Open forum for concerns of voters. We want a lively discussion of topics.
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Check out the Coffee Sphere this week
The agenda for Coffee Party Summit meetings this weekend, besides planning for Coffee with Congress, will also focus on the amazing Coffee Sphere feature (available on this website's home page), asking us to bring our personal Sphere results with us to the meeting for use in issues discussion. So, if you haven't yet, and have the time, check out the Coffee Sphere.
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
ANNABEL PARK IN CAMBRIDGE APRIL 10
Annabel Park, Coffee Party founder, is coming to town this weekend!
She will participate in a discussion titled "Fixing Congress and Citizen Participation," joined by Lawrence Lessig (Professor of Law, Harvard Law School) and Archon Fung (Ford Foundation Professor of Democracy and Citizenship, Harvard Kennedy School of Government).
This Coffee Party event will be held on Saturday, April 10 from 2-4pm at the Harvard Law School, Cambridge, and is open to the public. The discussion will also be streamed live at http://www.livestream.com/coffeepartyusa.
CAMPUS COFFEE WEEK, April 17-25 ... tell your friends!
Help launch the Coffee Party's presence on campus!
If you're a student, staff or faculty member, please help set up a Coffee Party event on your campus. Or if you know someone affiliated with a university or college, please spread the word!
http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/content/campus-coffee-week-april-17-thru-2...
Twitter
When will you start using your Twitter page?
Brookline
Anyone in Brookline interested ? Saturday evening would be great.
South Boston!
We haven't all lost our minds in South Boston! Can't wait for the remodel on the group, I'm just as happy to have come across this group as I am that the numbers have grown to a point where we need to 'remodel' Looking forward to some coffee events!
Boston-area Coffee Summit, March 27
The Boston area has two complementary Coffee Party events scheduled for Saturday, March 27. Please consider attending both! These events are posted in the meeting listings accessed from this website's homepage.
A Coffee Summit meeting will be held from 3-5 pm, in meeting space at the Democracy Center, 45 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge (closest T stop: Harvard Square). Since this isn’t in a cafe, BYOC! If you’re interested in helping organize/facilitate, please come early, between 2-2:30, so we can plan.
A video describing the Coffee Summit is running on the Coffee Party website and Facebook page. In this grassroots meeting, we'll be discussing issues and ideas, getting ourselves organized, and planning for meetings in the next few weeks with Congressional representatives. (Since this is a Boston-area meeting, we may have more than one Congressional district represented among us.) Also, if you haven’t already used the Coffee Sphere “issues barometer” tool on the Coffee Party website, please consider taking 15 minutes to participate in the Sphere online before Saturday.
Earlier on Saturday, from 11:30 to 1:30 at Harvard's JFK School nearby, there’s a great workshop geared to Coffee Party members called “Improving Our Nation’s Democracy.” This workshop complements the Coffee Summit meeting agenda (there's no duplication of content). So please consider attending both on Saturday — do the workshop, then apply it at the Summit meeting!
What building?
What building and room number is the workshop in?
Thanks
event details
If you use the tool for finding a meeting near you (it's on the website's homepage), the listings for both events (with their respective details) will appear.
Cambridge Coffeepartiers, where are you????
Hey, Cambridge neighbors, this movement can become a powerful public voice to let Congress and the media know that the Teapartiers and other Radical Right organizations are not the voice of America. Let's get together quickly to make it happen--we have important work to do this spring and summer!
I'm particularly looking for Harvard Square neighbors who'd like to meet soon at a spacious Au Bon Pain on Mass. Ave. on March 28, mid-afternoon.
Onward!
This weekend
Hi - I'm one of a bunch of people from around the Boston area who met at a Davis Square cafe for the March 13 kickoff. We intend to announce a meeting this weekend, but are still scouting locations. How big is the Au Bon Pain, and is it the one at 684 or 1100 Mass Ave?
We could conceivably connect and plan together, or do our own separate things. What do you think?
With Respect: Are we supposed to wait to interact?
Hello,
Yes, I am new to this. I have witnessed the lack of activity on this Forum and ask, is it that we are all shy or are supposed to wait for the next gathering?
I am not a Twitter or Facebook person. Is that where this Group is interacting?
I mean no harm, I am only curious.
Take Care,
John
National Coffee Summit & Coffee with Congress (local meetings)
A press release today on this website announces two upcoming events that we should be thinking about:
"We are inviting Americans across all political spectrums to speak up and be part of the Coffee Summit," says Coffee Party USA Spokesperson, Alan Alborn. Coffee Party USA is encouraging communities to meet again at coffee houses, homes and other venues to have civil conversations about the issues that matter to them. This time though, the communities will be planning as well. They’ll be planning coffee with Congress.
"Coffee with Congress will take place during the upcoming Congressional recess, March 29th through April 9th, when elected officials return to their districts. Local chapter members will schedule meetings with their Senators and Representatives, and present for the first time their consensus on the issues. Coffee will be served, of course."
What does this mean for us in MA? Ideally, at least one chapter developing in every Congressional district, to create a local presence for meeting with each Congressman. They need to hear this stuff from their constituents! The Coffee Party, as a grassroots movement, is all about LOCAL initiative -- that's where the grass roots are growing. If you live in the 'burbs or in Western MA, you shouldn't feel isolated by the name "Boston" on this chapter -- you're exactly where you need to be! How about if each of us as individuals gave some thought to which Congressional district we live in, and whether we can start (or help start) a local chapter? People could even network here; there may already be multiple members from each district on this forum.
Last weekend, there was a meeting in Somerville, and I think one in Worcester -- any others? Judging from last weekend, setting up an event doesn't need to mean a ton of work. Pick a location that's conducive (it doesn't have to be a coffeehouse), then post the chapter and event on this website (probably as a new [Yourtown] Chapter if it's outside of Boston). As the people who posted last weekend's meetings found out, THEY WILL COME.
And if you haven't yet, check out the amazing photo collection from last weekend's Coffee Party meetings that they've uploaded!
Direction/Focus
Thank You.
Do we have a group organizer for this chapter? How will things proceed?
Just Joined
Hello Everyone,
I just joined and I live in Back Bay. I have time and interest to volunteer and I would be up to meeting others. If there is a meeting scheduled I would be interested in knowing more or if someone wants to organize one, let me know. Michael
Hello From Revere Ma. Can anyone offer help?
HI,
I am just requesting a mission statement and a direction please.
PUBLIC OPTION
We must do everything we can to prevent the passage of any Health Care Bill that does not contain a STRONG Public Option.
Hey from Cambridge
Hello All,
Sadly, I will be in Philadelphia this weekend, and will probably attend a meetup down there. But I will be back and look forward to hearing from you all at the next one.
SSG
Meeting in Back Bay this weekend?
Hi all,
Is anyone interested in meeting in Back Bay this weekend for the Coffee Party Movement Kick-Off? How about the cafe in the Borders bookstore on Newbury Street (between Berkeley and Clarendon)? If there's interest I'll be happy to host the event!
Please let me know by replying here.
Cheers,
Violeta
yes
I'm up for something between 2-7PM (weekend train user). Location is fine to start.
there's a meeting in Davis Sq.
There'll be a meeting in Davis Sq. in Somerville. This is what I got (from facebook):
"Diesel" (near Davis on the T) 2pm-4pm
257 Elm St Somerville, MA 02144
I'll try to make it there this time. Next time, maybe we'll set one up in Back Bay, too!
hello
I'm in East Bridgewater, MA.
I'm in Norton, Ma
Hi,
I just joined and cannot participate in anything in Boston this weekend but I would love to get something going in our neighborhood. Would you be interested in joining with me to start a group in the South Shore area?
I'm in Norton, Ma
error
Boston where/when
I'm from Essex county and take pub-tran. Is there an interest in meeting somewhere in Government Center/Hay Market area anytime soon? Are planned meetings currently scheduled?
Worcester Coffee Party
Worcester Coffee Partiers!
Express Yourself Coffee
2 Richmond Ave.
Worcester
2pm-4pm
meeting
I am in Nortborough and will be happy to meet in Worcester. Anyone else?
Ideal subject matter, solutions
Fellow Citizens,
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
Just joined and..
I just joined. Very happy to find this pushback against the forces of NO.Hope we can muster the energy and zeal of the campaign days.
All Fired Up!
One thing for sure, coffee parties won't have any trouble staying awake!
Forgot to say
Frodothemag is located near Foxborough, MA
I like where this is going
Hey people, I'm Stephen, I'm 25 livin in Quincy and an undergraduate at UMass Boston. If anyones close and has the need to be civily disobedient also just get a hold of me here.
Worcester?
Any people from central Mass? Any plans for a Worcester meeting?
March 5th Nancy Pelosi Boston Visit
Nancy Pelosi is attending a fund raiser for NH Dem Carol Shea Porter. The Boston chapter of the Tea Party Patriots is planning a protest.
See
http://www.meetup.com/Boston-Tea-Party/members/9247789/
for details.
What about a show of support for Health Care Reform? If any of you are College Democrats/Progressives etc. it could be a good opportunity to get people together and show support.
The details of the Pelosi Event are at
http://www.democracyfornewhampshire.com/node/view/7260
Thanks
Health Care Reform
Hello,
Is any one interested in an event to support passage of Health Care Reform?
Representing Western Mass.
Hey everybody, my name is Daniel Smith, and I'm from way out in West Springfield. This is just great and I'm here to help in the western part of the state.
Hi Dan
Hi Dan,
I live forty minutes North of you in Greenfield. I put in a note to these folks to start ba chapter out this way ten minutes ago. Why don't we hook up and see if we can do this together.
Kevin G. Farrell
Meetings
Are there any meetings being organized in Massachusetts?
Hello
I would love to get something going.
Greetings
Hello Everybody,
I just joined coffeepartyusa. Hopefully we can do big things together and why not start in Boston. I live in South Boston, I'm a hard core liberal, and I'm ready to do more than just vote and sit at a family dinner table and argue. It is time for action. Is anybody up for meeting at Doyle's in Jamaica Plain one night next week?
hey man
when you thinkin of meetin specificly?
Hi - Another Norton Member Here !
It's nice to meet everyone. This may be the beginning of something big.
Hiyo!
My name's Marlie. I'm over in Wellesley right now, and in Boston most weekends.
I notice that the launch is scheduled for Saturday after next. Are there plans to pull something together by then? Is anyone willing to host a coffee party, or is there a central place where we could have a meet-up?
Hey guys
I'm Zack from Sudbury. It's great that something like this has finally come together. So I guess we're supposed to, like, organize or something?
New
Hey Everyone,
Recently signed up..! But I like this idea of a Boston-area, via twitter as well.
I'm a student at Brandeis in Waltham, and just wanted to introduce myself. We should get this group going.
Hello to other MA coffee enthusists
Hi there,
I'd love to get together with other like minded folks in the area. I live in Holliston. Where is everyone else located.
Linda
Hello!
I'm in Lynn, Lynn ....
I'm in Norton -but I know where Holliston is :)
(grew up in Medway)
Norton and Medway
Yay, my neck of the woods!
Holliston
Hi Linda,
I'm in Holliston, too!
Hello Boston!
Just joined the party and hope this can do what it's set out to do!