Get your opeds & LTRs published!

Mothers Day: "Arise then... women of this day!"

Lorraine Bieber — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:55:33 EDT

It is indeed puzzling that so many Republican members of Ohio's congressional delegation voted no on H.R. 1113, “Celebrating the role of mothers in the United States and supporting the goals and ideals of Mother's Day” (full warm and fuzzy text here).

...until you consider the origins of Mother's Day.

Julia Ward Howe, who penned The Battle Hymn of the Republic, also authored a mothers' Declaration calling on women to oppose war, and worked to get recognition of a Mother’s Day for Peace. Says Code Pink: "Were she alive today, Julia probably would have told her kids to dispense with the roses and chocolates, and instead join her in an anti-war rally. Yes, Julia Ward Howe was a peacenik."

[Howe] saw some of the worst effects of the [civil] war -- not only the death and disease which killed and maimed the soldiers. She worked with the widows and orphans of soldiers on both sides of the war, and realized that the effects of the war go beyond the killing of soldiers in battle. She also saw the economic devastation of the Civil War, the economic crises that followed the war, the restructuring of the economies of both North and South.
In 1870, Julia Ward Howe took on a new issue and a new cause….She called in 1870 for women to rise up and oppose war in all its forms. She wanted women to come together across national lines, to recognize what we hold in common above what divides us, and commit to finding peaceful resolutions to conflicts. She issued a Declaration, hoping to gather together women in a congress of action.

Howe failed in her attempt to get formal recognition of a Mother's Day for Peace, but her effort was carried on by Anna Jarvis, who had organized women during the Civil War to work for better sanitary conditions for both sides, and then toward reconciliation of Union and Confederate neighbors.

Jarvis’ daughter, of the same name, then took up the campaign for Mother’s Day. After the custom spread to 45 states, President Woodrow Wilson declared the first national Mother’s Day in 1914.

Julia Ward Howe's Mothers' Declaration:

Arise then...women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts!
Whether your baptism be of water or of tears!
Say firmly:
"We will not have questions answered by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage,
For caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country,
Will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

From the voice of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with
Our own. It says: "Disarm! Disarm!
The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."
Blood does not wipe our dishonor,
Nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil
At the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home
For a great and earnest day of counsel.
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace...
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,
But of God -
In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality,
May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.

Maybe Pryce, Schmidt, Tiberi, Chabot, Boehner, Regula, LaTourette, Hobson, and Turner have a thing against moms. But YOU can make this Mother's Day a Mother's Day For Peace.

Help CodePink help Iraqi refugee moms here.

Send a MomsRising Mother's Day card and tell the presidential candidates to fight for family-friendly policies. here.

Oh and don't forget to call the Congressional Switchboard at 1-800-839-5276 to give the above members of Congress a piece of your mind about H.R. 1113.

Do you have another suggestion for honoring Julia Ward Howe's Mothers' Declaration? Are you a mom working for peace? Leave a comment below.

Hope comes to Ohio's 12th Congressional District

Liberty Belle — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 00:17:08 EST

Hello, my name is David Robinson and I'm running for Ohio's 12th Congressional seat. I'd like to speak with you about a policy initiative that is central not only to my candidacy, but far more importantly-- to the future well-being of our country.

I'm calling this policy initiative the Apollo II program. By Apollo II I'm not referring to sending humans back to the moon or onward to Mars, but about a different kind of journey with a supremely important destination. I'm referring to the mission now before us of freeing ourselves from foreign oil, protecting our planet from dangerous climate change, and rebuilding our industries and jobs here in Ohio.

Here on American soil.

These three challenges: energy security, protecting the planet and creating good American jobs-- they all come together in the Apollo II program.

Three challenges, with one common solution.

At the heart of Apollo 2 is a bold, sustained national commitment to the creation of a clean-energy, sustainable economy. In this new economy wealth will be created and retained here in America.

The energy that fuels out lives will be in our hands, and we will once again control our own future.
A future we can look forward to with hope and faith that we are leaving a better world to our children.

With Apollo II, I am not suggesting merely small or incremental changes to existing systems but rather a game-changing, paradigm-shifting movement towards renewable energies and an efficient, sustainable, made-in-America economy.

Apollo II needs to be of a scope and of an intensity like the first Apollo program, leading to nothing less than a second INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.

Through robust research /development and pilot deployment, focused incentives and smart trade pacts, we can reward those who work and produce in ways that serve the national interest.

Instead of subsidizing-- as we do now, those that pollute, that keep us dependent and offshore jobs out of their short-term interest.

Specifically, Apollo II establishes the goal of complete energy independence by 2030, and an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.

These goals-- once firmly committed to, will unleash tremendous innovation in our country creating whole new industries and jobs--jobs that cannot be exported, raising the standard of living for millions of Americans.

We will immediately rewrite the rules with OPEC and foreign oil producers and we will assume the role of global leadership on combating climate change.

This is the kind of America that I believe in and that I know is possible. We the people want this, and so it's time to elect a President and a Congress that will lead us in this new direction.

I hope that you will join our campaign and that you will Vote: David Robinson for Congress.

Thank you very much.

I am David Robinson and I approve this message.

David ROBINSON for 12th Congressional District

Liberty Belle — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:42:40 EST

A longtime supporter of Pat Tiberi, I have always believed in responsible foreign and fiscal policy, but "our Congressman" says we should stay in Iraq another 100 years. I can not in good conscience pass off the cost of our foolish foreign policy to future generations.

Tiberi has also violated his only oath of office...to defend the Constitution. Tiberi repeatedly votes to support torture, rendition, warrant-less wiretapping, and to remove humanity's basic right to habeas corpus.

ROBINSON is different. A strong defender of the Constitution and Veterans' rights, ROBINSON believes supporting our troops means fighting for responsible and sustainable policies.

A tireless advocate of the environment, ROBINSON has plans for economic development in bio-fuel and bio-mass technologies. He envisions a non-petroleum-based future, reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Not only will ROBINSON's vision of new green industries rejuvenate Ohio's declining job market, it is also a responsible global position.

Honest and brilliant, ROBINSON has his Ph.D. in Theology and Psychology as well as an honors accounting degree from The Ohio State University. ROBINSON is the Vice President of a small local manufacturing company so ROBINSON understands the struggles of our country's largest employer, small businesses.

This "Progressive Republican" supports David ROBINSON -- a Democrat who will defend Americans far better than Tiberi.

David Robinson Endorsed by Ed Begley, Jr.

Liberty Belle — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:18:34 EST

Actor and leading conservationist Ed Begley, Jr.'s visit to central Ohio was more than an opportunity to talk with students about pressing environmental issues, it was an opportunity for him to meet with and encourage local activists and candidates.

The Emmy-nominated, award-winning actor was in central Ohio as the featured speaker for Otterbein College's Distinguished Lecture Series. Begley knows there are two possible responses to our environmental challenges: forget it and hope that government and corporations will figure it out, or take action yourself.

In the "take action yourself" camp, a few individuals are leading the way. One such person is Ed Begley, Jr.

Environmental lawyer and long-time friend, Bobby Kennedy, Jr. has said "Ed has a greater sense of social obligation than anyone I know. He's like a West Coast cadet who gets up every morning and says 'reporting for duty'".

Another tireless environmental activist is one of the three democratic candidates for the 12th Congressional District, David Robinson. Robinson went to listen to Begley's talk and afterwards, the two struck a kinship over their shared environmental interests. Having delivered many pro-bono presentations on the science of climate change and energy independence to many civic organizations and area universities, Robinson felt right at home with Begley. Robinson shared his dreams of helping create new jobs in industries to foster an energy independent future for Ohio, and Begley liked what he heard.

After their meeting, Begley stated officially, "I feel a sense of responsibility for our environment and our future generations to endorse a candidate like David Robinson. His common sense approach is exactly the kind of representation we need in Washington, D. C."

Frances Strickland To Speak At RootsCamp Sunday

Lorraine Bieber — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:12:32 EST

Progress Ohio, America Votes, and the Ohio Progressive Leadership Network are pleased to announce our 9:30 AM welcome speaker:

First Lady of Ohio, Frances Strickland

Mrs. Strickland will speak about sustaining Ohio's progressive movement through 2008 and beyond.

First Lady Frances Strickland has shared Ted's vision for a better future for Ohio with thousands of people across the state. Often seen brandishing her guitar and leading the crowd in a sing-along, Frances brings an irreplaceable creativity and enthusiasm to her work for Ohio.

Our lunch speaker:

Robert Creamer of Progress Ohio's national partner, Americans United For Change. Creamer's recently released book is entitled Listen to Your Mother: Stand Up Straight: How Progressives Can Win, with a foreword by Tom Matzzie of MoveOn.

Says Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio):

"If every activist in America read Listen to Your Mother: Stand Up Straight, we could change our country. This book will help bring on the New Progressive Era. It's that good."

Find out more about RootsCamp here.

RootsCamp is Sunday, January 13, 9-5 at the Riffe Center, 31st Floor, corner of State & High Streets, Columbus, OH 43215

RootsCamp: Come. Talk. Learn. RootsCamp is a conference for organizers, leaders, tech, fundraisers, bloggers and anyone else who is working for change. It's an opportunity for open dialogue about leading the way in '08 and beyond.

RootsCamp is participant-driven. Want to lead a session? Write your topic on a card and tape it to the wall. Add more sessions throughout the day as ideas are generated. YOU set the agenda.

RootsCamp: Ohio jobs for Ohioans. Organizations who are hiring in '08, bring your job descriptions; job-seekers bring your résumés - we're going to have a jobs fair.

RootsCamp is FREE. Breakfast/lunch provided, and plentiful coffee.

RootsCamp is organized by the Ohio Progressive Leadership Network, and sponsored by Progress Ohio, America Votes, Licking County Pro-Active Citizens, UFCW Local 1059, UAW CAP Council, League of Young Voters, Licking County Democratic Club, Ohio Young Democrats, Ohioans for Democratic Values, Clintonville Community Market, and Licking County Women's Caucus.

RootsCamp Ohio 2008

Lorraine Bieber — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:57:24 EST

If you haven't already, sign up for RootsCamp '08. It's a free, open conference about all aspects of progressive organizing - field, fundraising, online, etc.

Anyone can lead a session (come early to sign up for a time slot). Session topics that have already been proposed are here.

To see who else is coming and to sign up, click here.

From rootscampohio.org:

We'll share innovations, failures, old wisdom and new discoveries, with an eye toward:

Developing our skills and networking to lead the way in 2008 and beyond
Building organization and sustainability in Ohio's growing progressive movement

WHEN:            Sunday, January 13, 2008    9 am – 5 pm (free breakfast & lunch)

WHERE:          The Vern Riffe Center, 31st Floor. At the corner of High St. and State St, Columbus, OH 43215.

PARKING:        Under the Statehouse - access from 3rd St. between Broad St. & State St., or in the City Center Mall parking garage - access from 3rd, Main, or Rich Sts.

The Myspace/MTV thing just got even cooler

Lorraine Bieber — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:47:34 EDT

When the presidential dialogue was over, the myspace page provided a flektor, enabling viewers to share the vote results (as well as one's own votes) on a blog, myspace, email, or elsewhere. The little star on the pie chart shows how I voted. While the event was going on, the pieces of the same type of pie chart (on the same screen as Edwards) were fluctuating as viewers changed their votes in response to what Edwards was saying.

They're going to do this for all the candidates willing to participate, both republican and democratic. I'll post again when the next one is scheduled.

45 minutes left of Myspace/MTV interactive dialogue with John Edwards

Lorraine Bieber — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:17:16 EDT

This is turning out to be super cool. I'm watching the Myspace/MTV interactive dialogue with John Edwards. As he answers questions, you rate his responses. Meanwhile, you can watch a pie chart showing everyone's ratings. It's fun to watch the pie chart change in real time as people change their responses.

Join in NOW - 45 minutes left. You don't have to have a Myspace profile to watch and participate.
It's at:
http://www.myspace.com/election2008

Healthy Families Act

Steve — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 09:12:34 EDT

I am one of the first supporters of the Healthy Families Act. This initiative would guarentee that workers in Ohio would receive some paid sick leave, if they are not provided this by their current employer. Recently I've become aware that the language in the initiative language now being circulated is discriminatory in that it does not cover same sex partners. Equality Ohio has asked that all progressives take the postition that we cannot support the initiative in its present form. I agree and I am asking those in Progess Ohio who have endorsed this initiative to reconsider.

Tim Ryan (OH-17) takes the $21 Food Stamp Challenge

Lorraine Bieber — Fri, 18 May 2007 00:11:32 EDT

Democratic Congressman Tim Ryan joins Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) in an effort to raise awareness for hunger and for their proposal to add $4 billion to the annual federal food stamp budget. Day one from Tim Ryan's blo g:

This week, I’ll be participating in the Food Stamp Challenge. For seven days, I’ll be living on three dollars of food per day, the same amount an average participant in the Food Stamp Program receives. The Challenge is an exercise aimed to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by millions of Americans, who live day to day, working to put food on the table.

Last Friday, my staff and I held a meeting plotting out how I would spend my $21.00. As we looked over food prices, we were struck by how anyone could expect a person to have a balanced, healthy diet on a mere three dollars per day. On a dollar per meal, a person can’t buy fresh fruit and vegetables. A person can’t buy the milk they need. The kids across the country who go to bed hungry on nights when the budget is stretched too thin deal with the reality of poverty every day, and I want them to know they aren’t forgotten.

There are over one million recipients of Food Stamps in Ohio, nearly 90,000 in the 17th District. I’m participating in this challenge because as Congress crafts this years Farm Bill, we’re going to have to take a hard look at the way the Food Stamp Program is administered. I hope that at the end of the week, I have a deeper understanding of the hardships of these millions of American, and a better idea of how to help them.

Tell the world what you believe

Jill Miller Zimon — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 08:48:30 EDT

The NPR initiative, This I Believe, is always looking for quality submissions. I know from the posts I read by Progress Ohio members that there are some beliefs and bases for the beliefs that should be shared with that larger audience - you can do it!

Here is where to go to make a submission. If you want a sounding board, email the Oped and Letter group members or anyone you like. But don't doubt that you can do it. If you can post a comment or a blog entry, then you're already writing about what you believe.

Catherine Orenstein doing what we're doing: teaching how to write opeds aka expressing your opinion

Jill Miller Zimon — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 08:45:14 EDT

Freelance writer and author, Catherine Orenstein, teaches seminars on how to write opeds. Read about the classes here. Sounds familiar. Except that her seminars can cost up to $5000.

She garnered this attention from the New York Times. The basis for the seminars, something anyone who reads papers knows:

Whatever other reasons may explain the lack of women’s voices on the nation’s op-ed pages, the lack of women asking to be there is clearly part of the problem. Many opinion page editors at major newspapers across the country say that 65 or 75 percent of unsolicited manuscripts, or more, come from men.
The obvious solution, at least to Catherine Orenstein, an author, activist and occasional op-ed page contributor herself, was to get more women to submit essays. To that end Ms. Orenstein has been training women at universities, foundations and corporations to write essays and get them published.

How successful is her approach?

Over the past 18 months several hundred women and men (though in fewer numbers) have taken the seminar, which can cost a group up to $5,000, Ms. Orenstein said (although she has also donated her services). She has not kept records, but said about two dozen former students have sent her clips of their published essays to say thank you. Suzanne Grossman at Woodhull didn’t have comprehensive statistics but said that the first pilot session for a dozen women at a Woodhull retreat produced 12 op-ed articles. (Some participants wrote more than one.)

Interestingly, the article goes on to describe one session that she conducted with women from SheSource, a resource I love: it provides names of women who are experts in their fields and the aim is to get more women on the talking head shows and, of course, in the bylines and on the opinion pages.

We are going in the right direction - it's always nice to have that confirmation.

Rematch: Kilroy To Challenge Pryce In '08? EDITED

Peter — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 16:18:39 EST

I made a bit of a mistake earlier when I made it sound like the Kilroy/Pryce match was a certain thing. There has been no official word from Kilroy yet on her intentions, but mounting evidence suggests that she is strongly considering (if not already decided) making the run again.

Anyways the point of the post is to drum up early netroots support for Mary Jo and encourage her to get in the race again. You can still help by going to Russ Feingold's Progressive Patriots site and putting in her name. It literally takes 30 seconds and is well worth the effort. As we all know, early support is critical to the success of a campaign.

Let's show Mary Jo what we can do.

Republicans Take Big Bucks From Terrorist Financier

Peter — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 13:55:23 EST

HT to Kos...I don't know how I missed this one. From ABC's Brian Ross:

he National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) won't say what it plans to do with thousands of dollars in campaign donations it received from an accused terror financier.
Abdul Tawala Ibn Ali Alishtari gave $15,250 to the NRCC since 2002, according to FEC records published on the Web site opensecrets.org. (emphasis mine)

I always new the Republicans were willing to sell out the American people for a campaign donation. They did it with the drug companies while writing the medicare bill and with the enegery companies while writing Bush's enegry plan, but this is a little extreme even for them.

The fact that this guy gave to the NRCC means that any Republican who takes NRCC money is tainted by it. Afterall, the NRRC is the:

main political group dedicated to helping the Republican party win seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

My favorite part of the whole deal is that not only did the NRCC take alleged terrorist money, they also named the guy their "Businessperson of the Year" and a lifetime member of their "Inner Circle."

The guy is pretty dirty according to the indictment handed down by a grand jury in New York. He is accused of laundering somewhere in the neighborhood of $150,000 to buy night vision goggles and other equipment for terrorist training camps. You know...the same kind of equipment the Republicans never seem to be able to give the troops. The campaign commercial pretty much writes itself for this one.

Future of Media Town Hall Meeting

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 10:04:21 EST

Free Press, Consumer's Union, Common Cause, United Church of Christ Office of Communications, Metropolitan Church Council, Ohio PIRG, and Ohio Citizen Action are sponsoring a town meeting on the future of media in Columbus, Ohio.

Date: Wednesday, Mar. 7, 2007
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Broad Street Presbyterian Church

Sign-up to attend!

The hearing will feature opening remarks from FCC Commissioners Michael Copps, Johnathan Adelstein, and Robert McDowell and a lengthy period for public testimony. All public testimony will be recorded and officially submitted to the FCC for consideration.

This public hearing is one of the public's few chances to speak out against Big Media before FCC Chairman Kevin Martin moves to lift the last significant limits to runaway media consolidation.

Sign-up to attend!

Tell Woman's Day how you use Ohio libraries to start a business

Jill Miller Zimon — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 09:16:31 EST

Here's the basic description and here are the rules. And here's one more take on the contest.

What's this got to do with Ohio? Well, a few things:

If an entry from Ohio wins (only four entries total will), it highlights female entrepreneurs and the ability for them to succeed in Ohio.

Ohio's public libraries routinely rank in the top of the list. And not just one or two or three. Take a look at Hennen's Top 100 list, which is actually the top 10 from each size grouping. I lost track after 70 - from Ohio. And not just this year. If you go back, year after year, Ohio's libraries are working for us. So let's work for a kudos for them by writing about them.

Finally, some folks may remember how, several years ago, state funding for public libraries was cut, locals cutback, tried to raise money themselves and eventually, much of the money was restored. Why? Because Ohioans spoke out about their love and need for libraries.

Let's show our love for libraries, and why we have a love for our libraries, to a broader audience. I know I used the libraries extensively, and still do, to foster my freelance writing career, which was an enormous shift for me from law/social work. Come on. You can do it. Or pass this on to someone you know who might have a story to tell.

Cross-posted at WLST.

Hello My Name Is Ms. President Essay Contest from The White House Project

Jill Miller Zimon — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 17:24:18 EST

The White House Project is a nonpartisan nonprofit that seeks to help women get into politics and elected office. Its Vote Run Lead program focuses on younger women and its considering opening up shop in Ohio, to help train and enable Ohio women to enter politics and succeed.

If you know anyone - whether at a school or in a community or in your own family - whom you think aspires to be president, please tell them about this essay opportunity.

From my e-bag:

Dear Jill,

Eighteen-year-old Alexandra Desaulniers first got the idea that she would run for president almost a decade ago. In a letter to our President, Marie Wilson, Alexandra expressed her intention to seek a seat in the oval office, saying,

"I went on a tour of the White House and saw paintings of all the Presidents, and I learned that there has never been a woman President. ...I think that I would make a great President."

Now that a viable female candidate has entered the 2008 presidential race, girls like Alexandra are increasingly announcing their goal of running for the highest office in the land. Seeing Nancy Pelosi as speaker of the House and Hillary Clinton running for the presidency, as well as Condoleezza Rice as Secretary of State has had a powerful effect on young women--and young men. Visibility is viability, and young women are starting to see that they, too, can be powerful leaders.

Hello My Name is Ms. President Contest
The White House Project wants to capture this moment by seeking out young women whose goal is to become commander in chief. We are seeking girls and women between the ages of 7 and 35 who want to run for President of the United States.

If your submission is chosen, you could...

Star in Project 2024, a documentary film from the creators of Mad Hot Ballroom that focuses on women of different ages that want to run for president.
Have your story published in She's Out There! The First Daughter to Become President of the United States! The book will feature a collection of essays from girls and women around the country who want to run for President.
Be one of five women selected to attend The White House Project’s Go Run Leadership Training in New York City during the summer of 2007!
To apply, provide the following information in an email to mspresident@thewhitehouseproject.org by Wednesday, March 14th, 2007 at 5:00pm. Please attach a recent photo.

SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Full Name:
Age:
Year you will run for President:
City, State:
Contact Phone:
Contact Email:
Please attach a recent photo.

In a single page submission (Times New Roman font size 12) please answer the following questions in essay form.

Why do you want to be President of the United States?
How has politics affected your life?
What, if anything, will you do differently from our previous leaders?
All submissions must be sent to mspresident@thewhitehouseproject.org by Wednesday, March 14th, 2007 at 5:00pm.

Winners will be announced on Friday, March 23rd, 2007 on The White House Project’s homepage.

Have a great week.
The White House Project Staff

PS. Read Heidi Evan’s article from February 25th in the New York Daily News about Alexandra Desaulniers and other young women with presidential aspirations.

Video: Voinovich "Congress Decides Rally"

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 11:39:57 EST

Senator Voinovich to Stop Playing Games Regarding a Vote on the Iraq War Escalation

Analysis of article and op-ed pitches

Jill Miller Zimon — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 09:45:15 EST

This MediaBistro article breaks down how even a seasoned journalist can have her pitch that revolves around Barack Obama and voters' tendencies rejected and then subsequently accepted and published. Gloria Millner of the Plain Dealer's Forum page (whom I've mentioned before) provides insight as well as the writer herself.

Both the pitch that plummeted and the pitch that got approved are included in the piece. The article lists 23 specific critiques, some of which are:

(2) Redundant -- always strive not to use the same word multiple times within the sentence, to yield livelier writing.
(6) Repeating the non-descriptive "more" is redundant and weakens the writer's argument. Since this is the nut graf of her pitch, in which her idea should be distilled most clearly and engagingly, the redundancy of the language and lack of specifics is a liability. This thesis would be likelier to grab an editor if there was a compelling statistic, or other detailed information to underscore that this is a growing trend, or is gaining awareness among a large number of individuals.
(10) Referencing potential sources is a great tactic, as is stating their credentials. However, the writer should attributed the paragraph's last sentence to them, so it doesn't sound as if it's the author's own opinion.
(19) Vivid language like "simmering controversy" makes this story beg to be assigned, as it suggests that the outlet will join a larger debate if it tackles the issue by running this story.
(22) Saying she'll explore "evidence of the way globalism and immigration have seeped into every aspect of our lives," the writer shows that her prospective piece promises to reveal a broad set of issues and questions impacting a wide swath of readers.

Remember: our goal is to convince those who publish that we have thoughts or stories that need to be known and that we are the ones who can show and tell it best.

Billhop

Lorraine Bieber — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 01:28:04 EST

Have you seen this? It's a legislative wiki. Looks like no one has posted any bills yet on the Ohio one... Thoughts?