is a partnership of public policy, advocacy, and grassroots organizing nonprofits dedicated to achieving a better, fairer, healthier North Carolina through the development of an integrated communications and civic engagement strategy.  Ultimately, Blueprint aims to influence state policy in NC so that residents of the state benefit from more progressive policies such as better access to health care, higher wages, more affordable housing, a safer, cleaner environment, and access to reproductive health services.

According to documents included with the memo and interviews, the strategy outline was produced by Myers Research and Strategic Services for Project New America. It was originally provided to Progress North Carolina, a liberal nonprofit that has aggressively attacked McCrory during the 2012 campaign and his early term in office. Progress North Carolina shared the memo with Blueprint NC, a nonprofit that coordinates the activities of liberal-leaning nonprofits. In turn, Blueprint NC distributed it to its member organizations.

An electronic version of the memo appears to contain at least three separate documents. One is an email from outgoing Blueprint NC Communications Director Stephanie Bass describing the material and emphasizing that it is “CONFIDENTIAL to Blueprint, so please be careful – share with your boards and appropriate staff, but not the whole world.”

Sean Kosofsky, Blueprint NC’s director, said his group did not pay for or commission the research. “We were just forwarding it on,” he said.

The second document is a “talking points memo” that outlines strategies for progressive groups. Policy wins for the political left, the memo said, would likely be defined as “mitigating” legislation, rather than pushing their own agenda items.

“The most effective way to mitigate the worst legislation is to weaken our opponents’ ability to govern by crippling their leaders (McCrory, Tillis, Berger, etc…)” the memo reads, referring to the governor, House Speaker Thom Tillis and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger.

The memo goes on to describe a “potential two-year vision” during which the groups would “eviscerate the leadership and weaken their ability to govern.” The bulk of the document is a poll memo that talks about how to frame opposition to conservative tax and education policies. The survey was conducted between Jan. 29 and Feb. 2.

Given how progressives handled Americans for Prosperity rallying in support of Michigan’s Right-to-Work legislation last December, I think we can all imagine what “crippling their leaders” means for this cadre of left-wingers. Conservative nonprofit groups also draft memos outlining political strategy, but seldom does it contain explicit orders to go after someone personally. However, another interesting development, with the leaking of this memo, centers on WRAL itself.

The Civitas Institute, a conservative organization operating within North Carolina, posted on their blog yesterday that Binker left out key facts in his piece about BluePrint, namely that the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, another civic engagement nonprofit in the state, gave the progressive group $35,000.  Additionally, the Foundation gave:

$380,000 to the NC Justice Center which initially housed BlueprintNC when it was formed (the foundations 990 IRS reports are not current so there may be more) . The Goodmon family which owns WRAL has 4 family members on the board of the Fletcher Foundation including Barbara the President and Jim the chairman of the board. The Executive Director was formerly the head of the NC center for Voter Education, one of the original members of BlueprintNC. In addition Chris Fitzsimon, former WRAL reporter,  is head of the liberal NC Policy Watch, the original lead attack group in the Blueprint coalition. Fitzsimon is also provided free airtime on Goodmon owned WRAL-FM from which he launches daily attacks on political opponents. The Fletcher Foundation has been a long time funder of Policy Watch is now housed in the Justice Center.

WRAL is also actually doing one of the items in the strategy memo. The memo on page 3 calls for tracking McCrory “Campaign Promises” and “slam him when he contradicts his promise.” WRAL appears to have taken that for action by launching their “Promise Tracker“, complete with cute little ”Skull & Crossbones” symbols.

Then again, how could this group operate surreptitiously – and methodically – in planning to bring North Carolina’s Republican leadership to its knees?  As LaborUnionReport wrote about Blueprint on RedState, the organization likes to keep a low profile.

Blueprint has been created as a strategic initiative – focused on creating collaborative change and not focused on a public identity beyond our partners. Blueprint does not seek recognition for itself, but prefers that its partners be recognized for the good work that they do. [Emphasis added.]

Also, Blueprint’s allies seem to be the depraved spawn of ACORN.

Report added:

In 2010, Blueprint NC’s “partners” were  identified by the Civitas Institute which revealed a conglomeration of national and state “progressive” organizations—including the AFL-CIO’s A. Philip Randolph Institute, as well as the anti-life group NARAL.

[...]

In fact, Blueprint NC’s Director, Sean Kosofsky, is a NARAL alum, according to this bio:

Sean Kosofsky is currently the Director of Blueprint North Carolina. He is the former Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice NC, and has been an active visible LGBT leader since 1994. He was the Director of Poliyc for 12 years for Michigan’s leading LGBT rights organization, Triangle Foundation.

Blueprint NC also appears to be very well funded. The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, which was established in 1936 as a memorial to the youngest son of the founder of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, gave Blueprint NC $850,000 for “general operating support” in 2010.

The [Z. Smith Reynolds] Foundation is apparently still giving Blueprint NC money—to the sum of $400,000, according to a report in Friday’s [Charlotte] Observer. However, due to the light being shined on Blueprint NC’s strategy (and, consequently, the[ Z. Smith Reynolds] Foundation), that support may now be in jeopardy.

Nevertheless, the strategy detailed in this memo could easily be executed in other states by affiliates of BluePrint – which is probably their plan.  The ‘Obamafication’ of the Democratic Party, and the liberal movement in general, has led to a progressive crusade to forcefully drag our nation to the far left.  Conservatives, at present, seem to be incognizant of the ramifications of this highly-coordinated campaign, and don’t seem to be in rapid response mode in countering this liberal grassroots operation.

The progressive left has all the advantages in digital strategy, voter targeting, and youth outreach.  Republicans are dreadfully behind the curve in this technological front that is critical in turning the tide against the liberal leviathan that has been unleashed against us. In the meantime, Civitas is holding their leadership conference on March 1, and I hope the various panels discuss BluePrint and this memo in order to fight back.

Excerpts of the memo are below.  Full memo at the bottom of the page.

Blueprint NC Secret Memo by

For many the Lincolnton Furniture closing is symbolic of Obama’s Economic “Recovery”. The closure comes the same week that the December jobs report shows unemployment stalled at 7.8% and the labor force participation rate continues to be at a record low 63%  according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Obama track record of promoting businesses that either closed or layed-off employees during his tenure has become legendary. Rush Limbaugh calls it the Obama Effect. But for the people of Lincolnton, North Carolina it is a sign that the country is not making the progress so many had hoped. Lots less ‘Forward’ and lots more stuck in a rut.

In less than a week since this nation re-elected Barack Obama, there are calls from numerous States to secede from The United States of America. We are no longer a United Nation. We are very much a Divided Nation. Many are standing together, calling for a peaceful divide.

The famous declaration for unity that you are familiar with has been attributed to Aesop’s fables, as well as John Dickinson’s Revolutionary War song, “The Liberty Song”, which was was published first in the Boston Gazette in 1768.

However, it was Patrick Henry that made the historic exclamation in what was to be his last public speech:

“Let us trust God, and our better judgment to set us right hereafter. United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs.”

Patrick Henry’s declaration came at a very pivotal point in America’s history. It was March 1799, and Mr. Henry was “denouncing The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions”, which argued that the two states “had the right and the duty to declare unconstitutional any acts of Congress not authorized by The Constitution”.

This speech took such a toll on Patrick Henry that after the speech his “near lifeless body” was carried offstage and into the nearest tavern. He died just two months later.

We have now reached another pivotal point in this nation’s history.

In the November 6 election, the divide between the candidates was a little more than 3 million votes. Barack Obama received 61,910,594 votes, and Mitt Romney received 58,654,765 votes. When you look at the total number of votes cast, it is almost a clear cut down the middle. We are most definitely a divided nation. We can no longer stand together, when we are so obviously divided over so many issues. We have reached a breaking point that threatens to be anything but peaceful if things are not handled in a way in which every voice is heard and considered.

Citizens in Louisiana are now petitioning the White House to “Peacefully grant the State of Louisiana to withdraw from the United States of America”. The petition was created the day after the election, and has nearly 8,000 signatures in just 5 days.

It appears that this petition from Louisiana was the first of many to have been submitted to the “We The People” site on the official White House website. The site claims to be “Your Voice In OUR Government”. The question remains whether or not the Government will hear the many voices being raised. It is highly doubtful, as they have turned their noses up in arrogance towards We The People numerous times before.

It’s not just the state of Louisiana, the list of State Petitions calling to peacefully “withdraw from the United States of America” is growing by the day.

Country singer Charlie Daniel’s is suggesting that “the South” secede from The Union; however, there are Northern States that are not so happy with the government, and are also calling to leave the Union. At the time of this article’s posting, the states with open petitions are the following:

Alabama
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Kentucky
Mississippi
Montana
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oregon
Texas 

“Why should Vermont and Texas live under the same government?”

The winds of change are coming. The echoing calls to seperate are growing louder and stronger.

Barack Obama claimed in both victory speeches that we are not “a collection of Red States and Blue States, but we are The United States”. These words are empty and mean nothing coming from a man who has done so much to divide this nation. The people are not happy. We are no longer united. We The People are standing, asking to peacefully divide from the albatross that is Barack Obama. If the request is not considered, it very well may come as a demand, which will not be so peaceful.

Image via mikechurch.com

An Obama campaign official confirmed to THE WEEKLY STANDARD that President Obama “personally” intervened to alter the Democratic platform to include a reference to Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The new platform, adopted this evening at the Democratic convention in Charlotte, now includes pro-Israel language that the previous document did not.

The president did want to make clear what his personal beliefs were because they were not in the original platform,” the campaign official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The new language reads, “Jerusalem is and will remain the capital of Israel. The parties have agreed that Jerusalem is a matter for final status negotiations. It should remain an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths.”

However, while the new Democratic platform apparently now reflects the “personal beliefs” of President Obama, it is now at odds with Obama administration policy.

In July, when White House spokesman Jay Carney was asked to name the capital of Israel, he refused to do so. Acknowledging that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, the Obama administration insists, would pre-judge one of the “final status issues” in the peace process.

The campaign official acknowledged this discrepancy. “The president has a personal view, but the president and the administration’s view as a matter of policy is ultimately that Jerusalem is a final status issue,” said the official.

She elaborated, “It doesn’t make sense for a U.S. a president impose his personal beliefs in a policy context. … But it’s important for him to make clear where he stands on these issues.”

So while Obama personally believes Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, his administration will not say so.

The official insisted, however, that it is commonplace for presidents to hold conflicting personal and policy views on the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, citing Presidents George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan as examples.

But let us not forget what President Obama said last year concerning the borders of Israel.

From the National Journal:

“The borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states,” Obama said. “The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, and reach their potential, in a sovereign and contiguous state.”

President Barack Obama

Here is Wolpe’s prayer:

Dear God, we are grateful that our nation is founded on the highest principles of freedom and resourcefulness and creativity and ever-renewed strength. And we understand that those worthy ideals stand alongside the commitment to compassion, to goodness, our sacred covenant to care for those who are bereaved and bereft, who are frightened, who are hungry, who are bewildered and lost, who seek shelter from the cold.

As your prophet taught us: “shiftu yatom, rivu almanah.” Defend the orphan and fight on behalf of the widow. We know that our lamp is lifted not only to illuminate our way but to serve as a beacon to others that here, this land, is a place where the dreams of a weary world flourish and endure.

Ours is a holy charge. A single moment, a touch, a glance, a word, can change a life. Our children look to us with aspirational eyes, with the hope that their world will be kinder, sweeter, smarter, than the one we have known.

Each of these changes touches us all, for you have taught us that we must count on each other, that our country is strong through community and that the children of Israel, on the way to that sanctified and cherished land, did not walk through the wilderness alone.

‘Rachmana,’ merciful God. May we be guided by your wisdom, and so become more understanding of the convictions of others. May our souls be enlarged by empathy and uplifted by leaders and thinkers and teachers who believe in strength of soul and wild, wonderful visions. So together, with right and left worshiping the same God, our nation – this strong, blessed nation, filled with spirit and called to noble cause – will become more passionate, more purposeful, more burnished and bright through the warmth of your embrace and the extraordinary power, dear God, of your love. Amen.

As mentioned, any reference at all to the State of Israel or Jerusalem is missing. There really wasn’t even a reference to Jews, except for a tiny reference to the “children of Israel”, which Wolpe used as a metaphor.

Is this any real surprise though? Considering that the original 2012 DNC platform didn’t mention anything about the state of Israel or about where the actual capital was, our embassy is still in Tel-aviv, and Jay Carney dances around questions about Israel, I am not surprised at all. This is just the continuation of Obama and his administrations war on Israel.

Rabbi David Wolpe delivers the Benediction Wednesday evening at the 2012 DNC

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10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Caucus Session 1. Women’s Caucus (Ballroom ABC).

2 p.m.-4 p.m.: Caucus Session 3. Rural Council (Room 203AB).

11:35 a.m.: First lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will speak at the Women’s Caucus Meeting.

11:45 a.m.: International Leaders Forum: Madeleine Albright; Michele Flournoy; Jack Lew, White House chief of staff.

12 p.m.-2 p.m.: Caucus Session 2. LGBT Caucus (Room 203AB). Senior Council (Room 211AB/212AB).

12:10 p.m.: Dr. Jill Biden will speak at the LGBT Caucus meeting.

1 p.m.-3 p.m.: The Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network will host the nation’s prominent black clergy and civil rights leaders at NAN’s ministers’ luncheon to declare a state of emergency over voter suppression. Participants: the Rev. Al Sharpton, president of NAN and MSNBC host; Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus; the Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, chairman of the Conference of National Black Churches; the Rev. Freddie Haynes, senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church; Roslyn Brock, chairwoman of the NAACP; John Kee, gospel singer.

2 p.m.-4 p.m.: “Electoral Dysfunction” screening — After discovering that the Constitution does not guarantee the right to vote, political humorist CBS correspondent Mo Rocca sets out on a road trip to see how voting works — and doesn’t work — in America.

8 p.m.: Web-only convention special hosted by actor Kal Penn that will include interviews with campaign officials and guests, including Marc Anthony, Elizabeth Banks, Aisha Tyler, Olivia Wilde, Fran Drescher, Zach Braff and Alexis Bledel.

The 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina

First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama delivering her 2012 DNC speech

Following first-lady Michelle Obama’s speech last night, nationally syndicated Conservative Columnist Charles Krauthammer, he displayed his displeasure with the speech, saying he “didn’t buy a line of it.”

Obama’s speech began with the account of her and Barack’s early life as a couple, and how they became the couple they are today. In the speech, Michelle recalled when her husband picked her up for their first date in a rusted out car, and how together they owed more in student loans than they did on their mortgage.

“I know from experience that if I truly want to leave a better world for my daughters, and all of our sons and daughters, and if we want to give all our children a foundation for their dreams and opportunities worthy of their promise…if we want to give them that sense of limitless possibility – that belief that here in America, there is always something better out there if you’re willing to work for it…then we must work like never before,” she said with a very excited crowd.

View Krauthammer’s analysis of the speech here:

Krauthammer commented:

“She told the story of a Gandhi, and you know…looking at how he’s conducted himself in the present scene, particularly in the campaign, with ruthlessness, and determination and drive, it’s not quite a plausible story. I’m sure in the arena it was a plausible story, I saw the tears, but I‘m afraid I didn’t … I’m sure it was a great speech but I didn’t buy a line of it.”

However just because he didn’t think it was a genuine speech, that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t an effective one:

“Nonetheless I would say within that, and despite the repetition that have, Michelle Obama’s speech I thought was a brilliant speech, and brilliantly delivered… All of the other speakers would talk about what Obama does — the achievement and legislation and whatever, and the political implications. Her whole task was to say why, her answer was, ‘Why? Because essentially he’s a saint. Because of his upbringing and because of his emotions and because of his humanity he does this because he cares and the brilliance of it is this.’ It drained Obama of any ideological motivation or any having to do with self-interest or ambition, which I think is sort of more plausible explanation.”

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5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (LOCAL)
Call to Order
The Honorable Antonio R. Villaraigosa
Chair of the 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee
Mayor of Los Angeles, California

Invocation
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, 10th Episcopal District
First Woman Elected Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Presentation of Colors

Pledge of Allegiance

National Anthem
Branford Marsalis
Saxophonist, Composer, and, Bandleader

Remarks
The Honorable Luis V. Gutierrez
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois
The Honorable Diana DeGette
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado

The Honorable John A. Pérez
Speaker and Member of the California State Assembly
The Honorable Thomas M. Menino
Mayor of Boston, Massachusetts
The Honorable Judy Chu
Member of the US House of Representatives, California
Steve Westly
Former State Controller and Chief Financial Officer of California

An Economy Built to Last Video: Small Business

Remarks
The Honorable John Larson
Democratic Caucus Chair and Member of the US House of Representatives, Connecticut
Ken Myers
Deputy Sheriff, Carroll County, Iowa

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
Richard Trumka
President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL–CIO)
The Honorable Steve Israel
Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Member of the US House of Representatives, New York
The Honorable Patty Murray
Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Member of the US Senate, Washington
The Honorable Pedro R. Pierluisi
Chair of National Community Mobilization for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Non-Voting Member of the US House of Representatives, Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico

An Economy Build to Last Video: Energy

Remarks
Tom Steyer
Co-Founder of Advanced Energy Economy
The Honorable Charles E. Schumer
Member of the US Senate, New York

Remarks from Members of the Congressional Black Caucus

The Honorable Karen Bass
Member of the US House of Representatives, California
The Honorable Al Green
Member of the US House of Representatives, Texas
The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver, II
Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and Member of the US House of Representatives, Missouri

Remarks
The Honorable Dannel Malloy
Governor of Connecticut

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
Denise Juneau
Superintendent of the Montana Office of Public Instruction
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Democratic Leader and Member of the US House of Representatives, California
The Honorable Tom Vilsack

Women of the US Senate

Remarks
The Honorable Barbara Mikulski
Member of the US Senate, Maryland
The Honorable Arne Duncan

Progress for People Video: Education

American Voices Remarks
Johanny Adames

Remarks
The Honorable Jim Hunt
Former and Longest-Serving Governor of North Carolina

Remarks and Video Presentation in Memoriam
Presented by Harvey B. Gantt
Former Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina

Live Performance
Jessica Sanchez
Singer/Songwriter

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (LOCAL)

Stronger Together Video: Women’s Health

Remarks
Cecile Richards
President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America

The Honorable Steny Hoyer
Parliamentarian of the 2012 Democratic National Committee Convention
Democratic Whip and Member of the US House of Representatives, Maryland
The Honorable Barney Frank
Honorary Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee GLBT Council
Member of the US House of Representatives, Massachusetts

American Heroes Video: Veterans

Remarks
The Honorable General Eric Shinseki
The Honorable Michael Nutter
Mayor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Honorable John Hickenlooper
Governor of Colorado
Sister Simone Campbell
Executive Director of Roman Catholic Social Justice Organization, NETWORK
The Honorable Jack Markell
Governor of Delaware

9:00 PM – 10:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
The Honorable Kamala D. Harris
Attorney General of California

Stronger Together Video: Immigration

Remarks
Benita Veliz
DREAM Act Activist
Cristina Saralegui
Journalist, Actress, and Talk Show Host
Sandra Fluke
Attorney and Women’s Rights Activist

Austin Ligon
Co-Founder and Former CEO of CarMax, Inc.

An Economy Build to Last Video: Auto-Industry

American Voices Remarks
Karen Eusanio

Remarks
Bob King
President of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW)
Randy Johnson, Cindy Hewitt, and David Foster
Former Employees at companies controlled by Romney’s Bain Capital

The Honorable Chris Van Hollen
Former Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Member of the US House of Representatives, Maryland

10:00 PM – 11:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
Jim Sinegal
Co-Founder and Former CEO of Costco
Elizabeth Warren
Candidate for US Senate, Massachusetts

Nomination Process Set-Up

Remarks
The Honorable Antonio R. Villaraigosa
Chair of the 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee
Mayor of Los Angeles, California
President Bill Clinton
42nd President of the United States

Closing Segment

Roll Call Vote
Alice Germond
Secretary of the Democratic National Committee

Benediction
Rabbi David Wolpe
Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, California

Retire Colors

The 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina

According to the Rock the Red Facebook page, the event is expected to be held at the Hunter Farms in Weddington, North Carolina which is just outside of Charlotte, on Wednesday, September the 5^th.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Ariz., and U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney, R-S.C., are listed as expected speakers during the event, and organizers said on the site that some local and conservative bands are still set to perform.

Tickets for the event are just $5, and free for children under the age of 12 and all current and past military personnel.

You can find more information and purchase tickets for the event at the event’s website.

9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Morning Prayer Gathering (Room 211AB/212AB).

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Caucus Session 1. Women’s Caucus (Ballroom ABCD).
9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. R+D and America’s Energy Outlook. Moderator: Amy Harder, Energy and Environment correspondent, National Journal. Panelists: Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.); Marvin Fertel, president and CEO, Nuclear Energy Institute; Mike Howard, CEO, Electric Power Research Institute; Michael Levi, senior fellow, Council on Foreign Relations; Richard Newell, Gendell Associate Professor of Energy and Environmental Economics at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University, and director of The Energy Initiative.

10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Introduction – Speakers: Madeleine Albright, former secretary of state and chairman of the National Democratic Institute; Kenneth Wollack, president, NDI; Dan Murrey, executive director, Charlotte in 2012 Host Committee.

10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The 2012 Campaign: The Role of Primaries, Nominating Conventions and Presidential Debates. Panelists: Frank Fahrenkopf, former chairman of the Republican National Committee and co-chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates; Paul Kirk, former senator, co-chairman emeritus of the Commission on Presidential Debates, and former Democratic National Committee chairman; Howard Dean, former governor of Vermont and former DNC chairman; and Elaine Kamarck, Harvard lecturer and former Clinton White House senior policy adviser Moderator: Eugene Robinson, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, The Washington Post.

11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Latino leaders luncheon: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, chairman of the Democratic National Convention, will be honored.

Location: Marriott City Center (Grand Ballroom), Charlotte .

12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Caucus Session 2. LGBT Caucus (Room 203AB). Senior Council (Room 211AB/212AB).

12 p.m. – 2 p.m. The U.S. Conference of Mayors delegation holds a luncheon and press availability.

Location: Omni Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 132 East Trade St., Charlotte.

2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Caucus Session 2. LGBT Caucus (Room 203AB). Senior Council (Room 211AB/212AB).

3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. How They Would Govern – Panelists cover how the next administration would turn campaign promises into reality, including working with Congress and setting priorities, all within the context of our contemporary political process and challenges in the U.S. and throughout the world. Panelists: Tom Daschle, former Senate majority leader, co-chairman, ONE Vote 2012, and vice chairman of the NDI; Vin Weber, former congressman and former chairman of the National Endowment for Democracy; John Podesta, chairman and counselor of the Center for American Progress, former White House chief of staff under President Bill Clinton; Ryan Lizza, Washington correspondent for The New Yorker; Scot Lehigh, columnist for The Boston Globe – Moderators: Norman Ornstein, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute; John Fortier, director of the Democracy Project at the Bipartisan Policy Center.

3 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Voto Latino hosts policy forum “People Powered Politics,” addressing immigration, economics and education. Participants include: Rosario Dawson, Maria Teresa Kumar, Cecile Richards, Javier Palomarez, Lily Eskelsen, Jose Antonio Vargas and Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.).

3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Religious Liberty Panel – Catholics for Choice hosts a panel discussion on “Keeping Faith in the Democratic Party: Protecting Religious Liberty for Everyone,” featuring speakers from member organizations of the Coalition for Liberty & Justice.

Location: Holiday Inn Charlotte Center City, 230 North College St., Charlotte.

Speeches from the Time Warner Cable Center:

5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.:

1. • Call to Order by DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz
2. • Invocation By His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Detroit
3. • Presentation of Colors, Disabled American Veterans, The Stanly County Chapter 12 Honor Guard
4. • Pledge of Allegiance, 3rd Grade Class, W.R. O’Dell Elementary School from Concord, North Carolina
5. • National Anthem by ‘Glee’ actress Amber Riley
6. • Stephen J. Kerrigan, Chief Executive Officer of the Democratic National Convention Committee
7. • Welcome Video
8. • Presentation of Credentials Committee Report from Co-Chairs
9. • Presentation of Rules Committee Report from Co-Chairs
10. • Appointment of Convention Officers
11. • Gaveling-in of Permanent Chair
12. • The Honorable Steny Hoyer
13. • Andrew Tobias
14. • Alice Germond
15. • Roll Call for Attendance

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.:

1. • Platform Committee Remarks by Rep. Barbara Lee (Calif.) and Lieutenant General Claudia Kennedy (Retired)
2. • Platform Video and Remarks by Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker
3. • Remarks by N.C. Gov. Bev. Perdue
4. • American Hero Video: Education
5. • American Voices Remarks by Ryan Case
6. • Mary Kay Henry from International President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
7. • Rep. Charles Gonzalez (Texas) and Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (N.Y.)
8. • Gov. Pat Quinn (Ill.)
9. • Ohio firefighter Doug Stern
10. • Va. Senate candidate and former governor Tim Kaine

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

1. • Charlotte Mayor Anthony R. Foxx and Sen. Harry Reid (Nev.)
2. • An Economy Built to Last Video: Education
3. • Women of the US House of Representatives
4. • Jimmy Carter Video
5. • Ken Salazar
6. • Kennedy Family Tribute Video
7. • Remarks
8. • Joe Kennedy III, Mass. House candidate
9. • Singer Ledisi
10. • Fomer Rep. Robert Wexler (Fla.)

8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

1. • Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak
2. • Rep. Jared Polis (Colo.)
3. • Stronger Together Video: Reproductive Choice
4. • Maria Ciano, American Voices
5. • Nancy Keenan , President of the National Abortion Rights Action League – Pro-Choice America (NARAL)
6. • Progress for People Video: American Veterans
7. • Nate Davis, American Voices
8. • House candidate Tammy Duckworth (Ill.)
9. • Gov. Lincoln Chafee(R.I.)
10. • Rep. James E. Clyburn (S.C.)
11. • Progress for People Video: Health Care
12. • Stacey Lihn
13. • Rep. Xavier Becerra (Calif.)

9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

1. • Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland
2. • HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius
3. • Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel
4. • Kal Penn, actor and former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement
5. • Craig Robinson and Maya Soetoro-ng, Brother of Mrs. Obama and Sister of President Obama
6. • Stronger Together Video: Equal Pay
7. • Lilly Ledbetter
8. • Gov. Deval Patrick (Mass.)

10:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

1. • Gov. Martin O’Malley (Md.)
2. • Joaquin Castro, Texas House candidate and brother of keynote speaker
3. • Julián Castro, Mayor of San Antonio
4. • Michelle Obama Video and Remarks by Elaine Brye
5. • Michelle Obama
6. • Benediction
7. • Recess

The 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina

Reverend Billy Graham, was recently released from a hospital in Asheville, North Carolina

“Mr. Graham had a quick recovery and responded very well to his treatment,’’ said Daniel Fertel, a pulmonologist at the MissionHospital in Asheville, N.C. “Despite this illness, he remains remarkably healthy for a 93-year-old man.’’

He has since returned to his home in the small western North Carolina mountain town of Montreat. Upon his release, Graham thanked all of his supporters for their letters, cards, and prayers.

“Such an outpouring of love and support is always a blessing but was especially appreciated during my hospitalization,’’ Graham said in a statement.

Graham’s spokesman, A. Larry Ross, said that Graham will resume his normal activities of ministry, physical therapy, and writing his next book which is due to be released next year.

This was the second time in eight months that Graham was admitted to a hospital. Last November, Graham was admitted and treated for pneumonia.

Follow me on Twitter: @chrisenloe

In just a few weeks time, Democrats will be invading Charlotte, North Carolina for the Democratic National Convention. The ‘Queen City’ will no doubt be invaded by mobs of blue, but Conservatives are planning their own alternative to the DNC. In an event that will feature many key Conservative Speakers and Conservative country artists, Rock the Red is sure to be a hit.

On Sept. 5^th, just a few blocks from Bank of America Stadium, Conservatives will be filling Bojangles Coliseum for an evening full of family fun and the Conservative Spirit. The likes of Charlie Daniels, Travis Tritt, and Lee Brice will be performing live.

Also in attendance will be the NC Speaker of the House Thom Tillis, South Carolina Congressman Mick Mulvaney, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, current Republican nominee for Lt. Governor of NC Dan Forest, and many, many more amazing Conservative Speakers.

The Heritage Foundation’s Values Bus will be onsite to assist in registering voters, and sharing the Conservative message to all of the event attendees.

Ticket prices are starting at just $25, and you will be guaranteed an evening full of family fun and Conservative spirit. Tickets are limited and if you want to be a part of this amazing night, you need to act quickly!

You can find more information about the speakers, bands, and the whole evening through Rock the Red’s website, Twitter, and Facebook.

Follow me on Twitter: @chrisenloe

After what one Democrat calls an accidental vote, North Carolina will join most modern states in the 21st century energy

boom sweeping the nation. No, not solar or wind – a resurgence in new production of oil and gas in the United States.

Using “fracking”, oil and gas producers are able to collect petroleum and natural gas from formations previously inaccessible. The new production is creating boom towns and a resurgence in hiring in towns and cities that sorely need the jobs.

Misinformation, like that presented in the environmentalist-backed “Gasland” video, has had states such as North Carolina prohibit the practice of fracking which has left their states out of the new energy boom. Just recently North Carolina’s Democrat Governor Bev Purdue had vetoed a bill to allow fracking in the tarheel state. But, due to what State Rep. Becky Carney called an accident, her ‘yes’ vote was just enough to overturn Purdue’s ill-informed veto.

North Carolina sits on a formation known as the Deep River Basin which is thought to contain enough energy to power the state for upwards of a decade. It certainly would revitalize an economy the Democrat Governor has failed to reignite. Perhaps something even state Rep. Carney even accidentally knew.

For the second time in the last two years, Governor Purdue has stalled efforts by the Republican-led legislature to foster gas exploration in the tarheel state.

In a message about the veto, Perdue said that while she supports policies that create jobs, she doesn’t want to act too quickly.

Some estimates of the size of the formation under North Carolina could power the state for at least five years and would certainly create a booming industry for North Carolina job-seekers.

This is the second time Purdue has put her political priorities ahead of job-creating legislation. In 2011 she votoed a similar bill and has since failed to open the state to jobs and revenue that it badly needs.

The fate of North Carolina’s economy has now been left to the General Assembly for override votes. While Republicans have the votes in the Senate to override the veto, some Democrats will have to cross the aisle in the House to defeat the veto.

The State’s democrats will have to decide between jobs and the liberal special interest groups in an election year.

via the Today Show

What is most striking about this young woman is that she overcame incredible odds to succeed. And not one place in this story is there a mention of government intervention. “Progressives” and Democrats continue to try to convince us that the disadvantaged have no chance in life without government support. The idea that anyone should struggle or be tested is abhorrent to them. What they miss with that philosophy is that oftentimes success is the direct result of loss. It is the difficult circumstances in our lives that shape us, sharpen us and give us drive. They help us learn and use that knowledge to spur ourselves on to success. Too many Americans have been robbed of that gift by an overreaching government and well-meaning but enabling programs. Is that compassion? No. Compassion is what the fine citizens of Lawndale, NC exhibited when they rallied around Dawn Loggins and determined to take care of one of their own. They didn’t wait for a government program to help, they did it themselves. These are the people that we should be looking to as examples of how to weather these difficult economic times. This is how we used to do it before a massively unsustainable welfare system began bleeding the average taxpayer dry.  We took care of our own, provided for our own, marshaled our community resources to help those in need, without the government. Not only did it create better, for self-sufficient citizens but it created a sense of community. The greatest leaders in history have been people who came from difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible situations. It wasn’t the lack of trials in their lives that made them great men and women. It was precisely because of those trials that they became great. Dawn Loggins is proof of that legacy. She surely must have had days when she felt discouraged and sorry for herself. Who wouldn’t? But she didn’t set up camp in Sorrytown. Dawn recognized that hard work would be the key to her success and so did the adults around her. Says Dawn, “I felt like it would just be easiest if I gave up, but it was never in me to give up.”  Congratulations to Dawn Loggins, a true embodiment of the American spirit and a classy representative of womankind everywhere. Cheers, Dawn! America is proud of you.

Watch/read the Today Show report here and don’t forget to send Dawn a donation or encouragement.

Crossposted at kiradavis.net