Americans love Independence Day. It is full of family and fun and gives everyone a chance to show our national pride. For me, it matches Thanksgiving as a national holiday that celebrates the courage America’s founders demonstrated in 1776 and the pride we have in our nation today.

This year, the 4th of July celebrations might be a little smaller, it is a natural response to the burdens that weigh on us - our military is still engaged in a war, our neighbors may be losing their homes to foreclosure, we are being shocked by skyrocketing increases in energy and transportation costs, we are making choices at the grocery store that we heard our parents and grandparents talk about from years ago. It hardly seems like a time to celebrate.

But, think about the founders of our nation. Think about the challenges they faced when deciding to fight for their independence. They were willing to risk everything in order to live as Americans. There was no road map for where they would take the nation they envisioned. The democratic republic had not been tested, but they were confident that they could create a nation that protected our individual rights, while securing our safety. Our founders were confident that we could worship where we like and say what we like and still create a national identity and spirit. Our founders were confident that they could create a framework that encouraged independence while envisioning a collective commitment to protect ourselves and our neighbors from harm or harassment. Our founders believed that out of many, we are one – E Pluribus Unum!

The recent Supreme Court ruling that recognizes the right of law-abiding Americans to own guns is important in several ways. First, it recognizes that the people have a constitutional right to defend themselves. Second, it resolves the argument about who makes up the militia – it is the people! Finally, it recognizes that the people, through our government, can decide who cannot have a gun, like convicted criminals, habitual drug abusers, the mentally ill and non-citizens.

In Maryland, we will likely have legal debate about one of the provisions in our State law that requires a person to show “good cause” for getting a carry permit. I think the Supreme Court ruling could cause that requirement to be declared unconstitutional.

While some lawyers and lobbyists on both sides want the battle to continue, I agree with most Americans who believe in our right to “keep and bear arms”. Most of us want to focus on other important issues.

6th District Congressional Candidate, Mayor Jennifer Dougherty, will conduct a Town Hall meeting on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Central Labor Council Headquarters, 511 E. Franklin Street in Hagerstown, MD, and is open to the public.

"The Economy and You" is the theme for the meeting, one of many that Dougherty will host throughout the 6th District during her campaign to unseat 8-term incumbent Roscoe Bartlett. Dougherty will address the need for job creation and expansion in the District, the cost of gasoline and the importance of this election.

Citing recent job losses at Rayloc in Hancock, MD and at Hagerstown's Volvo-Powertrain plant as examples of recent economic downturns in the District, Dougherty will discuss her plans for bolstering the local economy, and answer questions from constituents.

For information about attending the Town Hall Meeting, please contact Larry Barron 301-337-7774.

He's been elected to Congress 8 times, but he hasn't agreed to meet Jennifer Dougherty for even one debate.

Call Roscoe and tell him to show up for a debate in every county!
Bartlett's Office - 202-225-2721

Jennifer has asked Roscoe Bartlett to a debate in every county in the 6th Congressional District - Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Montgomery and Washington Counties. It's a big district and Jennifer wants voters to have the chance to make their own choice, rather than relying on what the media might cover.

Since February, Jennifer has asked 5 times for a debate in each county, but Roscoe's team says "NO." Even Sen. John McCain wants to have 10 Town Hall Meetings with Sen. Barack Obama so voters can make a good choice in November. Why won't Roscoe debate in every county?

November 4th will be here before you know it!
Help Jennifer to keep the pressure on!

The Presidential Race for ’08 is set – Obama vs. McCain. The historic Democratic Primary was energizing and fascinating in so many ways. More people registered, more people voted in Democratic primaries and more people contributed to the Democratic nominees than ever before. People across party lines have decided it is time to move forward by supporting Senator Barack Obama for President.

I am proud of the campaign waged by Sen. Hillary Clinton and I am proud to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for President of the United States. My vote counts the same as yours, being a candidate does not change that, but I believe that the choice is clear – “Hope for the Future” with Obama or “More of the Same” with McCain. The issues are too important and the problems too serious, I know you want solutions. I believe that when elected, the Obama Administration will lead the nation to rational economic policies, thoughtful environmental and energy policies and a responsible way to end the War in Iraq.

Now, I need your attention back in the 6th Congressional District, because it will be more of the same if 8-term incumbent Roscoe Bartlett returns to Congress. I need your financial support. You can contribute online by clicking here. Yes, times are tight, gas prices are through the roof, but contribute what you can – and then tell your friends to do the same. Every $25 or $50 helps to buy a radio ad or a block of yard signs. If you have the means, knock it out of the park and contribute more – the limit is $2,300 per election (and no corporate checks, please)! This election is important, let’s get the job done!

We have a great opportunity in Maryland’s 6th Congressional District. Marylanders are telling us that the economic issues have jumped to the front of the line. They are making tough choices about the simplest things because gas and food costs have cut into their spending power. The home mortgage crisis and real estate problems continue and the stalemate on the War in Iraq nags at every family who has someone serving and every family who worries about the next war. At this point, no one can predict the true cost of the war, but we know that more than 4,100 are dead and more than 30,000 are injured. The $2-3 trillion in costs is probably another low estimate. Things have to change!

I want to work for solutions in the 6th District – we need job creation, energy options and health care choices. Americans want us to return to the world stage as leaders in international diplomacy – working for peace in the Middle East, Africa and North Korea. Americans want us to return to the world stage as leaders in environmental and trade policies that protect our citizens, our environment, and our economy. I believe we can be leaders in the technologies that transform energy production, but it takes a commitment to action. I believe in action.

Now, I need you to act! I need you to make a contribution and send that link to your friends. This election can restore Maryland’s 6th Congressional District to Team Maryland. We can have our voices heard in Congress, but it won’t happen without your help.

Outside of the 6th District, we may be seen as “underdogs” in this race, but I have never heard so many people say “this is the year” and we “will win in November!” I believe it, you believe it and we will make them believe it, but we have to do it together!

Thanks for your help!

Do YOU want a sign?

Be the first on your block to get your campaign yard sign. Just drop us a hint (and sign up). We will deliver your sign or you can pick one up at your County Democratic Headquarters or the campaign office at 207 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD.

Make sure you let us know if you want a standard yard sign or a large 4’x8’ sign (suitable for large fences, fields and buildings).

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Join us for a discussion about the important issues facing the 6th congressional district and our country. We’ll supply the hot dogs, veggie dogs & refreshments. Just bring the family and your lawn chairs!

Thursday, July 24 – Sunday, July 27
Check here soon for exact times and locations.

This is a family-friendly rally to build awareness and excitement about the need for change in the 6th congressional district. Please volunteer to help in your home county.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, July 23rd.

For more information: Janine Mahraun 240-422-5822 or e-mail janinemahraun@gmail.com.

Today, Americans pause to honor those who have died in the service of our nation. From the founding of the republic, citizens have found ways to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the service of our nation.

Typically, communities have an All-American Parade with marching bands and Scout Troops. Others have patriotic remembrances at town cemeteries or Memorial Parks. Like you, I will pause today to offer my quiet thanks for their service and sacrifice.

When the day is done, Congress must decide how to best keep the promise made to today’s soldiers. The New G.I. Bill is a step in the right direction. The enhanced benefits for soldiers are a step in the right direction for service men and women who have earned the benefit.

When you see a service man or woman – thank them and then tell them you support the enhanced benefits contained in the new G.I. Bill.

Thursday, Roscoe Bartlett tried to explain his flip-flop on drilling for oil in ANWR on the Ron Smith Show on WBAL. After questions from Ron Smith, a caller said Bartlett was in denial, and then things really heated up when Jennifer called in. Listen for yourself: