himself, or at least his campaign, seems to have massively misunderstood how the economy is perceived. That’s perhaps due to the conservative closed-information feedback loop. If most of your information comes through Fox News and Rush Limbaugh, you might think that the economy was just fine or maybe a bit on the weak side until January 2009 and that it has gone from bad to worse since then. Certainly, that’s what Republican rank-and-file voters seem to think.

"The result is ...rather than inviting people to compare the present to how things should be — and therefore encouraging them to compare Barack Obama to whatever their ideal might be — Romney is asking people to compare Obama to George W. Bush. While that might work really well among those listening to Sean Hannity or Glenn Beck, it’s a losing fight with everyone else."

Don't laugh about it, folks, because like it or not, the Republican party is one half of the two party system we need to function in order for America to succeed.  Will the Republican media empire learn its lesson if they lose in November. Or, are they going to blame Romney for not being conservative enough and double down on "Tea Party" extremism?

Call me and tell me your thoughts: 646-929-2495.

 
PS:  You the People are our only source of funding for Coffee Party media.  Please support the voice of the People by becoming an Official Member or making a small contribution.  

Coffee Party Radio: Doctors Explain How Obamacare Affects You

Fri, 09/21/2012 - 11:22pm — EgbertoWillies

Politics Done Right with Egberto Willies 
Saturdays 1 to 3 pm Eastern (12 to 2 pm Central)

  Click to listen to PODCAST

by Egberto Willies

Let us take the myth out of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). I went to the Democratic Convention two weeks ago. There I met Dr. Mona Mangat. I interviewed her and was extremely impressed with her knowledge of the effects of Obamacare and its politics.

I was so impressed I asked Dr. Mona Mangat and Dr. Christopher Lillis both of the organization Doctors For America to come on our show to enlighten our audience with real facts about Obamacare. We will talk about Obamacare and answer whatever questions you have. This is an important show. Please share with your family an friends.

Listen And Chat Here on your computer or using smartphone

Please call me at (646) 929-2495 let us discuss these issues. I want to hear and discuss ALL points of views.

Listen And Chat Here at your computer or smartphone

Join My Coffee Party Group
Americans for Racial Equality and Economic Justice

LIKE My Facebook Page

EcoMind & Frances Moore Lappeé are the Blue Plate Specials on "LUNCH W LOUDEN" | Podcast via Coffee Party Radio

Thu, 09/20/2012 - 12:31pm — debilyn

Frances Moore Lappe' is the blue plate special on LUNCH WITH LOUDEN (Thursdays at Noon Pacific Time).

Well known for her book, Diet for a Small Planet, we will begin with her most recent work, EcoMind: Changing the Way We Think to Create the World We Want.

EcoMind addresses “thought leaps” that help reframe how we approach the problem solving required to address the issues of today’s world.

For instance, one thought leap we can make is in HOW we grow, not to stop growing. Another is our thinking about consumerism.  How can this new thinking impact what is important to you?

Join us today for an hour-long conversation with thought-leader, democracy advocate and author, Frances Moore Lappe’.  

Lunch with Louden

Thursdays at 12 noon Pacific (3 p.m. ET)
Today's show: Using EcoMind to Approach Today's Most Perplexing Problems
CLICK HERE to listen to podcast

Tell us what you think today at 12 noon Pacific (3 pm ET) on Lunch with Louden.

Coffee Party ON!!!!
Jeanene and Debilyn

Here are a couple of slides from a recent presentation by Frances...they are sure to come up!

  

P.S.  My radio show is part of our "Be the Media" campaign.  This campaign costs $37,000 per year and is 100% supported by members.  Please consider joining, renewing or making an additional contribution.  Thank you!

 

Amplify Your Voice! — Introducing Two Weekly Volunteer Calls

Wed, 09/19/2012 - 3:02pm — Coffee Party USA

by Jessica English

As your new Volunteer and Membership Coordinator, I'm proud to  announce the launch of our new, weekly volunteer calls!  

What's NEW:
Each week, I am hosting two concise & informative conference calls to: 

1) Let you know of volunteer opportunities; and 

2) Allow you to choose where to plug in and make a difference!  

Register below and you will receive an email invitation to each weekly call:

Thursdays 8pm ET/5pm PT

Sundays 7pm PT/10pm ET


What to expect:

We will email you a list of the needs, including help producing our five weekly radio shows, creating content for our Facebook pages and on-line newsletters, and stuff that is more "behind-the-scenes."  

When your schedule allows simply join one of our calls. This allows us to coordinate action, and incorporate your ideas and suggestions into our collective goals.

We've poured through the many volunteer forms that you filled out (thank you), and are excited to bring everyone on board!  Please follow a link to register for a call!  

1) Thursdays - 8pm ET/5pm PT,

2) Sundays - 7pm PT/10pm ET, or

3) Let me know when is the best time to contact you.

I'm in my first month as the Coffee Party's Volunteer and Membership Coordinator.  I'm eager to help organize our volunteers and make an important difference in local communities and in our national political conversation. I can't wait to work with you!

INTERESTED in amplifying your voice and the voices of We the People?

Watch the video below and ​SIGN UP HERE.

PS: We are 100 percent people-powered by small contributions and membership dues. That's why we are free to follow the truth where ever it leads us. No oil barons, no partisan operatives, no casino moguls. We're proud of the fact that our average donation is less than $30. Please become a member, and/or help us along when you can.

PPS: Sept. 30 is the deadline for our Video Contest called "You Know It's Propaganda When..." video contest. I can't wait to view your entries!

Who Is the US Chamber of Commerce and What Does It Do? | Coffee Party Radio Archive from 9/17/12

Tue, 09/18/2012 - 5:49pm — EricByler

It's no secret that Coffee Party members are not exactly fans of the US Chamber of Commerce. One of our most popular YouTube videos calls them directly, pointing out that they do NOT lobby for the interests of small businesses as they claim, but rather for 16 corporations who use the Chamber's brand as a front group to hide vast lobbying and electioneering expenditures from their customers (We the People).

In this episode of The Middle Ground on Coffee Party Radio, we talk to Anne Pernick of Corporate Ethics International and Blair Bowie of US PIRG. Anne and Blair will explain the Chamber's mission and tell us what her organization plans to do to celebrate the Chamber's 100th birthday.

THE MIDDLE GROUND
with Michael Charney & Eric Byler

Tuesdays at 8 pm ET (5 pm PT)
You can also click here for the archived podcast.

As my friend and co-host Michael Charney points out, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is one of this country's best-kept secrets. If we can change that, the question in our video will become a central one for this and all elections: "Who will it be Congress, 16 Corporations, or We the People?"

Please join us for THE MIDDLE GROUND, Tuesdays from 8 to 9 PM EST (5 to 6 PM PST).

Do "Social" Issues Hold Back Our Economy & Hurt Our Country? | Coffee Party Radio

Sun, 09/16/2012 - 2:31pm — EricByler

The Bottom Line with Jessica English

Sundays, 5 pm Eastern (2 pm Pacific Time)

CLICK HERE to listen live
 

Guest hosting on The Bottom Line today is my friend Chris Franks who you may remember was a guest on The Bottom Line a few months ago.  Jessica English will call in to say hi, and we hope you'll do the same: (646) 929-2495.

Chris Franks writes: I'm a start-up guy, a businessman, I'm a political independent, but I do have a position on today's topic, social issues. I can't understand why they are even issues at all. Why is there still debate in this country as to whether or not we should allow equality for all Americans regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation?  It angers and frustrates me that, in a day when we face tremendous economic and fiscal challenges, and, when we are on the verge of tremendous economic opportunity, we spend so much time talking about issues like birth control, the definition of marriage, and whether or not it's okay to be a Muslim.  
 
I want to talk about economic issues.  Both parties say that's what THEY want to talk about that too. But in my assessment, both parties are using race, gender, and sexual orientation as part of the political campaigns.  What's the deal here?  How do we get past the social issues so we can talk about rebuilding this economy?  Please call in to help me sort it out with the help of our guests Gil Asakawa of the University of Colorado, and Coffee Party member Lauren Kinsey of Columbus, Ohio.
 
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