Special Report by the Creative Youth News Team
December 18, 2007
Dennis Kucinich and Maxine Waters won the top honors as Congressman and Congresswoman of the Year, 2007. This latest recognition came from the national membership of the organization often considered the most progressive Democratic club in America, the Patrick Henry Democratic Club of America.
Each year, the national membership is polled for nominations. Then the members have approximately a month to vote for the leaders of their choice. Unlike public elections, there is close to 100% participation in the voting for these awards.
"It was no surprise that Dennis Kucinich and Maxine Waters won the top Congressional honors," club chairman Ruth Hull-Richter stated. "They have been working overtime to protect the interests of the American people and setting an example for the rest of Congress to follow. The members of the PHDC closely watch the voting records of the members of Congress and believe in recognizing good work."
The work of Dennis Kucinich was repeatedly mentioned throughout the evening. With the support of the vast majority of Americans, Kucinich filed and brought to the floor articles of impeachment against Dick Cheney. He has worked to stop the war in Iraq, prevent war with Iran, protect immigrants rights, protect youth rights, protect and restore civil rights and civil liberties, restore the Constitution, abolish nuclear weapons, abolish the death penalty, bring about free college, and guarantee a living wage and universal health care to all Americans. Youth member Alex H., former secretary of the club, who will be voting for the first time in February, stated, "Dennis has a practical, realistic plan to bring the American dream to all Americans. His record is one of following through with his promises. He is an inspiration to all future leaders,"
If you ask PHDC members, Maxine Waters also has a record of excellence. Alex noted, "She would make an excellent Vice Presidential candidate because she understands both domestic and foreign policy and she definitely has courage." Youth Chairman Natasha H. pointed out, "Maxine is really nice and she cares about everyone." Like Kucinich, Waters supports peace, universal health care, lowering the voting age, abolishing the death penalty, repealing the Patriot Act, and allowing the people of foreign countries to select their own leaders. Another member pointed out, "...when a crisis happens, Maxine always shows up to set things right. She was there for the victims of Katrina. She is there for the victims of police violence. She is there for victims of a health care crisis in Los Angeles that is out of control."
The Senator of the Year Award, to the surprise of outsiders, went to Paul Wellstone. The Democratic Senators compromised so much this year and voted for so much bad legislation that the club didn't know what to do with the award until one member nominated Paul Wellstone, who represented the standard of what great Senators could be and do.
The State Legislator of the Year went to Sheila Kuehl for SB 840, the most comprehensive universal health care bill that has been presented to the California legislature. It provides the type of health care called for by Dennis Kucinich and by Michael Moore, producer of Sicko.
The World Leader of the Year went to Hugo Chavez, a populist leader who has the overwhelming support of his people. Chavez recently tried to expand prosperity and democracy in Venezuela. He attempted to push through a referendum that would have given voters more freedom in their decisions, lowered the voting age and allowed the masses a larger chunk of the nation's wealth. Though that referendum narrowly failed, Chavez promised to continue his work to redistribute the wealth to the masses and to expand democracy. He continues to be supported by the vast majority of Venezuelans.
The Villain of the Year is went to Bush/Cheney. Members feel that the two, working together, were responsible for the wars, problems with the economy and the attacks on the Constitution. It was noted that the first runner-up who lost to Bush/Cheney was Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi almost won, but on the last day of voting, Bush/Cheney pulled off a coup, but unlike in Florida, this time Bush/Cheney legitimately won.
Christina Avalos, who has long worked to protect human rights for all, won the Humanitarian of the Year Award. Christina is working two jobs while finishing the work for her PhD and running for Congress. She repeatedly goes out of her way to assist those in need, often putting aside her own interests to assist others. In 2006 and 2007, she has helped organize the Congreso Latino. At the meeting she was true to form, bringing presents for everyone who attended as her way of celebrating the upcoming holidays.
Vicki Wilson and Eric Goren received the Spirit of America Award. Since 2000, they have been strong activists for democracy, peace and human rights. Eric Goren, a cardiologist, and Vicki Wilson, a veteran and Eric's wife, have frequently organized events and been among the top leaders of the peace movement in Southern California. They have led the fight to bring liberal Democrats to public office in the Southland. As the PHDC chairman pointed out, Vicki and Eric have done more than 99% of those who have no obstacles and have been a major inspiration to peace activists everywhere.
The Patriot of the Year Award went to Natasha Hull-Richter and Alexandar Hull-Richter, the two youth rights activists who convinced the California Democratic Party to call for the impeachment of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. They were recognized for championing this and fighting for other causes, such as lowering the voting and drinking age, ending youth torture camps in the United States, freeing the Jena Six, eliminating age-related discrimination in general and restoring freedom to America. It was pointed out that, when Natasha was 9 and Alexandar was 11, after the Democratic headerquarters had closed on election day, 2000, they continued calling voters right up till the closing of the polls to get out the vote for Al Gore. After facing down the Bush rent-a-thugs in Los Angeles, they went on to organize the January 20th Counter-Inaugural in that city.
Pat Alviso, Ed Garza Professor Jarret Lovell, Abraham Ramirez, Thutrang Tran and Robert Patrick Dietrich, also known as The Sanchez Six, received the Courage under Fire Award for their bravery in staging a sit-in at Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez's office in an attempt to get her to ppose the funding for the War in Iraq. They had known Loretta, personally, and Ed was a member of the California Democratic Party Executve Board, but this didn't help their cause. They were arrested, but the charges were later dropped by the Orange County District Attorney's office.
Cindy Sheehan was recognized with the She Speaks for Me Award. The title says it all. Members of the club expect to see Cindy Sheehan elected to Congress in November, 2008.
The Peace Activist of the Year Award went to the President of the ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition. ANSWER has has held national peace rallies with crowds of over a million activists in places like Washington D.C.
The Educator of the Year Award went to Michael Novick, celebrated author of White Lies, White Power. Novick has worked to end racism in the United States and to free political prisoners. At the Awards meeting, he gave a powerful presentation about racism and imperialism in America and about what each individual needs to do to make a difference.
The big surprise came when the youth chairman announced that the club had secretly voted Ruth Hull-Richter the Activist of the Year Award. Ruth, stunned, by the award, thanked the members and reminded them that they were all great activists and important leaders in their own right.
Almost half of the recipients were at the meeting to receive their awards during the meeting. Others will be receiving their awards at the first convenient opportunity in the New Year.
Dennis Kucinich and Maxine Waters won the top honors as Congressman and Congresswoman of the Year, 2007. This latest recognition came from the national membership of the organization often considered the most progressive Democratic club in America, the Patrick Henry Democratic Club of America.
Each year, the national membership is polled for nominations. Then the members have approximately a month to vote for the leaders of their choice. Unlike public elections, there is close to 100% participation in the voting for these awards.
"It was no surprise that Dennis Kucinich and Maxine Waters won the top Congressional honors," club chairman Ruth Hull-Richter stated. "They have been working overtime to protect the interests of the American people and setting an example for the rest of Congress to follow. The members of the PHDC closely watch the voting records of the members of Congress and believe in recognizing good work."
The work of Dennis Kucinich was repeatedly mentioned throughout the evening. With the support of the vast majority of Americans, Kucinich filed and brought to the floor articles of impeachment against Dick Cheney. He has worked to stop the war in Iraq, prevent war with Iran, protect immigrants rights, protect youth rights, protect and restore civil rights and civil liberties, restore the Constitution, abolish nuclear weapons, abolish the death penalty, bring about free college, and guarantee a living wage and universal health care to all Americans. Youth member Alex H., former secretary of the club, who will be voting for the first time in February, stated, "Dennis has a practical, realistic plan to bring the American dream to all Americans. His record is one of following through with his promises. He is an inspiration to all future leaders,"
If you ask PHDC members, Maxine Waters also has a record of excellence. Alex noted, "She would make an excellent Vice Presidential candidate because she understands both domestic and foreign policy and she definitely has courage." Youth Chairman Natasha H. pointed out, "Maxine is really nice and she cares about everyone." Like Kucinich, Waters supports peace, universal health care, lowering the voting age, abolishing the death penalty, repealing the Patriot Act, and allowing the people of foreign countries to select their own leaders. Another member pointed out, "...when a crisis happens, Maxine always shows up to set things right. She was there for the victims of Katrina. She is there for the victims of police violence. She is there for victims of a health care crisis in Los Angeles that is out of control."
The Senator of the Year Award, to the surprise of outsiders, went to Paul Wellstone. The Democratic Senators compromised so much this year and voted for so much bad legislation that the club didn't know what to do with the award until one member nominated Paul Wellstone, who represented the standard of what great Senators could be and do.
The State Legislator of the Year went to Sheila Kuehl for SB 840, the most comprehensive universal health care bill that has been presented to the California legislature. It provides the type of health care called for by Dennis Kucinich and by Michael Moore, producer of Sicko.
The World Leader of the Year went to Hugo Chavez, a populist leader who has the overwhelming support of his people. Chavez recently tried to expand prosperity and democracy in Venezuela. He attempted to push through a referendum that would have given voters more freedom in their decisions, lowered the voting age and allowed the masses a larger chunk of the nation's wealth. Though that referendum narrowly failed, Chavez promised to continue his work to redistribute the wealth to the masses and to expand democracy. He continues to be supported by the vast majority of Venezuelans.
The Villain of the Year is went to Bush/Cheney. Members feel that the two, working together, were responsible for the wars, problems with the economy and the attacks on the Constitution. It was noted that the first runner-up who lost to Bush/Cheney was Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi almost won, but on the last day of voting, Bush/Cheney pulled off a coup, but unlike in Florida, this time Bush/Cheney legitimately won.
Christina Avalos, who has long worked to protect human rights for all, won the Humanitarian of the Year Award. Christina is working two jobs while finishing the work for her PhD and running for Congress. She repeatedly goes out of her way to assist those in need, often putting aside her own interests to assist others. In 2006 and 2007, she has helped organize the Congreso Latino. At the meeting she was true to form, bringing presents for everyone who attended as her way of celebrating the upcoming holidays.
Vicki Wilson and Eric Goren received the Spirit of America Award. Since 2000, they have been strong activists for democracy, peace and human rights. Eric Goren, a cardiologist, and Vicki Wilson, a veteran and Eric's wife, have frequently organized events and been among the top leaders of the peace movement in Southern California. They have led the fight to bring liberal Democrats to public office in the Southland. As the PHDC chairman pointed out, Vicki and Eric have done more than 99% of those who have no obstacles and have been a major inspiration to peace activists everywhere.
The Patriot of the Year Award went to Natasha Hull-Richter and Alexandar Hull-Richter, the two youth rights activists who convinced the California Democratic Party to call for the impeachment of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. They were recognized for championing this and fighting for other causes, such as lowering the voting and drinking age, ending youth torture camps in the United States, freeing the Jena Six, eliminating age-related discrimination in general and restoring freedom to America. It was pointed out that, when Natasha was 9 and Alexandar was 11, after the Democratic headerquarters had closed on election day, 2000, they continued calling voters right up till the closing of the polls to get out the vote for Al Gore. After facing down the Bush rent-a-thugs in Los Angeles, they went on to organize the January 20th Counter-Inaugural in that city.
Pat Alviso, Ed Garza Professor Jarret Lovell, Abraham Ramirez, Thutrang Tran and Robert Patrick Dietrich, also known as The Sanchez Six, received the Courage under Fire Award for their bravery in staging a sit-in at Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez's office in an attempt to get her to ppose the funding for the War in Iraq. They had known Loretta, personally, and Ed was a member of the California Democratic Party Executve Board, but this didn't help their cause. They were arrested, but the charges were later dropped by the Orange County District Attorney's office.
Cindy Sheehan was recognized with the She Speaks for Me Award. The title says it all. Members of the club expect to see Cindy Sheehan elected to Congress in November, 2008.
The Peace Activist of the Year Award went to the President of the ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition. ANSWER has has held national peace rallies with crowds of over a million activists in places like Washington D.C.
The Educator of the Year Award went to Michael Novick, celebrated author of White Lies, White Power. Novick has worked to end racism in the United States and to free political prisoners. At the Awards meeting, he gave a powerful presentation about racism and imperialism in America and about what each individual needs to do to make a difference.
The big surprise came when the youth chairman announced that the club had secretly voted Ruth Hull-Richter the Activist of the Year Award. Ruth, stunned, by the award, thanked the members and reminded them that they were all great activists and important leaders in their own right.
Almost half of the recipients were at the meeting to receive their awards during the meeting. Others will be receiving their awards at the first convenient opportunity in the New Year.