Oil Patch Democrats

OPEN LETTER FROM OPD CONCERNING PENDING ENERGY/CLIMATE CHANGE BILL

2009-09-30T20:46:00.000-05:00

Dear HCDP Member,

The Harris County members of the OilPatch Democrats (OPD) offer fellow HCDP members some progressive opinions regarding this country’s next big debate (after health care reform) over the pending U.S. Senate’s Energy/Climate Change Bill. The Senate bill follows passage of the House bill H.R.2454 - American Clean Energy And Security Act of 2009 (a.k.a., Waxman/Markey bill). There should be no surprise that OPD viewpoints run counter to the majority of views expressed by Governor Perry, the American Petroleum Institute (API), and Valero Energy Corporation. The main arguments these three make against the bill are that it will make energy more expensive for consumers and it will cost Texan jobs. OPD’s view is that the consumer is already paying more in taxes to subsidize the import of foreign oil and proper legislation will shift jobs and not eliminate them.

The problem with the present status of petroleum use in the U.S. is similar to the present status of healthcare in the U.S. For both, the status quo is unsustainable. In August of 2009 we spent $25.2 billion on foreign sources of petroleum or 65% of what we consume (http://www.pickensplan.com/oilimports/). These costs do not include another $12 billion a month of our taxes spent by the Pentagon solely to protect the transport of oil to our shores (estimate from the National Defense Council Foundation). This amount, which does not include any of the huge costs for the Iraq war, is now about equal to $1 per gallon of gasoline or the amount Valero stations warn customers they will pay if “cap and trade” legislation is enacted. It also does not include the projected costs of climate change to our grandchildren, our children, and, at the rate of ongoing climate change, even to our generation. When the climate change naysayers spout about the loss of jobs resulting from climate legislation they ignore the very real potential for catastrophic job losses resulting from economic upheavals due to rapid climate change (Stern Review, 2006). Consequently, the U.S. energy status quo is not an option.

Governor Perry, API, and Valero should offer some alternatives to just saying “no” to the Waxman/Markey bill. One suggestion is they could promote the NAT GAS Act 2009 (H.R. 1835) which will encourage the use of natural gas for transportation. This legislation would not only decrease our nation’s dependence on foreign oil but boost our local energy industry which explores for and produces this very abundant alternative fuel (natural gas produces 50% less CO2 than coal).

Just as President Obama said it is our Nation’s moral imperative to make affordable healthcare available to all our citizens, there is also a moral imperative to move our Nation away from its current addiction to foreign oil. Even if climate change weren’t a critical issue, the cost in American blood in Iraq (which according to Alan Greenspan “was largely for oil”) and other inevitable future wars for oil should speed Americans to do whatever it takes to wean ourselves off foreign oil. The pending energy/climate change bill is a start. Even though OPD members do not agree with all aspects of the Waxman/Markey bill, the consensus is that this bill is better than no national energy/climate bill at all. The main rationale for our support is that if our country wants other countries to rein in their greenhouse gas emissions, we, as a country, need to lead the way. Consequently, OPD urges HCDP members to support this bill and to talk to your neighbors about it. Even tell your neighborhood Valero station owner they are wrong to put short-sighted profits ahead of what is best for America’s future.

Letter authored by Jim Rine; approved by the membership of the OilPatch Democrats on September 24, 2009. (http://oilpatchdemocrats.blogspot.com/)

OPD NEWSLETTER FOR SEPTEMBER 21, 2009

2009-09-30T20:13:00.001-05:00

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

THIS WEEK! SEPTEMBER OPD MEETING
Thurs, Sep 24, 6:30pm social, 7-9pm meeting, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
Randall Morton, president and founder of the Progressive Forum will discuss his experiences in running the Forum and things he's learned in the process. Public is invited...come & bring a friend!

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS & STUFF

GLOBAL PREMIERE OF "AGE OF STUPID"
Mon, Sep 21, 6:30pm
Memorial City Mall Movie Theatre, 310 Memorial City Way, 77024
Edwards Houston Marq*E Stadium 23 & IMAX, 7600 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024
This film is timed for the day before the UN's climate meeting on Sep 22, when 80 Heads of State - and therefore the world's media - will gather in New York.

HCDP EVENING BROWN BAG—CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS ON NOV BALLOT
Tue, Sep 22, 6:30-8:30pm, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
Join the Harris County Democratic Party at their evening Issues and Answers series. Guest speakers will be State Representative Scott Hochberg and Barbara Stanley, the University of Houston’s Assistant Vice Chancellor for Local Governmental Relations. Rep Hochberg will give us an understanding of the 11 proposed state Constitutional amendments on the November General Election ballot, and Ms. Stanley, a former chair of the Harris County Democratic Party, will share her compelling arguments on why we need to expand the “Tier 1” national research university fund to keep Texas (and the University of Houston in particular) moving forward, by approving the constitutional amendment necessary to do so.

COORDINATED CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS OPEN HOUSE
Sat, Sep 26, 12 Noon, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
To see more details & RSVP, go to http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=122499931294&mid=1064f17G4e4b416bGd3eb97G7 or contact HCDP.

PRECINCT CHAIR FILING STARTS OCT 5
Precinct Chairs are the heart of the Party. They are the connection between Democratic candidates and elected officials and Democrats in every neighborhood. Precinct Chairs are also voting members of the County Executive Committee. Precinct Chairs were instrumental in helping Democrats win in Harris County in 2008 and will play a critical role in winning more Democratic seats in the 2010 General Election.

JOHNSON-RAYBURN-RICHARDS DINNER
Sat, Oct 17, Hilton Americas Hotel
Congressmember James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, Majority Whip of the United States House of Representatives, the third highest ranking Democratic position in the House, will be the featured speaker at this year’s Johnson-Rayburn-Richards Dinner. It will begin with a VIP reception at 6pm, followed by dinner and a full program starting at 7pm, and will feature the annual silent auction. Numerous elected officials and candidates from across the state are expected to be in attendance, as are Democratic clubs and organizations and other activists from across Harris County. Representative Clyburn was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1992, becoming the first African-American South Carolinian to serve in Congress since 1897. He has been Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and of the House Democratic Caucus. He sits on the powerful Appropriations Committee.

2009 PROGRESSIVE FORUM FALL SPEAKER SERIES
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Information available at http://www.progressiveforumhouston.org/. Order tickets at https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=1420&eventID=13156.
• Brian Greene, Thurs, Sept 29, 7:30pm—Explore the cosmos through the exhilarating advancements of modern physics. Dr. Brian Greene's presentation is renowned for its inspiration. With dazzling big-screen imagery, you'll be amazed at the wonders of universe, what man has learned in its quest for ultimate answers. Greene has made groundbreaking discoveries in string theory, he's the author of The Elegant Universe (2003), which was a Pulitzer finalist and was turned into an Emmy-award-winning PBS Nova series which he hosted. Greene's wit and humor have been on display as guests of David Letterman, Charlie Rose, and Stephen Colbert. The Washington Post called him "the single best explainer of abstruse ideas in the world today." He's a leader in connecting people to the joys of science, he founded the annual World Science Festival in New York City attended by over 120,000 people a year. He's also the author of The Fabric of the Universe: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality (2005). He'll greet fans and sign books at the end of the evening. The event is sponsored by Berg & Androphy.
• Karen Armstrong, Thurs, Oct 8, 7:30pm—Karen Armstrong is "arguably the most lucid, wide-ranging, and consistently interesting religion writer today," according to Salon.com. In The Case For God, she moves from the Paleolithic age to the present, detailing the great lengths to which humanity has gone to experience a sacred reality, with a focus on the kind of faith that speaks to our polarized modern times. She first gained prominence with her groundbreaker, A History of God: The 4000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (1993). Others have included The Battle for God, A History of Fundamentalism (2000), Buddha (2001), and The Bible: A Biography (2007). Armstrong participated in Bill Moyers' PBS series, Genesis. Since the attacks on September 11, 2001, Armstrong has been in demand as an authority on Islam and religious compassion. She has addressed members of the U.S. Congress, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum in Davos. She will greet fans and sign books at the end of the evening. Dr. Jill Carroll (Adjunct Associate Professor in the Religious Studies Department at Rice University, acclaimed scholar on religious tolerance, and author of Dialogue of Civilizations) is introducing Karen Armstrong. Event Sponsor is The Boniuk Center for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance at Rice University. The Progressive Forum is producing this event in association with Brazos Bookstore.
• James Hansen, Thurs, Oct 29, 7:30pm—Premier Climatologist whose presentation will be “Threat To The Planet, Implications for Intergenerational Justice.” James Hansen was the first to create broad awareness of global warming in his Congressional testimonies in the 1980s. His recent research has made the public aware that the climate is even more sensitive than previously thought, that the safe level of atmospheric CO2 is 350 ppm and must be returned to below that level over time. The current CO2 is now 387 ppm and rising steadily. Hansen says the climate is nearing tipping points "that would be irreversible if we do not promptly slow fossil fuel emissions...." James Hansen is the director of the leading U.S. governmental agency responsible for atmosphere and space studies. Government regulators preclude us from naming the agency in advertising, describing his Forum appearance as "personal/outside activity." Dr. Hansen is making a rare and timely appearance just prior to the critical Copenhagen Climate Conference in December whose purpose is to forge an international climate treaty. He does not have a book, but his articles will be available and he will greet fans at the end of the evening.

NEWS YOU CAN USE
How many countries have a president this cool?—
http://texaslawchick.livejournal.com/984655.html
WalMart—sneaking into your neighborhood under another name—
http://action.walmartwatch.com/page/invite/stealth
Jeff Weems website up & running—
www.jeffweemsforcommissioner.com

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS
Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email Donna with your updated information.
Have you paid your dues, or do you want to make a donation to the club or to the PAC? Dues are $25.00 per person/$10.00 Reduced/Student. If you are not able to attend the next meeting, you can mail your check to Roopa Gir (see her contact information below). Please make your check payable to Oil Patch Democrats. Or go to our contribution connection on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership, or if you're contributing more than the membership, just email Jim Cargas & Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS
Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—
John Moffitt (President)—John.Moffitt@nov.com
John Preston (Vice President)—johnwmp@hal-pc.org
Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa10@gmail.com
Jim Rine (Secretary)—jmrine@hotmail.com
Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

OILPATCH DEMOCRATS NEWSLETTER FOR SEPTEMBER 1, 2009

2009-09-13T21:15:00.001-05:00

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

SEPTEMBER OPD MEETING
Thurs, Sep 24, 6:30pm social, 7-9pm meeting, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
Randall Morton, president and founder of the Progressive Forum will be speaking to us. COME!!

PLEA FOR HELP FOR IMMIGRANT IRAQI FAMILY
Communication from Marie Gilliam: “I am so excited that a young Iraqi refugee family is coming to Houston on Sept. 9th through Interfaith Ministries & I am honored to be the volunteer asked to help them get settled in & show them around Houston. There is a boy, 5 yrs. old & a new baby girl, only 8 mos. If you or anyone you know has clothing or furniture the family could use or would like to donate diapers, please let me know & I will arrange to pick up the items. We have had a queen bed/mattress donated already but will need a twin bed/mattress & a crib for the children. Whatever you can do will be greatly appreciated. The father is 33 yrs. old & the mother is 29. Please keep this family in your prayers. Transitioning from another Country & culture is very difficult. If you would like to volunteer with me to help this family adjust as smoothly as possible, I'd be delighted to have your help. Peace, Marie. GOD BLESS THE WHOLE WORLD, NO EXCEPTIONS!”

Contact Marie at marie.gilliam@sbcglobal.net if you can help.

OPD MEMBER RECEIVES SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS AWARD
Christine Ehlig-Economides was awarded the Anthony Lucas Gold Medal, SPE's highest honor. http://engineering.tamu.edu/news/index.php/2009/06/24/texas-am-petroleum-engineering-faculty-and-student-win-spe-international-awards/.

GREEN TIPS
Recycle your toothbrushes! The following tip comes from the Sierra Club's Green Life newsletter: “Toothbrushes need to be replaced regularly, so the next time you're updating your bristles, consider these options: The Preserve toothbrush is made from recycled Stonyfield Farm yogurt cups (http://www.preserveproducts.com/products/toothbrush.html). The Radius Source toothbrush has a detachable head and a handle made from recycled dollar bills, recycled flax, and recycled wood (http://www.radiustoothbrush.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=16). Toothbrush Express is a subscription service that delivers new brushes along with a container to return brushes for recycling (http://www.toothbrushexpress.com/html/toothbrush_recycling.html).”

Did you know? Home Depot recycles compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). Take them to your nearest Home Depot: they provide bags for each bulb (not terribly green but maybe they recycle those, as well).

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS & STUFF

RALLY FOR REFORM!
Thurs, Sep 3, 6:30pm, Houston City Hall Reflection Pool, 900 Smith
Join Health Care for America Now and Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas for a rally thanking Representatives Al Green, Gene Green, & Sheila Jackson Lee for championing health care reform. *Wear your prevention pink!* Health care reform should INCREASE access to health care — not DECREASE it. Look for your fellow supporters wearing pink and carrying Planned Parenthood signs.

GLOBAL PREMIERE OF "AGE OF STUPID"
Mon, Sep 21, 6:30pm, Memorial City Mall Movie Theatre, 310 Memorial City Way, 77024
This film is timed for the day before the UN's climate meeting on Sep 22, when 80 Heads of State - and therefore the world's media - will gather in New York.

COORDINATED CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS OPEN HOUSE
Sat, Sep 26, 12 Noon, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
To see more details & RSVP, go to http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=122499931294&mid=1064f17G4e4b416bGd3eb97G7 or contact HCDP.

HOUSTON CHAPTER OF AMERICANS UNITED FOR SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE FALL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Sat, Sep 12, Registration/refreshments 9am / Program 10am, Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway
Featured Speaker: Barbara Forrest. Dr. Forrest is the co-author, with Paul R. Gross, of Creationism's Trojan Horse: The Wedge of Intelligent Design, which details the political and religious aims of the intelligent design creationist movement. She served as an expert witness for the plaintiffs in the first legal case involving intelligent design, Kitzmiller et al. v. Dover Area School District, which was decided in favor of the plaintiffs in December 2005. She is a member of the board of directors of the National Center for Science Education and she is a National Trustee of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. She has appeared on Larry King Live, ABC's Nightline, and a documentary on intelligent design for the BBC Horizon series. Her radio interviews include NPR's Science Friday with Ira Flatow and Americans United's Culture Shocks with Barry Lynn. She is a Professor of Philosophy in the Department of History and Political Science at Southeastern Louisiana University. Dr. Forrest will speak about The Louisiana Science Education Act of 2008.

Stages is located in the Houston Center for the Arts Building, one block west of Waugh Drive. The theatre entrance is on Rosine Street. Remember to bring $3 in cash or coins if you plan to park in the lot across the street from the theater.

2009 PROGRESSIVE FORUM SPRING SPEAKER SERIES
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Information available at http://www.progressiveforumhouston.org/. Order tickets at https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=1420&eventID=13156.
• Brian Greene, Thurs, Sept 29, 7:30pm—Explore the cosmos through the exhilarating advancements of modern physics. Dr. Brian Greene's presentation is renowned for its inspiration. With dazzling big-screen imagery, you'll be amazed at the wonders of universe, what man has learned in its quest for ultimate answers. Greene has made groundbreaking discoveries in string theory, he's the author of The Elegant Universe (2003), which was a Pulitzer finalist and was turned into an Emmy-award-winning PBS Nova series which he hosted. Greene's wit and humor have been on display as guests of David Letterman, Charlie Rose, and Stephen Colbert. The Washington Post called him "the single best explainer of abstruse ideas in the world today." He's a leader in connecting people to the joys of science, he founded the annual World Science Festival in New York City attended by over 120,000 people a year. He's also the author of The Fabric of the Universe: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality (2005). He'll greet fans and sign books at the end of the evening. The event is sponsored by Berg & Androphy.
• Karen Armstrong, Thurs, Oct 8, 7:30pm—Karen Armstrong is "arguably the most lucid, wide-ranging, and consistently interesting religion writer today," according to Salon.com. In The Case For God, she moves from the Paleolithic age to the present, detailing the great lengths to which humanity has gone to experience a sacred reality, with a focus on the kind of faith that speaks to our polarized modern times. She first gained prominence with her groundbreaker, A History of God: The 4000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (1993). Others have included The Battle for God, A History of Fundamentalism (2000), Buddha (2001), and The Bible: A Biography (2007). Armstrong participated in Bill Moyers' PBS series, Genesis. Since the attacks on September 11, 2001, Armstrong has been in demand as an authority on Islam and religious compassion. She has addressed members of the U.S. Congress, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum in Davos. She will greet fans and sign books at the end of the evening. Dr. Jill Carroll (Adjunct Associate Professor in the Religious Studies Department at Rice University, acclaimed scholar on religious tolerance, and author of Dialogue of Civilizations) is introducing Karen Armstrong. Event Sponsor is The Boniuk Center for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance at Rice University. The Progressive Forum is producing this event in association with Brazos Bookstore.
• James Hansen, Thurs, Oct 29, 7:30pm—Premier Climatologist whose presentation will be “Threat To The Planet, Implications for Intergenerational Justice.” James Hansen was the first to create broad awareness of global warming in his Congressional testimonies in the 1980s. His recent research has made the public aware that the climate is even more sensitive than previously thought, that the safe level of atmospheric CO2 is 350 ppm and must be returned to below that level over time. The current CO2 is now 387 ppm and rising steadily. Hansen says the climate is nearing tipping points "that would be irreversible if we do not promptly slow fossil fuel emissions...." James Hansen is the director of the leading U.S. governmental agency responsible for atmosphere and space studies. Government regulators preclude us from naming the agency in advertising, describing his Forum appearance as "personal/outside activity." Dr. Hansen is making a rare and timely appearance just prior to the critical Copenhagen Climate Conference in December whose purpose is to forge an international climate treaty. He does not have a book, but his articles will be available and he will greet fans at the end of the evening.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

How to hold a civil town hall meeting: Rick Casey's column from Aug 28—
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/casey/6590661.html
Hot diggetty: Hank Gilbert's running for Governor of Texas. Give him the help he needs!—
https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/hankgilbert?refcode=link1blastaug27
While you're at it, Barbara Radnofsky needs your help for her 2010 Texas AG campaign—
http://www.actblue.com/page/bar4txag2010
And, on a local note, ante up for Diane Trautmann, too—
http://www.dianetrautman.com/donate.html
New traffic laws take effect Sep 1 in Texas (new tougher teen driver laws, no cell phones in school zones, new seat belt laws, and new concealed handgun laws): these are IMPORTANT; take the time to read them—
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/pr081109.pdf
Healthcare articles & links—
1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jng4TnKqy6A&feature=player_embedded
2) http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200909/health-care
3) http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/opinion/30kristof.html?_r=1
4) http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/settingtherecord
Lessons from the Barnett Shale suggest caution in other shale plays—
http://www.aspousa.org/index.php/2009/08/lessons-from-the-barnett-shale-suggest-caution-in-other-shale-plays/
Every day is a good day to KISS MY BIG BLUE BUTT—
http://www.kissmybigbluebutt.com/

AUG 19 MEETING MINUTES

The August meeting of Oilpatch Democrats was called to order at 7:04pm. Various candidates stood up and introducedthemselves, in order --
▪ Steve Herskowitz, 308th Family District Court
▪ Marc Isenberg, 313th Juvenile District Court
▪ Joe Roche for Karen Derr, who is running for Houston City Council at Large Position 1
▪ Michael Gomez, 183rd District Court
▪ Joellen Snow, Probate Court #2 (she also plugged Kathy Stone who is again running for Probate Court #1)
▪ Damon Crenshaw, Civil Court at Law #3
▪ Donna Roth, 281st Civil District Court

We enjoyed hearing from Jeff Weems, our speaker for the evening and Democratic candidate for Texas Railroad Commissioner, who gave us a list of 10 reasons to vote for him in 2010. We were so impressed, we promptly endorsed his candidacy. The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS

Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email Donna with your updated information.

Have you paid your dues, or do you want to make a donation to the club or to the PAC? Dues are $25.00 per person/$10.00 Reduced/Student. If you are not able to attend the next meeting, you can mail your check to Roopa Gir (see her contact information below). Please make your check payable to Oil Patch Democrats. Or go to our contribution connection on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership, or if you're contributing more than the membership, just email Jim Cargas & Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS

Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—
John Moffitt (President)—John.Moffitt@nov.com
John Preston (Vice President)—johnwmp@hal-pc.org
Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa10@gmail.com
Jim Rine (Secretary)—jmrine@hotmail.com
Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

OPD ENDORSES JEFF WEEMS FOR RAILROAD COMMISSIONER

2009-08-20T09:55:00.001-05:00

In a vote at the Aug 19 meeting, Oilpatch Democrats voted to endorse the candidacy of Jeff Weems, a Houston energy attorney who is running for Texas Railroad Commissioner in 2010. Mr. Weems' articulate presentation of the shortfalls and lack of foresight of the current slate of commissioners prompted a rare unanimous vote in his favor.

OILPATCH DEMOCRATS NEWSLETTER FOR AUGUST 17, 2009

2009-08-20T09:51:00.002-05:00

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

THIS WEEK! DATE CHANGED TO THIS WEEK FOR AUGUST OPD MEETING—
Wed, Aug 19, 6:30pm social, 7-9pm meeting, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
We'll bring the pizza and wine. We'll even have an important speaker – Jeff Weems, a local energy attorney who's running for Railroad Commissioner in 2010. Also attending will be some judicial candidates, as usual. All we need is some participation from you.. Come & start getting ready for the off-year elections, because they're coming whether we're ready for them or not. Let's try to organize a repeat of 2008 (but take some statewide races this time).

SEPTEMBER OPD MEETING
Thurs, Sep 24, 6:30pm social, 7-9pm meeting, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
Randall Morton, president and founder of the Progressive Forum will be speaking to us.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS & STUFF

HOUSTON AREA TABLE MAYORAL FORUM
Tues, Aug 18, Noon-1:30m, Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1900 Bering, 77057
What role will non-profits and community based organizations play in the new mayor's administration? Apearing in person will be Annise Parker, Gene Locke, and Roy Morales. A representative from the Peter Brown campaign will also be present. For more information call: 713-782-8833 .

BILL WHITE CAMPAIGN HOSTS PETITION-SIGNING PARTY
Tues, Aug 18, 6-8pm, Bill White for Texas campaign headquarters, 2100 W. Loop South
Bill White for Texas Campaign is hosting a petition-signing party to help Harris County Democratic judicial candidates obtain the signatures they need to secure a place on the ballot for the 2010 elections. Organizations that are participating in and promoting this event include Harris County Young Democrats, Harris County Young Stonewall Democrats, Rice Young Democrats, and the University of Houston Young Democrats. For more information, contact Bill Kelly at 713.659.9000 or at bkelly@billwhitefortexas.com.

REP GARNET COLEMAN HEADLINES HCDP EVENING BROWN BAG
Thurs, Aug 27, 6:30pm, HCDP Headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
Harris County Democratic Party will welcome State Representative Garnet Coleman to discuss Health Care reform. Rep. Coleman has served the people of District 147 in the Texas House of Representatives continuously since 1991. Throughout his years of service, Rep. Coleman has earned a reputation as a diligent leader in the areas of health care, economic development and education. Come for an informative evening of networking, with light refreshments and great Democratic fellowship.

2009 PROGRESSIVE FORUM SPRING SPEAKER SERIES
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Information available at http://www.progressiveforumhouston.org/. Order tickets at https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=1420&eventID=13156.
• Brian Greene, Thurs, Sept 29, 7:30pm—Explore the cosmos through the exhilarating advancements of modern physics. Dr. Brian Greene's presentation is renowned for its inspiration. With dazzling big-screen imagery, you'll be amazed at the wonders of universe, what man has learned in its quest for ultimate answers. Greene has made groundbreaking discoveries in string theory, he's the author of The Elegant Universe (2003), which was a Pulitzer finalist and was turned into an Emmy-award-winning PBS Nova series which he hosted. Greene's wit and humor have been on display as guests of David Letterman, Charlie Rose, and Stephen Colbert. The Washington Post called him "the single best explainer of abstruse ideas in the world today." He's a leader in connecting people to the joys of science, he founded the annual World Science Festival in New York City attended by over 120,000 people a year. He's also the author of The Fabric of the Universe: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality (2005). He'll greet fans and sign books at the end of the evening. The event is sponsored by Berg & Androphy.
• Karen Armstrong, Thurs, Oct 8, 7:30pm—Karen Armstrong is "arguably the most lucid, wide-ranging, and consistently interesting religion writer today," according to Salon.com. In The Case For God, she moves from the Paleolithic age to the present, detailing the great lengths to which humanity has gone to experience a sacred reality, with a focus on the kind of faith that speaks to our polarized modern times. She first gained prominence with her groundbreaker, A History of God: The 4000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (1993). Others have included The Battle for God, A History of Fundamentalism (2000), Buddha (2001), and The Bible: A Biography (2007). Armstrong participated in Bill Moyers' PBS series, Genesis. Since the attacks on September 11, 2001, Armstrong has been in demand as an authority on Islam and religious compassion. She has addressed members of the U.S. Congress, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum in Davos. She will greet fans and sign books at the end of the evening. Dr. Jill Carroll (Adjunct Associate Professor in the Religious Studies Department at Rice University, acclaimed scholar on religious tolerance, and author of Dialogue of Civilizations) is introducing Karen Armstrong. Event Sponsor is The Boniuk Center for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance at Rice University. The Progressive Forum is producing this event in association with Brazos Bookstore.
• James Hansen, Thurs, Oct 29, 7:30pm—Premier Climatologist whose presentation will be “Threat To The Planet, Implications for Intergenerational Justice.” James Hansen was the first to create broad awareness of global warming in his Congressional testimonies in the 1980s. His recent research has made the public aware that the climate is even more sensitive than previously thought, that the safe level of atmospheric CO2 is 350 ppm and must be returned to below that level over time. The current CO2 is now 387 ppm and rising steadily. Hansen says the climate is nearing tipping points "that would be irreversible if we do not promptly slow fossil fuel emissions...." James Hansen is the director of the leading U.S. governmental agency responsible for atmosphere and space studies. Government regulators preclude us from naming the agency in advertising, describing his Forum appearance as "personal/outside activity." Dr. Hansen is making a rare and timely appearance just prior to the critical Copenhagen Climate Conference in December whose purpose is to forge an international climate treaty. He does not have a book, but his articles will be available and he will greet fans at the end of the evening.

POLITICS & THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NEWS & OTHER STUFF
Contribute to the health care debate; forward this site to everyone you know—
http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/?e=11&ref=text0

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS
Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email oilpatchdems@gmail.com with your updated information.

Have you paid your dues, or do you want to make a donation to the club or to the PAC? Dues are $25.00 per person/$10.00 Reduced/Student. If you are not able to attend the next meeting, you can mail your check to Roopa Gir (see her contact information below). Please make your check payable to Oil Patch Democrats. Or go to our contribution connection on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership, or if you're contributing more than the membership, just email Jim Cargas & Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS
Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—
John Moffitt (President)—John.Moffitt@nov.com
John Preston (Vice President)—johnwmp@hal-pc.org
Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa10@gmail.com
Jim Rine (Secretary)—jmrine@hotmail.com
Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

OPD Newsletter for June 17, 2009

2009-06-17T10:08:00.001-05:00

OILPATCH DEMOCRATS

NEWSLETTER FOR JUNE 17, 2009

new or changed items indicated with green type

this or next week's events in red font

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Important Climate Meeting to Attend in Houston - on Wednesday the 17th!

From the: The Texas Climate Emergency Campaign

A TOWN HALL MEETING ON CLIMATE CHANGE and GREEN JOBS

Moderated by: Gene Norman

Chief Meteorologist, KHOU Channel 11

WHO:

Congressman Al Green - Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

State Sen. Mario Gallegos - Rep. Garnet Coleman - Rep. Sylvester Turner

Rep. Ana Hernandez - Rep. Alma Allen - Rep. Carol Alvarado

City Councilmember Ronald Green - City Councilmember Jolanda Jones

NAACP - Houston Branch - American Association of Blacks in Energy- Houston Chapter - Houston Citizen's Chamber of Commerce - Houston Area Urban League - Public Citizen - Environment Texas - Environmental Defense Fund - Sierra Club - Houston ACORN

We'd like to ask all of our Houston supporters to attend this important town hall meeting on Wednesday, June 17th (see below). As you may know, the American Clean Energy and Security Act is on its way to the House Floor, and we need "champions" like Congresspersons Al Green and Sheila Jackson Lee to step forward and ask that the bill be strengthened when it reaches the floor. We need stronger cuts in carbon emissions, 100% auctions, and careful monitoring of offsets, and most importantly, we need to follow the science on this issue. PLEASE attend, this could be your last chance to influence this bill, and your last chance to save the future of your children and grandchildren!

WHERE:

Communications Workers of America , Local 6222 1730 Jefferson Street, Houston , TX 77003

WHEN:

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Registration will open at 5:30 p.m. and refreshments will be provided

For more information, contact: Dallas Jones or Brandon Dudley Office of Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis 713-236-0306; Dallas.Jones@senate.state.tx.us

Royce Brooks Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

202-789-3528 rbrooks@jointcenter.org

IF YOU CAN’T COME THEN CALL YOUR US CONGRESS PERSON

Then call your own congressperson (numbers below) and tell him or her that you want these provisions from the bill strengthened:

1) you want deeper cuts in carbon emissions, to match what climate scientists are calling for--25 to 40% below 1990 levels

2) you want 100% auctions of pollution credits, bringing more money back to the people from the big corporations

3) you want fewer offsets, which make it possible for polluters to pollute more

Tell your congressional representative, too, that you fully support Congressman Lloyd Doggett's efforts to get a fair hearing for the bill on the full House floor, and that you believe consideration should be delayed until that happens.

Time is running out--on the bill, on the chances for success in the UN conference in Copenhagen, and on the future of our planet. The bill could go to a vote as soon as a week from tomorrow. We learned today that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is going to pour $100 million dollars into defeating this bill and the healthcare bill. It's hard to keep up with those numbers! All we have are our voices---and we must take action now!

Here's a list of Democratic congressional representatives (no point in calling Repubs), along with their DC phone numbers...

Representative Al Green (D - 09) 202-225-7508

Representative Ruben Hinojosa (D - 15) 202-225-2531

Representative Silvestre Reyes (D - 16) 202-225-4831

Representative Chet Edwards (D - 17) 202-225-6105

Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee (D - 18) 202-225-3816

Representative Charles A. Gonzalez (D - 20) 202-225-3236

Representative Ciro Rodriguez (D - 23) 202-225-4511

Representative Solomon P. Ortiz (D - 27) 202-225-7742

Representative Henry Cuellar (D - 28) 202-225-1640

Representative Gene Green (D - 29) 202-225-1688

Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D - 30) 202-225-8885

Thanks, The Texas Climate Emergency Campaign

HOT DOGS AND HOT CANDIDATES THIS SATURDAY

Please join the Harris County Democratic Party on Saturday, June 20, for a free PARTY to meet the Democratic judicial candidates running for judge in 2010 and sign their petitions to qualify for a place on the ballot.

We’ll have hot dogs and lemonade for everyone and it’s all free. Meet the 100 judicial candidates who will be on the ballot in 2010 and sign their nominating petitions.

That’s this coming Saturday, June 20, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at M. C. Williams Middle School, 6100 Knox Street, Houston, TX 77091.

These candidates must each have hundreds of signatures on nominating petitions, so please come support them and help them get started in their effort as we prepare to Do It Again In Twenty Ten! (Bring your voter registration certificate with you if you have it handy. That will speed things up.)

Call Harris County Democratic Party headquarters at 713-802-0085 for further details.

OPD MONTHLY MEETING ON 25 JUNE FOR PRIDE PARADE

Meetings: 4th Thursday of every month begins at 6:30PM with social time and the “formal” meeting at 7 pm. Location is HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008

Agenda items to include:

Gay Pride parade
Energy Transportation conference (winter/spring 2010)
Discussion of Empower America meeting in May
Discuss OPD Fall speaker list

RESERVE 27 JUNE FOR PRIDE PARADE

Please reserve Saturday 27 June for participation in the Gay Pride Parade (http://www.pridehouston.org/ . OPD will be marching with Roadwomen and the Harris County Democratic Party (Entry #42). Final details will be addressed at monthly meeting on 25 June and via the next OPD newsletter.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS & STUFF

PLEASE PAY YOUR OPD DUES!!!!!!!!!!!

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

Position: SR. Drilling Engineer

Minimum of 10 years of experience planning and executing an offshore well design for oil or gas wells preferably in the Gulf of Mexico.
Demonstrated experience working with multi-disciplinary teams.
Previous experience working as a Drilling Engineer.
Previous responsibility for planning and executing a well design for an oil or gas well.
Total well planning and design skills, cost estimation and risk analysis, operation support to field team, HSE behaviours, MMS requirements and teamwork skills across multi-disciplinary teams
Offshore drilling, pore pressure,/frac gradient prediction, drilling mechanics, directional drilling, drilling fluids, cementing, well control, formation evaluation

JOB LISTINGS – Contact Jim Porter phone 713-781-2020, email - jhp356d@yahoo.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS

Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—

John Moffitt (President)—John.Moffitt@nov.com

John Preston (Vice President ) -johnwmp@hal-pc.org

Roopa Gir (Treasurer)

Jim Rine (Secretary)—jmrine@hotmail.com

Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

Oilpatch Democrats

www.oilpatchdemocrats.com

Meetings: 4th Thursday of every month at 7 pm

HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008

If you no longer wish to receive email from OPD, please reply with "REMOVE" in the subject line.

Michael Klare in Houston on April 28, 29

2009-04-07T11:26:00.000-05:00

OPD Newsletter for Jan 19, 2009

2009-01-18T22:30:00.000-06:00

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

THIS WEEK! OPD MEETING—OFFICER ELECTIONS!
Thurs, June 26, 6:30pm social, 7-9pm meeting, HCDP headquarters (2nd floor conference room–this month only), 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
Let's start to chart our course for the next 2 years. Officers were nominated at the December social and include John Moffitt for President, John Preston for Vice President, Roopa Gir for Treasurer, Donna Hackemack Bryant for Secretary, and Jim Cargas for PAC Treasurer/General Counsel, but we didn't have a lot of people in attendance at the December meeting (which was held at the lovely home of John and Nancy Preston) and we will re-open nominations at this meeting, so if you'd like to serve, we'd love to have you. You need to be a paid up member to vote. We may watch a screening of the DVD Blood and Oil.

FEBRUARY OPD MEETING
Thurs, Feb 26, 6:30pm social, 7-9pm meeting, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
Jim Blackburn, environmental attorney, will be our speaker. We're not sure what his exact topic will be yet, but here is a recent opinion piece written by Mr. Blackburn in the Chronicle: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/6204210.html.

NOTE FROM RANDY SCOTT ABOUT YAHOO GROUPS
Attention Group: As part of my continuing efforts to serve our list-members I will pass along any general Yahoo Groups-related announcements that are of relevance to all of you such as the one below:

Yahoo is Tracking Group Members—If you belong to ANY Yahoo Groups - be aware that Yahoo is now using "Web Beacons" to track every Yahoo Group user. It's similar to cookies, but allows Yahoo to record every website and every group you visit, even when you're not connected to Yahoo. Look at their updated privacy statement at http://info.yahoo.com/privacy/us/yahoo/details.html. About half-way down the page, in the section on *cookies*, you willsee a link that says *WEB BEACONS*. Click on the phrase "Web Beacons." On the page that opens, on the left find a box entitled "Opt-Out." In that section find "opt-out of interest-matched advertising" link that will let you "opt-out" of their snooping. Click it and then click the opt-out button on the next page. Note that Yahoo's invasion of your privacy - and your ability to opt-out of it - is not user-specific. It is MACHINE specific. That means you will have to opt-out on every computer (and browser) you use. Please forward this to your other groups. You might complain, too, but I'm not sure if anyone is listening. I remember when they signed all users up to get spam and we had to opt out of that a few years ago. Related article: http://antivirus.about.com/od/spywareandadware/a/yahoobugs.htm.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS & STUFF

HARRIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY & WEST GULF PORTS COUNCIL PRESIDENTIAL INAGURATION WATCH PARTY
Tues, Jan 20, 10am-1pm, Seafarers International Union Hall, 1221 Pierce St, Houston, Texas 77002
The Harris County Democratic Party, in conjunction with the West Gulf Ports Council, invites you to watch history unfold live. Join Democrats from throughout Harris County, union members (including port council members), and elected officials as we watch the Inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama. Take in this historic ceremony on two 50-inch TV's while enjoying lunch and refreshments. The program will begin at 10am, with the inauguration ceremony airing live at 11am CT. Please RSVP to Martha Cottingham at martha@hcdp.org.

ROADWOMEN CHAMPAGNE INAUGURATION CELEBRATION
Tues, Jan 20, 5:30pm, St. Stephens Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1805 W. Alabama at Woodhead
Join ROADwomen for champagne and hors d’oeuvres as they celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama. RSVPs are essential for this free event: roadie@roadwomen.com (must RSVP by Monday, Jan 19). SHARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION. Please take a moment to write your hopes and wishes for the new administration and send them to Roadie to share with others—roadie@roadwomen.com.

OTHER INAUGURATION EVENTS
• Check for smaller local events at http://www.moveon.org/.
• Bay Area New Democrats Inauguration Party, 10:15am-1pm at Dimassi’s Restaurant, 1039 West Bay Area Blvd @ Gulf Freeway
• Houston Young Leaders Coalition and Informed Voters League of Houston Swearing-in Celebration, 10:30am-1pm at Wings & Wings Beaucoup Café, 3511 Elgin@Scott
• Presidential Inaugural Gala, sponsored and organized by Major One Entertainment, Hotel Derek, 2525 West Loop South, Houston, Texas, 7:30pm-1:30am. Tickets $25 each. See www.majoroneentertainment.com for details and tickets (dress however you are most comfortable).
• Across the Track PAC Inaugural Ball, sponsored and organized by Across the Track PAC, George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, Texas 77002, 7pm-midnight. Tickets $100 / person, $150 / couple.
• Fort Bend Democrats Club Inaugural Celebration, Sugar Creek Country Club, 420 Sugar Creek Blvd., Sugar Land, Texas, 6pm-10pm, $35 per person, black tie optional, reservations required. (RSVP to 281-341-5489).
• Montgomery County Democratic Party Inaugural Celebration and Dinner, Landry’s at the Woodlands (on I-45 N), 6pm-9pm. Tickets $75. Contact Fran Ellisor (936-271-0679) for details.
• Inaugural Ball Co-hosted by Brazoria County Democratic Party and Mims Community Center—Sat, Jan 24, 7-11pm, Angleton Recreation Center, 1601 North Valderas Street. Donation $25.00, Gift–Commemorative Champagne Glass. DJ music, heavy hor d’oeuvres. Formal attire–black tie optional. To purchase tickets: call 281-412-5209, 979-798-8170, or 979-373-1070 or go to: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptkrf, or www.brazoriademocrats.com.

HOUSTON SOLAR NETWORKING SOCIAL
Thurs, Jan 29, 6-8:00pm at Beavers, 2310 Decatur Street 77077
This event is free (buy your own meal and drinks) and open to anyone interested in solar energy. We expect folks from the Houston Renewable Energy Group, the Houston Renewable Energy Network, the City of Houston, and our solar businesses here in the Houston area. Bring a friend! Beavers is located at 2310 Decatur Street (77007), on the corner of Sawyer and Decatur St, one block south of Washington Avenue. Click on the following link for a map— http://www.beavershouston.com/where.html. Look forward to seeing you there,
—Chris Boyer, HREG VicePresident, http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/hreg/ message/8421

CEC MEETING
Thurs, Jan 29, 6pm, Harris County Jury Assembly Room, 1019 Congress
The meeting of Precinct Chairs (County Executive Committee Meeting) is for the purpose of hearing reports from standing committees and working groups of their plans for 2009, electing precinct chairs to fill vacancies, hearing a report on the results of the 2008 general election in Harris County, and considering other business that may come before the meeting. ALL PRECINCT CHAIRS ARE URGED TO ATTEND. www.hcdp.org

ACTION REQUEST—HOUSTON PBS TO AXE RED, WHITE, & BLUE
"on december 22 the CEO of Houston PBS, John Hesse, without explanation and without a plan for continuing the political and public policy discussions this city and region need in the perilous times facing all of us announced he was ending the program Red White and Blue. Gary Polland and I are disappointed yet as much offended by the lack of interest shown by PBS in local programming and especially their coverage of public affairs. We were costing them nothing. So to any of you who watched the show and liked it or for those who didnt and only know that such programs are vital to the publics understanding of their elected officials and their actions let PBS know by going to www.houstonpbs.org and tell John Hesse what you think. It aint over til its over.Programming begins again on Houston PBS at the end of January so we have a month or so to get their attention."—David Jones, demodave@comcast.net. Your correspondence should be directed to Mr. John Hesse at jhesse@houstonpbs.org.

AUTHOR AARON GANTZ TO SPEAK IN HOUSTON AT KPFT, VFP-12, IVAW EVENT IN FEB.
Author and Radio Pacifica reporter, Aaron Glantz, is coming to Houston in February 2009. VFP-12 and the local IVAW chapter is teaming with KPFT to host a talk and book signing for Gantz’s new book The War Comes Home: Washington's Battle against America's Veterans . In addition to The War Comes Home, he is author of the San Francisco Chronicle best-seller, How America Lost Iraq (Tarcher/Penguin), and co-author of Winter Soldier Iraq and Afghanistan (Haymarket). This event will also be a joint fundraiser for KPFT, VFP-12, and IVAW. We don't have a firm date with Mr. Glantz yet, although we know it will be in February some time very soon after February 15. VFP-12 and IVAW will be in charge of arranging the venue and advertising to local veterans groups. You can read more about Aaron and his book at http://www.citylights.com/book/?GCOI=87286100464470.

2009 PROGRESSIVE FORUM SPRING SPEAKER SERIES
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Information available at http://www.progressiveforumhouston.org/. Order tickets at https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=1420&eventID=13156.
• Larry Wilmore, Wed, Feb 25, 7:30pm—Celebrate Black History Month with Larry Wilmore, "Senior Black Correspondent" on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Wilmore provides an honest conversation about race and diversity in America with his own comic perspective. He's one of the top stand-up comedians in America, and HBO is developing a sitcom for him. He's also a celebrated television producer and writer, and has won an Emmy, Peabody, and NAACP Image Award. At this event, he's releasing his first book, entitled I'd Rather We Got Casinos and Other Black Thoughts.
• Lester Brown, Thurs, Apr 28, 7:30pm—The Washington Post called Lester Brown, President of Earth Policy Institute, "one of the world's most influential thinkers." The Telegraph of Calcutta refers to him as "the guru of the environmental movement." Lester Brown pioneered the field of sustainability and created the first research institute devoted to analyzing global environmental issues when he created Worldwatch Institute in 1974. In 2001, he created Earth Policy Institute whose mission is to provide a vision of what an environmentally sustainable economy will look like and how to get there. He's received many awards including 23 honorary degrees and a MacArthur "genius" Fellowship. He's published 50 books, including his latest, Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization.
• Brian Greene, Thurs, Sept 29, 7:30pm—Come meet the cosmos. With a dazzling presentation on a big screen, theoretical physicist Brian Greene conveys the wonders of the universe. A leading theoretical physicist with groundbreaking discoveries in super string theory, he is a source of inspiration communicating the excitement of science. This is an ideal event for families and students. The Washington Post called Brian Greene “the single best explainer of abstruse ideas in the world today.” He’s a frequent guest of David Letterman, Stephen Colbert, and Charlie Rose. He’s author of The Elegant Universe, which sold over a million copies. The book was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and became an Emmy winning PBS series that Greene hosted.

HOUSTON PEACE & JUSTICE CENTER
This group sponsors so many great events that they can't all be listed here. To see their dynamic calencar, go to http://www.hpjc.org/hpjccalendar.asp.

POLITICS & THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NEWS & OTHER STUFF
Troops exposed to toxins—
http://www2.iava.org/o/436/t/8492/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=1797
Craddick folds—
http://texasweekly.com/node/3515/
Rick Casey looks ahead to 2009—
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/casey/6193079.html
Kaine to become DNC Chair—
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/04/AR2009010401139.html?hpid=topnews
2008 in review—
http://sendables.jibjab.com/sendables/202809/2008_year_in_review#/teaser/202809
Frank Rick: a President forgotten but not gone: the banality of evil—
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/opinion/04rich.html?_r=5&hp
More on the Bush nonlegacy—
http://www.truthout.org/122908M
Like we need another conspiracy that involves Rove? Oh, what the heck—
http://www.truthout.org/122408J
Why Bettencourt quit?—
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6157790.html
http://www.khou.com/video/index.html?nvid=312178
Dewhurst signals voter suppression as top GOP priority—
http://www.lonestarproject.net/
Are you in good hands? uhh—
http://www.texasobserver.org/article.php?aid=2919
Faster climate change feared—
http://www.truthout.org/122608N
Clean coal can save us—
http://www.truthout.org/122408N
NUKES: from SDEC committeeman & TED & OPD member John Robert Behrman—
http://texaskaos.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=5700
Whoopeee…more scary environmental news—
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/16dec_giantbreach.htm?list148230
Water or oil: we have a choice—
http://www.truthout.org/122908N

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS
JOB LISTINGS – Contact Jim Porter phone 713-781-2020, email - jhp356d@yahoo.com

Position Title: Drilling Engineer—Location: Houston, Texas
JOB OVERVIEW: Responsible for assisting in the management, organization and control of all drilling related works in the most safe and efficient manner possible. This includes but is not limited to engineering, reporting, tender, budget estimates, receipt of approval, programming, scheduling or other preparation work with consultation from the Drilling Manager. BS Degree, At least seven (7) years of experience in drilling activities and various engineering works. The incumbents shall be familiar with MMS procedures relating to drilling matters.

Position Title: Senior Geologist—Location: Houston, Texas
JOB OVERVIEW: As part of a multi-disciplinary team, conduct the integrated evaluation of assigned fields, properties or projects in order to maximize production as well as generate and evaluate new investment opportunities (including development, exploitation and exploration drilling, sidetracks, re-completions, acquisitions, farm-ins/outs, etc.) including risk assessments, reserve calculations and economic evaluations. B.S. or B.A. in Geology or related field (required). Ten+ years experience in, and familiarity with all aspects of exploration, exploitation and development geology (required). Five+ years experience on the Gulf of Mexico shelf (required).

If Jim makes a placement from this advertisement, he will send OPD a check for $1,000 for each placement made using the OPD newsletter.

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS
Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email Donna with your updated information.

Have you paid your dues, or do you want to make a donation to the club or to the PAC? Dues are $25.00 per person/$10.00 Reduced/Student. If you are not able to attend the next meeting, you can mail your check to Roopa Gir (see her contact information below). Please make your check payable to Oil Patch Democrats. Or go to our new contribution connection on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership, or if you're contributing more than the membership, just email Jim Cargas & Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS
Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—
Jim Rine (President)—jmrine@hotmail.com
Cindy Beau (Vice President)—clgphd1@yahoo.com
Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa1@slb.com
Donna Bryant (Secretary)—schpinna@yahoo.com
Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

NEWSLETTER FOR NOVEMBER 23, 2008

2008-11-24T13:18:00.001-06:00

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

NO OPD MEETING IN NOVEMBER
Since our regular meeting date unfortunately coincides with the national Thanksgiving holiday (and, my goodness, don't we all have something to celebrate THIS year???), we declared a meeting moratorium until the New Year. HOWEVER...

OPD DECEMBER HOLIDAY POTLUCK!!!!
Sat, Dec 13, 4-6pm, John & Nancy Preston's home at 4383 Harvest Lane, Houston 77004
Bring a dish and/or a bottle. And bring your nominations for OPD 2009 officers, especially for President since Jim Rine cannot run the outfit in 2009 because of family considerations. We will elect new officers at the Jan 22 OPD meeting, so bring your nominations for 2009 officers and executive committee members to the OPD party or send your nominations by email to Jim Rine or Donna Bryant prior to Dec 13. Here's the Google link to John & Nancy's house—http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=4383+Harvest+Lane,+Houston+77004&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=35.273162,56.25&ie=UTF8&ll=29.716271,-95.344055&spn=0.009448,0.013733&z=16&g=4383+Harvest+Lane,+Houston+77004&iwloc=addr. Nifty Democrat Christmas graphic, compliments of Greater Heights Democrats!

BRYANT ELECTED VICE CHAIR OF TEXAS ENVIRONMENTAL DEMOCRATS
At the Oct 23 OPD monthly meeting at Fuzzy's Pizza, Texas Environmental Democrats (TED) Chair & OPD member, Blair Dancy made a presentation to request that OPD affiliate itself with TED, which is attempting to further its reach in the State. Since we could see no downside to such an affiliation and since all that was required for affiliation was a list of officers and their contact information, together with a copy of our bylaws (no financial obligation is required), the quorum present voted to approve the affiliation. Blair also asked that a female OPD member run for Vice Chair of TED, which is losing its Vice Chair, Marguerite Jones, to a fabulous new job opportunity in Washington, DC. Because of a complete lack of interest (when floated in the Executive Committee), OPD Secretary Donna Hackemack Bryant was named OPD's candidate for TED Vice Chair.

Accordingly, after the Nov 15 meeting of the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC), TED met, accepted Marguerite's resignation, and was kind & trusting enough to elect a total stranger (me, Donna) as their Vice Chair, a position that will also ensure OPD an adjunct seat on the State Democratic Executive Committee. Donna was also named to the SDEC Resolutions and Grassroots committees (or rather, her predecessor, Marguerite Jones, was, and Donna will presumably take over her assignments).

TED has set up Yahoo Groups for areas all over the state. Be sure to go to the area group that's closest to you & sign up as a member: it's a great way to consolidate our two interest groups:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TED-Austin/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TED-Beaumont/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TED-CollegeStation/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TED-CorpusChristi/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TED-DFW/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TED-EastTexas/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TED-ElPaso/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TED-Houston/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TED-PanHandle/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TED-PermianBasin/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TED-SanAntonio/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TED-Valley/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TED-Waco/

One of the other things that happened in the Nov 15 TED meeting is that they are now investigating becoming a state GPAC.

Any club can become associated with TED—not just environmental clubs—and this might be a great move for other clubs around the state. All they need to do is send the request, a copy of club bylaws, and club officer contact information—name, position, mailing address, email address, and phone to Blair Dancy (contact information available on one of the TED Yahoo Groups, above.

OPD / TED SCORES A E&C GOAL!
Last week, during all the flap about the selection of the Chair for the Energy and Commerce Committee in Congress (ref: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/11/the-house-fight-for-energ_n_142914.html), OPD sent a letter to Congressman Al Green & TED put out a letter to its statewide membership asking them to send a letter to their congressfolk supporting the election of Henry Waxman. The current chair, John Dingell, set an average CAFE standard of 35 m.p.g. by 2011, 5 mpg less than the current European and Japanese averages. The New York Times recently cited environmentalist Dan Becker, who has waged a 30-year campaign for cleaner, more efficient cars, as saying his "single biggest obstacle in that time had been Mr. Dingell." Well, golly, it musta worked, since Henry Waxman was, indeed, chosen to chair Energy and Commerce:

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS & STUFF

TEXAS DEMOCRATS LOSE ANOTHER GREAT FRIEND
Jim Mattox dead at age 65: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6123286.html and http://capitolannex.com/2008/11/20/in-memorium-james-albon-jim-mattox-1943-2008/.

HCDP BACK AT 1445 WEST LOOP SOUTH
The main headquarters of the Harris County Democratic Party, closed due to hurricane damage, is now back where it belongs on the West 610 Loop South.

2009 PROGRESSIVE FORUM SPRING/FALL SPEAKER SERIES
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Information available at http://www.progressiveforumhouston.org/. Order tickets at https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=1420&eventID=13156.
• Larry Wilmore, Wed, Feb 25, 7:30pm—Celebrate Black History Month with Larry Wilmore, "Senior Black Correspondent" on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Wilmore provides an honest conversation about race and diversity in America with his own comic perspective. He's one of the top stand-up comedians in America, and HBO is developing a sitcom for him. He's also a celebrated television producer and writer, and has won an Emmy, Peabody, and NAACP Image Award. At this event, he's releasing his first book, entitled I'd Rather We Got Casinos and Other Black Thoughts.
• Lester Brown, Thurs, Apr 28, 7:30pm—The Washington Post called Lester Brown, President of Earth Policy Institute, "one of the world's most influential thinkers." The Telegraph of Calcutta refers to him as "the guru of the environmental movement." Lester Brown pioneered the field of sustainability and created the first research institute devoted to analyzing global environmental issues when he created Worldwatch Institute in 1974. In 2001, he created Earth Policy Institute whose mission is to provide a vision of what an environmentally sustainable economy will look like and how to get there. He's received many awards including 23 honorary degrees and a MacArthur "genius" Fellowship. He's published 50 books, including his latest, Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization.
• Brian Greene, Thurs, Sept 29, 7:30pm—Come meet the cosmos. With a dazzling presentation on a big screen, theoretical physicist Brian Greene conveys the wonders of the universe. A leading theoretical physicist with groundbreaking discoveries in super string theory, he is a source of inspiration communicating the excitement of science. This is an ideal event for families and students. The Washington Post called Brian Greene "the single best explainer of abstruse ideas in the world today." He's a frequent guest of David Letterman, Stephen Colbert, and Charlie Rose. He's author of The Elegant Universe, which sold over a million copies. The book was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and became an Emmy winning PBS series that Greene hosted.

HOUSTON PEACE & JUSTICE CENTER
This group sponsors so many great events that they can't all be listed here. To see their dynamic calencar, go to http://www.hpjc.org/hpjccalendar.asp.

POLITICS & THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NEWS & OTHER STUFF
Bush hiring shenanigans to close out dismal presidential record—
http://www.truthout.org/112308E
And his final gift: gutted regulations—
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/6103815.html
Weather & other satellites near end of service life, too—
http://www.truthout.org/112308D
What we eat is making us sick(er)—
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08305/924265-114.stm?cmpid=newspanel4 —and
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/foodborneinfections_g.htm —and
http://www.aubinpictures.com/woyp/index.htm
Support our troops—
http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/ —and
http://www.americasupportsyou.com/AmericaSupportsYou/index.aspx
The Challenge to Act: How Progressive Women Activists Reframe American Democracy—
http://www.iwpr.org/pdf/I920ChallengetoAct.pdf
Big show in 2009 will revolve around Kay Bailey Hutchison's job—
http://www.statesman.com/search/content/region/legislature/stories/11/20/1120selby.html TRMPAC donors moved another $2 million to Craddick PACs—
http://www.tpj.org/page_view.jsp?pageid=1373&pubid=1146

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS
JOB LISTINGS – Contact Jim Porter phone 713-781-2020, email - jhp356d@yahoo.com

Position Title: Drilling Engineer—Location: Houston, Texas
JOB OVERVIEW: Responsible for assisting in the management, organization and control of all drilling related works in the most safe and efficient manner possible. This includes but is not limited to engineering, reporting, tender, budget estimates, receipt of approval, programming, scheduling or other preparation work with consultation from the Drilling Manager. BS Degree, At least seven (7) years of experience in drilling activities and various engineering works. The incumbents shall be familiar with MMS procedures relating to drilling matters.

Position Title: Senior Geologist—Location: Houston, Texas
JOB OVERVIEW: As part of a multi-disciplinary team, conduct the integrated evaluation of assigned fields, properties or projects in order to maximize production as well as generate and evaluate new investment opportunities (including development, exploitation and exploration drilling, sidetracks, re-completions, acquisitions, farm-ins/outs, etc.) including risk assessments, reserve calculations and economic evaluations. B.S. or B.A. in Geology or related field (required). Ten+ years experience in, and familiarity with all aspects of exploration, exploitation and development geology (required). Five+ years experience on the Gulf of Mexico shelf (required).

If Jim makes a placement from this advertisement, he will send OPD a check for $1,000 for each placement made using the OPD newsletter.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES—

If you are an offshore O&G engineer (facilities, structural, or subsea engineering), my company is offering an $8,000 bonus to me if I can bring you or someone you refer onboard (some payable after 6 months or a year). I'll not only give you a share of the money, I will match Jim Porter's offer & donate $1,000 to OPD, as well. Contact Donna Hackemack Bryant at schpinna@yahoo.com; put "8000" in the subject line.

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS
Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email Donna with your updated information.

Have you paid your dues, or do you want to make a donation to the club or to the PAC? Dues are $25.00 per person/$10.00 Reduced/Student. If you are not able to attend the next meeting, you can mail your check to Roopa Gir (see her contact information below). Please make your check payable to Oil Patch Democrats. Or go to our new contribution connection on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership, or if you're contributing more than the membership, just email Jim Cargas & Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS
Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—
Jim Rine (President)—jmrine@hotmail.com
Cindy Beau (Vice President)—clgphd1@yahoo.com
Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa1@slb.com
Donna Bryant (Secretary)—schpinna@yahoo.com
Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

OPD NEWSLETTER FOR OCTOBER 13, 2008

2008-11-11T10:26:00.000-06:00

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEXT OPD MEETING
Thurs, Oct 23, 6:30pm social, 7-9:30pm meeting, at Fuzzy's Pizza, 2727 Fondren Rd (SE corner of Westheimer & Fondren), Houston, TX
Since our regular meeting place is still unavailable, an executive decision was made to meet at Fuzzy's Pizza (http://fuzzyspizzafondren.com/), that bastion of the Elder Bushes…time to get Fuzzy's used to the upcoming change of administration. Maybe instead of the Barbara Bush pizza, they'll design an OPD special. Whatever, their food is decent and they have lots of space. We don't have a formal program planned, just a roundtable discussion of the upcoming election and how we can make our mark on it. Maybe Christina W will come by and tell us about the Denver convention, since her program was canceled in the aftermath of Ike. Let's make plans for the upcoming year and start getting serious about officer elections in January. Come one, come all.

2008 ELECTION DATES TO REMEMBER
Voter information & EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS & TIMES available at http://www.harrisvotes.com/ and http://www.hcvoter.com/voter/voterintro.asp.
October 20—First Day of Early Voting; early voting dates in Harris County are:
Oct. 20 - 24 Monday through Friday 8am - 4:30pm
Oct. 25 Saturday 7am - 7pm
Oct. 26 Sunday 1pm - 6pm
Oct. 27 - 31 Monday through Friday 7am - 7pm
Please vote a straight Democratic to help our local down ballot candidates.
October 28—Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (application must be received by this date, not merely postmarked). Marked ballot must be returned to the early voting clerk before 7pm on election day and must be returned by mail or by common or contract carrier.
October 31—Last Day of Early Voting
November 4—General election for all national, state, & county offices

Find your precinct chair at http://hcdp.org/precinctchairs.php. If you can't find your voter registration card, you can find a copy to print out at http://www.tax.co.harris.tx.us/voter/voter.asp#NSearch.

TREY FLEMING CAMPAIGN NEEDS OUR HELP
Trey Fleming, who is running against Gary Elkins for Texas House District 135, plans to hand out his campaign materials and bottled water throughout the eary voting period outside Jersey Village City Hall and Bear Creek Community Center and on election day at all District 135 polling places. He will have campaign tshirts for you to wear. He would also welcome 2 or 3 folks to help him work a table at the ConocoPhillips Spirit PAC event on October 22. It's going to be held at ConocoPhillips on Dairy Ashford from 11:30am to 1pm, and it will be a chance for CoP employees to meet the candidates.If you can help him, contact Trey at trey@flemingfortexas.com or call him at 281-468-7458.

LAMPSON CAMPAIGN NEEDS OUR HELP TOO!
"My name is John Boerstler and I work for Congressman Nick Lampson's office. I met you originally about a year ago at Madras Pavilion in Sugar Land when the Congressman spoke to the Oil Patch Democrats, which was a great experience for me just having been on the job for a couple of months.
"I recently started helping out with the Congressman's campaign and wanted to see if we could organize an Oil Patch Democrats block walk or phone bank in one of our offices or if you knew any members who would like to volunteer when they are best available? As you know, Congressman Lampson is facing a very tough race in a very tough district and really needs all the help he can get, which is why I'm anxious to reach out to those groups that have been so prevalent in the past.
"If there is anything we can work on together or any one I can contact, please let me know sir. I greatly appreciate your organization's involvement in the real energy issues that our country now faces. Thanks and have a great day."
Very Respectfully,
John Boerstler
Lampson for Congress
979-220-4007

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS & STUFF

"KANSAS VS DARWIN" WITH DIRECTOR JEFF TAMBLYN, IN HOUSTON ONE NIGHT ONLY
Tues, Oct 14, 7pm, River Oaks Theater, 2009 W. Gray
As a writer, producer and director with more than 25 years in the film industry, Jeff Tamblyn recently waded into the nation's raging culture wars with his first feature film: Kansas vs Darwin. This riveting documentary takes you inside the hearings held in 2005 by the Kansas State Board of Education - a religiously motivated kangaroo court that attempted to determine whether Darwin's long-held theory of evolution should be challenged in the public school science curriculum. At stake was, in effect, the definition of science for Kansas schoolchildren. The film introduces you to the characters who captured the world's attention: school board members who believe their literal interpretation of the Bible trumps modern scientific evidence and members of the "intelligent design" network who believe mainstream science is conspiring to suppress evidence that would overturn evolution. Free Admission, Limited Seats! RSVP at http://www.tfn.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Kansas_vs_Darwin_Houston&JServSessionIdr001=v8kkxbtlc1.app6b.

FINAL DEBATE BETWEEN BARACK OBAMA & JOHN MCCAIN
Wed, Oct 15
Join fellow Democrats & neighbors at the third and final Presidential Debate Watch Parties! Come together to watch Senator Barack Obama take on John McCain for the last time before the election.
• The Midtown celebration will be held at Home Plate Bar & Grill, 1800 Texas Street, at 7pm.
• The Westside celebration will be held at Studio Movie Grill (ON THE BIG SCREEN!), 8580 Highway 6 North & West Road, at 7pm.
• The East End celebration will be held at the East End campaign office at 7:30pm.
• The Bay Area celebration will be held at Bay Area Democratic HQ at 7:30pm.
• The Sunnyside celebration will be held at the Sunnyside campaign office at 7:30pm.
• The Pinemont celebration will be held at the HCDP Pinemont HQ at 7:30pm.

For more information, go to http://www.hcdp08.org/.

LUNCHEON FOR MICHAEL SKELLY FEATURNG BILL RICHARDSON
Thurs, Oct 16, 11:30am-1:00pm, The Corinthian 201 Main St., Houston 77002
Please join Doug Foshee, Irma and Roberto Gonzalez, Mark and Stephanie Goodwin, Greg and Jean Kenney, Wayne Krouse, Ramon Manning, David Mendoza, Gasper Mir, Brad and Morgan Moody, Mary Morgan, Michael Olivas and Augustina Reyes, Richard Patterson Ron Rea, George Santos, Riaz Siddiqi, and Randy Velarde for a luncheon featuring Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico, and Michael Skelly, Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives' 7th Congressional District of Texas. Sponsor $2300, Table Captain $1000, Individual Ticket $125. You can purchase tickets by going to http://www.skellyforcongress.com/richardson/ or RSVP to Seth Mazow at (713) 522-7535 or seth.mazow@SkellyForCongress.com.

EARLY VOTE RALLY
Sun, Oct 19, 7pm, Discover Green, 1500 McKinney, across from George R. Brown Conv Ctr
The Harris County Democratic Party and Obama for America are hosting a huge Early Vote Rally Sunday night. Come out and show your enthusiasm for our candidates and our party by attending this super event.

PLEAS TO VOTE EARLY FROM SD7 SDEC MEMBERS
Early Vote - Where & When & Why
The election on November 4 is expected to be very busy with long lines, particularly in the morning and evening as people go before work and in the evening. Please Early Vote to minimize your wait time. You can Early Vote at ANY of the Early Voting places in Harris County if you are registered to vote in Harris County. If you wait to vote on Election Day, Nov 4, then you MUST vote in your own precinct where you live. If you have moved and not changed your registration to your new address by Oct 6, then you MUST go to the precinct where you used to live and were registered to vote to cast your ballot on Election Day. We don't want anyone going to the incorrect precinct on Election Day and getting caught in traffic and not getting to the correct precinct in time to cast your ballot.
Please Early Vote at your convenience during Early Vote starting October 20 and ending at 7PM on October 31. The lines at Early Vote may be long but the lines at your precinct will probably be much longer. So take advantage of Early Vote. A list of the places and the hours for Early Vote can be found at www.sd7.org. Print it out and get it to your family, friends and neighbors.
--See Ya, Joy Demark, Member, State Democratic Executive Committee, SD7
The Elderly/Disabled Can Vote By Mail
For those who are 65 & older, or disabled, or going to be out of town during Early Voting and on election day, a ballot by mail may be requested now. It is very important that every Democrat gets to vote.
Please consider suggesting a ballot by mail to someone you know who may not go to the polls. Here's the link: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqabbm.shtml.
--Farrukh Shamsi, Member, State Democratic Executive Committee, SD7

GERRY BIRNBERG URGES US TO PULL STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC LEVER
"There is a FALSE rumor going around by e-mail telling people that if they vote Straight Democratic Party, they must also cast a vote specifically for Barack Obama in order to have an Obama vote registered. As far as Texas voters are concerned, THIS IS FALSE INFORMATION probably initiated by Republican dirty tricksters, but now being spread by well-meaning Barack Obama supporters. (It may be correct in North Carolina and South Carolina only but definitely not in Texas.)
The truth is that if you cast a Straight Democratic Party vote in Texas, you will be voting for Barack Obama and your Straight Democratic vote will count as a vote for Obama. But if you then go down and "vote" for Obama, you risk actually inadvertently cancelling your Obama vote.

Don’t be fooled: If you are voting in Texas (or mailing a mail-in ballot to Texas), just cast a Straight Democratic Party vote and that will get Obama and all the Democratic candidates up and down the ballot (except for Chris Bell – you do have to cast a separate vote for him in addition to your Straight Democratic vote because he is in a "special election")."
--Gerry Birnberg, Chair, Harris County Democratic Party

HCDP MAIN HEADQUARTERS MOVED TEMPORARILY DUE TO HURRICANE DAMAGE
The main headquarters of the Harris County Democratic Party, located at 1445 West Loop South, remains closed due to hurricane damage to the building. Accordingly, we have moved the headquarters temporarily to 1102 Pinemont Drive, Suite F, Houston 77018 (between N. Shepherd and Ella, about 2 miles north of the current, West Loop South location. The Pinemont location is fully operational and functioning. All telephone calls to the main HCDP number (713-802-0085) are now being answered at the Pinemont temporary location. (Thanks to the folks at the West Houston office for answering the phones for the main headquarters during the relocation process.) We hope to be back in our regular headquarters shortly, at which point the Pinemont location will be converted to a satellite campaign headquarters for the remainder of the campaign. Keep watching the HCDP website for progress reports on repairs to the West Loop South building and anticipated re-occupancy of that location.

PROGRESSIVE FORUM FALL / SPRING SPEAKER SERIES
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Information available at http://www.progressiveforumhouston.org/. Order tickets at https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=1420&eventID=13156.
• Eleanor Clift, Wed, Oct 22, 7:30pm—Get the insider's view before the election from Eleanor Clift, popular Newsweek contributing editor. She's also a panelist on the nationally syndicated show on PBS, The McLaughlin Group, & a political analyst for the Fox News Network. One of America's favorite people, she has played herself in several films (Independence Day, Murder at 1600, & Dave), as well as the CBS series, Murphy Brown. Clift will also discuss being a woman in male-dominated Washington, what the last few years have meant to American history, & finding strength & perspective while losing her husband to cancer & using in-home hospice care. Her books include Madam President: Shattering the Last Glass Ceiling (2000), War Without Blood: The Art of Politics (1996), & Two Weeks of Life: A Memoir of Love, Death, & Politics (March 2008).
• Larry Wilmore, Wed, Feb 25, 7:30pm—Celebrate Black History Month with Larry Wilmore, "Senior Black Correspondent" on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Wilmore provides an honest conversation about race and diversity in America with his own comic perspective. He's one of the top stand-up comedians in America, and HBO is developing a sitcom for him. He's also a celebrated television producer and writer, and has won an Emmy, Peabody, and NAACP Image Award. At this event, he's releasing his first book, entitled I'd Rather We Got Casinos and Other Black Thoughts.
• Lester Brown, Thurs, Apr 28, 7:30pm—The Washington Post called Lester Brown, President of Earth Policy Institute, "one of the world's most influential thinkers." The Telegraph of Calcutta refers to him as "the guru of the environmental movement." Lester Brown pioneered the field of sustainability and created the first research institute devoted to analyzing global environmental issues when he created Worldwatch Institute in 1974. In 2001, he created Earth Policy Institute whose mission is to provide a vision of what an environmentally sustainable economy will look like and how to get there. He's received many awards including 23 honorary degrees and a MacArthur "genius" Fellowship. He's published 50 books, including his latest, Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization.

HOUSTON PEACE & JUSTICE CENTER
This group sponsors so many great events that they can't all be listed here. To see their dynamic calencar, go to http://www.hpjc.org/hpjccalendar.asp.

POLITICS & THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NEWS & OTHER STUFF
Texas Watch says Texas Supreme Court is "supremely embarrassing"—
http://www.vimeo.com/1853365
How Phil Gramm delivered "weapons of economic mass destruction" for the greedy & uber-rich—
http://newspapertree.com/opinion/2888-gramm-s-bundles-of-greed
The lies of the McCain campaign go unchallenged—
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/opinion/21rich.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=frank%20rich%20truthiness&st=cse&oref=slogin
Hell freezes over: former Culberson assistant supports Skelly—
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6052365.html
Brad Neal supports creation a FM 1960-area management district—
http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2008/10/11/klein_sun/news/101508_neal_district4.txt
Sarah Palin's Pentecostal problem—
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1848420-1,00.html
Support Rick Noriega in online voting for campaign funds (do SEARCH for "Noriega")—
http://www.dailykos.com/
Fiscal conservatives—
http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/greenberg/archives/2008/08/deficits.html
McCain/Palin ticket pours gas on the fires of racism—
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/opinion/12rich.html
Voters blocked from voting—
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/09/us/politics/09voting.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
**************Fighting global warming the smart, easy way**************
http://www.physorg.com/news140875649.html
Radnofsky OpEd on utility/insurance deregulation—
http://www.elpasotimes.com/opinion/ci_10639773
Find an inexpensive hotel for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration—
http://www.ukpe-robertsfoundation.org/
Solar Wind Loses Power, Hits 50-year Low—
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/23sep_solarwind.htm?list148230 (see discussion below)

From Ron Spross: "At least one person at the place where I do my business has pointed out that we are now in an age of global cooling as a result [of decreased solar wind]. Couldn't come too soon ...
"But here's the skinny: The reality is that the solar wind "fine tunes" the position of the earth in its orbit, blowing us out further from the sun than we would otherwise be without it. Now that we are in the doldrums of said solar wind, the earth will spiral in closer to the sun, and as a consequence of its greater proximity to the solar furnace, the earth will heat up even faster than before. Thus, we get even more global warming, rather than less. -- rls"

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS
JOB LISTINGS – Contact Jim Porter phone 713-781-2020, email - jhp356d@yahoo.com

Position Title: Drilling Engineer—Location: Houston, Texas
JOB OVERVIEW: Responsible for assisting in the management, organization and control of all drilling related works in the most safe and efficient manner possible. This includes but is not limited to engineering, reporting, tender, budget estimates, receipt of approval, programming, scheduling or other preparation work with consultation from the Drilling Manager. BS Degree, At least seven (7) years of experience in drilling activities and various engineering works. The incumbents shall be familiar with MMS procedures relating to drilling matters.

Position Title: Senior Geologist—Location: Houston, Texas
JOB OVERVIEW: As part of a multi-disciplinary team, conduct the integrated evaluation of assigned fields, properties or projects in order to maximize production as well as generate and evaluate new investment opportunities (including development, exploitation and exploration drilling, sidetracks, re-completions, acquisitions, farm-ins/outs, etc.) including risk assessments, reserve calculations and economic evaluations. B.S. or B.A. in Geology or related field (required). Ten+ years experience in, and familiarity with all aspects of exploration, exploitation and development geology (required). Five+ years experience on the Gulf of Mexico shelf (required).

If Jim makes a placement from this advertisement, he will send OPD a check for $1,000 for each placement made using the OPD newsletter.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES—

If you are an offshore O&G engineer (facilities, structural, or subsea engineering), my company is offering an $8,000 bonus to me if I can bring you or someone you refer onboard (some payable after 6 months or a year). I'll not only give you a share of the money, I will match Jim Porter's offer & donate $1,000 to OPD, as well. Contact Donna Hackemack Bryant at schpinna@yahoo.com; put "8000" in the subject line.

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS
Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email Donna with your updated information.

Have you paid your dues, or do you want to make a donation to the club or to the PAC? Dues are $25.00 per person/$10.00 Reduced/Student. If you are not able to attend the next meeting, you can mail your check to Roopa Gir (see her contact information below). Please make your check payable to Oil Patch Democrats. Or go to our new contribution connection on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership, or if you're contributing more than the membership, just email Jim Cargas & Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS
Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—
Jim Rine (President)—jmrine@hotmail.com
Cindy Beau (Vice President)—clgphd1@yahoo.com
Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa1@slb.com
Donna Bryant (Secretary)—schpinna@yahoo.com
Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

OPD Newsletter for Aug 20, 2008

2008-08-23T13:11:00.000-05:00

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES, ANNOUNCEMENTS, & NEWS

THE AUGUST OPD MEETING IS CANCELED
There will be NO meeting on August 28. Instead, we encourage the OPD membership to attend the Aug 28 Obama Nomination Celebration mentioned below.

NEXT OPD EVENT: MICHAEL KLARE COMES TO HOUSTON & OPD
Thurs, Sep 18, 7pm, Fondren Hall at St Paul 's United Methodist Church , 5501 Main Street at Binz/Bissonnet
How is America's energy dependence altering our country's place in the world and how might this affect your future? On 18 September, hear Michael Klare, the author of Blood and Oil and Rising Powers, Shrinking Planet: The New Geopolitics of Energy, describe how the neocons' prediction of a "new American century" didn't pan out because of the global distribution of shrinking energy resources and U.S. energy dependence. Klare, who is a frequent guest on NPR and Democracy Now, will speak in Fondren Hall, across from the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. For more information, contact the Houston Peace & Justice Center at http://www.hpjc.org/ or call 281 414 1386. This event is free of charge and open to the general public. Sponsors of the event are Houston Peace and Justice, Veterans for Peace – Chapter 12, and OilPatch Democrats. OPD members are urged to attend and to help out with the event (details to follow): contact Jim Rine (jmrine@hotmail.com) to offer your services. Drivers are needed on the 17th, 18th, and 19th to chauffeur Klare to his speaking engagements. How many times do you get the chance to chat with frequent visitors to NPR and Amy Goodman’s Democracy Now? Plus, your fuel costs will be reimbursed.

SEP 2008 SPEAKER SET
Thurs, Sep 25, 2009, 7pm
OPD's own Christina Walsh will share with us her experiences as an SD7 Obama delegate at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.

FEB 2009 SPEAKER SET
Thurs, Feb 26, 2009, 7pm
Jim Blackburn scheduled to speak on the environment at OPD's Feb 26, 2009 meeting. You can learn a little about Mr. Blackburn at this site: http://www.cleanhouston.org/heros/blackburn.htm.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS & STUFF

BRADFORD & MINCBERG HEADQUARTERS OPENING
Sun, Aug 24, 4-6pm, 5413 Bellaire at Chimney Rock, Bellaire 77401
Please join the C. O. Bradford & David Mincberg campaigns for food, fun & fellowship to celebrate their official joint headquarters opening! Please RSVP to (713) 621-1161 or at porsha@cobradford.com. Brad Bradford is running for Harris County District Attorney, and David Mincberg is running for County Judge (or, as Mr. Mincberg describes it, the "Mayor of Harris County").

WHEN SYSTEMS COLLIDE: HARRIS CO. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS CANDIDATES' FORUM
Tues, Aug 26, 5-6pm, United Way of Greater Houston, 50 Waugh Drive, Houston 77007
One Voice and The Network of Behavioral Health Providers invite you to this Candidates' Forum. It is well known that the failure to provide adequate community behavioral health services impacts a community's criminal justice system. In Harris County, much attention and effort have been paid to providing county inmates with needed behavioral health treatment. But should the Harris County Jail be the largest mental health facility in the State of Texas? Confirmed participants include candidates for Harris County Judge, Ed Emmett and David Mincberg; candidates for Harris County District Attorney, C. O. Bradford and Pat Lykos; and candidates for Harris County Sheriff, Adrian Garcia (Sheriff Tommy Thompson not confirmed). Please RSVP by Wed, Aug 20 to onevoice@ghcf.org or 713-333-2215.

SPRING BRANCH DEMOCRATS CONVENTION WATCH PARTY
Wed, Aug 27, signin at 6pm, La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant , 11623 Katy Fwy @ Kirkwood (SE corner of intersection), Houston 77079, 281-496-9497
The food and margaritas are GREAT, & the prices are reasonable. Join us! All welcome! Stuffed Democratic donkey prize will be raffled off to benefit the Ginny McDavid Campaign for State Representative. There is TV in the dining area. We will be watching TV in the dining area to view Democratic National Convention coverage out of Denver, Colorado. Please RSVP to Sylvia @ 713-465-3919 or laredol@hal-pc.org. For other SBD events, email crow_2004vote@hotmail.com, or to to www.springbranchdemocrats.com/

SCHEDULEOF CONVENTION SPEAKERS: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/aug/18/partial-list-speakers-planned-dnc/

OBAMA NOMINATION CELEBRATION
Thurs, Aug 28, 7pm, Renaissance Hotel, 6 Greenway Plaza East
Share this historic moment with other Democrats and help benefit the Harris County Democratic Party! Stonewall Democrats present the official Harris County Democratic Convention watch party. Come to watch Obama's acceptance speech on a really big screen TV and party with party hats, noise makers, & balloons. Revenues from the event benefit the HCDP Coordinated Campaign's effort to turn Harris County blue. Purchase tickets online at http://www.celebrateobama.com/. Ticket prices: Reserved Seating $50, General Admission $30, Children 12 & Under $15. For more information, call 713-449-5767.

ANNIE'S LIST HOUSTON AREA FALL 2008 RECEPTION
Wed, Sep 3, 5:30-7:30pm, address provided upon registration
Annie's List would like to invite you the Houston Area Fall 2008 Reception at Carrin Patman's House on Wednesday, September 3rd from 5:30-7:30 pm.

Visit www.AnniesList.com for more information.

ADVOCACY CAMP FEATURING BILL WHITE & MUSTAFA TAMEEZ
Sat, Sep 20, 9am-3pm, Covenant Lutheran Church, 3785 Barker Cypress Rd Houston 77084
Texas Impact's popular Advocacy Camp is back, and they're kicking off the season with a full-day program at Covenant Lutheran Church in Katy. The event will feature keynote addresses by Houston Mayor Bill White and political strategist Mustafa Tameez. Advocacy Camp is your "one-stop shop" for the latest information and legislative outlook on a variety of issues that matter to the Houston area community ranging from health care and global warming to campaign finance. Besides training on specific issues, Advocacy Camp is the place to learn how to best communicate with your government representatives, how to be an effective advocate for the issues you care about, and how to stay out of partisan politics. Advocacy Camp Houston is co-sponsored by the TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Cost is $25 (includes registration, all materials, and lunch); go to http://www.texasimpact.org/ or call 512-472-3903 to register. Texas Impact is a non-profit interfaith organization devoted to representing the voice of broad religious social concern to the Texas Legislature.

Updated
SAVE THE DATE! JOHNSON-RAYBURN-RICHARDS DINNER
Sat, OCT 4 (NOTE DATE CHANGE), Westin Galleria Hotel, 5060 West Alabama
Gen. Wesley Clark has been announced as the featured speaker at the rescheduled annual Johnson-Rayburn-Richards Dinner. The Johnson-Rayburn-Richards Dinner is the major fundraising event of the year for the Harris County Democratic Party, and all net proceeds from this year's dinner will go to the 2008 Coordinated Campaign of the Harris County Democratic Party to elect candidates countywide this November—up and down the ballot! Herman Litt, chair of our very successful 2007 JRR Dinner, is again chairing this year's event. He anticipates another sellout crowd and encourages everyone to get their reservations in early. Go to http://hcdp.org/jrrdinner08.htm for more information & to purchase tickets.
CONTACT JOHN PRESTON THIS WEEK (at johnwmp@hal-pc.org) TO MAKE YOUR COMMITMENT TO ATTEND THIS EVENT SO THAT WE CAN RESERVE OUR TABLE(S).

PROGRESSIVE FORUM FALL SPEAKER SERIES
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Information available at http://www.progressiveforumhouston.org/. Order tickets at https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=1420&eventID=13156.
• Markos Moulitsas, Mon, Sept 22 at 7:30pm—Markos Moulitsas is founder and editor of Daily Kos, the most widely read political blog in the world with an astounding one million unique visitors a month. Moulitsas is a pioneer in transforming the internet into a major force in America politics, engaging previously disillusioned voters in record numbers and launching a movement towards a more authentic, populist democracy. He is releasing a new book at this event, Taking On the System: Rules for Radical Change in a Digital Era.
• Eleanor Clift, Wed, Oct 22 at 7:30pm—Get the insider's view before the election from Eleanor Clift, popular Newsweek contributing editor. She's also a panelist on the nationally syndicated show on PBS, The McLaughlin Group, and a political analyst for the Fox News Network. One of America's favorite people, she has played herself in several films (Independence Day, Murder at 1600, and Dave), as well as the CBS series, Murphy Brown. Clift will also discuss being a woman in male-dominated Washington, what the last few years have meant to American history, and finding strength and perspective while losing her husband to cancer and using in-home hospice care. Her books include Madam President: Shattering the Last Glass Ceiling (2000), War Without Blood: The Art of Politics (1996), and Two Weeks of Life: A Memoir of Love, Death, and Politics (March 2008).

HOUSTON PEACE & JUSTICE CENTER
This group sponsors so many great events that they can't be listed here. Please go to http://www.hpjc.org/hpjccalendar.asp to see their dynamic calendar.

2008 ELECTION DATES TO REMEMBER
Voter information available at http://www.hcvoter.com/voter/voterintro.asp.
August 25—Democratic National Convention opens in Denver
August 28—Obama's Nomination Acceptance Speech
September 1—Republican National Convention opens in Minneapolis
October 4—last day to register to vote in the November 4 election
November 4—General election for all national, state, and county offices

OTHER CLUB NEWS & ACTIVITIES

OPD ENERGY FORUM FEATURING U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE MIKE SKELLY
OPD's Aug 2 Energy Forum with CD7 Democratic Candidate Mike Skelly was a great success, with about 50 people attending to hear both Mr. Skelly, who detailed his "Four Legs" for energy independence (details to follow in next newsletter), and Chris Bell, former gubernatorial candidate now running for Texas Senate District 17.

MORE ON OPD MARCH IN JUN 28 GAY PRIDE PARADE
The OPD banner was met with thunderous cheers in the Gay Pride parade that marched down Westheimer the evening of 28 June, 2008. Bruce Menke (on left side of banner) said he had to turn down his hearing aid because the noise was so intense as he marched with Karen Menke (right) and John Moffit (center). The fact that our banner was followed by the STOP THE WAR IN IRAQ / BRING THE TROOPS HOME banner with Veterans for Peace or the Stonewall Democrats group meant nothing—all the cheers were clearly meant for OPD. The crowd was so big and enthusiastic that, at times, the edges of the banner were nearly into the crowd that lined the streets. The theme of the group we marched with, ROADwomen and the Harris County Dem Party, was GET OUT THE VOTE.

OPD DISCUSSION OF BUSH'S OFFSHORE DRILLING PLAN
An informal and nonstatistical summary of arguments presented by members of the OPD executive committee are that there should be a mix of things done to alleviate energy problems, but the most important things to be done are conservation and much more emphasis on alternative fuels. These things would alleviate energy needs quicker (and cleaner) than opening more offshore areas for drilling. OPD, however, is not opposed to offshore drilling in areas beyond where it is occurring presently.

OPD INTERACTS WITH U.S. SENATE CANDIDATE RICK NORIEGA
1. Discussion of comments made by Rick Noriega to "Let's go drill in Iraq right now…."
In response to Democrat candidate for U.S. Senate Rick Noriega's statement on a Midland radio station "Let's go drill in Iraq right now, where we have had our sons and daughters spilling their blood, and we're sitting on those oil fields," OPD offered to sit down with State Representative Noriega or his senate campaign staff to discuss energy issues. Of course, drilling in Iraq is more of an international law issue, as pointed out in the Lisa Falkenberry commentary in the Houston Chronicle (July 2, 2008), but still a number of OPD members were willing to meet with the candidate at a time and place of his choosing. To date, there has been no response from the Noriega campaign.
2. Noriega's Energy Plan
OPD again offered its expertise to Representative Noriega before he issued his energy plan. According to John Preston: "Looks like he listened at least some to what we had to say. He used 50 mpg instead of 40 for his car standard and the overall plan looks much better than the one we were sent."
3. Butting heads on paying for the war
John Preston had an email exchange with the campaign and Noriega's campaign manager, Mark Bell regarding the candidate's plan to make the Iraqi government pay for the Iraq War. In a final exchange, Jim Rine, on behalf of OPD, sent a letter expressing our dissatisfaction with his stance while assuring the Noriega campaign that "OPD is solidly behind his campaign for the senate" and offered OPD, with its nearly unmatched oil industry expertise, as a sounding board for future policy discussions.

4. For Mr. Noriega's other policy statements, go to http://www.ricknoriega.com/.

THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NEWS & OTHER WEBLINKS& ALSO GREAT QUOTES
This about 2 months worth of great links (but a lot of great stuff came out in the last couple of months). Save this newsletter, & enjoy them in discrete chunks.

"President Bush signed a bill giving phone companies immunity for letting the government spy on its customers without a warrant. Isn't that unbelievable? President Bush said 9/11 changed everything. And you know, he's right, because violating the Constitution and breaking the law used to mean jail time. Apparently no more."—Jay Leno, The Tonight Show

The idiot plan to gut the Endangered Species Act—
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26143098
Protest the gutting of the Endangered Species Act—
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/5243/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=25351
Global warming, the Tipping Point—
http://www.columbia.edu/~jeh1/2008/TwentyYearsLater_20080623.pdf
Yeahhhh….global warming is a myth. rigggghhhttt—
http://www.truthout.org/article/summers-hotter-climate-changes
Start recycling now; you'll likely pay for your trash later—
http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2008_4600508
Obama's energy solutions—
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/a_false_accusation_about_energy.html
The adultery story that's NOT been covered in the news lately—
http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/16176.html
And the official count of McCain's flip-flops—
http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/flipflops
Comparison of Obama & McCain Health Care Plans—
http://www.truthout.org/article/barack-care-versus-john-care
Can't WAIT to see this movie—
http://www.truthout.org/article/oliver-stones-w
Wave of the future for your kitchen now—
http://sunoven.com/usa.asp
Saving money, oil, & the climate—
http://harvardmagazine.com/2008/03/saving-money-oil-and-the.html
Bill White's energy plan—
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/5947634.html
Differences in green roofs—
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812135648.htm
Use shade to your advantage—
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/landscaping/index.cfm/mytopic=11940
Speculators at the bottom of the deepening financial crisis—
http://www.truthout.org/article/how-to-burn-speculators
Demographic sea change in Texas (and about time)—
http://www.swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=D2DAFE50EFD7C0F8325BE5FD0B0E3F75?diaryId=2597
3 facts that could change this election (if we share them with enough people)—
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6430781
Recruiter abuse in Houston receives national attention—
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/28/eveningnews/main4301305.shtml?source=mostpop_story
http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou080728_tnt_armyrecruiters.eb16366.html
NUCLEAR: various points of view—
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_energy_policy
http://www-formal.stanford.edu/jmc/progress/nuclear-faq.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070403181045.htm
http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/nuclear/page/nuclearenvissues.html
http://nextbigfuture.com/2007/07/constructing-lot-of-nuclear-power.html
http://climateprogress.org/2008/02/29/power-plants-costs-double-since-2000-efficiency-anyone/
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0929-33.htm
http://www.bizcentral.org/nuclear-energy-institute/2008/05/no-hope-all-is-lost-a-new-argu.php
Need a good band? (CW, Rock 'n' Roll)—
Wade Smith, 281-536-4460, www.myspace.com/thedriftwoodbandmusic
Crude oil discovered in the trees (J Thanks, Jobeth)—
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/08/14/sali-oil-in-trees/

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS
JOB LISTINGS – Contact Jim Porter phone 713-781-2010, email - jhp356d@yahoo.com
All these jobs are in Houston or the Houston area. They are from 6 different companies. There are multi openings at some of the companies.
1. Several open exploration geologist for the GOM
2. GOM subsalt exploration Geologist, Geophysicist, and/or Geoscientist
3. Reservoir engineers GOM both Shelf and deep water.
4. Drilling engineers GOM

If Jim makes a placement from this advertisement, he will send OPD a check for $1,000 for each placement made using the OPD newsletter.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES—
If you are an offshore O&G engineer (facilities, structural, or subsea engineering), my company is offering an $8,000 bonus to me if I can bring you or someone you refer onboard (some payable after 6 months or a year). I'll not only give you a share of the money, I will match Jim Porter's offer & donate $1,000 to OPD, as well. Contact Donna Hackemack Bryant at schpinna@yahoo.com; put "8000" in the subject line.

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS
Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email John with your updated information.

Have you paid your dues, or do you want to make a donation to the club or to the PAC? Dues are $25.00 per person/$10.00 Reduced/Student. If you are not able to attend the next meeting, you can mail your check to Roopa Gir (see her contact information below). Please make your check payable to Oil Patch Democrats. Or go to our new contribution connection on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership, or if you're contributing more than the membership, just email John or Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS
Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—
Jim Rine (President)—jmrine@hotmail.com
Cindy Beau (Vice President)—clgphd1@yahoo.com
Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa1@slb.com
Donna Bryant (Secretary)—schpinna@yahoo.com
Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

OPD newsletter for July 21, 2008

2008-08-23T13:04:00.000-05:00

Mayor Bill White Discusses Sustainability &And Energy Efficiency
Our Mayor Bill White joined OPD on June 26 to discuss progress that Houston has made implementing sustainability and energy efficiency. He also shared his views on America’s national energy policies.
He was joined by his Chief Officer for Sustainable Growth, Dr. Cris Eugster, who has a PhD in electrical engineering from MIT.
Mayor White outlined his current priorities for integrating sustainable growth principles into city policies: adopting green building codes, putting more city hybrids on the road, procuring more renewable energy, setting aside more park and green spaces, and building near zero emission affordable housing. Each of these policies enjoy bi-partisan and unanimous support on City Council.
Since Mayor White took office in 2004, Houston has reduced its energy consumption by 6% despite experiencing significant growth during the same period. Today, Houston is the largest government purchaser of wind power with contracts for 40 MW of power locked in at last year’s prices. Where practical, he has encouraged the purchase of hybrid vehicles for city use.
The City’s Residential Energy Efficiency Program (REEP) targets older homes where retrofitting them typically reduce energy bills 20%. Mayor White has found these expenditures more cost effective than subsidies of utility bills.
The City is currently building near zero emission homes as part of its affordable housing program.
Given White’s commitment to Houston’s many communities and bi-partisan approach, it was no surprise that he was re-elected in 2006 with 91% of the vote, the highest percentage in 60 years.
On national energy issues, Mayor White took questions from the audience and observed, in response to one, that a true energy policy is one focused on fuel efficient cars. He pointed out that Americans will never be weaned from imported oil until their consumption, which is currently 500M gallons of gasoline per day, is curbed.
He also concluded that electricity deregulation was a mistake that favors older dirtier power plants.
Mayor White believes that CH4, natural gas, is the most efficient source of hydrogen should this energy source mature. “A little knowledge of science makes demagoguery go away,” he noted.
President Jim Rine presents Mayor Bill White with OPD t-shirt.
Mayor White was awarded the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage award for his quick thinking, compassion and innovative re-sponse to the thousands of Hurri-cane Katrina refuges.
Among his many accomplish-ments prior to being Houston’s mayor, Mayor White was an anti-trust lawyer, Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Energy, a board member of the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), founder of Frontera Resources, chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, and president and CEO of the Wedge Group.
For more information on White’s energy and green policies visit:
www.HoustonTX.gov
www.HoustonPowerToPeople.com
http://www.greenhoustontx.com/

Memorial Day 2008 at Herrmann Park
President Jim Rine and volunteers set up memorial flags honoring American troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The solemn memorial took place on Memorial Day in Herrmann Park and was co-sponsored by Oil Patch Democrats.

Save the date:
Sat., August 2nd
Wind Energy Entrepreneur and Congressional Dist. #7 Candidate Michael Skelly will be joining OPD for OPD’s Second Energy Forum at Bear Creek Community Center from 12:00 to 2:00pm.
Box lunches must be pre-ordered for $15.00 at: http://www.tickets2events.com/oilpatchaugust2008.asp

Robert Hinojosa Visits OPD
Candidate Robert Hinojosa joined the May 22 OPD meeting and discussed his run for the 312th Family District Court seat.
Hinojosa has earned a bronze star for his Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps duty in Vietnam. He is also a board-certified specialist in family law.

OPD Energy Caucus A Rousing Success, Texas Dem. Party Adopts OPD Energy Planks
The Oil Patch Democrats hosted the best attended caucuses of the 2008 Texas Democratic Party’s State Convention in Austin on June 5th. Estimates placed OPD’s Energy Caucus attendance at over 250.
OPD Vice President Cindy Beau chaired the event which the help of Donna Byrant, Karen and Bruce Menke, Larry Kremer, Tom Rowan Jr., Ron Spross, John Preston and OPD President Jim Rine.
A highpoint of the Energy Caucus was an inspirational speech by US Senate candidate and Houston Rep. Rick Noriega.
The Energy Caucus included a strong educational component with OPD members making presentations on the following points:
Rising production costs due to diminishing reserves is largely driving up the cost of energy and a harbinger of peak oil;
Much of America’s energy is wasted, so conversation through efficient use of energy is critical;
Dramatic increases in developing alternative sources of energy are essential; and
Global warming is a real threat to Texas and the nation, and must be acted on now to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Subsequent to the Caucus, Jim Rine was elected to the Texas Democratic Party (TDP) Platform Committee for SD6. On the committee, Rine campaigned for inclusion of OPD’s Energy Plank in the TDP 2008 Platform.
As a result of the Energy Caucus, Rine’s efforts and the educational campaign conducted by OPD members, TDP’s final Platform incorporated much of OPD’s proposals making it a page long (Platform, page 20). This represents a significant increase from the 2 paragraphs dedicated to energy policies in the 2006 Platform and the total lack of energy discussion in the 2004 Platform.
The TDP also acknowledged the connection between global warming and transportation (Platform, page 25) and foreign policy (page 32) as a result of input from Rine.
Also at the Convention, OPD Board Member Christina Walsh was elected a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. She will be representing SD 7.
Hard work by the Resolutions Committee to impact the Precinct Caucuses and Senate District Caucuses followed by a well planned TDP Energy Caucus at the State Convention have all lead to OPD members being elected to key positions and, ultimately, the 2008 TDP Platform containing more meaningful energy planks. While not all of OPD’s proposals were adopted, members are satisfied that their efforts were largely successful.
OPD’s success came as a result of implementation of its twin missions: education and advocacy.
Kudos to all on a job well done.

OPD Marches with Pride!
Karen and Bruce Menke joined by John Moffitt and others marched with the Oil Patch Democrats banner in the 2008 Gay Pride Parade.

Kent Hargett & R.K. Sandill Visit OPD
Congressional district 8 candidate Kent Hargett and Civil District Court #127 candidate R.K. Sandill joined the June 26 OPD meeting
For more information, visit: http://www.sandill4judge.com/

The OPD Newsletter is published regularly by the Oil Patch Democrats, c/o 4383 Harvest Lane, Houston, Texas 77004.
© 2008 Oilpatch Democrats

OIL PATCH DEMOCRATS NEWSLETTER FOR JUNE 23, 2008

2008-06-24T17:24:00.000-05:00

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

THIS WEEK'S OPD MEETING—HOUSTON MAYOR BILL WHITE TO SPEAK ON ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Thurs, June 26, 6:30pm social, 7-9pm meeting, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
Please RSVP if you plan to attend this event (just to give us a clue as to how to arrange the space)—http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/SEEVVVGHGCUTCQXQIGLN/OPD-White.

Meeting agenda
6:15pm—volunteers needed to set up room
6:30pm—social half-hour
7:00pm—Talk by Mayor Bill White
7:45pm—OPD business meeting
- Discuss OPD press statements (e.g., "Bush's latest energy plan.")
- Logistics for gay pride parade on 28th
- Skelly energy forum

OPD MARCHING IN 30th GAY PRIDE PARADE
Sat, Jun 28, 6pm assembly, downtown Houston
OPDers will be marching behind our banner in this parade (http://pridehouston.org/celebration/parade.php), together with ROADWomen and many other Democratic clubs. If at all possible, be sure to wear your new OPD t-shirt or bring $15 to buy one at Thursday's meeting or before the event. Our staging area/time will be on Harold St between Hazard and Woodhead at 6pm. We are #29 in the parade lineup this year. For more info about the 2008 Pride Parade lineup and route please visit http://www.pridehouston.org/celebration/line_up_map08.pdf. The parade will run from 8:45 to 11pm. This is the narrative that will be read to the public as our parade unit (truck & trailer) passes the Judges review stand. Kevin Hoffman's brilliant vision is to include the proverbial disco ball, yard signs of the candidates on the trailer, and a light box spelling out VOTE.

No other parade entry personifies the theme of "Family" as precisely as does the Harris County Democratic Party. Indeed HCDP is the ultimate Family because it is the umbrella organization for all local Democrats. Our group includes elected officials, reform minded candidates running for office, numerous neighborhood Democratic clubs, individual activists, but most importantly, VOLUNTEERS, just like you!! The Democratic Party has always and proudly supported the GLBT agenda; and several of our candidates on the November ballot are openly gay.

OPD SUCCESSFUL ENERGY CAUCUS AT STATE CONVENTION, AUSTIN, JUNE 6
The Energy Caucus was called to order at 9:01am by Jim Rine, president of Houston's Oil Patch Democrats (OPD). The caucus followed this order:
• Introduction to Energy Caucus, by Jim Rine
• Rules of Caucus Participation, by Cindy Beau, Vice President of OPD & Event Emcee
• Mitigating Climate Change, by Ron Spross
• The Perspective of the Texas Independent Oil Producer, by Adam Haynes, Executive Vice President of Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO)
• Brief talk by Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congressional District 10, Larry Joe Doherty
• Alternative Energy, Larry Kremer
• Brief talk & Q&A period by Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate, Rick Noriega
• Energy Efficiency & Conservation, by Tom Rowan
• Protecting Global & Local Climate Security, by Dr. Bob Randall of Houston Climate Protection Alliance
• Brief talk by Texas State Representative for District 50, Mark Strama
• Tom "Smitty" Smith, Texas Office of Public Citizen, spoke on the importance of blocking coal plants and pursuing responsible alternative energy choices
• Brief talk & Q&A period by Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congressional District 7, Mike Skelly, himself a wind energy entrepreneur (started up Horizon Wind Energy)
• Brief talk by Carol Kent, Democratic candidate for Texas District 102.

The caucus was adjourned at 11:10am. OPD estimates ~300 people attended all or part of this successful event. Go to http://groups.google.com/group/opdgroup/web/energy-caucus-texas-democratic-party-convention?hl=en for links to all the presentations at this event. For pictures from the convention, go to http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AcMnDFu0ctGFg&emid=sharshar&linkid=link4.

OPD PRESIDENT'S REPORT ON THE TEXAS DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONVENTION (JUNE 6-7)
A large contingent of OPD members attended the Texas Democratic Party (TDP) Convention. These included Cindy Beau, Donna Hackemack Bryant, Karen Menke, Bruce Menke, Larry Kremer, Tom Rowan, Jr., Ron Spross, John Preston, and Jim Rine.

The first OPD event of the TDP convention was the Energy Caucus on Friday morning chaired by OPD VP, Cindy Beau. At the high point of the meeting, all 200 seats were filled and people were standing in the back of the room. A more significant high point was an address from the candidate for U.S. Senate, Rick Noriega, who delivered an inspirational speech except for the fact that he needs to be educated that "energy independence" is not a goal that will likely be reached in his lifetime. The session was mostly an educational device to tell the Democratic Party in Texas that the period of cheap energy and conspicuous energy consumption is over. The main points addressed were:
• Rising production costs due to diminishing reserves is largely driving up the cost of energy and a harbinger of peak oil;
• Much of our energy is wasted, so conservation through efficient use of energy is critical;
• Dramatic increases in developing alternative sources of energy are needed;
• Global warming is a real threat, and Texas and the nation must act now to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

Also at the energy caucus, OPD added many names to our mailing list (235), sold numerous OPD t-shirts and bumper stickers, and distributed the OPD suggested energy plank for the TDP platform.

At the senate caucuses later on Friday, I was elected to the TDP Platform Committee from Senate District 6 and campaigned to put the OPD plan on the TDP platform.

The energy plank of the TDP 2008 platform (http://txdems.3cdn.net/2a470e898e436c0643_2tm6b9cef.pdf) is a page long (page 20), up from a paragraph or two in 2006 and no mention in 2004. But it is not the plank that OPD developed and submitted to the temporary platform committee before the convention. After some 7 hours of deliberation on other issues and distributing of the OPD suggested plank to the over 32 committee members, I did not even get a second on my motion to replace the "laundry list" of proposals in the adopted plank (I have never been good at sales.). Comments from committee members about the OPD plank ranged from "too vague" to "no timeline," even though there was a timeline pegged to the IPCC 2050 goal in the OPD plan but not in the present TDP document. In fairness to the adopted plank, I think the TDP wanted a long list of "things" to propose for moving to alternative forms of energy. In the end, I suppose OPD helped to emphasize the need to move away from fossil fuels. One specific point that may have been adopted from the OPD plan is formation of a Texas panel to push the IPCC goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.

At my suggestion and the committee's approval, global warming issues were added to the platform in the transportation section (page 25) and in the foreign policy goals section (page 32).

That's life.

Jim Rine, OPD President

OPD ENERGY FORUM FEATURING U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE MIKE SKELLY
Sat, Aug 2, 12-2pm, Bear Creek Community Center, 3055 Bear Creek Dr, Houston
OPD is sponsoring an Energy Forum featuring USCD7 candidate, Michael Skelly. Mike is a wind energy entrepreneur and will share his experiences in the energy industry with us. Other candidates are also expected to appear. The $10 donation is payable at this link (http://www.tickets2events.com/oilpatchaugust2008.asp) —till July 15, $15 thereafter—will get you a box lunch and drink.. We will not be able to accept donations at the event, so please reserve your space now. Please email schpinna@yahoo.com if you have any special dietary requirements; put ENERGY FORUM in the subject line.

DIRECTIONS: From the Katy Freeway, take Hwy 6 north, go to 2nd light ( Patterson Road ), take a right and then the 2nd left. From US290, go south ~7 miles. 2nd light after Clay Road is Patterson Road ; take a left and then the 2nd left. From Beltway 8, go west on Clay Road about 4.5 miles; take a left on Hwy 6 and then another left at the 2nd light ( Patterson Road ). The 2nd left on Patterson is Bear Creek Drive , and the Community Center is at the NW corner of Patterson & Bear Creek Drive .

2008 ELECTION DATES TO REMEMBER
Voter information available at http://www.hcvoter.com/voter/voterintro.asp.
July 10-13—Green Party holds national convention in Chicago
August 25—Democratic National Convention opens in Denver
September 1—Republican National Convention opens in Minneapolis
October 4—last day to register to vote in the November 4 election
November 4—General election for all national, state, and county offices

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS & STUFF

OFFSHORE DRILLING DISCUSSION
In an effort to make this newsletter more relevant for folks outside the Houston area, we're going to be adding discussion threads (and other items) each month. See end of email for a discussion thread amongst members of the executive committee on the subject of offshore drilling (started after Bush's announcement that he wants to recommence offshore drilling).

VOTE FOR RICK NORIEGA IN BARBARA BOXER'S "CHOOSE A CHALLENGER" CONTEST
Vote for Rick Noriega in Barbara Boxer's "Choose a Challenger" contest. He is now in first place with 4 days to go until the June 25th deadline. If Rick wins the contest, Ms. Boxer will feature him in a fundraising e-mail that can bring tens of thousands of dollars to his campaign. Go to http://ga4.org/pacforachange/challenger_open_vote.html.

RED CAT JAZZ CAFE GIVES RECEPTION FOR GOODWILLE PIERRE
Wed, Jun 25, 6-9pm, 924 Congress Houston
Fundraiser to elect Goodwille Pierre Judge of the 333rd Civil District Court. Suggested contribution levels: $50, $100, $250, $500.

FUNDRAISER FOR C.O. BRADFORD, CANDIDATE FOR HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Wed, Jun 25, 6-9pm, Open City, Midtown Houston, 2416 Brazos, Houston
Support former Chief of Police C. O. "Brad" Bradford for Harris County District Attorney at this event. Honorary Chairs for the event include The Honorable Chris Bell, Senator Rodney Ellis, Senator Mario Gallegos, The Honorable Ron Kirk, Senator Royce West and Senator John Whitmire. The Honorable Craig Watkins, Dallas County District Attorney is the special guest. Craig is the first African American District Attorney elected in the State of Texas. His outstanding work and dedication to righting the wrongs of the past and freeing innocent men from prison has earned him praise and media attention around the world. Craig was recently featured on CBS-TV's "60 Minutes." RSVP to Wendy Richard at Wendy@COBradford.com or (713) 621-1161.

WORK ON PRIDE PARADE FLOAT!!!
Fri, Jun 27, 6:30pm, 516 Ave of Oaks, Houston 77009
From Kevin Hoffman comes this note: "On Friday June 27 at 6:30 pm, we will be working on our pride float. I would like to have some help. Please come by my home at 516 Ave of Oaks so that we can work to complete our float. I will order pizza. FYI- We will also be testing the lights and sound on Friday as well to see if we need to add anything." Contact Kevin at 713-305-5468 if you need more information.

RECEPTION FOR CONGRESSMAN NICK LAMPSON
Mon, Jun 30, 5:30-7pm, The Rice Hotel, 909 Texas Ave, Suite 819, Houston 77002
Please join former Congressman Chris Bell for a reception in honor of Congressman Nick Lampson. Suggested contribution levels: $250, $500, $1,000. Please RSVP to Mike Lykes at 713-705-2383 or mikelykes@gjcdevelopment.com.

BENEFIT FOR VOTER REGISTRATION IN HARRIS COUNTY
Tues, Jul 1, 6-8pm, The Continental Club, 3700 Main Street, Houston
With catering by the Ragin' Cajun and entertainment by Zydeco Joseph and the H-Town Players, donation will be $20. Co-sponsors: ROADWomen, Campus Alliance for Progressives, Equality Texas, NARAL Pro-Choice Texas, People for the American Way Foundation, Sierra Club, Texas Together Education Fund, and Texas Freedom Network.

JOHN MARTINEZ ENDORSES MIKE SKELLY FOR CD7
From John: "I want to thank each of my supporters from the 2004 campaign for Congress District 7, and invite each of you to join me in making Michael Skelly's 2008 campaign against John Culberson successful. We can help Michael succeed with a series of fund raisers and meetings to introduce him to your friends. I ask that you sponsor a fund raiser in your home during these summer months of June, July, and August. I will co-sponsor these gatherings and arrange for Michael or his representative to join us in the event. Please let me know what date would be suitable for you so that we can coordinate with the Michael Skelly campaign. Thanks and let's elect all the Democrats to office this November."
—John Martinez, 281 933 0564

PROGRESSIVE FORUM FALL SPEAKER SERIES
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Information available at http://www.progressiveforumhouston.org/. Order tickets at https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=1420&eventID=13156.
• Markos Moulitsas, Mon, Sept 22 at 7:30pm—Markos Moulitsas is founder and editor of Daily Kos, the most widely read political blog in the world with an astounding one million unique visitors a month. Moulitsas is a pioneer in transforming the internet into a major force in America politics, engaging previously disillusioned voters in record numbers and launching a movement towards a more authentic, populist democracy. He is releasing a new book at this event, Taking On the System: Rules for Radical Change in a Digital Era.
• Eleanor Clift, Wed, Oct 22 at 7:30pm—Get the insider's view before the election from Eleanor Clift, popular Newsweek contributing editor. She's also a panelist on the nationally syndicated show on PBS, The McLaughlin Group, and a political analyst for the Fox News Network. One of America's favorite people, she has played herself in several films (Independence Day, Murder at 1600, and Dave), as well as the CBS series, Murphy Brown. Clift will also discuss being a woman in male-dominated Washington, what the last few years have meant to American history, and finding strength and perspective while losing her husband to cancer and using in-home hospice care. Her books include Madam President: Shattering the Last Glass Ceiling (2000), War Without Blood: The Art of Politics (1996), and Two Weeks of Life: A Memoir of Love, Death, and Politics (March 2008).

HOUSTON PEACE & JUSTICE CENTER
This group sponsors so many great events that they can't be listed here. Please go to http://www.hpjc.org/hpjccalendar.asp to see their dynamic calendar.

THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NEWS & OTHER WEBLINKS
John McCain on women's health–
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3774&id=12868-5778244-Y2f_dmx&t=1
Bamboo: maybe not as green as advertised—
http://www.slate.com/id/2193239/
Groundbreaking new solar—
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1813954,00.html
OPD tipped in latest TIPRO Target—
http://www.tipro.org/6-11-08%20Target%20Vertical.pdf
Climate Progress—
http://climateprogress.org/2008/06/
Climate Progress, Part 2
http://climateprogress.org/2008/06/10/iea-report-part-2-climate-progress-as-the-solution-about-right/#more-3073
Add your 2 cents worth: Rebuild the Governor's Mansion with Solar—
http://www.environmenttexas.org/action/clean-energy/governors-mansion?id4=ES
McCain: Build a better auto battery, win $300 million
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5851388.html

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS
JOB LISTINGS – Contact Jim Porter phone 713-781-2010, email - jhp356d@yahoo.com
Sr. Completions Engineer, Houston, TX
Plan, supervise, and report on completion, workover, P/F maintenance, and construction activities on Company-operated assets. Ensure that operational activities are performed in a safe and efficient manner and capital requirements, production levels and operating expenses are maintained as planned. Assist the Engineering Manager, as required. At least 12 yrs Experience in Production Engineering and Operations with at least 5 yrs of GOM Experience (Required). BS Degree in Petroleum Engineering or Related Experience (Required

If Jim makes a placement from this advertisement, he will send OPD a check for $1,000 for each placement made using the OPD newsletter.

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS
Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email Donna with your updated information.

Have you paid your dues, or do you want to make a donation to the club or to the PAC? Dues are $25.00 per person/$10.00 Reduced/Student. If you are not able to attend the next meeting, you can mail your check to Roopa Gir (see her contact information below). Please make your check payable to Oil Patch Democrats. Or go to our new contribution connection on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership, or if you're contributing more than the membership, just email Jim or Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS
Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—
Jim Rine (President)—jmrine@hotmail.com
Cindy Beau (Vice President)—clgphd1@yahoo.com
Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa1@slb.com
Donna Bryant (Secretary)—schpinna@yahoo.com
Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

OFFSHORE DRILLING DISCUSSION THREAD
This all started with an innocent question by Brian Smyth: "Do the Oil Patch Democrats have a position on offshore drilling?" Jim Rine posed the question to the Executive Board. If you'd like to weigh in on this question, post a comment under this newsletter at http://oilpatchdemocrats.blogspot.com/.

Here is the thread, in [approximate] order (you know how email discussions among a large group of people go):

1. Jim Rine—Brian, We have not put this to a vote in our organization. But if we were to vote within the exec committee of OPD, I would bet it was for offshore drilling. I would like to poll the OPD EC for their opinions and suggest that we discuss at the next meeting some procedures for issuing statements to the party and to the press concerning news worthy topics such as this.

2. Brian Smyth—Thanks Jim. It would seem to me that this would be an issue, tough as it is, that OPD has to take a position.

3. Randy Scott—My attitude toward offshore drilling is the same as my attitude toward all other industrial activities and was formalized in my first proposed motto for the OilPatch Democrats: "Mature, responsible adults should be able to do their jobs without making an unnecessary mess or with willingness to clean up after themselves." Dad taught me to clean up the tools and put them back in the toolbox after working on my bike. After I started driving cars I learned that you can't just dump the old oil and antifreeze in the alley. Mom was adamant that I should clean up any mess I make in the kitchen after I fix my sandwich. This included washing any dishes I dirty up and wiping up any spills. "Didn't your Mother teach you anything?" This attitude should apply to everything from drilling sites to superfund sites, from trucks to supertankers. Much of the problems we are facing today are a direct result of people's failure to wipe up after themselves or expecting someone else to wash the dishes. In effect, our industrial policies are usually directed by a bunch of frickin babies and spoiled brats.

4. Blair Dancy—Thanks for including me on this email. To help inform the discussion (and the timeliness of the issue), see www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/18/bush.offshore/index.html.

5. Jim Cargas—Personally, I am for it in Federal waters.
1) Good Environmental Record. The offshore industry has spent billions in hurricane preparedness and environmental protection making these relatively benign operations. Their record during Katrina and Rita was amazing. When spills do occur, the industry has cleaned up quickly without being ordered to do so. This can be contrasted with arctic operations where reportable spills are a daily occurrence and maintenance is sometimes neglected.
2) Does Not Impact Tourism. The only other issue is sight pollution. Rigs in Federal waters are at least 3 miles out and beyond the horizon. They will not impede tourist enjoying the beaches. In fact, rigs become like reefs and provide homes for fish and other species making them prime locations for offshore fishing tourism.
3) Decreases Dependence on Imports. While at DOE 8 years ago, I authored a report that there are tremendous untapped reserves in the ultra-deep water Gulf of Mexico. New technologies are enabling operators to drill in deeper and deeper water while maintaining safety and environmental protection. We will never be totally independent, but offshore can be an important part of America's strategy. Thunderhorse is a great example of this. Can't believe it has taken 8 years to see this come about.
4) Royalties Will Help Reduce Deficit. The Federal government receives a generous royalty from these operations in the 1/8 to 1/4 range. The mistakes made in the past with royalty relief have been corrected prospectively.

6. John Moffitt—I favor opening drilling in all waters, but sort of agree with Randy that we need a responsible approach and people that clean up after themselves. I would only be slightly less negative on my observations of how it has been done in the past ... but clearly some people are more responsible than others. And character attacks will not help ... but clear guidelines might. Bottom line ... much of shutting down offshore drilling has been hysteria and not science. When do they intend to open drilling back up ... when gas gets to $6 per gallon? ... $8 per gallon? ... $14 per gallon? ... $35 per gallon? I think you all get my point. When I saw Brian's question about an OPD opinion ... I thought to myself that we all might agree on some things and disagree on others, but that all of us would have an opinion. An OPD opinion? ... tougher to reach a consensus on that. And this also seems to not be an OPD opinion ... but we need to move forward seriously on nuclear in order to reduce our dependence on oil. Wind is nice, but I doubt if it can be much more than a finger in the dike. Still ... move forward on that as well.

7. Blair Dancy—For what it's worth, Texas Environmental Democrats of Austin avoids taking a hardline policy regarding many environmental issues, sticking to general goals instead (e.g., reducing waste, conserving energy, diversifying energy sources). Our focus is on elevating the discussion and pointing out issues and information that are frequently overlooked by politicians and the public, given the relative ignorance on many issues by officials and the public alike. For example, at TED's pre-convention candidate training session, Larry Kremer provided great insight into how CO2 sequestration goals and existing Texas industry dovetail, providing a great economic opportunity for Texas. With that said, I plan to propose to the TED caucus (the state organization) that we establish a single website presence that will highlight Democratic groups' environmental issues throughout the state, whether they are detailed platforms or merely lists of issues that need to be addressed in future debates. In this vein, I do think OPD is uniquely positioned to talk about some of the more significant environmental issues related to increasing domestic production, and hopefully TED can help take this debate to the far corners of the state. I look forward to hearing how this plays out. Thanks for including me on the emails.

8. Colin Leach—Personally I suggest: For it IF part of a comprehensive energy policy. This would include: 1. Near zero energy houses, 2. Plug in cars, 3. Alternative energy sources (see articles such as: http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/article157311.ece ), 4. Hydrocarbons for plastics etc....not necessarily fuel
There is still plenty of requirement for hydrocarbon, but a "soft" landing is aimed for. The goal should be to move towards the above objectives. Drilling on some of these offshore areas should be encouraged, but not used to reduce the price of gas so that we can continue to drive guzzlers. If it is necessary to use a tax to maintain a higher gas price (and discourage guzzling), revenues from such a move should be used to offset other taxes (revenue neutral). The overall goals are energy independence and mitigate global warming. The oil industry can be very gentle on the environment...for example, BP and Wytch Farm in the UK. The goal of this offshore drilling is to provide some relief for the US trade balance in the short to medium term while we get to the long term goals...A serious energy policy would cut oil speculation and cut the present oil price to $80/barrel, if a comprehensive long term policy were in effect.

9. Larry Kremer–I think these are good points. We all support conservation and the development of alternative energy sources, but we will be relying on liquid fueled vehicles for many years to come. At this time liquid fuels except for ethanol and biodiesel come exclusively from oil. Production in the Gulf of Mexico meets very strict environmental constraints. Randy's points about doing things responsibly and cleaning up after yourself are right on.

10. Jim Cargas—From the past few days of e-mails, it seems that we do have consensus: OPD'ers support opening more federal waters to offshore drilling. The conditions or methods or safeguards that are exacted from industry (or lenders as John notes) as a pre-condition is where we have not yet reached consensus. I believe that I am reading that we also have consensus on maintaining existing or even strengthened environmental protections and enforcement as one of those pre-conditions. No OPD'ers have proposed any type of incentives be offered the industry. To another one of John's points, we may also have consensus to shorten the leases offered to encourage rapid exploration and development by the winning bidders and discourage speculation.

11. Randy Scott—Regarding "protections & enforcements" - it depends on who's guarding the hen house. I don't see that protection as useful if there's no enforcement and no enforcement when gov't agencies are headed by pro-industry appointments who effectively ham-string regulations at the behest of those they are supposed to police. Without law enforcement, there is no law. Sure, we could say that we have a consensus regarding protection and enforcement, but we must also admit that we have toothless protection and enforcement.

12. Hugh Stearns (College Station)—Though I am an outsider to this group, I would have to say that if consensus has been reach it has been done in the absence of any environmental information being put forth.

13. Ralph Bordie—Hugh: Though environmental information has not been put forth in this series of emails, it would be wrong to assume that members of this group are not informed about the tradeoffs. It gets back to Randy's initial comments - "Mature, responsible adults should be able to do their jobs without making an unnecessary mess or with willingness to clean up after themselves." If drilling is to be done carefully, we'll consider it, but if it is done with as much care as Bush took in getting us into Iraq, then &*%* NO!

14. Hugh Stearns— There has been good discussion here on the economics of the situation, there as been a good deal of talk about the need to clean up after ourselves, there has been talk about the need for someone to present the ecological impact information. But where is that information? Reading between the lines, I'm guessing that there is a wide range of perspective in this group on the issue of how important economic issues are as compared to stewardship issues. The environmental issues themselves present a problem because much of this research is funded by oil companies. For example, you will find a good deal of research on the ability of decommissioned rigs to provide coral habitat. While this may indeed be a good way to give back to the environment and reduce the cost of decommissioning these rigs, one cannot help but be very skeptical of these studies. Furthermore, what needed research has been neglected because these were the studies that could get funding. We know that expanded drilling is a best a temporary solution. How much time will this drilling buy, or will it simply delay the push for alternatives? And what is the environmental cost?

15. Randy Scott—Good points & good questions. The meta-analysis of these messages makes it clear that the OilPatch Democrats are a bunch of god-damn democrats. What does this mean? It means that we do, indeed, represent a good cross-section of the public in general - with the one exception that we, the OPD, tend to have more scientific education than the general population. We have our conservatives who lean toward making money, getting a short term solution and trusting professionals to do their job to the best of their ability. We also have our liberals, progressives, reformers & dissenters who lean toward protecting public health regardless of the loss of profits and distrust professionals to do anything right without watch-dogs & whistle-blowers. We also have our centrists who sit around and nag that both sides are getting in the way of consensus. This is why we don't have a "position" and aren't likely to have one that satisfies everyone. So, do we err on the side of public health or on the side of trusting our colleagues?

16. Donna Hackemack Bryant—I would hope we all err on the side of public health and well being. But I think we all recognize that there are no easy solutions and that all solutions will have unacceptable (for some) costs. As for me, I want to give my children and grandchildren a chance to live a good life, even if it is not the life we currently enjoy. And I think that's unavoidable. Our recently (historically) evolved throw-away, instant-gratification society will have to die, and we will have to both live simpler lives and relearn a lot (if not all) of our forebears' economies. And always remember that getting Democrats (ha! and all parts of the political spectrum) to come to consensus is like herding cats.

17. Jim Rine—RE: Environmental concerns of Offshore drilling—Since I have taught and/or done research in marine & environmental science at 3 universities (U of Miami, SUNY-Stony Brook and U of South Carolina), I guess I will assume the mantle of "marine-expert." In my opinion, the oil industry with diligent oversight by responsible regulators (not those appointed by G.W. Bush) can safely explore and produce hydrocarbons from offshore areas of the USA. Case in point would be the lack of significant environmental damage from offshore rigs during Katrina and Rita (as far as I know). Most of the oil related damage resulted in the swamping of onshore refineries and oil storage areas.

18. Hugh Stearns—Jim, Can you direct us to sources of information on the impact of off shore drilling on marine ecology. Certainly most of us will not become experts but, to the degree that we will make decisions that impact this issue, I feel that we should be as informed as possible. Also, with regard to the thought of Republican involvement in regulation, it seems that policies should be directed with exactly that – the worst case scenario - in mind. Even with Democrats in charge of regulation, we know that they too are heavily, and unavoidably, influenced by oil companies. Policy should not be directed by what could be done under laboratory circumstances but what is likely to be done under real world circumstances over time.

19. John Moffitt—Hugh - I'll offer you a beautiful lesson and a great site. Check out this site for the flower gardens reef about 90 miles out in the gulf. http://flowergarden.noaa.gov/ The flower gardens are well known to divers and you will notice the site is honoring Dick Zingula currently. Dick is a diver and was a long time paleontologist for Exxon during some of the most hectic drilling in the gulf and most certainly around this famous reef. There is a great deal of oil and gas all around the salt dome and associated complex fault system that is the very reason flower gardens stands up above the muck and supports so much life. They have been drilling successful wells all around this salt dome for over 40 or 50 years. In the 80's, I myself had some prospects directly adjacent to this biologically sensitive area and had to factor in a great many concerns and safeguards not normal for prospects only 5 miles away from this feature. Since I was directly involved, I can tell you that a great deal of care was factored into all planning and costing of the projects ... the result today is one of the prettiest places you can go in the gulf ... 1000 times prettier than the water off Galveston ... the problems of which have everything to do with cities and nothing to do with offshore drilling. Unless you simply do not like the sight of rigs ... some of which can seen on the horizon. As I recall plans, there are underwater structures almost adjacent to the reefs without doing any damage ... life flourishes as you can see. Republicans and Democrats have been cooperating for many years in making this a very safe and beautiful place to visit ... and there are plenty of jerks on both sides of that fence. Enjoy and feel free to use Google to find related sites.

20. Larry Kremer (in response to #11, above)—This just points out how important it is for Democrats to retake the White House. The Bush people have been weeding people out of EPA, NIH, and other government organizations that are trying to protect the public. We need to protect regulators from special interest pressure and go back to science-based policy.

21. Christine Economides (in response to #18, above)—We might want to consider the adverse effect that biofuel production is having on marine ecology. Also, oil transport has been rougher on the marine environment overall than has oil exploration and production.

22. Colin Leach—Discussion has been pretty much on the money. We can develop oil resources in a "responsible" way if we want to....and many (but not all) have been. The answer is probably on the demand side versus the supply side. I see new houses such as www.firstaustinleedhome.com (others in Houston). Add a significant % of plug ins and we have a future. Some interesting discussion in Today's (19th) New York Times....encourage production and discourage consumption.....

23. Tom Rowan (referring to Sierra Club email asking us to reject the Bush plan to help Big Oil drill along the coastline)—OK. Now that we've explored some aspects of the offshore drilling pros & cons, how about sharing your conclusions with This Sierra club Survey/Blog.

24. Ron Spross—I'm a lot more concerned about 450-500 ppm than I am about oil company profits.

25. Randy Scott (in response to #20, above)—I've been hearing many news stories recently that convince me that our current crop of Dems, including 'Bama & Clinton, are no different than Republicans & aren't interested in any "reforms". Just one example is that our so-called "Democratic-majority congress" just voted to give the telecoms blanket immunity to participate in the Cheney Administration's crimes against the Constitution. At this point it's looking like the Republican-majority Supreme Court is more concerned about Constitutional Rights than the Democrat-majority congress who voted for a law that allows Dick Cheney to declare you a terrorist and send you to Guantanamo without habeas corpus. The slogan "Retake the White House" is getting more hollow every day.

26. Randy Scott (in response to #5, above)—I just heard a news item about that. Apparently the Coast Guard reports that 8.2 Million gallons were spilled in the Gulf as a result of Katrina that hasn't been reported in the mainstream media for some reason.

27. John Moffitt (in response to #23, above)—The basic point of this email (more drilling will not affect short term gas prices) is correct. Some of the other rhetoric makes little sense. Gas on a burning building is a poor analogy while sitting around watching the building burn and not even lifting a bucket of water because it is too little and too late ... is a far better analogy. The fact that much of production explored for today would not come on line until 2030 or perhaps 2025 (to be a bit more fair) completely misses the fact that gas could be $20 a gallon by then. This logic almost parallels emails now coming out from Republicans where the high price of gas is being blamed on the fact that Democrats are starting to take the majority ... they have graphs showing low gas prices while the Republicans are in power (and not mentioning that Republicans are doing nothing about a long term energy policy) and then gas prices shooting dramatically upward just as Democrats take the House. (see enclosed graphic) This problem (and any solution) is very much a long-term problem and will require long-term thinking. Short-term thinking borders on being harmful (see above and imagine 8 more years of Bush non-thinking). Drilling now or just never drilling will have little affect on the pristine nature of beaches, but not being able to afford to visit them or even afford to patrol them could have consequences far worse than any they are discussing now. If they do not wish to drill, then where is their alternative? I don't see a national high priority program to reduce our dependence on oil ... like vast building of nuclear power plants or outlawing any car that cannot get 70 MPG. The nature of this problem has it getting a WHOLE LOT worse with no attention to SOLVING IT on either the supply side ... or the demand side ... or both. While being in favor of conservation, I am somewhat appalled to see the Sierra Club take what I see is a wholly irresponsible approach to saving our environment. After 8 long years of an administration taking an anti-science approach ... I do not want to see it followed by 8 years of science-ignorance (or 8 years of economic-ignorance).

28. Ron Spross—I think I agree ... certainly in this: Merely being against something (e.g. drilling offshore, nuclear power, etc.) is not an energy/environmental policy (and the two are inextricably entwined now). We need to come up with a program that will meet energy needs AND address the environmental issues. Focusing on the environment with no realistic, achievable energy alternative will do nothing but use up available (people) energy and make people mad. Here are two good high level discussions of the need for fossil alternatives and the way to get there: http://e360.yale.edu/content/print.msp?id=2026, http://www.nature.com/climate/2008/0807/full/climate.2008.59.html. [On John Moffitt's graph: If the Republicans expect people to take that chart as a reasoned argument, then indeed their constituency has shrunk to the people that you can fool all the time.]

29. Ron Spross (in response to #26)—The U.S. imports nearly 2/3 of its oil. For drilling and resulting increased domestic production to be the solution to energy independence, domestic production would have to be almost tripled. Even if production followed instantaneously on drilling a successful well, this would probably be a physically impossible task. Andrew Sullivan's blog has a nice entry, "the drilling canard": http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/06/the-drilling-ca.html.

OPD Energy Caucus at Texas Democratic Convention, 6/6/08

2008-06-17T15:40:00.000-05:00

The Energy Caucus was called to order at 9:01am by Jim Rine, president of Houston's Oil Patch Democrats (OPD). The caucus followed this order:

Introduction to Energy Caucus, by Jim Rine
Rules of Caucus Participation, by Cindy Beau, Vice President of OPD & Event Emcee
Mitigating Climate Change, by Ron Spross
The Perspective of the Texas Independent Oil Producer, by Adam Haynes, Executive Vice President of Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO)
Brief talk by Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congressional District 10, Larry Joe Doherty
Alternative Energy, Larry Kremer
Brief talk & Q&A period by Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate, Rick Noriega
Energy Efficiency & Conservation, by Tom Rowan
Protecting Global & Local Climate Security, by Dr. Bob Randall of Houston Climate Protection Alliance
Brief talk by Texas State Representative for District 50, Mark Strama
Tom "Smitty" Smith, Texas Office of Public Citizen, spoke on the importance of blocking coal plants and pursuing responsible alternative energy choices
Brief talk & Q&A period by Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congressional District 7, Mike Skelly, himself a wind energy entrepreneur (started up Horizon Wind Energy)
Brief talk by Carol Kent, Democratic candidate for Texas District 102.

The caucus was adjourned at 11:10am. OPD estimates ~300 people attended all or part of this successful event. Go to http://groups.google.com/group/opdgroup/web/energy-caucus-texas-democratic-party-convention?hl=en for links to all the presentations at this event.

OIL PATCH DEMOCRATS NEWSLETTER FOR JUNE 3, 2008

2008-06-17T14:05:00.000-05:00

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEXT OPD MEETING—MAYOR BILL WHITE TO SPEAK TO MEMBERSHIP ON ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Thurs, June 26, 6:30pm social, 7-9pm meeting, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
Please RSVP if you plan to attend this event (just to give us a clue as to how to arrange the space)—http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/SEEVVVGHGCUTCQXQIGLN/OPD-White. See meeting minutes for May meeting, at the end of this newsletter.

OPD ENERGY CAUCUS AT STATE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION
Fri, June 6, 9-11am, Austin Convention Center, Level 4, Room 15
OPD will be sponsoring and ramrodding an energy caucus at the Texas State Democratic Convention, with speakers expanding on the 5 points of the Energy Plank we submitting to the Platform Committee. Come if you can; we're expecting a big crowd—it should be a hoot.

SAVE THE DATE: OPD TO MARCH IN GAY PRIDE PARADE
Sat, June 28, Downtown
More details as they become available, closer to the date of the event. We now have OPD t-shirts (contact Cindy Beau to see about purchasing one for your use, contact information at end of newsletter), so we can show our pride in OPD, as well.

SAVE THE DATE: OPD ENERGY FORUM FEATURING U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE MIKE SKELLY
Sat, Aug 2, 12-2pm, Bear Creek Community Center, 3055 Bear Creek Dr, Houston
More details as they become available, closer to the date of the event.

2008 ELECTION DATES TO REMEMBER
Voter information available at http://www.hcvoter.com/voter/voterintro.asp.
June 6-7—Democrats hold state convention in Austin
June 12-14—Republicans hold state convention in Houston
June 14—Green Party holds state convention; location TBA
July 10-13—Green Party holds national convention in Chicago
August 25—Democratic National Convention opens in Denver
September 1—Republican National Convention opens in Minneapolis
October 4—last day to register to vote in the November 4 election
November 4—General election for all national, state, and county offices

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SKELLY CAMPAIGN / NORTHWEST OFFICE
The Michael Skelly for Congress District 7 Northwest Field Office opened on Apr 17. The address of the NW office is 15530 FM 529, Houston, Texas 77095 (at the Hwy 6/FM529 intersection, by Joann Crafts and 24 Hour Fitness). For more information or to sign up to help, email Ryan at ryan.slattery@skellyforcongress.com or call 713-553-3359. You can also email the Skelly campaign at campaign@skellyforcongress.com or call the main campaign office at 713-522-7535. Visit Skelly's site at http://www.skellyforcongress.com/.

BBQ TO BENEFIT BRADFORD CAMPAIGN
Fri, Jun 6, 10am-5pm, Maxie’s Barber & Beauty Mall, 5111 Griggs @ MLK Blvd., Houston, Texas 77021
Bar-B-Q to benefit C. O. “Brad” Bradford, candidate for Harris County District Attorney. $8 per plate. Hosted by Ray Jordan & John Salvage. For pre-ticket sales or more information, contact Ray Jordan at 713-819-5551.

2008 LEUKEMIA CUP KICKOFF PARTY FOR LEUKEMIA CUP REGATTA
Thurs, June 12, 5-9pm, The Drake Bar, 1902 Washington Avenue at Silver, Houston
Sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Live music by Clouseaux. Valet parking available, $20 cover, cash bar, "lite bites," world-class silent auction & raffle. For more information or to make a donation, visit http://www.energy2cure.org/.

PROGRESSIVE FORUM FALL SPEAKER SERIES
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Information available at http://www.progressiveforumhouston.org/. Order tickets at https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=1420&eventID=13156.
• Markos Moulitsas, Mon, Sept 22 at 7:30pm—Markos Moulitsas is founder and editor of Daily Kos, the most widely read political blog in the world with an astounding one million unique visitors a month. Moulitsas is a pioneer in transforming the internet into a major force in America politics, engaging previously disillusioned voters in record numbers and launching a movement towards a more authentic, populist democracy. He is releasing a new book at this event, Taking On the System: Rules for Radical Change in a Digital Era.
• Eleanor Clift, Wed, Oct 22 at 7:30pm—Get the insider's view before the election from Eleanor Clift, popular Newsweek contributing editor. She's also a panelist on the nationally syndicated show on PBS, The McLaughlin Group, and a political analyst for the Fox News Network. One of America's favorite people, she has played herself in several films (Independence Day, Murder at 1600, and Dave), as well as the CBS series, Murphy Brown. Clift will also discuss being a woman in male-dominated Washington, what the last few years have meant to American history, and finding strength and perspective while losing her husband to cancer and using in-home hospice care. Her books include Madam President: Shattering the Last Glass Ceiling (2000), War Without Blood: The Art of Politics (1996), and Two Weeks of Life: A Memoir of Love, Death, and Politics (March 2008).

HOUSTON PEACE & JUSTICE CENTER
This group sponsors so many great events that they can't be listed here. Please go to http://www.hpjc.org/hpjccalendar.asp to see their dynamic calendar.

THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NEWS & OTHER WEBLINKS
VA suppressing suicide statistics—
http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/83742/
Get rid of all those catalogs in your mailbox—
http://www.catalogchoice.org/
Wasted days & wasted nights? No, wasted FOOD—
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/weekinreview/18martin.html?ei=5087&em=&en=32c2932a901c125d&ex=1211342400&pagewanted=all
There's even a blog for it—
http://www.wastedfood.com/

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS
Contact Jim Porter phone 713-781-2010, email - jhp356d@yahoo.com

Sr. Completions Engineer, Houston, TX
Plan, supervise, and report on completion, workover, P/F maintenance, and construction activities on Company-operated assets. Ensure that operational activities are performed in a safe and efficient manner and capital requirements, production levels and operating expenses are maintained as planned. Assist the Engineering Manager, as required. At least 12 yrs Experience in Production Engineering and Operations with at least 5 yrs of GOM Experience (Required). BS Degree in Petroleum Engineering or Related Experience (Required

If Jim makes a placement from this advertisement, he will send OPD a check for $1,000 for each placement made using the OPD newsletter.

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS
Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email John with your updated information.

Have you paid your dues, or do you want to make a donation to the club or to the PAC? Dues are $25.00 per person/$10.00 Reduced/Student. If you are not able to attend the next meeting, you can mail your check to Roopa Gir (see her contact information below). Please make your check payable to Oil Patch Democrats. Or go to our new contribution connection on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership, or if you're contributing more than the membership, just email John or Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS
Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—
Jim Rine (President)—jmrine@hotmail.com
Cindy Beau (Vice President)—clgphd1@yahoo.com
Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa1@slb.com
Donna Bryant (Secretary)—schpinna@yahoo.com
Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

MINUTES OF OPD MONTHLY MEETING ON 22 MAY, 2008
Action items indicated in yellow highlights.
1. John Preston provided pizza, nuts, and wine for a famished membership.
2. Jim Rine called the meeting to order at 7:02.
3. Re: old business:
a. Bill White will speak at our June 26 meeting. Donna Bryant to handle publicity, with help/input from Jim Cargas. Karen & Bruce Menke may bring a couple of trays of brownies. Donna or Roopa Gir will set up an RSVP site.
b. Discussed Energy Caucus at Texas State Democratic Party Convention June 6-7.
• We will have 5 main areas (corresponding to our platform points), each to be represented by one person.
• Bruce Menke suggested putting together a handout for caucus attendees, and Stephanie Hrabar suggested asking speakers for handout literature. For the handout, Jim Rine suggested including graphs that represent peak oil, CO2 levels, and gas production vs. cost of production. Handout will also contain the OPD energy plank for the party platform and the OPD description that was written for the Lampson event last November.
• Donna Bryant will provide a projector for the meeting and will send Jim Rine a copy of the OPD blurb from the Lampson event.
• Cindy Beau will emcee the caucus.
• We've been told that the OPD energy plank will be in the platform, but the final form it will assume is not known at this time.
• Re: The TED training day—Bruce & Karen Menke will help contact candidates to attend.
• Stephanie Hrabar would like to have candidates bring copies of legislation they submitted to discuss with the Caucus.
c. August 2 Energy Forum, featuring Mike Skelly—
• Donna Bryant will call venues (HCC, community centers).
• Time will be around mid-day, and we will serve a lunch of some kind, possibly boxed lunches.
d. New OPD t-shirts cost about $8-10 apiece and will sell for $15 each.
e. Re: Gay Pride Parade on June 28—Jim Rine to let membership know details (such as where/when we will meet, our order in the parade, etc.).
4. Re: new business:
a. Discussed speakers / programs—
• Setting up a speaker committee to arrange speakers for Club meetings.
• Roopa suggests having at least one major speaker per quarter.
• We will cosponsor the September speaking engagement of Dr. Michael Klare.
• Karen & Bruce will contact Jim Blackburn about speaking in the Jan/Feb time frame.
• October will be a candidate forum/
• We would make speaker planning part of the agenda for each meeting and schedule them 4 months in advance.
• November will be a planning meeting and celebration of our election wins.
b. Memorial Day—VFP needs volunteers for Hermann Park display on May 25-27. OPD voted to donate $50 to VFP for the flag display.
c. VFP also taking part in Boot Display, together with Eyes Wide Open opposite the George R. Brown Convention Center during the Republican Convention in June.
d. Jim Rine noted the Union of Concerned Scientists event on June 4.
e. Robert Hinojosa spoke to the membership for a few minutes. He is a candidate for the 312th Family District Court, earned a bronze star for JAG duty in Vietnam, and is a Board-certified specialist in family law.
5. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55pm.

Energy Caucus

2008-06-15T23:01:00.000-05:00

OPD presentations at the Texas Democratic Party Convention Energy Caucus are available here.

OIL PATCH DEMOCRATS NEWSLETTERFOR APRIL 30, 2008

2008-04-30T15:56:00.000-05:00

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEXT OPD MEETING
Thurs, May 22, 6:30pm social, 7-9pm meeting, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008
See meeting minutes for April meeting, attached.

TEXAS DEMOCRATIC PARTY ENERGY PLANK
We've been agonizing over our suggested Energy Plank for the TDP Platform. See the attached for the current version of this document. Send any suggestions for improvement to Jim Rine at jmrine@hotmail.com.

COMING SOON TO AN INBOX NEAR YOU
We've set up new email accounts to handle the club email and to give John Preston (and his email system) a well-deserved break. They're not quite ready for prime time yet, but please add oilpatchdems@gmail.com and oilpatchdems@yahoo.com to your address book, so that we don't end up in your Bulk Mail or Junk Mail folders. And….uh…..John is emailing this edition of the newsletter. But SOON, SOON, we'll give him some relief. J

May 10 Lone Star College System Election
Voters will be voting on four Board of Trustees positions, as well as a bond issue. Early voting begins Mon, Apr 28, and ends May 6 at 19 polling sites. The May 10 election will be held at 187 polling sites. For more information on voting eligibility and locations, go to http://www.lonestar.edu/135673/.

2008 ELECTION DATES TO REMEMBER
Voter information available at http://www.hcvoter.com/voter/voterintro.asp.
June 6-7—Democrats hold state convention in Austin
June 12-14—Republicans hold state convention in Houston
June 14—Green Party holds state convention; location TBA
July 10-13—Green Party holds national convention in Chicago
August 25—Democratic National Convention opens in Denver
September 1—Republican National Convention opens in Minneapolis
October 4—last day to register to vote in the November 4 election
November 4—General election for all national, state, and county offices

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SKELLY CAMPAIGN / NORTHWEST OFFICE
The Michael Skelly for Congress District 7 Northwest Field Office opened on Apr 17. The address of the NW office is located at 15530 FM 529, Houston, Texas 77095 (at the Hwy 6/FM529 intersection, by Joann Crafts and 24 Hour Fitness). For more information or to sign up to help, email Ryan at ryan.slattery@skellyforcongress.com or call 713-553-3359. You can also email the Skelly campaign at campaign@skellyforcongress.com or call the main campaign office at 713-522-7535. Visit Skelly's site at http://www.skellyforcongress.com/, The campaign will be blockwalking on Sat, May 3, and needs volunteers.

CFISD IN FINANCIAL BIND
You might not live in the Cy-Fair school district, but chances are the school district in which you reside is going through the same kind of financial convulsions. Someone recently passsed along a memo from Dr. David Anthony, Superintendent of Cy-Fair ISD, that explains the current funding crisis in the district, which has recently implemented personnel layoffs. The memo is attached.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

County Executive Committee Meeting (Meeting of Precinct Chairs)
Thurs, May 1, 6pm, Sharpstown High School, 7504 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX, 77074
The Harris County Democratic Party will be holding a County Executive Committee Meeting (or Meeting of Precinct Chairs) to swear in precinct chairs for the 2008-2010 County Executive Committee term, elect certain party officers, elect additional precinct chairs to fill vacancies, elect members to Harris County Democratic Party standing committees, and conduct other general party business. This will be a celebration, and dinner will be served (for free) for all precinct chairs, elected officials, and Democratic candidates on the 2008 general election ballot; other attendees are welcome to attend the meeting without charge but if they wish to participate in the meal, the charge is $15 per person.).

HCDP DATABASE PROJECT
The Harris County Democratic Party is undertaking a massive data entry project and needs your help! In addition to volunteering during our normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm), the Party will have extended work hours on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays. Please contact Belinda Castro at j.smith@hcdp.org to schedule to work Wednesday evenings (5-8:30pm) or Mirel Herrera at mherrera@hcdp.org to volunteer for a Saturday work day (10am-6pm).

HCDP THIRD ANNUAL BREAKTHROUGH BREAKFAST
Wed, May 14, 7:30-9am, Junior League of Houston 1811 Briar Oaks
The Harris County Democratic Party will be serving up breakfast and an expert's inside view of the outlook for Harris County and Texas in November. Our Blue Plate Special includes:three political savants taking a look at the shifting winds in Texas as the Harris County Democratic Party launches a historic coordinated campaign for the fall election. Panelists include:
• Harvey Kronberg, editor of the Quorum Report, the insider's first source for information and insights about Texas politics and politicians.
• Ben Tulchin, VP of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, one of the leading Democratic polling organizations in the nation. Greenberg Quinlan has conducted extensive polling of the current Harris County political environment.
• Paul Burka, award-winning senior executive editor, political columnists, and blogger for Texas Monthly
Proceeds from the breakfast will be used to further the Harris County Democratic Party 2008 Coordinated Campaign to elect Democratic candidates in every position on the November 2008 general election ballot. Admission: $500.00. RSVP: finance@hcdp.org.

Veterans for Peace—Memorial Day Display
May 25-27
4,500 flags representing our fallen soldiers in Iraq will be placed in Memorial Park on the Sunday before Memorial Day. VFP needs volunteers to help with placing and retrieving the flags. Contact Jim Rine at jmrine@hotmail.com. The Texas American Friends Service Committee’s Eyes Wide Open boot display will join the flag memorial. The Eyes Wide Open display consists of a labeled pair of combat boots for each Texas casualty and will be out for viewing during daylight hours only on May 25 and 26. Lidney Molnari heads up this effort for AFSC in Texas.

PROGRESSIVE FORUM SPRING SPEAKER SERIES
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Information available at http://www.progressiveforumhouston.org/. Order tickets at https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=1420&eventID=13156.
• Elizabeth Edwards, Wed, May 21, 7:30pm—A breast cancer survivor, Elizabeth Edwards talks openly about overcoming life obstacles in a nonpolitical event. Wife of former Presidential contender, John Edwards, she is the author of Saving Graces (2007). She's an accomplished attorney, law school professor, and a passionate advocate for children. She's the proud mother of four children, the first of whom, Wade Edwards, died in 1996. In his memory, she and John established the Wade Edwards Foundation, which provides scholarships.

VETERANS FOR PEACE—FREEWAY BLOGGING
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday, 5:00 to 6:15 pm
Every Tuesday and Friday, anti-war and impeachment activists are holding up signs on the Montrose Bridge over Highway 59 in Montrose. Contact Don Cook (zenblews@hotmail.com) for more info. Every Wednesday, supporters of justice for the Palestinians are holding signs on the Mandell Street Bridge over US59. For more information, contact Bob Carter, 713/ 771-9439, or rwcsr1@yahoo. com.

HOUSTON PEACE & JUSTICE CENTER
This group sponsor so many great events that they can't be listed here. Please go to http://www.hpjc.org/hpjccalendar.asp to see their dynamic calendar.

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS
JOB LISTINGS – Contact Jim Porter phone 713-781-2010, email - jhp356d@yahoo.com

Sr. Completions Engineer, Houston, TX
Plan, supervise, and report on completion, workover, P/F maintenance, and construction activities on Company-operated assets. Ensure that operational activities are performed in a safe and efficient manner and capital requirements, production levels and operating expenses are maintained as planned. Assist the Engineering Manager, as required. At least 12 yrs Experience in Production Engineering and Operations with at least 5 yrs of GOM Experience (Required). BS Degree in Petroleum Engineering or Related Experience (Required

If Jim makes a placement from this advertisement, he will send OPD a check for $1,000 for each placement made using the OPD newsletter.

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS
Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email John with your updated information.

Have you paid your dues, or do you want to make a donation to the club or to the PAC? Dues are $25.00 per person/$10.00 Reduced/Student. If you are not able to attend the next meeting, you can mail your check to Roopa Gir (see her contact information below). Please make your check payable to Oil Patch Democrats. Or go to our new contribution connection on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership, or if you're contributing more than the membership, just email John or Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS
Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—
John Preston (President)—johnwmp@hal-pc.org
Larry Kremer (Vice President)—lnkremer@sbcglobal.net
Donna Bryant (Secretary)—schpinna@yahoo.com
Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa1@slb.com
Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

OPD Newsletter No. 12

2008-04-08T21:07:00.000-05:00

Newsletter No. 12 April 8, 2008

________________________________

Save the date: June 26^th

Mayor Bill White

Will be the special guest speaker at the OPD’s membership meeting,

7:00pm at HCDP Headquarters

________________________________

Vote April 8^th

Texas Primary

Runoff Election

For Precinct Locations go to:

http://www.harrisvotes.com/docs/pctreport_d.pdf

(early vote has already ended)

Texas Railroad Commissioner Among

Dem. Runoff Elections

The Democratic candidate for Railroad Commissioner (RRC) is one of three positions subject to a primary election runoff today.

Dale Henry is a 40+ year veteran of the drilling and oil field services industry who has made protection of the environment a priority for his campaign. Henry is also a Air Force veteran, former Hamilton and Lampasas Cities Manager, former Mills County Commissioner, and former Lower Colorado River regional water commission member.

Henry holds a degree in petroleum engineering from UT Austin, and has received many endorsements, including the major newspapers in San Antonio, Houston, Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth.

His populist opponent, Mark Thompson, has no industry experience – something that he holds up as proof that he is not beholden to the companies RRC regulates. Thompson is a 15 year disabilities rights advocate and therapist for the blind children, and 8 year veteran Austin police officer. He has a B.S. in Rehabilitation from Stephen F. Austin State University.

For more info on Dale and Mark:

http://Electdalehenry.com

www.MarkForTexas.com

Note that voting sites have been severely limited. To locate your polling place, go to: www.harrisvotes.com/docs/pctreport_d.pdf

OPD Officer and Board Election Results

OPD held its 2008 elections on Feb. 28 during its meeting at HCDP and via e-mail. The results are:

President/Chair – Jim Rine

Vice Chair – Cindy Beau

Secretary – Donna Hackemack Bryant

Treasurer – Roopa Gir

All officers are members of the Board. Other members of the newly elected Board include:

James Cargas,

Christine Economides,

Jobeth Hines,

Larry Kremer,

Ken Martinez,

Bruce and Karen Menke,

John Moffitt,

John Preston,

Tom Rowe, Jr.,

Randy Scott,

Ron Spross, and

Christina Walsh.

The board members and officers serve one year terms.

During the election, there was consensus to have the Vice Chair also be the “president-elect.” The OPD Constitution currently does not provide for such an automatic elevation. However, neither does it prohibit the establishment of such a tradition, assuming the Vice Chair consents and is not challenged.

John Preston

Thanked For 2+ Solid Years of Service to OPD

Oil Patch Democrats founder and first President, John Preston was honored on March 27 for his service and dedication to democracy.

In 2005, John Preston and a group of professionals in the energy industry frustrated with hearing only the Republican Administrat-ion’s energy positions, got together and formed the Oil Patch Democrats. Preston was elected the organization’s first president in 2006 and re-elected in 2007. Today, OPD has over 200 on its growing mailing list.

Preston was elected to the 2008 board and has promised to remain active.

In-coming President Jim Rine presents out-going President John Preston with plaque. Photo by Bruce Menke.

Oil Patch Democrats (OPD) seek to promote responsible conduct of business within the energy industry for the common good of our country, particularly as it applies to energy efficiency, conservation, human and workers rights, the environment and economy, domestic and foreign relations, national security & corporate accountability.

The OPD Newsletter is published regularly by the Oil Patch Democrats, c/o 4383 Harvest Lane, Houston, Texas 77004.

OPD President Jim Rine’s

Letter to Members,

Plans for 2008 and Beyond

As the newly elected president of Oil Patch Democrats (OPD), I want introduce myself to those of you who don’t know me and also to ask for your help in what will be a decisive year, not only for our organization but also for our country.

And in this election year, I would not be the first person to voice the opinion that OPD could be influential in setting the energy policy of not only the Texas Democratic Party (TDP) but also the national party (DNC). After all, we’re energy folks from Texas!

But nothing will happen unless we make it happen. So I am asking for your help because a lot of things need to be done between now and the Democratic State Convention in Austin, June 6 and 7, and beyond….

So what do we need to do prior to the convention?

1. OPD needs to author an energy plank for the TDP. We already have a start with the resolution OPD wrote for the precinct conventions (To Move Texas Beyond Fossil Fuels Into Alternative Energy). But it needs to be revised and that will require members to meet to hammer out not only policy but saleable verbiage for what is really an energy-environment-economy plank.

2. OPD will need to lobby (and fight) to have the energy-environment-economy plank have a prominent place in the party platform. So a call is out for all OPD members who are attending the state convention… and especially attending as delegates.

3. OPD is again hosting what will probably be the best attended caucus at the convention, the energy / global warming caucus. At the 2006 state convention, hundreds attended what was essentially an ad hoc affair. This time it needs to be organized and that will require some effort.

Anyone wanting to help with any of the above tasks, please contact me as soon as possible. I would like to be able to report some progress on these items at our next meeting on 24 April at the HCDP offices (1445 North Loop West, Ste. 110) at 6:30 PM.

What about OPD’s role after the state convention in June? Some of OPD’s role will be determined by how successful we are at the convention. But at the bare minimum, I envision one of OPD roles in this election year being to help educate our candidates on sound energy policy and then help them get elected to implement it.

Combining energy and foreign policy, OPD is cosponsoring a visit to Houston by Michael Klare in mid September. Discussions of his books Rising Powers, Shrinking Planet: The New Geopolitics of Energy (2008) and Blood and Oil : The Dangers and Consequences of America's Growing Dependency on Imported Petroleum (2005) could add ammunition to the debates between McCain and whoever the Democratic presidential candidate is, as well as talking points for Rick Noriega versus John Cornyn.

So who is Jim Rine? I am a U.S. Army veteran and a 30-year-veteran of the oil patch who doesn’t want his country to invade others for oil. And who knows that while fossil fuels are needed during a period of transition to alternative energy, we need to start using them wisely to avoid catastrophic damage to our planet.

Sincerely yours,

Jim Rine

OPD will be hosting another Energy & Environment Caucus at the Dem. State Convention, June 5-7, 2008. Watch for details.

Resolutions Committee

Praised for Its Efforts

A Resolutions Committee was formed for the purpose of drafting a one-page resolution that members and friends could submit at Precinct Conventions on March 4^th.

Their efforts produced a thoughtful summary of democratic energy policies that was adopted at countless precincts across Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery and Galveston counties. The Resolution “To Move Texas Beyond Fossil Fuels Into Alternative Energy” was then adopted by the Senate District Conventions and will be under consideration at the Austin State Convention this June.

Randy Scott hosted the Committee’s only meeting on Feb. 10. The members then refined the language via e-mail. The end result was a statement that OPD’s diverse professionals could agree on and that covered topics such as: research and development, climate change, energy efficiency, public transportation, protection of public health and the environment, uniform enforcement, and education.

OPD March Meeting

2008-03-13T16:53:00.000-05:00

What: March Meeting of Oil Patch Democrats

New officer introduction.
Robert Redford's Film Premier of
"Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars".

Where: Birraporetti's in the theatre district

500 Louisiana Street, Houston TX 77002

(713) 224-9494

...

Show is at Wortham Center, Brown Theater

on Thursday, March 27 at 7:30 PM.

When: Thurs, Mar 27th, Birraporetti's between

5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. We have reservations

for OPD and between 10 and 20 people. Get

there as early as your need to socialize.

Directions: Downtown Houston on the corner of Prairie Street and Louisiana Street. This is in the theatre district on the same block as the Alley Theatre and if you walk out the back door of Birraporetti's ... you are less than 300 feet from the front door of the Brown Theater.

OPD Meeting

2008-01-22T18:54:00.000-06:00

OIL PATCH DEMOCRATS NEWSLETTER
FOR JANUARY 21, 2008

new or changed items indicated with an orange background

this week's events in red font

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

JANUARY MEETING

Thurs, Jan 24, 6:30pm social, 7-9pm meeting, HCDP headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110, Houston, 77008

This will be our first meeting at our new venue & a working meeting. Hey, bring a little cash to kick in for drinks & pizza. We will be electing 2008 officers (only paid-up members can vote for officers, so bring your checkbook, too -- or use the ActBlue site noted below to pay your 2008 dues: dues are always payable for the calendar year, so January is a whole new membership universe). And let's start planning for this all-important election year. Bring your thinking caps.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

From Bruce & Karen Menke comes this timely suggestion—

Here is your opportunity to help fellow OPD'ers and others concerned about USA energy consumption to reduce wasteful and environmentally harmful personal and residential use of energy! Email us your ideas and suggestions regarding actions, large or small, that each of us can consider taking to use energy more efficiently, encourage the use of renewable sources of energy, and reduce the production of carbon dioxide and other bi-products hazardous to the environment. We will present all ideas via this newsletter for approval and incorporation into OPD's new campaign to push concrete steps to reduce energy consumption and increase use of renewable energy in an environmentally friendly manner!

WE'VE JOINED THE CYBER AGE

Oilpatch Dems now have the capability to beg for your funds, just like the big boys do. We have set up an ActBlue collection page at https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. You can pay for your membership there or just throw money at us if you feel so inclined. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership ($25.00 per person, $10.00 reduced/student) , or if you're contributing more than your membership, just email John or Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

2008 ELECTION DATES TO REMEMBER

Voter information available at http://www.hcvoter.com/voter/voterintro.asp.

February 19-29—Early voting for March primary

March 4—Primary Election; after polls close: Democrats and Republicans hold their precinct conventions

March 29—Democrats and Republicans hold their State Senate District conventions.

March 31-April 4—Early voting for March primary runoffs

April 8—Primary Runoff Election

June 6-7—Democrats hold their state convention in Austin

June 12-14—Republicans hold their state convention in Houston

June 14—Green Party holds its state convention; location TBA

July 10-13—Green Party holds its national convention in Chicago

August 25—Democratic National Convention opens in Denver

September 1—Republican National Convention opens in Minneapolis

November 4—General election for all national, state, and county offices

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

KICKOFF FOR SIERRA CLUB'S NO NEW COAL CAMPAIGN

Wed, Jan 23, 8:00pm, Sammy's, in Rice University 's Memorial Hall ( Student Center )

From smog to mercury to CO2, coal-fired power plants are one of the largest sources of dangerous pollution in the United States . The consequences for human hearts and lungs are staggering. Yet plans are on the table to build dozens of new polluting coal-fired power plants across the country, increasing the health threats for both nearby communities and those downwind. There are better, cleaner solutions. By focusing on increasing efficiency and investing in renewable energy, we can make these plants unnecessary, protect our health, and embrace the green economy of the 21st century. Investing in efficiency and renewable energy technologies available today could create over 3.3 million clean, good-paying jobs in the U.S. and help boost local economies. Dynegy- a company based in Houston , is the company with the greatest number of plant proposals in the country (including one up near Waco ). Please contact Susannah at 713-524-3000 (w), 303-919-3296 (c), Susannah@greencorps.org with any questions and/or if you can't make it to the meeting but want to be kept up to date. Read more about the issue at www.sierraclub.org/coal.

STATE TEJANO SCREENING & ENDORSEMENTS CONVENTION

Jan 25-26, Austin, TX

For more information or to register on-line visit the convention website at http://www.tejanodemocrats.eventbrite.com or contact Sandra Tenorio at 512-219-0468 sandratenorio@yahoo.com.

BARBARA ANN RADNOFSKY EVENTS / NEWS

Contact Katie Floyd at katie.floyd@radnofsky.com or 713-858-9391 for details about any of these events.

• Congressman Bob Eckhardt's place in history is explained in Professor Gary Keith's (with foreword by Al Gore) new biography of the larger-than-life Congressman. Barbara Ann hosts a reception for the author after the Brazos Bookstore book signing on Thurs, Feb 7 at 7:00pm.

• Barbara Ann will speak at the HCDP campaign kickoff event on Feb 9.

• Judicial fundraiser for Martin Siegel, candidate for the 14th Court of Appeals, Place 7, Thurs, Feb 21, 6:30pm.

HCDP CAMPAIGN 2008 KICK-OFF EVENT—HOW RED STATES ELECT DEMOCRATS

Sat, Feb 9. 3:30-7:00pm, Power Center, 12401 South Post Oak Rd. (at South Main)

The Harris County Democratic Party will hold its 2008 campaign kickoff event, and headlining the event will be former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack. Governor Vilsack, who was briefly a candidate for President this cycle, is frequently mentioned as a likely prospect for Vice President. For only $35 per person ($5 for children under 12), you will meet one of the most dynamic and well-regarded Democrats on the national scene (Governor Vilsack), greet and get-to-know the 2008 Democratic candidates from across Harris County, help seed the HCDP coordinated campaign war chest for the upcoming election cycle, and enjoy an afternoon of good Democratic fellowship, food, and entertainment. Make sure you make plans to attend this exciting and energizing Kickoff event as we get ready to turn Harris County BLUE! For more information, call HCDP at 713-802-0085 or email us at hcdp@hcdp.org.

COME ON OUT TO THE CHUCK ROAST!

Sat, Feb 23, 2:00-5:00pm, Manuel's Mexican Restaurant, 13012 FM 529 Rd, Houston, TX 77041

Stick a fork in him: Harris County's D.A. is DONE! Come on out to Cy-Fair Area Democratic Club's first social of a victorious 2008 election year, the aptly named CHUCK ROAST. We'll be enjoying some good food, good music, and good fun at Manuel's, and we'll be hearing from the Democratic candidate for D.A., former Houston Police Chief, C.O. Bradford, together with other candidates for office. Silent auction will raise money for CFADC's 2008 war chest. Manuel's is on FM529 just east of Eldridge.

BRITISH CONSULATE-HOUSTON: BUSINESS & CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE

Wed, Feb 27, Federal Reserve Bank, Houston, TX

Join Shell Oil Company, the British Consulate-General, UK Trade & Investment, and The Climate Group to find out how regional and national businesses have addressed carbon management with astounding results. Also learn how to reduce your company's carbon footprint. Go to http://www.hartenergyconferences.com/index.php?area=details&confID=58 for agenda and registration information.

PROGRESSIVE FORUM SPRING SPEAKER SERIES

Wortham Center, Cullen Theater

Information available at http://www.progressiveforumhouston.org/. Order tickets at https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=1420&eventID=13156.

• George Lakoff, Thurs, Feb 28, 7:30pm—George Lakoff, a world renowned pioneer in linguistics and cognitive science, is co-founder of the Rockridge Institute and a professor at the University of California at Berkeley. He's probably best known in political circles for his book, Don't Think of An Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate: The Essential Guide for Progressives (2004). He's lectured at hundreds of seminars for Democratic congressional groups, think tanks, pollsters, and ad agencies.

• Bill McKibben, Mon, Apr 28, 7:30pm—Bill McKibben is one of the most important writers on business and the environment. He's author of the environmental classic, End of Nature. He created a national movement called Step it Up 2007, resulting in a day of hundreds of rallies in all fifty states for climate stability on Nov. 3. His most recent book is Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future (2007).

• Elizabeth Edwards, Wed, May 21, 7:30pm—A breast cancer survivor, Elizabeth Edwards talks openly about overcoming life obstacles in a nonpolitical event. Wife of Presidential hopeful, John Edwards, she is the author of Saving Graces (2007). She's an accomplished attorney, law school professor, and a passionate advocate for children. She's the proud mother of four children, the first of whom, Wade Edwards, died in 1996. In his memory, she and John established the Wade Edwards Foundation, which provides scholarships.

MIKE SKELLY ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR U.S. DISTRICT 7 SEAT (CULBERSON)

Go to www.SkellyforCongress.com for more information.

VETERANS FOR PEACE—FREEWAY BLOGGING

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday, 5:00 to 6:15 pm

Every Tuesday and Friday, anti-war and impeachment activists are holding up signs on the Montrose Bridge over Highway 59 in Montrose. Contact Don Cook (zenblews@hotmail.com) for more info. Every Wednesday, supporters of justice for the Palestinians are holding signs on the Mandell Street Bridge over US59. For more information, contact Bob Carter, 713/ 771-9439, or rwcsr1@yahoo. com.

HOUSTON PEACE & JUSTICE CENTER

This group sponsor so many great events that they can't be listed here. Please go to http://www.hpjc.org/hpjccalendar.asp to see their dynamic calendar.

THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NEWS & OTHER NEWSLINKS

Continuing problems at Walter Reed Army Hospital—

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/011508J.shtml

Houston Biz Journal on candidacy of Mike Skelly—

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/01/14/story12.html?b=1200286800%5e1574878&t=printable

Become a 2008 State Democratic Convention delegate—

http://www.txdemocrats.org/the_party/tdp_delegate_selection_trainings

Ted Ankrum endorses Dan Grant for District 10—

http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/221280/0e2726fa36/271000296/809d6eb5bc/

Texas teachers 48th in new ranking of teacher pay—

http://www.aft.org/salary/

Toxic bibs for sale (still)—

http://action.walmartwatch.com/page/content/recallwalmart/

Pet poop solutions—

http://www.nrdc.org/thisgreenlife/default.asp#

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

JOB LISTINGS – Contact Jim Porter phone 713-781-2010, email - jhp356d@yahoo.com

Position Title—Supervisor Safety, Location—New Orleans

Primary Responsibilities: The Safety Supervisor is responsible for the oversight of the safety & construction programs and practices for New Orleans and Gulf of Mexico operations

Skill Profile:

• 5-10 years experience as a safety specialist, coordinator, or supervisor

• College degree preferred. BS or BA in Safety, Industrial Hygiene or related field

• Thorough knowledge of offshore safety programs and certification requirements

• Experience with and working knowledge of USCG/MMS regulations

Position Title—Senior Geologist, Location—Houston

Position Overview: As part of a multi-disciplinary team, conduct the integrated evaluation of assigned fields, properties or projects in order to maximize production as well as generate and evaluate new investment opportunities (including development, exploitation and exploration drilling, sidetracks, re-completions, acquisitions, farm-ins/outs, etc.) including risk assessments, reserve calculations and economic evaluations.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ten years of experience in and familiarity with all aspects of exploration, exploitation and development geology with at least five years of focus on the Gulf of Mexico shelf. SMT, Canvas, and/or Intellex software experience preferred.

• B.S. or B.A. in Geology (or related).

Position Title—Senior Reservoir Engineer, Location—Houston

Minimum Requirements:

• Ten years of experience in and familiarity with all aspects of exploration, exploitation and development reservoir engineering with at least five years of focus on the Gulf of Mexico (shelf and deepwater).

• B.S. in Petroleum Engineering (or related field).

Position Title—Marketing Assistant

Job Description: The Marketing Assistant will have primary responsibility for nominations and confirmations on all pipelines. The duties include but are not limited to optimization of transportation, processing, and production handling contracts and the sourcing of sales transactions. The Marketing Assistant will also be responsible for updating internal systems with accurate volumes on a timely basis.

Position Specification:

• Bachelor's degree required in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related field.

• Minimum of three years natural gas scheduling or oil and gas accounting experience.

• Familiarity with pipeline electronic bulletin boards.

• Strong quantitative analytical and problem solving skills.

• Computer literate – MS Office; Dynacap, Procount experience a plus.

• Available for possible after hours and/or weekend work

Position Title—Development Geologist, Rocky Mountain CoalBed Methane Operation, Locations—Houston-based office with Denver, CO and Sheridan, WY field offices

Utilize geoscience analysis to generate high return drilling opportunities leading to an increase in the Company's reserve base. Evaluate producing properties and upgrade the 3P reserve inventory.

Qualifications:

• Must have sufficient expertise with development geoscience techniques to work without a high degree of supervision, including a basic understanding of well drilling/logging operations.

• Must have strong subsurface mapping skills (in addition to computer mapping skills) and exposure to unconventional resource plays.

• Must be able to effectively communicate with both field and office personnel.

• 5+ Years experience as a Development Geologist

If Jim makes a placement from this advertisement, he will send OPD a check for $1,000 for each placement made using the OPD newsletter.

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS

Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email John with your updated information.

Have you paid your dues, or do you want to make a donation to the club or to the PAC? Dues are $25.00 per person/$10.00 Reduced/Student. If you are not able to attend the next meeting, you can mail your check to Roopa Gir (see her contact information below). Please make your check payable to Oil Patch Democrats. Or go to our new contribution connection on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18607. Be sure to put in the correct amount for membership, or if you're contributing more than the membership, just email John or Roopa to let them know your contribution includes a membership. Actually, since the provider charges us 3.5% to use this great tool, a little extra would be a good idea.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS

Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—

John Preston (President)—johnwmp@hal-pc.org

Larry Kremer (Vice President)—lnkremer@sbcglobal.net

Donna Bryant (Secretary)—schpinna@yahoo.com

Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa1@slb.com

Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

Energy & Environment Forum

2007-10-22T13:45:00.000-05:00

[Click on the image to enlarge ... ]

Please RSVP to the Energy & Environment Forum!!

Appeal to Gene Green to support BDC Energy proposals (as amended)

2007-10-22T13:25:00.000-05:00

Click to enlarge

Read BDC Energy proposal in post below

Suggested Changes & Additions to Blue Dog Coalition Energy Principles

2007-10-22T13:13:00.000-05:00

Oil Patch Democrats
Suggested Changes & Additions
to

Blue Dog Coalition
Energy Principles
110th Congress

Energy independence is a matter of national security and economic security. The Blue Dog Coalition believes in policies that increase U.S. energy security and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy, because America’s continued prosperity depends on the availability of reliable, affordable energy.

Climate change issues must be addressed, and many of the options that address this challenge are consistent with efforts to increase energy self-sufficiency. Blue Dogs support the promotion of a forward-looking, market-based, comprehensive national energy strategy.

Our nation is blessed with a diverse energy portfolio of traditional fossil fuels and viable renewable energy sources. Increasing domestic energy supplies and enhancing our energy infrastructure are the critical components of a balanced national energy strategy. The Coalition is committed to a policy of increased energy production and the environmentally sound use of all energy sources.

Congress should also support policies that encourage research and development in new energy technologies that promote the greatest level of conservation at home, in business, and in industry. Reducing national energy intensity through energy- efficient applications can save consumers and businesses billions in extra energy costs while also reducing polluting emissions. The Blue Dog energy principles will strengthen our energy security, diversify our energy mix, provide Americans with reliable and affordable energy sources, and support a long term solution to climate change concerns.

1. Energy “PayGo”

· Blue Dogs believe that energy policy should not result in a net loss of domestic energy.

Our country’s current level of dependence on foreign supplies of energy is a threat to our national security and our economic competitive viability. When you find yourself in a hole, the first step is to stop digging. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the United States imported 36% of domestically-consumed crude oil and petroleum products, and 4.3 % of our natural gas supply in 1973. In 2005, we imported 66% of our crude oil and 16% of our natural gas from foreign sources. Moreover, EIA projections indicate that the U.S. will consume 21% more oil and 19% more natural gas in 2030.

The Blue Dog Coalition believes that U.S. energy policy should not reduce already existing access to domestic energy resources, and should not reduce already existing domestic energy infrastructure~~, and should not reduce already existing incentives for domestic energy production unless there is a corresponding policy initiative to replace lost capabilities~~.

Traditional energy sources such as oil, coal, natural gas, and nuclear power are key components of our national energy portfolio, and renewable energy is increasingly part of the mix. In the long run, alternative fuels will provide a significant contribution to our country’s energy profile. Until that takes place, a reliable supply of conventional fuels will be important for our economy, and policies should be directed toward maintaining domestic conventional energy capabilities.

2. Climate Change

· Broad scientific consensus indicates that climate change is underway. Climate change caused by human activity should be addressed both by the United States and by other nations.

· Climate change has developed over a significant period of time. Blue Dogs believe that a methodical, long term solution is the best approach to solving the problem. This long-term approach must begin now, and the United States must become a leader and not a follower in resolving the climate change issue. Blue Dogs also believe that climate change solutions shouldn’t export jobs overseas.

Almost all scientists agree that the Earth's climate is changing, having increased by 1.1 to 1.6o Fahrenheit since the Industrial Revolution. The Earth's global average temperature is now approaching, or possibly has passed, the warmest experienced since human civilizations began to flourish about 12,000 years ago. Over the past 150 years, measured carbon dioxide concentrations have risen by more than one-third. The question is not whether greenhouse gases will result in climate change, but rather, the magnitude, speed, geographic details, and likelihood of impacts stemming from the trend.

The Blue Dog Coalition believes that the U.S. should address climate change by developing predictable long term policies ~~that do not disproportionately affect one industry or sector~~. Blue Dogs believe that climate change can be addressed without exporting American jobs overseas if policy is enacted in a deliberate manner. A robust research and development effort must take place to provide the various technological advances that will be needed to achieve meaningful carbon dioxide reductions in a viable manner. Climate change reduction efforts must also be undertaken by other nations, particularly those with high levels of carbon emissions.

For a methodical, long-term approach to climate change to be effective, however, the Blue Dogs Coalition must promote the immediate start of that approach for this Nation and demand that our country begin to lead and not follow the world in addressing this critical issue.

3. Fuel Diversity

· A secure and diverse energy supply is critical to our future success as a nation. Blue Dogs support policies that encourage fuel diversity, add to existing power generation capacity, and decrease our reliance on foreign sources of energy.

· Long term U.S. energy independence will come from conservation, energy efficiency, and domestic energy sources such as renewable energy sources, biofuels, cellulosic ethanol, alternative energy, and other sources of domestic energy.

Biofuels: Biofuels have grown significantly in the past few years as a component of U.S. motor fuel supply. Ethanol is currently blended in nearly half of all U.S. gasoline, but the current biofuel supply represents less than 4% of total gasoline demand. Blue Dogs support increased federal investment in basic biofuels research in order to develop new feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol production, improve ethanol and biodiesel production efficiency, and foster new vehicle efficiency technologies.

Coal: The Blue Dog Coalition believes improving coal-fired power plants is important and should include regulatory reform that enables pollution reduction from existing plants. Significant increases in funding for R&D into new technologies such as carbon sequestration and improving the emissions output from coal-derived fuels is critically needed.

Geothermal: The U.S. currently produces 2,800 megawatts (MW) of geothermal electrical generating capacity, which is a renewable source of continuously dispatchable base load power that is connected to the nation’s power grid. U.S. Geological Survey estimates indicate that between 95,000 MW and 127,000 MW of additional resources sufficient for electrical power generation may be available. Blue Dogs support the continued development of geothermal energy.

Hydroelectric: Hydropower generates between 10 and 12 percent of U.S. electrical generation, or enough power to provide electricity to 33 million consumers. We believe that it is important to streamline duplicative regulations and intra-agency actions that unnecessarily complicate the licensing process but still protect the environment.

Nuclear: As a reliable, low-cost producer of large quantities of base load power, nuclear energy has the potential to figure prominently in the nation’s energy security by providing emissions-free electricity. Blue Dogs believe Congress must act to address the environmentally safe disposal of byproducts of nuclear power and continue to streamline the licensing process so that safety and siting-related issues are resolved before capital is invested.

Oil and Gas: The recent volatility of energy markets presents a threat to our economic well being and our national security. While domestic refiners continue to bring new capacity on line, the supply of refined petroleum is not meeting the demands of the economy. Our heavy reliance on foreign energy sources contributes to our international balance of payments problems and distorts our foreign policy by encouraging energy development in unstable regions of the world. Encouraging domestic exploration and production of petroleum is a responsible component of a national energy policy. The Blue Dogs recognize the capital-intensive nature of the oil and gas sector and will seek to encourage industry investment in new and existing sources and technologies. As federal policy directs the diversification of our national energy portfolio, the Coalition also recognizes that oil and gas will remain a vital component of the mix for the foreseeable future.

Renewable Energy: Renewable energy is the key to long term energy security. Although non-hydro renewable only account for 2 percent of total electricity generation, the future of utilizing wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and fuel cell technologies is bright. Long-term costs continue to fall as more efficient techniques are employed. To help these technologies make the leap from R&D to market viability, the federal government must make substantial investments in sustainable energy. Congress should also extend the wind energy production tax credit in order to provide greater long term market certainty.

4. Consistent and Transparent Federal Policy

· Predictable long term policy helps the market and keeps energy prices stable for consumers. Blue Dogs believe that Congress should, with deliberate speed, formulate a comprehensive and long term energy policy ~~take a long term view of energy policy~~.

· Regulatory reform can help businesses become more efficient and can improve consumers’ access to affordable energy.

The Blue Dog Coalition believes there is value to a consistent, transparent policy environment.

Although the Energy Policy Act of 2005 contains a number of bold policy initiatives, it does not constitute a comprehensive energy plan or policy. This Coalition believes that such a policy and plan must be formulated as soon as possible, within the constraints of transparency and deliberation. Because this nation is so dependent on foreign sources of petroleum and because our fossil energy use is known to significantly affect our climate, this plan must simultaneously address the interrelationship of our energy needs, our foreign policy goals, and the maintenance of a viable environment for present and future generations.

Regulations affecting the energy sector have evolved over decades, with many redundancies and inefficiencies built into our current regulatory environment. Blue Dogs support a full-scale review of the entire basket of energy regulatory policies in this country, with an eye toward reforming these regulations into a transparent, consistent set of rules that will work with greater efficiency.

5. Affordable Energy

· Rate stability and affordable energy prices are key Blue Dog priorities. We also support equitable tax policies that encourage production and energy efficiency for both energy suppliers and consumers.

· Reducing access to responsible energy exploration costs consumers and high energy prices disproportionately affect poorer consumers, both in urban and rural areas. Without domestic production or with heavily curtailed production, energy prices cannot stay affordable for all Americans.

During the past three decades, the United States’ use of energy has increased dramatically, as has our dependence on foreign sources of energy. According to the EIA, world daily oil consumption is projected to grow by 1.4 million bbls in 2007 and by 1.6 million bbls in 2008. In addition, EIA projects a steady increase in natural gas and electric use in the United States, which will create upward pressures on prices. Rate stability and access to affordable energy sources are key priorities of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Weatherization assistance is one of the most cost effective ways to save energy immediately, especially in low-income housing – which tends to be energy inefficient. The Coalition supports significant increases in~~additional~~ funding for state and federal weatherization programs, which often offer other information to consumers on how they can save energy other than through weatherization.

6. Electricity

· Blue Dogs support policies that encourage investment in transmission infrastructure, distributed generation, and a more efficient electricity grid.

The blackout of 2003 in the Northeast, Midwest, and Canada highlighted the need for infrastructure improvements and standard operating rules. Although Congress has taken steps in recent years to encourage competition in the power generation sector, investment in transmission infrastructure has not kept up with increases in electricity demand, regional congestion, and difficulty in siting new transmission lines.

Regardless of the source, delivery of electricity depends on the transmission infrastructure and Blue Dogs strongly support efforts to improve the system. Electric grid power reliability is a key issue of concern. Blue Dogs support distributed generation, the development of demand response technologies, and components of the Smart Grid as means to shore up our nation’s power supply.

7. Technology Development

· Energy policy should build on American strengths: innovation and independence. Research and development investments are critical for long term energy security.

· Blue Dogs recognize that key technologies central to solving climate change are not yet commercially viable and should be a priority of our research efforts.

In order to meet our future energy needs in an environmentally responsible manner, Blue Dogs believe we must commit to a significant federal investment in energy R&D. Promoting the development of cleaner, environmentally sensitive technologies will expand the resource base and lead to more efficient uses of hydrocarbons, coal, renewables and other energy sources.

Blue Dogs believe that through the robust backing of federal R&D programs, we can extend domestic energy sources and encourage the efficient exploration and production of energy supplies. Cutting-edge technology and research is also needed in areas such as plug-in hybrid battery technology and hydrogen fuel cells in order to reduce the cost of these, and other, key technologies.

The Department of Energy’s national laboratories have served as the incubator for development of many of the renewable energy technologies that we are beginning to see in commercial use today. Congress should support additional research missions for the national labs.

8. Energy Efficiency

· Energy efficient technologies and energy conservation are among the most important ways for the U.S. to reduce its energy consumption, benefiting both consumers and producers of energy.

· Blue Dogs support the furtherance of energy efficient technologies including green buildings, energy saving appliances, advanced lighting technology, and significantly better fuel economy standards.

Blue Dogs support the promotion of energy efficient light bulbs, high-efficiency vehicles, advanced batteries, home appliances, and energy storage. The Coalition believes the federal government should lead the way by moving toward green buildings and energy efficient programs for all federal buildings as soon as possible. Private sector energy efficiency improvements to new and existing buildings—both residential and commercial—should also be encouraged. Fuel economy standards for automobiles and small engines should also result in energy savings.

We also support improving energy efficiency assistance to state and local governments and believe that state utility regulatory commissions should adopt federal standards to promote energy efficiency. The Department of Energy’s successful Energy Star program should also be expanded. Finally, Blue Dogs support tax incentives for consumers and businesses that are early adopters of energy efficient technologies

OPD Newsletter - 10/14/2007

2007-10-22T13:10:00.000-05:00

OIL PATCH DEMOCRATS NEWSLETTER
FOR OCTOBER 14, 2007

new or changed items indicated with an orange background

this week's events in red font

UPCOMING CLUB ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

OPD october MEETING

Thurs, Oct 25, 7pm, venue to be announced

We do the final planning for the Nov 3 Lampson Energy Summit. Join us & bring your thinking cap!

OPD's ENERGY & Environment SUMMIT

Sat, Nov 3, 12-2:30pm, Madras Pavilion, 16260 Kensington Blvd, Sugar Land

Oilpatch Democrats is sponsoring an Energy & Environment Forum on November 3, 2007, at the Madras Pavilion in Sugar Land, right across Hwy 59 from First Colony Mall (on the NW corner of the intersection of Hwy 6 and US59). See attached flyer for more information. Representative Nick Lampson has agreed to be our main speaker. Here's what OPD President John Preston has to say about this event: " As all of you probably know, Congressman Lampson is the man who defeated Tom DeLay, and, if that was all he ever did, we owe him for this. But, of course, Nick has been working hard for his constituents since being elected and will face a tough re-election bid in 2008. Coming from the Houston region, he is very concerned about energy issues. Hey, we are concerned about the same issues. Nick so far is the only Texas delegation member to sign on to the Blue Dog Democratic Energy Proposal. Our own OPD group has screened this and other proposals, and would like for a few choice words to be added... this is a wonderful opportunity for us as individuals to have a direct input into a United States Congressmember concerning an issue that affects us all and in which most of us are even employed. Please make every effort to join us Saturday November 3 rd at noon for this very important meeting." The E&E Forum is also part of StepItUp2007's National Day of Climate Action ; go to http://events.stepitup2007.org/november/events/show/2300 to RSVP for this event or go to the number or email on the attached flyer, or contact either Jim Rine (jmrine@hotmail.com or 281-481-1386) or Donna Bryant (schpinna@yahoo.com or 281-870-5178).

NOVEMBER 6 GENERAL ELECTION

* ** ** ** ** ** * * * * V O T E * * * * ** ** ** ** ** *

If you need to find an early voting location, go to http://www.harrisvotes.com/Early_Voting/englishearlyvotingschedule.pdf.

School bond issues: for a somewhat biased overview of the school bond issues, go to—

Harris County http://www.houstonisd.org/HISDConnectDS/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=acf6a87e9d724110VgnVCM10000028147fa6RCRD&vgnextchannel=b70aaf955fdef010VgnVCM10000028147fa6RCRD

Cy-Fair

http://www.cfisd.net/bond2007e/bond_rec2.htm

For a good overview of the state constitutional amendments, Scott Hochberg's website clarifies the issue a little:

http://scotthochberg.com/amends.html

And, of course, the League of Women Voters has a comprehensive voting guide on their website: http://www.lwvhouston.org/

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

ELECTION WORKERS NEEDED FOR NOV 6

Harris County needs election workers for the Nov 6 election. Election workers must be registered voters in Harris County. There is a special need for workers who speak Spanish or Vietnamese. Election clerks are paid $6 an hour. If you can work on Election Day (either all day or part time), contact HCDP at 713-802-0085 or email april@hcdp.org.

BARBARA ANN RADNOFSKY CANDIDATE RECEPTIONS

Barbara Ann, who is looking at a 2010 race for State Attorney General, continues to host events for good Democrats stepping forward. Here is your chance to help those candidates. To attend any of these events or learn location details, please RSVP to Katie Floyd at 713-858-9391 or email katie.floyd@radnofsky.com .

• Reception for Sherrie Matula, candidate for Texas House District 129, on Wednesday, October 17 at 6:30 pm. Please visit Sherrie's website at www.sherriematula.com .

• Reception for Virginia McDavid, candidate for Texas House District 138, on Tuesday, October 30 at 6:30 pm.

• Reception for long-time police Chief C.O. Bradford, candidate for Harris County District Attorney, on Thursday, November 8 at 6:00 pm.

TALK: THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF UNDOCUMENTED RESIDENTS

Thurs, Oct 18, 5-6:30pm, Federal Reserve Bank Houston, 1801 Allen Parkway

Speaker: Pia Orrenius, Ph.D. Senior Economist and Policy Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Advance registration is required to enter the facility for security purposes. Law enforcement officers will not grant access to anyone who is not pre-registered. RSVP to Texas Economic & Demographic Association, teda@houston.org, or call 713/844-3618. Free for TEDA members; $10 per person for guests. Includes free parking (enter the parking garage from Gillette St. on the east side), reception, buffet meal. 5-5:30pm.

2007 ANNUAL HOUSTON CONSULAR BUSINESS FORUM

Fri, Oct 19, AON Tower, 1330 Post Oak Blvd.

This year's theme: Global energy conservation & the German marketplace. RSVP to Trey Fleming at 281-220-5150 or trey.fleming@capgemini.com. Featured talks:

• 10:35am, Texas Wind Energy Project, Carl Glaw, Lone Star Wind Alliance

• 11am, Keynote address—John Hofmeister, President of Shell Oil Company, The Future of Renewable Energy

JOHNSON- RAYBURN-RICHARDS DINNER—DEMOCRATS WALTZ ACROSS TEXAS

Saturday, October 20, 2007, JW Marriott Hotel

Congressmember Rahm Emanuel will be the featured guest at the 2007 Johnson-Rayburn- Richards Dinner. As chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in 2006, Representative Emanuel is credited with being the architect of the Democratic takeover of the United States House of Representatives, when he spearheaded the strategy which led to Democrats winning 30 new seats in the Congress. He now serves as chair of the House Democratic Caucus, the fourth highest ranking leadership position in the U.S. House of Representatives. Before being elected to Congress, Rep. Emanuel served as Senior Advisor to President Bill Clinton. Noted for his strong partisan style, Rep. Emanuel is co-author of the 2006 book The Plan: Big Ideas for America. Johnson-Rayburn-Richards Dinner chair Herman Litt has announced that the theme for this year's event (recently renamed in honor of the late, great Ann Richards) will be Democrats Waltz Across Texas, as we celebrate the sweep of Democratic victories in Dallas, Travis, and El Paso Counties and prepare to do the same thing here in Harris County. Go to http://www.hcdp.org/johnsonrayburn2007.html to reserve your sponsorship, table, or ticket to this year's gala event. Silent Auction Chair Leslie Taylor needs more items for the silent auction. Jewelry, artwork, coupons for services, gift certificates of all kinds (such as favorite eateries), tickets for sporting events and other entertainment events, use of vacation spots, books, gift baskets, and political memorabilia and other stuff all make excellent auction items. You can bring your items to the Harris County Democratic Party headquarters at 1445 N. Loop W., Suite 110 (just east of the I.B.E.W. hall) or call 713- 802-0085 or 832-868-9925 if you need to have them picked up by a volunteer. Leslie Taylor can be reached at 832-868- 9925 or lctaylor@earthlink.net.

SPRING BRANCH DEMOCRATS MEETING

Wed, Oct 24, 6:30-8:30pm, 2600 Gessner, 2nd floor conference room

Spring Branch dems have started up a new club. This month, their keynote speakers will be Rick Noriega, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senator. Also attending will be City of Houston Controller, Annise Parker and two city council contenders for At Large Pos 5, Zaf Tahir and Jolanda Jones. They will be discussing the Constitutional amendments on the November ballot. The meeting will be located on the medical office complex on Gessner between Kempwood and Hammerly; please enter at the center of the office complex, 2nd floor on the left. RSVP to crow_2004vote@hotmail.com or Pat at 713-690-3662.

TRAVELING VIETNAM WALL & IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN FLAG MEMORIAL

Oct 26-29, Veterans Memorial Park, 1800 Tidwell

The Iraq and Afghanistan flag memorial will be displayed along side the traveling Vietnam War Wall Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park at 1800 Tidwell (between Hardy Toll road and Hwy 59) from Oct. 26 to 29. Volunteers are needed to help prepare for the display and to help at the display. All volunteers to help at the display have to attend a sensitivity training session (insurance requirement, last one offered is Oct 24). Contact Jim Rine to volunteer (281-414-1386). The traveling Vietnam Wall is anticipated to draw a number of people who would not normally be friendly to the peace movement, including members of Junior ROTC groups from area high schools. Consequently, this is a excellent opportunity to reach out beyond the "choir."

KICKOFF OF TEXBLOGPAC

Mon, Oct 29, 5:30-7:30pm, home of David Mincberg, 5406 Braeburn, Bellaire, 77401

Helping to elect a Democratic majority to the Texas House. Special guests will be State Representatives Garnet Coleman, Dora Olivo,Jessica Farrar, Ana Hernandez, and Ellen Cohen. Sponsors include The Texas Democratic Party, The House Democratic Campaign Committee, Congressman Nick Lampson, Barbara Radnofsky, Jim Henley, and Joe Jaworski. For additional information, or to sponsor the event, call Charles Kuffner at 713-825-0013. Contributions and sponsorships can be completed online at http://www.actblue.com/page/texblogpac.

CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT PARTY—DAVID MINCBERG FOR HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE

Tues, Oct 30, 5:30-7:30pm

The Art Studio of Molly Gochman, 2445 North Boulevard. For more information, contact info@mincbergforcountyjudge.com, www.mincbergforcountyjudge.com.

5TH ANNUAL HOUSTON PEACE & JUSTICE CENTER (HPJC) BANQUET

Fri, Nov 9, 6pm, University Hilton Hotel on the UH campus

Tickets $75 each. Cindy Sheehan will receive the National Peacemaker Award and deliver the main address. State Senator Rodney Ellis, Houston Area Women's Center, and Bob Randall of Urban Harvest will also be honored. There are donor categories that will allow people who cannot afford the ticket to attend (don't be hesitant to ask for a subsidized seat). For more information, go to http://www.hpjc.org/hpjc_awards_2007.html or call 713/861-2494.

FAIR ELECTIONS ACTION WEEK

Nov 12-16

http://www.fairelectionsnow.org/. A local group is already taking action, the True Courage Action Network, a group that's dedicated to clean elections and public financing of elections. For more information about these folks, please take the time and trouble to go to one of their meetings (2nd Monday of every month, Looscan Library, 2510 Willowick (near Central Market / Highland Village inside Loop 610). You can find them on the web at http://cfr.meetup.com/42/, or visit http://www.publicampaign.org/.

VETERANS FOR PEACE—FREEWAY BLOGGING

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday, 5:00 to 6:15 pm

HOUSTON PEACE & JUSTICE CENTER

I wanted to summarize all the great events this group is sponsoring in the next few months, but there are just too many. Please go to http://www.hpjc.org/hpjccalendar.asp to see their dynamic calendar.

PROGRESSIVE FORUM

Wortham Center. Order your tickets online at http://www.progressiveforumhouston.org/index.htm.

DR. JAMES HANSEN–WEDNESDAY, OCT. 24, 7:30 PM. Climate Change: The Latest Science. Premiere climatologist, Dr. James Hansen was the first to create broad awareness of global warming in his Congressional testimonies in 1980s. He heads the NASA Institute for Space Studies in New York City.

KEN BURNS—TUESDAY, NOV 13. This fall, acclaimed PBS documentarian Ken Burns, will release his latest television series on World War II called "The War."

TRUE OR FALSE?

Many of you might have gotten these in emails. Snopes is working on this (http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/gastips.asp). but OPD is supposed to be full of energy experts. You tell us: are these good ideas? Respond to schpinna@yahoo.com with your analysis—

1. Fill up your car or truck in the morning when the temperature is still cool. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground; and the colder the ground, the denser the gasoline. When it gets warmer gasoline expands, so if you're filling up in the afternoon or in the evening, what should be a gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and temperature of the fuel (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products) are significant. Every truckload that we load is temperature-compensated so that the indicated gallon is actually the amount pumped. A one-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for businesses, but service stations don't have temperature compensation at their pumps.

2. If a tanker truck is filling the station's tank at the time you want to buy gas, do not fill up; most likely dirt and sludge in the tank is being stirred up when gas is being delivered, and you might be transferring that dirt from the bottom of their tank into your car's tank

3. Fill up when your gas tank is half-full (or half-empty), because the more gas you have in your tank the less air there is and gasoline evaporates rapidly, especially when it's warm. (Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating 'roof' membrane to act as a barrier between the gas and the atmosphere, thereby minimizing evaporation .)

4. If you look at the trigger you'll see that it has three delivery settings: slow, medium and high. When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to the high setting. You should be pumping at the slow setting, thereby minimizing vapors created while you are pumping. Hoses at the pump are corrugated; the corrugations act as a return path for vapor recovery from gas that already has been metered. If you are pumping at the high setting, the agitated gasoline contains more vapor, which is being sucked back into the underground tank so you're getting less gas for your money.

THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NEWS & OTHER NEWSLINKS

The Economic Lies Behind the Republican Debate (by one of our own)—

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hale-stewart/the-economic-lies-from-th_b_67786.html

Repeating this one, because it's so pertinent to most of our lives: Junk your junk mail, cut your carbon and win a $3,000 Clutterbusters home makeover—

http://mail.democrats.com/CT00020503MTE0MDA5NAAA.HTML?D=2007-09-10

Clean elections & public campaign financing….honesty, whatta concept—

http://cfr.meetup.com/42/ (Houston), or http://www.publicampaign.org/

Texas Legislature tripled parks funding—

http://www.environmenttexas.org/newsletters/fall07

Study by League of Women Voters: Mandated Achievement Testing in the Public Schools of Texas—

http://www.lwvtexas.org/issuestudiespress.htm

No Child Left Behind declared "fundamentally flawed" by Bush 41 official—

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/03/opinion/03ravitch.html)

Oh, yeah!!! Gore and UN Panel Win Nobel Peace Prize—

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/101207J.shtml

And, last but not least, you want to drink …. WATER?? Go figger—

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5205469.html

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

JOB LISTINGS – Contact Jim Porter phone 713-781-2010, email - jhp356d@yahoo.com

Position Title: Supervisor Safety Location: New Orleans

Primary Responsibilities: The Safety Supervisor is responsible for the oversight of the safety & construction programs and practices for New Orleans and Gulf of Mexico operations

Skill Profile:

• 5-10 years experience as a safety specialist, coordinator, or supervisor

• College degree preferred. BS or BA in Safety, Industrial Hygiene or related field

• Thorough knowledge of offshore safety programs and certification requirements

• Experience with and working knowledge of USCG/MMS regulations

Position Title: Eng/Prod Technician Location: Houston

Job Overview: Provide technical and economic analysis support for Engineering and daily production reports for Production Groups.

Position Specification:

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent (required)

• At Least 5 yrs Experience in the E&P Business (required)

• Excellent skills with MS Excel, Word, and Internet Applications

• Experience with PHdWynn and daily production reporting (desired)

Position Title: Senior Geologist Location: Houston

Minimum Requirements:

• B.S. or B.A. in Geology (or related).

Position Title: Senior Reservoir Engineer Location: Houston

Minimum Requirements:

• B.S. in Petroleum Engineering (or related field).

Position Title: Marketing Assistant

Position Specification:

• Bachelor’s degree required in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related field.

• Minimum of three years natural gas scheduling or oil and gas accounting experience.

• Familiarity with pipeline electronic bulletin boards.

• Strong quantitative analytical and problem solving skills.

• Computer literate – MS Office; Dynacap, Procount experience a plus.

• Available for possible after hours and/or weekend work

Position Title: Development Geologist, Rocky Mountain CoalBed Methane Operation

Locations—Houston-based office with Denver, CO and Sheridan, WY field offices

Utilize geoscience analysis to generate high return drilling opportunities leading to an increase in the Company’s reserve base. Evaluate producing properties and upgrade the 3P reserve inventory.

Qualifications:

• Must have sufficient expertise with development geoscience techniques to work without a high degree of supervision, including a basic understanding of well drilling/logging operations.

• Must have strong subsurface mapping skills (in addition to computer mapping skills) and exposure to unconventional resource plays.

• Must be able to effectively communicate with both field and office personnel.

• 5+ Years experience as a Development Geologist

If Jim makes a placement from this advertisement, he will send OPD a check for $1,000 for each placement made using the OPD newsletter.

FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS

Did you move? Change your phone or have a different e-mail address? Please email John with your updated information.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTACTS

Do you have any ideas for speakers, events, fundraisers, working meetings, etc.? Contact one or all of the Executive Committee—

John Preston (President)—johnwmp@hal-pc.org

Larry Kremer (Vice President)—lnkremer@sbcglobal.net

Donna Bryant (Secretary)—schpinna@yahoo.com

Roopa Gir (Treasurer)—roopa1@slb.com

Jim Cargas (General Counsel, PAC Treasurer)—jcargas@aol.com

Energy & Environment Forum

2007-10-22T11:56:00.000-05:00

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Please RSVP to the Energy & Environment Forum!!