Jerry McNerney's website

"WE WANT OUR COUNTRY BACK!"

The following excerpt is how Howard Dean begins his book called "You Have The Power."

"I WANT MY COUNTRY BACK!"

The words just rose from my gut. And when they hit the room on that sunny March day in 2003, everything seemed to stop. The California Democrats, who only minutes earlier had been milling around, talking among themselves, and half listening as presidential candidate after candidate had made a play for their attention, paused.

Everyone seemed to take a deep breath. And then the whole convention just exploded.

"WE WANT OUR COUNTRY BACK!"

On Sunday, August 7th, Jerry was invited by the Silicon Valley chapter of Democracy for America (DFA) to a barbeque given by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren who represents California's 16th Congressional District encompassing San Jose and Silicon Valley. The event was held in San Jose's History Park.

In a beautiful setting, History Park has a vintage Trolley, and working print shop. Several historic buildings from old downtown San Jose have been moved there and now host museums.

Jerry was welcomed by the Silicon Valley DFA and had lunch with them. He met many of the local officials including Zoe. They talked about the race in the 11th CD and Representative Lofgren listened carefully to Jerry's claim that a good primary race would be beneficial and proves that Mr. Pombo is vulnerable.

In her talk, Zoe mentioned specifically that the most effective thing we can do, and should focus on is to take back the House. This is what Jerry has been saying all along.

Ms. Lofgren is on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, a group that serves as the official national Democratic campaign committee charged with recruiting, assisting, funding, and electing Democrats to the U. S. House of Representatives.

In 2004 Howard Dean saw enough commitment and competency in Jerry McNerney to honor him as one of the "Dean Dozen."

By the way, admission to this park is free. And O'Brien's Café, a treat for the eyes and palate, has been described as "the prettiest and most attractive candy store on the Pacific Coast."

Until next week — all the best and the next time some current event makes you blue, smile and remember this fact — together — "We can take our country back!"

Jerry meets Manteca Democrats & Latina Democrats

At the Manteca and Stockton meetings Jerry pitched the need for precinct organizing and volunteering.

An important theme, that resonates from Howard Dean's "You Have the Power," to the reaches of local Democratic clubs was brought to life in Ann Bairds' excellent presentation to the Manteca Democrats regarding the importance of electing Democrats to local offices.

To borrow the title from a Political Classic, written by the well loved Tip O'Neill — All Politics Are Local. Tip came from another time, but the title is timeless.

Jerry discussed achievements all of us as Americans hold dear: Such as that it was Americans who invented modern Democracy and instituted liberty.

And that American know-how changed the world with technology. Our compassion leads us to be first to help in worldwide disasters such as the Tsunami of Dec. 2004. This makes us proud to be Americans and we want this greatness to continue.

Jerry added: "We also have great problems that we need to face, such as the end of cheap oil, health care, education, jobs in San Joaquin County, air quality in San Joaquin County, and roads including Highway 205. The current leadership is corrupt, arrogant, drunk with power, and does not represent the interests of the people.

"Mr. Pombo fights for eliminating federal standards for energy projects on Indian lands, but falls asleep when he should be fighting for the district. We need moral leadership in Washington, leadership that fights for the people, not for the overpaid CEO's and corporations."

The term "Grass Roots" is a metaphor symbolizing people at the local level standing up together for their rights, while standing down and opposing their representative's track records that have caused their discontent.

While words can add comfort, promises not kept add water or fuel to any grass roots movement. Let-downs, and false hopes makes the grass root stronger as the timeline to election day grows shorter. Grass roots are a team, the common goal — a better life for people from all corners of their district, state, and nation.

Please come back to this website often and find out what is going on in the campaign. As Jerry travels the neighborhoods of this district, he hopes to meet you and hear from you, listen to how you feel, your ideas and how together we can all bring about a better life for all of us.