Our "favorite" Congressman, Brad Miller has that designation for many reasons, at the top of my list is that he is a blogger.  He understands what few other legislators do, that the American people are hungry for involvement in their government.  That the "power of the people" is real and vigorous, particularly among Progressives.

Instead of a Tour of NC this Sunday, I thought instead I would provide a forum for all to put it on the table.  What is on your Wish List?

A big change is what I would like to see, no more of the Rubber Stamping that allows the Bush Administration to slash and burn our Constitution and our Civil Liberties. I want Checks and Balances back, I want all Americans allowed a voice, not just those with the mostmoney

A coded message was received, 10/28 Weaverville, BYOB, theme "Out of this World".  We knew the drill, we must find a disguise, Aliens had landed.  

It was just another autumnal day, later in the season the higher we climbed.  The wind was blowing, stripping the trees, exposing bare branches.  The color left was still spectacular, vivid yellow touched with orange to deep red.

Today I received an email from Brad asking for money.  At this time of the year most of us are pretty tapped out, but we still want our Dems to win.  This is part of his plea:  

We've almost raised enough to pay for what we've planned to spend on television, mail, flyers, signs, campaign staff, and all the rest. But not quite.  To be precise, we need an extra $37,895 by Tuesday, October 31.

At the turn of the century, when Tufts first developed Pinehurst into a health resort, a cry went out throughout the south to all "Negroes" - "there is work here".  They came to work, they came for land, and they came to live.

In the 111 years since Pinehurst was first urbanized, the African-American community of Jackson Hamlet has not been able to keep pace with its neighbor.  Pinehurst with its lush, green golf courses draws thousands of visitors a year.  They stay in the expensive rooms of the Carolina Hotel and the Holly Inn,, or play one of eight golf courses.  Many residents of Jackson Hamlet or their ancestors have worked in Pinehurst.  Some of them helped build it.

Please follow below the fold...

Algonquin, Sioux and Cherokee Indians roamed the Sandhills following the buffalo.  Few settled the area primarily due to the thick carpet of longleaf pine straw that made for hard travel and quick moving fires in the lightening season.  When the Europeans discovered that longleaf pines were a good source of naval stores such as turpentine and tar, the trees in the area were quickly used up and cut down.

From it's inception in 1902, Community Colleges, (originally Junior Colleges) have offered low cost alternatives to the Ivy Leagues.  Into the bargain add that they are closer to home and allow students of all ages to come together for one of two reasons; either a step to higher learning, or technical training.

With Bush's history of fast-tracking jobs overseas, American's must re-invent themselves or face the consequences of nonviable skills in an ever changing job market.  A two-year degree can be earned in a technical field while staying and possibly working within the community.  While Congress has voted to reduce funding for Pell Grants, Community Colleges continue to be a real choice for the middle and lower classes.

Throughout his political career, Brad Miller has represented the people by legislating with Democratic values.  Supporting small businesses, strengthening the public school system, increasing teacher's wages and supporting Smart Start are just the tip of his "values" iceberg.  Brad is running for re-election to again be the Representative of North Carolina's 13th District.