Open forum for concerns of voters. We want a lively discussion of topics.
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Starting more groups, editing current groups, etc...
In two weeks time, Coffee Party USA will be releasing an internal Facebook type application specifically for members of the Coffee Party website. Until then, we are asking that everyone make due with the tools they have currently. This new platform will knock your socks off.
Please bear with us. We built it, you came, we have to remodel. 
Comments
Active?
Is this an active group of progressives in the Atlanta area and other areas of GA.?
Lattetude Address Correction
For those planning to attend the Atlanta Group's Coffee Summit on 3/27, please note that the address previously listed was incorrect and should read Peachtree Street and not Peachtree Road. It is on the corner of Peachtree and 17th Streets.
Has Anyone setup meetings with their congressmen for the recess?
The Congressional recess would be a great time to ask our representatives to meet withe the coffee party members. Organizers, is this something you want to do?
Re: Has Anyone setup meetings with their congressmen...
I thought that's what the National Coffee Summit Day was about. I know that's what we'll be trying to do in the Atlanta area.
When and where is the next
When and where is the next meeting?
Next Meeting Date - Atlanta
The following are all upcoming events for the Atlanta chapter and are available on this website as well as the Facebook group (Join The Coffee Party Movement Atlanta):
National Coffee Summit
Date: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Lattetude Coffee Lounge and Bistro
Street: 1375 Peachtree Street NE
National Coffee Summit
Date: Saturday, April 3, 2010
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Lattetude Coffee Lounge and Bistro
Street: 1375 Peachtree Street NE
Regular Chapter Meeting
Date: Sunday, April 18, 2010
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Javavino
Street: 579 N Highland Ave.
State Legislature
We should organize a group to go down on a Wednesday (the people's day..no joke), to have our voice heard.
Mark in Woodstock
Link for the By The People Days
Here is the link on the event details:
http://www.acluga.org/legislative.html
Another meeting?
Hey All...
I am in the Austell/Mableton/Douglas area... let's have a meeting near here.. I missed the kick off.
prettygirlobama
Excellent! Someone else in
Excellent! Someone else in my area.
WE NEED TERM LIMITS!!!!!!!!!
In the few states that have terms limits, they have better laws, lower poverty levels, better health care, etc. There are 15 states that currently have term limits for legislators. The biggest problem is we kept the same people in office year after, year after, year and except different results. Once members of congress as well as local state officials are elected in office it is VERY hard to get them out of office because it takes so much money to get elected. Our country founders did not think congress needed term limits because back then elected officials truly looked out for the citizens. Now it is ALL about money and how much money lobbyist can put into their pockets. We can rally all we want and have coffee everyday but until we force them to enact terms limits then nothing we change. Image if there were no term limits for U.S. Presidents. Would George W. Bush still be in office? Would Bill Clinton still be in office? I have been involved with various groups to help change family laws in Georgia for the last 7 years. We rallied, protest, march, email, letters, radio, etc. Nothing worked because the Speaker of the House Tom Murphy did not think Georgia needed change. However, shortly after he died we were able to get numerous bills passed. WE NEED TERM LIMITS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
reforming the voting process as a term-limit alternative?
I know much of the debate about term limits and campaign reform focuses on politicians and on the systems which regulate them but what do you guys think about the idea of changing the systems that regulate the citizens? We want government for the people and by the people, so why not reform the people's role in the electoral process?
We spend a lot of resources (time, money, political cachet) on convincing citizens just to show up to the polls. Couldn't that energy be better used in researching candidates or educating voters about the prospective politicians? citizens who participate in elections are more interested in hearing how elected official actually behave in office, so why not encourage (or in more extreme arguments 'mandate') that participation? Gerrymandering becomes less of a problem if elected official are actually required to court EVERY vote in their district, as opposed to courting the votes of those people that show up.
Term limits, which are attractive for their simplicity, have many drawbacks. If we instituted simple changes such as holding elections over the course of a couple days so people had more opportunities to vote with shorter wait periods, they would be more likely to engage. If we instituted national best-practice procedures for administering the voting process instead of allowing each county to develop their own methods, it would reduce the confusion in counting votes. If we included basic conversations about what ballots look like, how electronic voting machines operate and the rights of the voter in high school curriculum, we could reach new voters the same year they become eligible to vote.
Voter Information Resources
@ Ember - You raise some great points. In regards to voter information and researching candidates and their positions, there are a few websites I personally use where that information is readily available.
Project Vote Smart - http://www.votesmart.org/
Open Congress - http://www.opencongress.org/
League of Women Voters - http://www.lwv.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
Sunlight Foundation - http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/
An article you might find interesting, "Voter Registration Modernization", is available at http://www.brennancenter.org/content/resource/universal_voter_registrati...
The information is out there, for those who have the ability to access it and the desire to seek it. People will come out and vote when they feel passionate and engaged in the process. For the past 30 years or more, voters have increasingly felt apathetic and shied away from the polls - this is a trend that appears to be reversing for national elections - but we need to do more raising participation on local and state elections levels. Constituents seem to fail to see the relativity and impact those votes have in being the base of the chain of support for state legislators and congressional representatives and senators but as we observe what's going on in the national political landscape, that may be changing as well.
It's going to take some time, as people have different learning curves, but information leads to knowledge and knowledge leads to power. For those who cannot access it, we need to do what we can to make it available to them.
Term Limits
I'm more partial to campaign reform, as term limits can work against a good candidate whose doing the right thing by his constituents. If you do your job and are doing it well, why should you be forced to leave because of term limits? It's up to the people doing their civic duty and being involved in the process not just for presidential elections, but local races as well that makes up the term limits and I mean well-informed voters, not ones who vote based on name recognition. For me, it's not so much the mechanism, but the people who distort and pervert the system that's the real problem.
We definitely need to take lobbyists and the corporate sector out of the picture and in Georgia, dismantle the "good ole boy" network that has controlled Georgia politics for so long. Murphy was one of them and you see how strong it is. We have to find the weakness and attack it until it falls. Now, that may mean some of us stepping up and running for office ourselves; why vote the same rats and mice in office time and time again and expect change or not rally for and vote for the candidates who do and more importantly, continue to support them after we’ve voted?
Great Idea!
I think term limits would be great, also it would ensure we have elected officials who are thinking more about the country than about re-election.
I say 5 terms for congressmen and 2 terms for senators!
No Parking at JAVA Monkey
It looked like a success today! I couldn't find a place to park anywhere near JAVA Monkey. Catch you at the next coffee.
Unorganized Website
Hi all
this website is clearly a mess. is there someone willing to nominate their email as a contact/organizer for setting up events?
Coffee Party in Midtown (Lattetude Coffee Shop)
All,
Lattetude coffee shop in midtown is willing to host the next event. We are excited that this movement is getting off the ground. You can reach us at
chat@lattetudebistro.com also checkout the website at www.lattetudecoffee.com
call at 404-817-3304
We are now open on the weekends from 9am to 5pm.
Lattetude Coffee Shop
I'd love to talk to you more about the possibility of hosting out next event; we have two upcoming ones on the 27th of this month and April 4th. If you don't mind dropping me an email at coffeepartyatl@gmail.com, we'll see what we can work out.
Thanks!
Great!
I sent you an e-mail. Let me know what we can do to help.
Lattetude
Cool, let's see what we can do together. We'd love to become a local economic stimulus engine of our own!
Saturday, March 13th
Can anyone tell me where and when the meeting will be tomorrow? I looked at the map & found the address on Google Earth, and it appears to be the address of the Noodle House in Decatur. Is that correct? What time? I'm not on Facebook or Twitter, so I'd appreciate someone's letting me know. Thanks, Kathy.
Time Of Todays Meeting
Hi Group, I was wondering if anybody new what time the meeting was at Java Monkey today?
Today's Meeting
I was told it'll be from 12N-2P.
Kathy
ATL location
Java Monkey, 205 East Ponce De Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030-3405
ATL Location Coffee Party Meeting
Hi Joe,
I just saw the report on the Coffee Movement and joined a few minutes ago. Thanks for posting the location of the meeting. What time does it start, please? Thanks.
ATL Meeting
I was told it'll be from 12N-2P.
Kathy
Ideal Subject Matter for the Meetings
Fellow Citizens,
I may have stumbled upon the answer.
I have authored a book that explains a specific strategy to regain control of our federal government. Though listening carefully, I’ve heard of no other solutions being offered so far. The book includes as yet unspoken analysis, entirely unique perspectives, a full explanation of the logic leading to my conclusions and a step-by-step plan that could enable the masses to re-establish control of our Federal government. Here's a sample
Votimate Our Politics
Our country needs a new way of doing business. Under the current system politicians have many motivations. This strategy could reduce their need for multiple motivations. This strategy could help create a system where politicians are:
Votimated
Politicians Motivated for Votes Only
PREFACE
We’ve heard from the Politicians, the Pundits, the Experts and from all of those who can buy a platform from which to speak, yet nary an answer for that which ails our country. Clearly it is getting worse with no end in sight. Perhaps it is time to hear from “Joe Public.”
I can’t say that I speak for the 99%, but I come from the 99% and after losing everything, perhaps even the bottom percent. How can the 1% get away with robbing and causing such harm to the 99% when the 99% of us control the vote? Armed only with the logic of a layman and the urgent need of a pauper I drilled down deep into this dilemma and made some discoveries that might be worth hearing.
The first several chapters offer unique, unspoken perspectives, intended to expose, categorize, organize and simplify the basic core issues within the bigger issue, our politics, or more specifically, our lack of effective governance for the 99%. The next several chapters offer unique comparative analysis, completely “out of the beltway” ideas and surprisingly possible solutions to the core problems. The final few chapters include stunning, previously undisclosed analysis exposing clearly why we must take action soon - and what the result of taking action could mean for us.
This is not just conceptual. I propose specific action. This is “nuts and bolts.” This is “what’s the next step”, a potential roadmap to restoring a government that works for us, the 99%. Restoring our democracy is the only issue worth talking about. Until we adapt and upgrade our political system, the 99% will continue to lose. Until we do, nothing else matters. Without a functioning government, we have nothing.
INTRODUCTION
I’m not experienced with politics and have no education in economics. Like many, I’ve lost everything and see little happening to bring me hope while watching our country implode seemingly like never before. This is saying a lot because at 54 years old, I survived the horrific Richard Nixon 30,000-dead-to-get-re-elected-war/impeach-a-crook-Watergate era.
Many of us are in need of hope. They say that need is the mother of invention. America is in need of solutions. While most solutions to complex issues include in-depth analysis and long explanations, true also in this case, like most straightforward arguments, mine too has a short answer. So I’ll cut to the chase and work my way backward.
In January 2010, while watching the disturbing display of the four “Too Big To Fail” banksters acting innocent and clueless in front of Congress, I found myself wondering, “How can our country become as successful as these corporations have become?” Even more to the point, how can we, Joe Public, benefit from our government like their shareholders benefit from their successful banking corporations? After all, who would argue that those corporations have pimped our system and punked us all? We know it. They know it. Everyone knows it.
Simply put, it is an industry licensed by, governed by and residing in the United States of America that has become more powerful than the Federal Government of The United States of America. That’s a mouthful. Other than two senseless wars, this is the worst realization of my lifetime. It’s huge. It cannot be overstated. It is bleeding us dry and I don’t see it changing on it’s own. It has stolen our Democracy. But what on earth can we do about it?
The status quo approach would be to peck away at it with legislation that will start with good intentions, but with powerful lobby bribes end up watered down, rendered ineffective and/or reversed by the next congress and administration. First, it is: our political/governing system needs an overhaul from the bottom up. It no longer works, which begs one of many questions, “which specific part is broken?”
To that purpose, I analyzed the differences between how the Wall Street banksters and health insurance providers do business from within their system – the free market corporate model – and compared it to the way the U.S. Government, does business from within our current political/governing system. I drilled down deep and what I found astounded me and might surprise you too. They are very different. Ergo, it’s the differences in the two structures/systems that allow the banksters and insurance providers to be so successful while operating from within theirs and what makes our government fail while operating from within ours, which allows private industry to dominate us.
By comparing the structures side-by-side it became obvious; the deficiencies in our system of governing are glaring and alarming when compared to their adapted, efficiently incentivized system. Upon identifying it the ultimate question arose, “how can we fix it?” The answer to fixing it is surprisingly obvious and has been readily apparent all along, despite the requisite in-depth analysis and long explanation disclosed herein.
My argument’s short answer is to propose applying elements of their successful free market corporate model to our system of politics and governance and we, Joe Public, should be rewarded like shareholders of a successful corporation. Once you go to this simple, logical perspective fantastic advantages naturally arise benefiting the citizens of America, not just the chosen few as it is now. On the following pages I will propose specific, step-by-step methods to reigning in the parasites.
Paradigm Shift
In my view, we can’t expect this type of “system overhaul” perspective and change to come from – or to be driven by – politicians fighting for their careers within our broken system. Ever since special interest groups have been counting profits in the billions, maybe even trillions, they’re far too powerful and already own our political/governing system.
If ever a “grass roots movement” were needed, it is for this “paradigm shift.” The 99% must conceive and drive this change and do it soon or our beloved country will implode from the unintended consequences of insatiable special interest capitalism. So let’s take a page from those who are doing it to us and make it work for us. With the strategy outlined herein, “we the shareholders” can take our government back from special interests.
United and armed with this plan, we can simply insist.
To find out more, visit votimate.com. I have lowered the cost for the “download” format to my cost only, $1.49, through Friday, March 12. You can find the “download” option just under the “Add to Cart” button on the right side of my publisher’s page. By Saturday, March 13th, the price will go back to $10 for the immediate download and Ebook versions. You won't be disappointed.
Best wishes, JP Sayles
tonight at Manny's
I'm sure we will find each other tonight. Just look for 25 people who look like we're looking for each other.
Manny's
Where are details about the Manuel's Tavern meeting posted? And how will we know each other? Are we using the party room in the back?
no info
We are getting no info. All I have is the time and place. We're posting and whoever is hosting is not responding. I certainly wouldn't know how we find each other unless there's a sign .. which there may be. I've seen them at Manuels before.
.... Janice
Chapter Info Updates
Janice:
Hello, this is Stacey Hopkins, Atlanta Chapter Coordinator and I apologize for the lack of a timely response to your questions here on the main website. I had login/posting issues and was busy preparing for the regular meeting on the 8th and firming up arrangements for our Nat'l Kick-Off Day on the 13th.
We are going to improve on the communication issue here and I appreciate you bringing it to my attention. You should see a noticeable improvement on response time and the amount of information/content but until that time, may I suggest you join our Facebook group, Join The Coffee Party Movement Atlanta, if you haven't already. We'll also be offering a variety of social networks to connect and keep informed in the very near future and we can currently be found on Twitter and we will be providing streaming video of our Kick-Off Day at www.ustream.tv, user name: coffeepartyatl.
Should you ever need to contact me via email, you can always do so at coffeepartyatl@gmail.com and if you'd like, sign up for email updates as well. Again, my apologies and hope you'll (and others) consider joining us.
Stacey Hopkins
Coffee Party Gathering in Atlanta? If So, When and Where
Anyone have info on that?
If there's not one yet - let's create one!
Alan
events
There's a meeting Monday (3/8) at Manuel's Tavern. And I rsvp'd for something on the 13th in Sandy Springs but I sent the invitation back to myself and it came with a link to one in San Francisco. Don't have the time to check the details now, but found the Sandy Springs event on the main website and announcement for the one on Monday here, I think.
what's happening in atlanta
looking for people who want to get active for these goals. is there a georgia twitter group yet? didn't see one. who is organizing the event in sandy springs? lots of questions.
Twitter
Janice,
The Atlanta chapter does have a Twitter account (@coffeepartyatl) which is also linked to our Facebook page. We are also on Ustream.tv (username: coffeepartyatl) and we are setting up a social network expressedly for the purpose of having conversations and allowing us to be more productive at chapter meetings.
Twitter Group - Atlanta Chapter
Hey, Janice! The Atlanta chapter is on Twitter, you can follow us at coffeepartyatl.
I don't know who may be hosting in Sandy Springs, but if the event has been registered, it should show up when you search by zip code. If you'd like to attend our Kick-Off Day event at Java Monkey in Decatur, you're certainly welcome! We are in the process on implementing action items to be addressed by the group on a variety of platforms, so you might be interested in coming to our next meeting on the 27th of this month and finding out more or you can check out our Facebook page for updates.