I was quoted in cover story of today's USA Today.

[beveeheart]

USA Today/Pew Research called me a couple of weeks ago. I was one of 752 randomly chosen cell phone users they called (plus 752 landline users). Most of the questions had you rate your response on a scale of 1 - 5 or very much agree to no opinion. Well, I tried to give them more than 2 cents worth. The survey took about 25 minutes and covered everything from Pres. Obama's policies to household income and religious preference. The last question was would I be available to answer follow up questions from a reporter. Thinking that there was no way I'd be chosen, I said yes, of course. And the rest, as they say, is history. Got the call yesterday and spoke with the writer of that article. Definitely felt funny seeing my name in the newspaper.

I mentioned in a thread (by EarlG) last week that I had taken part in a survey that showed President Obama beating republicans. And DUer's, without your many contributions, be they articles, opinions or spirited discussions, I wouldn't have been able to confidently respond to all of the interviewer's questions. So thank you, thank you again for all the good work you do here.

From the article:

This "sequester," in Washington parlance, could hamper economic growth, drive up unemployment and test the military's ability to respond to security threats at home and abroad.

Likened to a "meat cleaver approach" by the president, the cuts were designed to be bad policy and so politically dangerous that lawmakers would never let it happen. They would find a more efficient and targeted way to cut the deficit.

They haven't.

Beverly Hart, 69, works at a Colorado food bank and is concerned about how the cuts could affect the most vulnerable Americans while Washington stalemates. "There's so many different programs out there that I'm afraid are going to be impacted by these budget cuts for people who are really really struggling. To think that some of these cuts are going to affect them more, I am just so upset about it." Hart said she supports the president's position for more taxes.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/02/24/in-latest-budget-war-collateral-damage-could-be-sprawling/1943847/

[babylonsister]

1. YAY! Props to you for

giving a great answer, and I'm so glad DU could be of help!!

Oh, and now you're famous!

[beveeheart]

4. My 5 minutes of fame? LOL

[LeftofObama]

2. Congrats!

[pacalo]

3. How great is that!

Take a bow, bevee!

[freshwest]

5. Thanks for getting the word out! Kudos!

[Tikki]

11. Yes, and your words will be reaching many people.

Thanks for doing this.


Tikki

[NOVA_Dem]

6. Congratulations!!!

[Blue4Texas]

7. Wow cool for you

And thanks to DU

[steve2470]

8. Congrats and thanks for stating the truth so well nt

[underpants]

9. Well said. GREAT for you.

and thanks on behalf of all Americans

[yellerpup]

10. K&R!

You do important work. That's a very nice quote!

[beveeheart]

14. I've been a volunteer

at the Food Bank for over 2 years (since I retired). Some of the stories I hear just break my heart. And I can't help wondering if certain republicans heard them, would it make any difference to them? Sometimes it seems that my listening to their stories is just as important to them as the food they receive from us.

[yellerpup]

21. So right, beveeheart.

They need to be seen and heard. It must be hell to be invisible. Please do tell their stories, you may very well inspire some to help.

[beveeheart]

24. If some of you are inspired to help,

many Food Banks need donations of personal care items as much as food. Can you imagine not having a toothbrush to brush your teeth every day? Deodorant? Soap? Razors? Feminine pads, tampons? Diapers for babies as well as for older people who suffer from incontinence? Denture cream? etc., etc., etc.

[yellerpup]

25. And socks!

I pick up a big bag of white althletic socks every time I go to Kohls and drop them off at the homeless outreach.

[Agschmid]

12. Awesome! Great job Bev! n/t

[stevenleser]

13. Well Done!

[NoMoreWarNow]

15. totally awesome-- nice work!

[quinnox]

16. K&R

congrats, that is fabulous

[hay rick]

17. Revenue yes, cuts no (except to our bloated military). nt

[beveeheart]

19. One of the things I discussed with

the reporter that she didn't mention was the need to cut the military budget, especially those items that certain generals even agree are not necessary.

[hay rick]

23. You did a great job.

Pity the reporter didn't include your remarks on cutting the military budget. Guess she was just doing her job. I think most reporters understand they are also being paid to not report such sentiments.

[2naSalit]

18. Good on you!

Interestingly I was talking to the Job&Social Services/Food bank/Clothing bank worker in the town down the hill today and they said they were literally scared for their clientele with all the cuts that have already been made to all services including unemployment and emergency unemployment for the long-term unemployed in our area... including senior services like the lunch program and meals on wheels in the town. It sucks, and those who are least equipped to handle these cuts are the one who will be most negatively impacted.Your quote was excellent and I hope it is viewed my millions.

[beveeheart]

22. Yes, literally scared does describe the situation.

[DhhD]

20. Maybe a new bill to provide food/food stamps needs to be proposed and voted on at once.

Perhaps it is time to write a second Farm Bill.

[MadrasT]

26. great job

how cool

[TDale313]

27. That's fantastic!

Good quote.

[grantcart]

28. You were great

And thanks for your work at the food bank too!

[ananda]

29. Good for you!

And thank you.

[mercymechap]

30. Congrats

so true!

[mountain grammy]

31. Good for you, and you're right..

DU is the best source for honest and real information on what's happening here and around the world. I see stories I don't see anywhere else and the links open new worlds.

[reflection]

32. proud to be the 100th rec on that.

Good job!

[KT2000]

33. Thank You!!

for using the opportunity to remind readers of the "invisible people" who will be affected by this horrible game.

[PETRUS]

34. Cool. nt

[cate94]

35. Nicely done!

And thank you for helping at the food bank!

[locks]

36. Proud of a neighbor Coloradan!

I've never been "surveyed" nor have any of my friends though we're all active volunteers and political. Soo glad they finally found a good Dem and empathetic person who knew how to express opinions many of us have wanted to see in the media. Thanks for a great job.

[beveeheart]

43. Thank you, neighbor.

I'm between Boulder and Denver.

[AndyA]

37. Very cool!

Thanks for taking the time to participate.

Isn't USA Today pretty right wing? Might open a few eyes, people need to hear the truth, need to know what's really going on in this country.

Congrats on the coverage, and hugs for taking the time to do something that might be helpful!

[calimary]

38. Exhibit A - for why DU is an essential tool for us activists!

Where else could you find the background briefings and thoughtful analysis on countless issues facing America, than here? And it's at your fingertips! I've had questions before and posted about it - and invariably other DUers chime in with answers, links, observations, perspectives, examples from real life, etc.

This isn't just a website. Or a discussion board. It's a freakin' THINK TANK! And it's OURS! And I think we're all very well served. Look how it benefited you, beveeheart! And you, in turn, have used it to benefit the rest of us!

BRAVA!!!!!

[beveeheart]

39. democraticunderground = our freakin' THINK TANK!

Love your description of DU.

[calimary]

44. Well it sure sharpened me up on the issues.

Thanks, beveeheart!

[joeybee12]

40. Woo-hoo! KNR

[Liberal_in_LA]

41. kick

[merrily]

42. What fun!