Progressive Democrat Issue 46: MANHATTAN GROUPS AND EVENTS

CRITCAL MASS BICYCLE MOVEMENT! Critical Mass is a bicyclist movement (NOT an organized group!) that holds weekly protests all over the world to protest pollution. Rides are the last Friday of every month starting in Union Sq. Park North, 7PM! At a DFNYC meeting attended by Norm Seigel, Norm used Critical Mass as an example of the kind of activism that NYC needs most and the way Bloomberg is trying to squelch our rights and our voices. Critical Mass deserves our help. According to Bloomberg, my inclusion of this in my newsletter is probably illegal. Well, I refuse to let Bloomberg tell me what I can and cannot write in my Newsletter.

http://www.times-up.org/cm.php


And see their NYC calendar for Bike Workshops and other rides (including ones outside Manhattan). http://www.times-up.org/calendar/calendar.php


There is more you can do to support Critical Mass. This comes from a reader in Manhattan:

To help keep people involved in Critical Mass, people who might be sacred off because of renewed aggressiveness by the police, I have started a pledge drive that sponsors arrestees. This is a great way for people to stay involved in Critical Mass, stay on top of the issue, and use the NYPD and Bloomberg's tactics to work for us not against us. I am pledging $2 per arrestee, and the money will go to the Legal Aid Society. Pledges are made on the honor system. The more bicyclists the cops arrest the more money for defending civil rights is raised.


Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!

New Democratic Majority General Meeting, Monday, October 10th: General Meeting is set for October 10th at 7:30 PM. at the LGBT Community Center at 208 West 13th Street. We'll be talking about the Supreme Court, Reform Ohio Now, and the work of our 2008 Presidential Candidates Project. Guest speakers will include Nicholas Butterworth of The Saloon - a progressive activist group - and hopefully someone from People for the American Way.

Congressman Anthony Weiner hopes to be able to stop by as well to thank our activists for the work they did on his campaign. His visit is pretty certain at this point, as his office has confirmed it. So, come on out and meet the Congressman.


What the Insurance Industry doesn't want you to know: DMI's Marketplace of Ideas talk Lowering the Cost of Insurance: Mon, 10/24/2005 - 8:15am, Is there an insurance crisis in New York?

Complaining doesn't bring down high insurance rates. Neither does shielding those who act wrongfully from responsibility for their actions.

The Drum Major Institute, ("DMI") highlights effective public policy, and is hosting an event with HARVEY ROSENFIELD, author of California's Prop. 103. Rosenfield will discuss what has succeeded in lowering insurance rates: from auto to casualty to medical malpractice.

rsvp to 212-909-9663 or dmi@drummajorinstitute.org
Location:
The Harvard Club 35 West 44th St. btw 5 and 6 ave
light breakfast will be served


DRINKING LIBERALLY: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Here are our local Manhattan groups:

Upper East Side Last Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm onward, Doc Watson's, 1490 2nd Avenue (at 77th). In the backyard, weather permitting. Hosted by Matthew Bachiochi, ues (at) drinkingliberally.org

In Manhattan: Thursday, 7:30 pm onward, Rudy's, 627 9th Avenue (between 44th & 45th Streets). Hosted by Justin Krebs and Matthew O'Neill, nyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

Bar Hopping Manhattan: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:00-9:00 pm
A monthly Democratic drinking club at different gay bars around Manhattan. Join the mailing list to receive updates of future venues. Hosted by Dirk McCall, outnyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

East Village: Last Wednesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward, Grassroots Tavern, 20 Saint Mark's Place (between 2nd and 3rd). Hosted by Quinn Raymond, Elena Morin and Abby Cook-Mack, eastvillage (at) drinkingliberally.org

For those who prefer running to biking, you can join RUNNING FOR CHANGE: Building a progressive America through organized runs and other grassroots activities.

To find your nearest Manhattan Democratic club, please CLICK HERE.