Here's the Solution.

Yesterday, it offered its latest "solution" for "security". And yes, that "solution" involves more guns. The NRA wouldn't have it any other way, even if that means more guns in schools.

Yet while the NRA is busy "rebranding", gun safety advocates seem to be busy preparing to win some elections.





Last night, we dropped by an OFA phone bank. And this wasn't just any phone bank. Southern Nevada volunteers were calling into Washington State for I-594.

Why? Initiative 594 (I-594) is the background checks initiative on this fall's ballot there. Just like Nevada, a handful of politicians in Olympia (Washington's State Capital) blocked a background checks bill that had strong public support. So after the bill died in the State Capitol, gun safety advocates gathered more than enough signatures to place I-594 on the 2014 general election ballot.

Last night, OFA volunteers in Henderson were calling voters in Washington State to explain I-594 and ask them to vote for this background checks initiative. The NRA & gun industry have been hoping that lower midterm turnout and snazzy "media strategy" would be enough to kill I-594. But last night, volunteers were calling voters the NRA wasn't counting on to vote. And they were sharing with these voters the message the NRA doesn't want them to hear.







While the NRA wants to continue debating the "philosophy" of "well regulated militia" and trying to redefine the English language, the rest of America wants an end to the bloody reign of #gunfail. The rest of America is looking to end the armed madness that senselessly threatens so many lives.

#GunSense will be on the ballot in Washington State this year... And may then be on the ballot in Nevada in 2016. And perhaps in more states, voters will finally have the opportunity to do what the NRA has forbidden so many politicians from even considering. Here may finally be the solution concerned citizens have been looking for.

Talk About "Constituent Service"

(Also at Daily Kos)

This week, the entire world is on edge. Will we all witness an unprecedented economic catastrophe? Will the G-O-TEA's flirtation with Armageddon lead America to just that?

There were plenty of anxious Nevadans gathering outside Rep. Joe Heck's (R-What?) Las Vegas area office to demand an end to the G-O-TEA manufactured crisis. Yet when they arrived, Heck's staff called police on them. And that was just the start of their "constituent service".







While the peaceful demonstration outside Heck's office was underway, four police cars arrived. Yet upon witnessing the nonviolent protesters from Nevada AFL-CIO, OFA Nevada, and local progressive grassroots, Las Vegas Metro police officers just asked them not to block traffic (they didn't), then told them to proceed in exercising their First Amendment rights.

Just before police arrived, several local workers spoke to the crowd about what they've endured so far this month. Two federal workers are furloughed, one federal worker is being forced to work without pay, and one contractor is looking for work. Needless to say, people here in Southern Nevada are feeling the pain. What makes this even more painful is that it's absolutely unnecessary, and that's why they and the protesters were calling on Rep. Heck to stop playing Russian Roulette on the American people and let them get back to work.





This manufactured crisis has already caused plenty of economic damage. But if this continues and Republicans like Joe Heck force the nation into Armageddon, we'll only see even more unnecessary pain and suffering. That's why even Brian Sandoval, Nevada's Republican Governor, has been begging Congress to end the G-O-TEA Shutdown already.





A few protesters were allowed upstairs to talk with Rep. Heck's staff at first. It didn't take long before they were sent back down. The rest, however, were not even given a chance to be heard. Not even constituents from Nevada's 3rd Congressional District were allowed in the office.

Above is a photo of the constituents who wanted to speak with Heck's staff. And below is a video showing what happened when they tried...



Until the staffer said he didn't want any of it on the record. And just as I had to shut off the recording, he slammed the door on his boss' constituents. Talk about "constituent service"!

Rep. Heck's office had no answer to the question we're all asking: When will the insani-TEA end? People here in Southern Nevada are hurting. And all Rep. Joe Heck and his staff are doing about it... Is calling the police and slamming doors on Heck's own constituents.

The Stories That Won't Go Away

Last week, we saw some amazing actions off the 215 Freeway near Henderson. DREAMers and other immigrant rights activists gathered to pray outside Rep. Joe Heck's NV-03 district office. And to everyone's surprise, Rep. Heck came down to listen to the activists. He even participated in a couple prayers.

Yet since then, we haven't seen a convincing indication of change from the G-O-TEA bloc in Congress. While Rep. Joe Heck seemed to change his tune last week, we've yet to see if this will translate into action.





This is why local OFA activists gathered at Pebble Park today. Just across the street from Rep. Heck's office, they shared stories on why immigration reform matters to them.

One local activist spoke of students she worked with when she taught in Southern California. Another shared his experience working with farm workers in Washington State. And Miguel, the local OFA organizer, shared his own family's story and opened up on the journey of his older brothers as DREAMers.







These are just some of the many stories that Rep. Joe Heck has had to encounter. These are just some of the many people in Southern Nevada calling for reform. These are just some of the many signs of Nevada's and America's future.

These are the stories that won't go away. This is a critical issue that won't go away. So what will Rep. Heck do next?

Just a Reminder

As this month began, we looked at what (little) the 113th Congress has accomplished going into August Recess. As the month has gone on, constituents have been letting their Members of Congress know what they think of what's on the agenda on Capitol Hill. And locally, some have done even more.

On Saturday, local OFA volunteers stood outside the Henderson DMV to collect signatures for a petition to Rep. Joe Heck (R-Henderson) to support HR 1565, the bipartisan background checks bill. It's been out for some time, yet Rep. Heck has not taken a position on it. And what makes this even more awkward is that Rep. Heck himself endorsed the content of this bill just six months ago.








This is why OFA volunteers were gathering petition signatures Saturday. This is why over 100 people signed... Just that morning. And this is what Rep. Heck will be reminded of before he returns to DC next month.

This policy has broad, bipartisan support. It's now in Congress' hands. And it's truly the least Congress can do on gun violence prevention.

Sometimes, they have to be reminded... Even of the most basic things.

Can't He At Least Do That?

Back in February, gun violence looked to be on top of the national agenda as communities across the nation were reeling from massacres and constant shootings. Back then, Rep. Joe Heck (R-Henderson) held a town hall in Old Henderson and fielded many questions on gun safety. He refused to consider measures that most Nevadans support, like a new ban on military grade assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

However even in declaring this, Rep. Heck left the door open to other policy solutions. Specifically, he endorsed expansion of background checks for gun purchases. And at least for that moment, it appeared as if Congress could actually accomplish something.

Of course, we remember what happened in April. Yet despite this, HR 1565 remains. It does exactly what Rep. Heck promised to support (expanding background checks for gun purchases). It was introduced by a fellow Republican (Peter King [R-New York]). And it now has 184 co-sponsors, including both of the other Southern Nevada Representatives (Dina Titus [D-Paradise] and Steven Horsford [D-North Las Vegas]).

So why hasn't Rep. Heck taken action yet? That's what local OFA volunteers were asking. They also called fellow Nevadans and asked them to call Rep. Heck about HR 1565 and gun safety.





Even though we haven't seen a major massacre making national headlines recently, that doesn't mean gun violence is no longer a serious problem. Ask Jill Schaller and the Reno Police Department about that. And for that matter, ask the many communities around the state and across the nation about the daily gun violence tragedies they witness.







Congress has the ability to do something. Rep. Joe Heck has the ability to do something. And his House Republican colleagues have the ability to do something.

They can start by passing HR 1565. The least they can do is expand background checks to prevent dangerous criminals from getting their hands on dangerous weapons. Can't they at least do that?

One Miraculous Birthday Party

Yesterday was President Obama's birthday. And all over the nation, OFA activists were celebrating. We even saw some celebrations in Nevada.

One was put together by Loretta Harper and The Miracle Workers. They celebrated the President's birthday... And raised money for OFA, and raised awareness on critical issues, and signed up volunteers for action. This birthday party was quite productive!





Yesterday, the group heard from Miracle Workers who are working on gun safety, immigration reform, climate change, and health care. And they were brought up to date on what OFA is doing on all these issues and more. And again, they had the opportunity to sign up for future volunteer events.

Even though the campaign is over, the movement is just beginning. President Obama was reelected, but there's far more to do to advance the progressive agenda. 2012 has passed, 2013 is underway, and 2014 is right around the corner.







The Miracle Workers have become famous for their activism. They started as a few teachers and students who were concerned about their schools and inspired by a Presidential Candidate. Now, they're leading an incredibly powerful grassroots movement.

Oh, and they know how to have fun as well. There were plenty of balloons, chips & dip, spring rolls, pizza, birthday cake, funny glasses, auction prizes, party favors, and more. It was one miraculous birthday party.

What a Gun Show

This weekend will be Boulder City's Spring Jamboree. Typically, it's an event tailored for the whole family with an art fair, a car show, an antique show, plenty of kid friendly games, and more. And all of that will happen next weekend. And on top of all that, the Spring Jamboree will also feature the first annual Rocky Mountain Gun Show.

Wait, what?! No really, a gun show will be part of the Spring Jamboree. And thanks to Senator Dean Heller's (R-46%) recent move to block even a vote on gun safety legislation centered around closing "The Gun Show Loophole" for background checks, who knows who will show up in Boulder City for this?

On Saturday, local Boulder City activists were joined by Organizing for Action volunteers to protest both Senator Heller's capitulation to the gun lobby and Boulder City's shocking decision to include the Rocky Mountain Gun Show in the Spring Jamboree. After walking from the recreation center (where the gun show will be) to a nearby Episcopal Church, Barbara Polk explained why local residents are concerned about this.





And then, Esther Sass arose to speak of her brother-in-law's untimely death in front of the Empire State Building (in New York). He never had a chance, and that's only because his assailant had a gun. WARNING: The video below has a graphic image. Viewer discretion is advised.





A retired teacher also spoke in Boulder City. She worked in the Los Angeles Unified School District, and one of her students was shot dead. That was a horrifying experience that she will never forget.





And finally, ProgressNow Nevada and OFA super-activist Teresa Crawford came ready. She listed frightening statistics of Nevada guns that end up at California crime scenes. As we discussed in February, criminal outfits often buy guns in states with lax standards (like Nevada) and send them all over the place, even to states with strict gun safety laws (like California). And since there's currently no federal baseline for gun safety, it's difficult to curb this kind of trafficking.



And sadly, this is coming to Boulder City this weekend. It doesn't have to happen, but the Boulder City Council and the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce have been digging in their heels. All residents can do now is hope things don't get out of hand this weekend... And then, demand action to ensure this doesn't happen again. Oh, and they can tell Congress to finally get their act together on expanding background checks to gun shows and other "private sales".

A Memorable Visit to Reid's & Heller's Offices

Well, someone isn't backing down. On KNPR's "State of Nevada" this morning, Senator Harry Reid (D) reiterated his commitment to the comprehensive gun safety reform bill he is introducing into Congress. Even in the wake of Senator Dean Heller's (R) waffling on the matter, Reid is sticking to his bill.

We know gun violence is a serious problem here in Nevada. We've seen it first hand in many instances. Yet now, Congress has a chance to act. Will Congress act?



This is why the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Demand Action campaign, ProgressNow Nevada, OFA Nevada, and more local citizens paid a visit to Senator Harry Reid's (D) and Senator Dean Heller's (R) respective offices at the Lloyd George Federal Courthouse in Downtown Las Vegas. They wanted the Senators to know Nevadans demand action. Yet in arriving there, protesters encountered a surprising twist.

But before we get to that, let's hear from ProgressNow's Brian Fadie on why action is needed.



We also heard from ProgressNow's Teresa Crawford. She also works as a nurse, so she's seen first hand the damage of gun violence.



Also speaking at the PLAN/ProgressNow office before the march to Lloyd George was Esther Sass. She's very much experienced the pain of gun violence first hand. And she powerfully made the case for action.





The group then made the trek to Lloyd George. Then upon arrival, they found out... They wouldn't be allowed in. Everyone then had to move out.

A representative from Senator Reid's office soon came out. He thanked the crowd for coming. And he reiterated Senator Reid'a support for expanded background checks.





He was soon followed by representatives from Senator Heller's office.



And that's all I can show you because Senator Heller's staff refused to allow cameras (but somehow KTNV's video camera was allowed to keep rolling, so at least there was that). The staff took the binder full of supporters of gun safety reform, but refused to state Senator Heller's position on gun safety. Again, they did not even want any recorded evidence of this occurring! Talk about a "profile in courage". (/snark)



Senator Heller is more than willing to pin all the blame on Hollywood for gun violence, yet Heller refuses to take any personal responsibility to fix the holes in current federal law. Again, 86% of Nevadans and about 90% of Americans support expanded background checks. So why won't Senator Heller commit to voting for that?

Surely, he doesn't agree with Sharron Angle and her "Second Amendment Remedies"? Surely, he thinks dangerous criminals should not have easy access to dangerous ammunition? So what's he afraid of?

¿Sí Se Puede?

So far, there's already been plenty of progress on comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). Negotiations have been underway for several weeks, and an actual bill may emerge as soon as next week. And public support for CIR only continues to grow. Yet despite all the positive developments, challenges remain. Now, it's just a matter of whether sustained "tea party" opposition to CIR is enough to kill the bill.

CIR supporters in Las Vegas didn't want to take any chances. So they took to Las Vegas Blvd. and demanded action. OFA Nevada took part, along with AFSCME, Dream Big Vegas, PLAN, and other CIR activists.





Former community organizer Mike Litt spoke. He organized for CIR in 2006, so he remembers the heated political atmosphere of that time. He also spoke of his own family's experience with immigration.



Rozita Lee also spoke. She's advocated civil rights both here in Nevada and nationally for some time. And her family also has experience on matters of immigration.



We've always been a nation of immigrants. And unless you are a Native American, your ancestors were immigrants. This is the story of America.

Yet for the past decade, it's been an epic struggle to do anything to fix the broken immigration system and address the plight of the approximately 12,000,000 undocumented immigrants in America today. The status quo is unsustainable. Many large employers just see undocumented immigrants as cheap labor to exploit. And our economy is hampered by the constant backlog, arduous process, and other needless delays that plague the current immigration system.

That's why Congress seems to be getting serious about doing something on comprehensive immigration reform... But can Congress finally deliver this time? Nevada's own Senator Dean Heller (R) has hinted at it, along with Reps. Mark Amodei (R-Carson City) and Joe Heck (R-Henderson). So will their fellow Republicans finally agree to a deal? That remains to be seen.

And that's why OFA, Dream Big Vegas, and other activists took to the street this week.

Nevada Democrats Nearing 7% Voter Registration Advantage

On Monday, we discussed the incredible voter registration gains that Nevada Democrats have achieved. Apparently, they're still not done gaining yet! Ralston just leaked the new statewide numbers with county breakdowns.

The Democrats now have a larger voter registration edge over Republicans in populous Clark County than in 2008, when the party swept to top-to-bottom victories.

The numbers continue to make Mitt Romney's path to victory very difficult and Dean Heller's road to a full Senate term quite problematic. [...]

The latest Clark County numbers show the Democrats now have a 125,441-voter lead. It was 125,218 in '08. Considering how different the world is -- not so hopey and changey -- that is remarkable.

The statewide edge, as of yesterday, is a little more than 86,000. And they are still counting thousands of new registrations in Clark

Just since Monday's report, Democrats' registration advantage grew from 14.32% to 14.88% as more registration forms have been processed. And apparently because the Clark County Election Department still (!!!) processing voter registration forms turned in last week, this may not even be the end of it.

Oh, and then there's Washoe County. Just since Tuesday's official Secretary of State report, Republicans' advantage in Washoe shrank some more, slipping from 1.03% (or 2,385 raw votes) to a mere 0.68% (or 1,620 raw votes). It looks like Democrats are also making big gains in the Reno area.

And again, we're not even done yet. More registrations up north and down south need to be counted. So keep that in mind when examining the current 86,325 raw vote advantage for Nevada Democrats. That makes for a 6.93% Democratic advantage statewide. If Democrats keep gaining on Republicans at a rate even close to what we've been seeing since the start of the summer, Nevada Democrats will probably close with a 7% statewide voter registration advantage.

Next week, we should finally see the full, official, and final registration report from the state. But in the mean time, there's growing evidence showing just how strong of a position Democrats are to keep Nevada a Blue State.