The Penny Institute on Fox

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dana Rucker

Kaleidoscope Communications

(301) 526 6224

WASHINGTON, DC (December 16, 2009) - On Thursday, December 17th 8:50am EST, Brian E. Taylor, Founder of The Penny Institute (TPI), will join the FOX 5 Morning News for its FOX 5 Ornament Donation. Mr. Taylor will discuss TPI's mission, how citizens can become more involved in the political process, as well as volunteer and donations opportunities.

"We live in extraordinary times and people need urgent help with jobs, education, and opportunities; but more importantly they have to know how to navigate the process to ensure a positive result," said Brian Taylor, founder of The Penny Institute.

Mr. Taylor founded The Penny Institute as a nonpartisan-nonprofit organization to teach average Americans how to navigate national, state, and local politics. While working around the country on political campaigns and lobbying for different issues, he identified a need to empower Americans on both sides of the isle. "The Penny Institute is doing its part to get Americans educated and in the game," said Taylor.

Join The Penny Institute on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 8:50am EST. Check us out by logging on to http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/mornings/fox-5-christmas-tree-120109 <http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/mornings/fox-5-christmas-tree-120109>
To learn more about the Penny Institute visit http://www.thepennyinstitute.org/ <http://www.thepennyinstitute.org/>

The Penny Institute needs your pennies.....

The power of the penny is real. The Penny Institute uses pennies to empower and impact American citizens of all ages. This year we have had the pleasure of speaking at several schools, Churches, contributing to political discussions on national radio programs, and launching our new web site; not to mention our Facebook, twitter, and new blog followers! We have been busy! That being said, we still have a lot of work left to do....and we need your help.
 
The Penny Institute needs your pennies. The Penny Institute wants to bring change to more communities and impact more lives and we CAN do that with your help. We're asking all the friends of The Penny Institute to please send a check for $25 dollars today to help us continue our efforts. We thank you in advance for all of the support that you continue to provide for this organization.
 
Please make your checks out to The Penny Institute and mail to Post Office Box 521 Washington, DC 20044.

Brian Taylor
Founder

America: We not Me

America:  We not Me

Part I

When President Obama was sworn in as our 44thPresident he promised to usher in an age of bipartisanship in Washington that mirrored the Reagan era.   While I am a patient man I am still waiting on that era to begin.  To be fair the President cannot be held completely accountable for this not taking shape in the Nation's Capitol or in red or blue states throughout the country.   The Republicans and Democrats in Congress are still insisting on settling old scores and carrying on the destructive nature of partisan politics. 

The healthcare debate (for example) has developed into a complete partisan battle.  As a citizen, I am wondering if there is an issue that is too important, too urgent, and too essential to the fabric of America that would drive our politicians to put partisanship aside and do what is right for the American people. Obviously, throughout history there are examples of our leaders putting their political ideologies aside to do what was best for most Americans, but the ones that stand out all center around tragedy and war.
 
Until now.....

Recently, I learned about the Race to the Top Fund.  The Race to the Top Fund is a federal program administered by the Department of Education which will reward states that have raised student performance in the past and have the capacity to accelerate achievement gains with innovative reforms.  The amazing thing about this initiative is its proponents.  First, there is the Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan (D) then, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R) as well as civil rights leader Al Sharpton (D).    This program gives $4.3 billion in discretionary funds to Secretary Duncan to distribute to states, schools districts, and non-profits.  

While this is not the fall of the Berlin Wall it is a great example of political leaders  with the belief that working together to prevent 1.2 million Americans from dropping out of school each year is more important than their political ideology.    We live in a time where partisan politics is way of life, but if nothing changes it will also be a way of death-death of America as we know it.  This country has enemies and they don't care if you are Democrat, Republican, or Independent. They want you dead as long as you are an American. 

I am not suggesting you leave your political party or end the political party system, but what I am saying is that it is time we put America first not a political party or a dollar.  The executives on Wall Street are a perfect example of Me not We.  America is about We not Me.   Remember, America is the only country that is built around an idea.   All other countries are built around a religion, an ethnic group, or a culture. We have a Constitution that says "We the People".  This country is great only when we focus on We not Me. 

"If you give us a penny we will give you change"

The Penny Institute on POTUS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                         CONTACT: Brian Taylor
November 20, 2009                                                                                                         202-271-6974
 
 
Brian E. Taylor founder of The Penny Institute gives insight on navigating the political process.  The Penny Institute empowers citizens to get involved and make an impact in their community.

WASHINGTON, DC (November 21, 2009) - On Saturday, November  21stat 7am, 1pm, 7pm and 1am EST  Sunday morning Brian E. Taylor founder of The Penny Institute will join XM/SIRUS POTUS: "The New School" hosted by Charles D. Ellison to talk about how citizens can become more involved in the political process along with today's hottest political topics.
 
Taylor founded The Penny Institute as a nonpartisan-nonprofit organization to teach average Americans how to navigate national, state and local politics.  While working around the country on political campaigns and lobbying for different issues, Taylor identified a need to empower Americans on both sides of the isle.
 
"We're grateful to have Brian on The New School," said Charles Ellison.  "Several Americans want to get involved in the political process, but because it often appears partisan and out of reach, they remain stranded on the sidelines.  Brian and his team at The Penny Institute are doing their part to get Americans educated and in the game."
 
Listeners can join the conversation on Saturday, November 20, 2009 at 7am, 1pm, 7pm and 1am Sunday morning EST.  Check us out by logging on to www.xmradio.com/POTUS&nbsp;or www.Sirius.com/POTUS

To learn more about the Penny Institute visit http://www.thepennyinstitute.org/ <http://www.xmradio.com/potus>  <http://www.thepennyinstitute.org/ <http://www.thepennyinstitute.org/> >.
 
 

If You give Us a Penny We Will give You Change...

The Penny Institute was created to help all citizens of this nation. The term "Penny" was chosen simply because everybody has one - from Bill Gates to the guy on your corner. Just like everybody has a penny everybody has a place in politics and a place in this country. Below, you will find some quotes that inspire me to serve.


"Everybody can be great because anybody can serve."
-- Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Just because we cannot do everything for everyone does not mean we should do nothing for anyone."
-- Bill Clinton

"Nothing worth gaining is ever gained without effort. The people who say that they have no time to attend to politics are simply saying that they are unfit to live in a free community."
-- Theodore Roosevelt

"The better educated our citizens are, the better equipped they will be to preserve the system of government we have. And we have to start with the education of our nation's young people. Knowledge about our government is not handed down through the gene pool. Every generation has to learn it, and we have some work to do."
--Sandra Day O'Connor, the former Supreme Court justice

"Government is the people's business and every man, woman and child becomes a shareholder with the first penny of tax paid."
--Ronald Reagan

Contact The Penny Institute today to become the change you want to see in your community.

The Penny Institute on blogtalkradio!!!!

 
 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                CONTACT: Deana Bass
August 24, 2009                                                                                                         202-409-3667
 
 
Brian E. Taylor Founder of The Penny Institute Gives Insight
on Navigating the Political Process
The Penny Institute empowers citizens to get involved and make an impact in their community
 
 
WASHINGTON, DC (August 24, 2009) - On Tuesday, August 25 at 10 am EST Brian E. Taylor founder of The Penny Institute will join Chaos Solutions host Dee Dee Bass-Francis to talk about how citizens can become more involved in the political process.
 
Taylor founded The Penny Institute a nonpartisan-nonprofit organization to teach average Americans how to navigate national, state and local politics.  While working around the country on political campaigns and lobbying for different issues, Taylor identified a need to empower Americans on both sides of the isle.
 
"We're excited to have Brian join us," said Bass-Francis.  "Many Americans do want to get involved in the political process, but because it often appears mysterious and out of reach, they remain stranded on the sidelines.  Brian and his team at The Penny Institute are doing their part to get Americans educated and in the game."
 
Listeners can join the conversation on Tuesday, August 25 from 10 am - 10:30 am by logging on to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chaossolutions. <http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chaossolutions.>   If you have a question for Brian Taylor, you can call the listener line at (347) 637-1355 or email info@yourchaossolutions.com.
 
To learn more about the Penny Institute visit http://www.thepennyinstitute.org/ <http://www.thepennyinstitute.org/> .
 
 
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Been thinking of you all day!!!!

We are only one day away from our coffee date!  Make sure you are at Busboys & Poets (1025 5th St NW (5th & K St.) on August 19th at 6:30, to discuss an important issue affecting us all. We strive to highlight the most impactful issues of our day by bringing Members of Congress, interest group leaders, other experts and YOU to discuss and provide diverse perspectives to important issues. 

The topic of the day: Energy 
 
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
 
Speaker: Edward Hubbard of the Renewable Fuels Association

This is "Conversation and Coffee"!

We need your input to make this event a success! Please me your questions regarding the future of Energy policy in America. Your questions will serve as the fuel behind this fiery topic! Also, bring your pennies for the "Penny Drive" and the "Penny Store"!!!! 

We'll bring the coffee if you'll bring the conversation!!!

"Don't we have a date!!!"

The Penny Institute wants to remind you we have a coffee date!! We look forward to seeing YOU at Busboys & Poets (1025 5th St NW (5th & K St.) on August 19th to engage in important issues of the day. We strives to highlight the most impactful issues of our day by bringing Members of Congress, interest group leaders, other experts and YOU to discuss and provide diverse perspectives to important issues.

The topic of the day: Energy

This is "Conversation and Coffee"!

We want to hear from you! Please provide The Penny Institute with your questions regarding the future of Energy policy in America. Your questions will serve as the fuel behind this fiery topic! Also, bring your pennies for the "Penny Drive" and the "Penny Store"!!!!

We'll bring the coffee if you'll bring the conversation!!

"The Penny Store"

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages it's here--it's finally here!!  I'd like to invite you to the Penny Store!!!! The Penny Store is your official one stop shop for all things Penny!!!! Check out the site and pick up something for a friend, colleague, or yourself!  Enjoy!!

http://www.cafepress.com/ThePennyStore <http://www.cafepress.com/ThePennyStore>

The Penny Institute's New Partner!

                   
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                            Contact: Brian E. Taylor
June 3, 2009                                                                                                  Phone: 202.321.4803
 
The Penny Institute to Receive Pro Bono Representation from International Law Firm Hogan & Hartson L.L.P
 
Washington, D.C. - The Penny Institute, a nonprofit organization that teaches everyday Americans how to navigate the political process, is pleased to announce its pro bono representation from international law firm Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. (Hogan & Hartson). The firm will represent The Penny Institute on general governance matters as well as matter subject to conflicts clearances. Hogan & Hartson is the first law firm to represent the nonprofit, which was founded in 2007.
 
"We are so excited that a law firm with the caliber of Hogan & Hartson has agreed to represent The Penny Institute," said Brian E. Taylor, founder and CEO of The Penny Institute. "Their commitment to pro bono projects and extensive success record with pro bono clients gives us complete confidence that any representation will be extraordinary." Founded in 1904, Hogan & Hartson is one of the largest international law firms with offices around the world.
 
The pro bono relationship between The Penny Institute and Hogan & Harston, which started in May 2009, will be ongoing.
 
###
About Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.
Hogan & Harston L.L.P. is a large, international law firm with more than 1,100 lawyers practicing in 27 offices worldwide. In 1970, Hogan & Harston became the first major firm to establish a separate practice group devoted exclusively to providing pro bono legal services. The firm has won several awards for its pro bono projects and numerous cases for its pro bono clients.
 
About The Penny Institute
The Penny Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to teaching average Americans how to navigate the political process. Educating people on how to exercise their fundamental right to participate in the political process makes our country's political process more responsive and our elected officials more accountable.  For more information, visit the web site at http://www.thepennyinstitute.org. <http://www.thepennyinstitute.org./>
 

"Rainbow Justice"

"Rainbow Justice"

Similar to the colors of the rainbow we all learned as children, the United States has evolved from the melting pot of integration into a full spectrum of individual cultures and races all vying for their time in the sun.  No longer content to trade our cultural identity for the greater American melting pot, our individual cultures define who we are as Americans.  That is our America.
 
Since President Obama's announcement of Judge Sonia Sotomayor as his pick for the U.S. Supreme court, there has been a barrage of news coverage, slurs and apologies (See Newt Gingrich).   Republicans and conservatives have been critical of Sotomayor's past statements on how her Latina heritage positively influences her decision-making on the bench.  Democrats have been quick to suggest Sotomayor could have used a better choice of words, but recognize the value her diversity brings to the court.
   
What's the statement creating all of the frenzy?

 I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life. To read the statement in its full context, you can view the entire lecture at <http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2009/05/26_sotomayor.shtml> Berkeley's website.

Much of the discussion has centered around proper representation on the high court.  There's nothing in the Constitution that says the Court should be made up of the largest pockets of the American population.  There is also nothing in the Constitution that says we have to have a court that matches the diversity of the United States (though I imagine our Founding Fathers could have never fathomed the possibility). 

More than two hundred years since its founding, the United States is home to more than 300 million Americans; half of which are women.  African Americans make up 12 to 13 percent of the population with Hispanics estimated to be 13 to 15 percent.   This doesn't include the varying millions of Asian Americans, Indian Americans and those from the African Diaspora. 

True, nominations to the Supreme Court are, and always have been, a political process.  By definition, a President's choice for the Supreme Court represents a convergence of his political and judicial ideology juxtaposed with the realities of the U.S. judicial system. In that vein, presidents have nominated conservatives, African Americans, women and now Hispanics with an eye toward important political constituencies. 

Don't get me wrong, it would be nice to see a Hispanic woman on the Court; it would also be nice to see an African American woman on the court, the most underrepresented group historically in America along with Asian Americans.  Members of the U.S. Supreme Court should be representatives of the country.  This is the goal.  And given the political nature of the process, it is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that our voices are heard and to commit ourselves to learning both the issues and the politics.
   
Although no one constituency has any rights to "one of their own" on the Court, we do have the responsibility to become active citizens of this great country.  This means realizing our power and making a difference in our neighborhoods, our communities, our states and our country - creating a platform to influence the highest court in the land. 

This is the mission of The Penny Institute, to provide community groups with the tools to learn the process, and influence the outcomes. 

"I you give me a penny and I will give you change"

For more Penny Politics follow us on twitter at <http://twitter.com/pennypolitics> http://twitter.com/pennypolitics <http://twitter.com/pennypolitics> !

Is 100 Days Enough??

It's here! It's here!  The day is finally here!!  Ring the bell and sound the alarm!!  Is the war over?  No!  Have we stopped Global Warming?  No!!  Governor Sarah Palin's daughter is getting married?  Hell NO!!!  The 100th day of the new administration is finally here!!!  Now what?  We have been hearing and talking about this artificial time table since November 4, 2008.  The President has been in office for 100 days........so let's recap!  We have seen a date set for the closing of Guantanamo Bay Prison, the passing of the Ledbetter bill for equal pay for women, SCHIP healthcare plan for children, the largest spending bill in this country's history, the G-20 Summit, pirates, a hand shake heard around the world (see Chavez), several bailouts, the word "NO" (see Republican opposition), a couple of memos about torture, and to cap everything off a new member of the Democratic party in the Senate (see Democratic Senator Arlen Specter). 

The first 100 days of a four year terms is hardly an indicator of this President or any President's ability, policy, or promise.   America has always been fascinated with its leaders; especially a new President.  In President Obama's case the curiosity and scrutiny may be a little greater, simply because he is the first minority President.   The fact is we need to not only look at the President's agenda and policies, but also how Congress and our State and local leaders are responding.   We have to remember that all politics is local and the President's agenda, if passed, has to be implemented on the State and local level.  That said citizens have to learn how to connect the dots as it relates to policy and how it affects your community on the local level.  Don't get me wrong, we should all keep an eye and ear on what the President is doing, however whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or Independent your real power is right in your community, town, city and state.

 
After the first 100 days I would give the President a "B".  There is not a job in the world like being the President of the United States.  Former President Bill Clinton said it best, "No one is prepared to be President on day one."  President Obama hasn't been perfect in his first 100 days and he will not be perfect in his last 100 days as President, but what he has been is 100% on the job.  When he has made mistakes he has owned up to them. When he doesn't have an answer he doesn't make up words (see Bush 43) he gets back to you with an answer.  He has shown a great amount of awareness in staying connected with the American people.  As Americans we must do our part by getting involved in our communities and make a tangible difference right at home.  While President Obama is not perfect and neither were any of his predecessors, he has and continues to prove to me and the American people that he is on the job for all Americans.   The Obama's are doing their part, are you?   

Keep up with the latest on Penny Politics at twitter.com/pennypolitics and on The Penny Institute group page on Facebook!
 
"If you give me a penny for your thoughts, I will give you change, in less than 100 days"

"Place Your Bets"

"Place your Bets"
 
As much as I love Vegas I'm not much of a gambler, but members of the Republican Party must love to gamble. Lately, it seems that the Republican Party is betting all their chips on black (see first African American President) to lose.

When President Bush (43) launched the Iraq war after 9/11 there were rumblings from the left that the war was a mistake and ill conceived (which by the way they were right). But President Bush had the will of the people behind him. I recall President Bush having 70% approval ratings on the Iraq war and because of that not many Democrats spoke out too harshly or even voted against the war (see Hillary Clinton). This ground swell of support was largely due to the fact that our country had been attacked; (also see WMD's) the people and the people's Representatives in Washington came together to fight one common cause.

Now by all accounts this financial meltdown is President Obama's 9/11 and the Republicans are not coming together for the common cause.  They are ignoring this President's 70%, and in some polls 80%, approval ratings.
 
In fact they are saying "to hell with it all. Bartender send me another round of Jack (see Congressman Clyburn) and put everything I got on black to lose!"  Because Republicans know if the President loses, they win; but at what cost (see the country)?

But what can Democrats learn from these short-sighted Republicans. Get a fat egomaniac to speak for the party (see Rush Limbaugh)? No! What Democrats should learn is that when you find yourself in the minority (which they will find themselves in a lot sooner than they think) they need to stick to what they truly believe and not focus on national polls.  But rather, focus on what their constituents are saying.
 
Imagine if all the Democrats in the House and all but three in the Senate opposed the Iraq war...... That would have been something! Do you think President Bush would have taken this country to war on a party line vote? We will never know, but just like President Bush was trying to save this country by spending over a trillion dollars in Iraq, President Obama is trying to save the country by spending a trillion dollars at home. We can only "HOPE" that his plan has a better exit strategy.

Sidebar - Isn't it funny when the two political parties talk about spending and budgets given the actual dollar amount rarely decreases.  Rather, it's just shifted to the projects and initiatives their political party favors. It's just a little something to keep your eye on.

Clearly Republicans in the House and some in the Senate are in hard core conservative districts that completely disagree with the President and in those cases I applaud them for being a true voice for their voters. That being said, they were sent to Washington to be rational thinkers who took an oath to put this country - not their political party first.
So it is up to those hard core Republicans to oppose the President, but offer solutions and alternatives to his proposals with the understanding that they are not in the majority. It's called compromise with the hope that America wins, not a political party.

One thing the Republicans are forgetting about this gamble.....it doesn't have to be a 100% success. If the President is able to slow down job lose, create new job growth, slow down the mortgage crisis, shore up liquidity for banks to lend and restore some consumer confidence (and keep us safe); he wins! And that's about a 50% success rate. Somebody needs to tell the Republicans to get a new bookie, because those are not good odds; especially when the real loser will be America.

Both parties have to understand that if we don't come together, build consensus, stop thinking that our way is the only way, when this crisis is over this country may not have two pennies to rub together.

Who are you betting on? Remember that ending partisanship starts with you.

"Everybody has a penny, from Bill Gates to the bum on your corner. If you have a penny you have a place in politics. That's why I call it PennyPolitics."
 
Brian E. Taylor

The Vision

"The Vision"
 
 
Now that the dust has settled from the inauguration the challenges of governing the country have begun.  We have seen many things over the past 30 days:  we have seen the Ledbetter bill for women, we have seen SCHIP's for children, and we have even seen the largest spending bill in the county's history for men women and children.  But is it all for not?   
 
The Democratic Party won a convincing election last November.  In doing so they increased their majorities in both the House and the Senate, along with recapturing the White House.  These victories answered the question of whether the people were pleased with the current direction of the country; obviously they were not.   But the question remains, is this direction any better than the last?  Only time will tell if the Democrats have the vision to lead this country out of these dark times.
 
This reminds me of a story based in a galaxy far far away.....
 
In Star Wars, the Republic thrived and they lived in their Golden Era of prosperity (see the 1990's).  In this era businesses grew, welfare was reformed, housing regulations were relaxed, the country had a surplus, and partisanship grew; and there was peace.   Some would say this era lasted for eight years, but as this era came to an end the country decided to move in a different direction.  A direction of compassion and conservatism now reigned; during this new era deregulation continued, excessive tax cuts were handed out, citizens became irresponsible, and the partisanship grew.  During these so called "good times" there was an evil lurking in the midst of us all.  That evil had two heads and it attacked us in two ways.  The first attack was in the form of a terrorist attack on 9/11 and the second was our economy.   Unfortunately these attacks were almost eight years apart and neither political party was able to protect the citizens from the pending destruction.   
 
The era's leaders had an opportunity to be flexible in their philosophy, be sensitive to America's needs, and create a broad vision for America's long term prosperity.  They failed.  They pushed uncontrolled tax cuts and a stringent conservative philosophy that only displayed signs of flexibility in areas that directly benefited their initiatives.   While these leaders prevented any more terrorist attacks during their reign of power they were unable to prevent the dark times from spreading throughout the galaxy that is America. 

So America responded by demanding new leadership and a new direction of Hope and Change.
 
Our new leaders have an opportunity to be flexible in their philosophy, be sensitive to America's needs, and create a broad vision for America's long term prosperity.   Will they succeed? Or will this era be filled with short-sighted vision, old partisan tactics, and a check list of old scores to settle (see Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Frank)?  Remember the power is in the Force. Now our story doesn't have any Jedi Knights, light sabers, or evil empires to concur (see North Korea, Iran, or Russia), but we do have "The Force".  This country has the force and it lives and breathes in all its citizens; it shapes us, molds us, and binds us together as the most powerful force in this world.  That is something that we cannot forget. We have to think it, believe it, and pass it on to our children.  Because if we don't, the dark days of greed, selfishness, partisanship and despair will replace hope and optimism. 
 
Let the force that lives in all Americans guide us to challenge our political parties and force them to think of what is best for this country and not what's best for their political allies as they seek to bring prosperity to all American.  For if they don't........we will use that Force to force their asses right out of power.  May the Force be with you.
 
 
Save your pennies.......
 

Stay tuned for more Penny Politics!