This is what my guess is. Last week, I received an email to call the
sender, and when I called I heard a bunch of offending racist remarks.
I did research on the sender, and the sender seems to be working in GE
as a VP. I guess they are trying to do some kind of damage control.

http://leadinganswers.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/12/13/team_responsibility_2.jpg

On Thu, Jul 22, 2010 at 2:02 PM, Tim <[address removed]> wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> So I?ve heard GE wants to sponsor of course but what does that mean,
> exactly? Are they willing to invest in community projects like the ones
> Peter mentioned? Or would they willing to sponsor the group for a vacation
> in Tahiti, because I can definitely be bought : ) But really, what is it
> they are offering and in exchange for what? Their logo on the website, what
> are their terms. GE has done some good things in spite of their huge
> investment in weapons and nuclear etc. etc. If they would be willing to
> invest big bucks for community projects then I can see it being worth it but
> I doubt they would ?agree to that just to be associated with a Meetup group.
> But I?m just guessing. It would be good to know if they had mentioned any
> specifics.
> Tim
>
>

> On 7/22/10 1:21 PM, "Bruce Wilson" <[address removed]> wrote:
>
> Hi Peter,
>
> I must say, I'm quite shocked by what you have written in defense of taking
> money from GE. ?It makes me wonder what your motivations are for being an
> apologist for one of the biggest corporate criminals in American history.
> ?It doesn't take much research to find dirt on GE. ?I found the following
> link in about 30 seconds. ?Please check it out. ?There is probably much more
> under the Google search I did - "crimes of General Electric."
>
> http://www.opednews.com/articles/Earth-s-Enemies-GE-Monsa-by-Rady-Ananda-090516-430.html
>
> Another baffling statement you've made upon joining this group:
> "We have the opportunity to ?facilitate the transformation of our society
> into life affirming sustainability, as ?Madison Avenue did in the 1950's. If
> we work together on incremental steps, we can also have fun along the way."
>
> Madison Avenue is the propagandist for the corporate criminals that run this

> country. ?They have contributed nothing to sustainable living.in their

> promotion of the military industrial complex which President Eisenhower
> warned against. ?They have only worked their asses off for their own
> monetary gain and against any kind of sane economic life affirming
> sustainability.
>
> I do have to wonder if you are making these kind of statements to ?instigate
> infighting and distract us from any kind of sensible pragmatic progressive
> discussions and activities, just as a plant from homeland security would be
> doing.
>
> Personally, I have no more time and energy to give to this topic of GE
> sponsorship. ?I have already in this email given far more than it is worth
> for any of us to spend on it.
>
> Bruce
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Peter Clark <[address removed]>

> To: [address removed]

> Sent: Thu, July 22,[masked]:30:39 AM
> Subject: Re: [Progressive-Singles-SF-Bay-Area] What do you think about paid
> ?sponsorship for our group???
>
> I would like to add some counterpoint to the sponsorship debate:
>
> I have run across GE in some interesting places-
>
> For example, I bought double-wide trailers from GE Capital to
> construct a family center and Head Start facility in South Sacramento
> in 1993. The program totally transformed a low-income neighborhood
> from what was known, as "Danger Island", with 435 police calls every
> year in 1990, to a model community with shared gardens, Head Start,
> after-school programs for kids, computer literacy classes and other
> job training, English as a Second Language, and zero police calls for
> the entire year by 1996. I did that using a grant from the Federal
> Government, even though there was a lot about American politics that I
> didn?t like. But that didn?t stop me from using the money to improve
> the lives of thousands of people. And I would gladly have accepted the
> facility for fee in exchange for calling it the GE Family Center.
>
> We have the opportunity to do similar things in the Bay Area,
> particularly Oakland and Richmond. But it will not be by adapting ?a
> holier-than-thou attitude.
>
> I see the possibility of an entirely new set of alliances emerging in
> American Politics as a result of the unique economic, social,
> environmental, and political situation that we are presently in, if we
> can be open to the possibilities.
>
> Che Guevera was quoted as saying ?I envy you who are in America,
> because you are in the belly of the beast.? Thus, Che was wise enough
> to understand that it was not America that was the problem, it was
> American leadership, and that can change. For example- Obama, a man of
> peace and principle, is the Commander and Chief of the US Armed
> Forces. This underscores the fact that the American military has not
> been the problem. The problem has been the civilian leadership.
>
> If we are truly progressive, would we not be open for a change in
> attitude, and approach?
>
> Or are we as rigid in our thinking as we project onto the reactionaries?
>
> We could certainly be cynical- Some Obama Administration policies are
> looking more and more like they were fabricated by Cheney, for
> example. But does some of that have to do with a need to survive?
> Kennedy had some revolutionary ideas where they mattered most, and
> history has recorded where that took him. Lincoln had revolutionary
> ideas as well- including for a monetary system that was not controlled
> by the Rothschilds et al. It didn?t take much for the powers that be
> to ed that discussion.
>
> I did organizing against G.E. in the early '70s- in particular
> regarding their connections to electronic battlefield technology,
> however Westinghouse was the worst offender from what I could see, and
> I don?t think that has changed. These two companies have been rivals
> for 100 years (GE came out of Edison?s technology, and Westinghouse
> from Tesla). G.E. builds locomotives and windmills, and control
> systems for transit, and G.E. has resources that would be incredibly
> useful in the transformation of our country, and our world, to a
> sustainable model. Westinghouse still seems stuck in the past. If I
> were to choose sides, I would pick GE.
>
> A corporation is a structure for people to work together. How about if
> we ignore the structure for a moment, and look at the possibility of
> opening a dialog with people? How about if we use our influence as
> people to re-direct the wrong-headedness and move onto a positive
> track.
>
> I would like to suggest a new psychology- How about:
> ?The revolution is over and we won.?
>
> Now comes the incredibly difficult task of rebuilding our society as
> we would want it. We, literally, now have the opportunity to create a
> new world, as long as we don?t much with the Rothschild gang. But it
> is a world that will not be changed instantly, or willingly, as Obama
> has discovered.
>
> The change must start with ourselves.
>
> Does this mean that the group should accept sponsorship from GE?
>
> I don?t know, but I would like the idea to not be rejected yet. I am
> new to the group, but it is my impression that the group was formed to
> be for socialization, not for political activism, ?And I appreciate
> the fact that we are engaging in this dialog over the internet, and
> not at a gathering. The potluck was wonderful, and I would like that
> positive energy to be maintained.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Peter
>
>
>
>
>> ----- Original message -----
>> From: "Sumi" <[address removed]>

>> To: [address removed]

>> Date: Sat, 3 Jul[masked]:19:31 -0400
>> Subject: RE: [Progressive-Singles-SF-Bay-Area] What do you
>> think about paid sponsorship for our group???Hi Everyone,
>>
>> I've heard a few vehement "no's" from some members (as I thought might
>> happen), so I just rejected the offer as I had originally been intending
>> to
>> do - thanks for the feedback! ?I might ask a local progressive attorney if
>> she would be interested in sponsoring. She's been an activist and
>> progressive for many years. I don't know if she would, but I would endorse
>> her /recommend her to anyone who needed ethical legal services, including
>> estate planning. Any thoughts on that?
>>
>> Sumi
>>
>> ?________________________________
>> ?From: [address removed]

>> To: [address removed]

>> Subject: [Progressive-Singles-SF-Bay-Area] What do you
>> think about paid sponsorship for our group???
>> Date: Sat, 3 Jul[masked]:41:16 -0400
>>
>> Hi Everyone,
>> We could get sponsorship - $50/month to use as we wish for the MeetUp. The
>> catch is that it's from GE - some program that is apparently is trying to
>> cast GE as green, it's called "GE: ecomagination." ! Before we dismiss
>> this
>> outright, though, maybe there is a way we can make it work for us. The
>> only
>> thing that's really required is that they get to post something on the
>> page.
>> We could always post something else that is a disclaimer. Any thoughts? I
>> cut and pasted the info below. I ignored this offer at first, so it may be
>> about to expire, so let me know soon if you have thoughts on it.
>> Sumi
>>
>> Your GE: ecomagination sponsorship offerCampaign Details
>>
>>
>> This sponsorship is meant to support your Meetup to help make it better!
>> Here are some of the benefits of participating:
>>
>> 4 $50 monthly sponsorship payments to support your Meetup however you
>> wish.
>> Payments will be made at the end of each sponsored month.
>> Custom name tags mailed to you. Request yours here: http://bit.ly/dp3F0V
>> Informative content on environmental issues to use at your Meetups
>> Other possible benefits may be: invites to special events, promotion of
>> sponsored groups, and more
>> Sponsorship will run until October 29th, 2010
>>
>> To participate, here's what you need to do:
>>
>>
>> ACCEPT the offer below
>> Allow Meetup HQ to display the GE:ecomagination logo on your Group Pages
>> and
>> add the GE:ecomagination tag as well
>> As Organizer, receive a monthly emails about the sponsorship to share with
>> your members
>> Keep your Meetup active! Have at least 1 Meetup each month.
>> Mention that your Meetup Group is supported by GE: ecomagination at your
>> Meetups.
>>
>> GE: ecomagination or you can end the sponsorship at any time
>>
>> How will you receive payment?
>>
>> Your monthly sponsorship payment of $50.00 will be paid at the end of each
>> full month of sponsorship. All payments are made through Amazon Payments.
>> You'll need to set up Amazon Payments to receive these payments. We'll
>> even
>> help you set one up.
>>
>> Set up your Amazon Account
>>
>> Learn more about Meetup & Amazon Payments
>>
>> Please see the general Sponsorship FAQs for more information!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Please Note: If you hit "REPLY", your message will be sent to everyone on
>> this mailing list

>> ([address removed])
>> This message was sent by Sumi ([address removed]) from Progressive

>> Singles of the SF Bay Area.
>> To learn more about Sumi, visit his/her member profile
>> To unsubscribe or to update your mailing list settings, click here
>>
>> Meetup, PO Box 4668 #37895 New York, New York[masked] |
>> [address removed]

>> ?________________________________
>> ?The New Busy is not the too busy. Combine all your e-mail accounts with
>> Hotmail. Get busy.
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Please Note: If you hit "REPLY", your message will be sent to everyone on
>> this mailing list

>> ([address removed])
>> This message was sent by Sumi ([address removed]) from Progressive

>> Singles of the SF Bay Area.
>> To learn more about Sumi, visit his/her member profile
>> To unsubscribe or to update your mailing list settings, click here
>>
>> Meetup, PO Box 4668 #37895 New York, New York[masked] |
>> [address removed]
>>
>>
>>

>> --
>> Please Note: If you hit "REPLY", your message will be sent to everyone on
>> this mailing list
>> ([address removed])

>> This message was sent by Wendy ([address removed]) from Progressive

>> Singles
>> of the SF Bay Area.
>> To learn more about Wendy, visit his/her member profile
>> To unsubscribe or to update your mailing list settings, click here
>>
>> Meetup, PO Box 4668 #37895 New York, New York[masked] |
>> [address removed]

>> ________________________________
>> The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox.
>> Get started.
>>
>>
>>
>> ?--
>> ?Please Note: If you hit "REPLY", your message will be sent to everyone on
>> this mailing list

>> ([address removed])
>> ?This message was sent by maxine94131 ([address removed]) from

>> Progressive Singles of the SF Bay Area.
>> ?To learn more about maxine94131, visit his/her member profile
>> ?To unsubscribe or to update your mailing list settings, click here
>>
>> ?Meetup, PO Box 4668 #37895 New York, New York[masked] |
>> [address removed]
>>
>>
>>
>>

>> ?--
>> ?Please Note: If you hit "REPLY", your message will be sent to everyone on
>> this mailing list
>> ([address removed])

>> ?This message was sent by Nick ([address removed]) from Progressive

>> Singles of the SF Bay Area.
>> ?To learn more about Nick, visit his/her member profile
>> ?To unsubscribe or to update your mailing list settings, click here
>>
>> ?Meetup, PO Box 4668 #37895 New York, New York[masked] |
>> [address removed]
>
>
>

> --
> Please Note: If you hit "REPLY", your message will be sent to everyone on
> this mailing list ([address removed])
> http://www.meetup.com/Progressive-Singles-SF-Bay-Area/

> This message was sent by Peter Clark ([address removed]) from

> Progressive Singles of the SF Bay Area.
> To learn more about Peter Clark, visit his/her member profile:
> http://www.meetup.com/Progressive-Singles-SF-Bay-Area/members/7950260/
> To unsubscribe or to update your mailing list settings, click here:
> http://www.meetup.com/Progressive-Singles-SF-Bay-Area/settings/
> Meetup, PO Box 4668 #37895 New York, New York[masked] |
> [address removed]
>
>
>
>
>

> --
> Please Note: If you hit "REPLY", your message will be sent to everyone on
> this mailing list ([address removed])

> This message was sent by Bruce Wilson ([address removed]) from

> Progressive Singles of the SF Bay Area
> <http://www.meetup.com/Progressive-Singles-SF-Bay-Area/> .
> To learn more about Bruce Wilson, visit his/her member profile
> <http://www.meetup.com/Progressive-Singles-SF-Bay-Area/members/8230051/>
> To unsubscribe or to update your mailing list settings, click here
> <http://www.meetup.com/Progressive-Singles-SF-Bay-Area/settings/>
>
> Meetup, PO Box 4668 #37895 New York, New York[masked] |
> [address removed]
>
>
>
>

> --
> Please Note: If you hit "REPLY", your message will be sent to everyone on
> this mailing list ([address removed])
> This message was sent by Tim ([address removed]) from Progressive Singles of
> the SF Bay Area.
> To learn more about Tim, visit his/her member profile
> To unsubscribe or to update your mailing list settings, click here
>
> Meetup, PO Box 4668 #37895 New York, New York[masked] |
> [address removed]



--
Please Note: If you hit "REPLY", your message will be sent to everyone on this mailing list ([address removed])
http://www.meetup.com/Progressive-Singles-SF-Bay-Area/
This message was sent by Rahul ([address removed]) from Progressive Singles of the SF Bay Area.
To learn more about Rahul, visit his/her member profile: http://www.meetup.com/Progressive-Singles-SF-Bay-Area/members/11529766/
To unsubscribe or to update your mailing list settings, click here: http://www.meetup.com/Progressive-Singles-SF-Bay-Area/settings/
Meetup, PO Box 4668 #37895 New York, New York[masked] | [address removed]