Progressive Democrat Issue 34: THOUGHTS

After last issue I got many emails thrilled that I was starting a blog version of the Progressive Democrat and many emails that expressed a strong preference for me to continue the email version of the newsletter. I want to assure people that as long as I can I will do both. Assuming I can streamline the process adequately, that shouldn't be a problem. I have also been urged to blog my Target the Corrupt Republican Campaign. That is actually easier to do, so I have created a blog for that as well. Within the first 48 hours of its existence, the Progressive Democrat blog got around 100 hits from all over the nation...and a few hits from other nations. A surprisingly strong start in my view!

So to make it all very clear, those who are already on my list to get the newsletter by email will continue to get the emails every week unless you specifically ask to be unsubscribed. Those who want to be added to the email list (if you want the more personal touch of the email version) go to my profile on the blog and email me a request to be subscribed. All I will need is your email address.

For those who want to check out the Progressive Democrat Blog, here is the website:

http://moleprogressive.blogspot.com/

For those who want to syndicate the Progressive Democrat blog, here is the Atom feed:

http://moleprogressive.blogspot.com/atom.xml

For those who want to check out the Target the Corrupt Republican Blog, here is the website:

http://corruptrepub.blogspot.com/

For those who want to syndicate the Target the Corrupt Republican blog, here's the Atom feed:

http://corruptrepub.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Again, I want to emphasize that all my existing readers will continue to get the newsletter by email as long as they like.

Progressive Democrat Issue 34: ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION

No oil company is that great. They all are based on an unsustainable, polluting commodity. There is no way around that. But some, like Chevron, genuinely try to mitigate their damage to the environment and to work as closely as possible with the cultures that they work with (such as New Guinea) to extract oil. I learned from reading Jared Diamond’s book, Collapse, just how well Chevron runs its oil drilling these days—in effect the region in New Guinea where they extract oil is one of the best managed wildlife refuges in the entire world. But Chevron is something of an exception. Way at the other end of the spectrum there is Exxon/Mobil, the company of Valdez shame. But the Valdez accident is only the tip of the iceberg. So today many environmental and scientific organizations have gotten together to begin a protest and boycott of Exxon/Mobil. I ask all to join in on this endeavor.

Here are excerpts from the Union of Concerned Scientists Action Alert:

For years, one company has led the charge to deny the existence of global warming and fund $15 million in junk science to cloud the policy debate. One company has refused to invest serious funds in clean energy technologies, despite raking in record profits at the expense of the American consumer. One company has persisted in pushing to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, when all other companies have pulled out of the pro-drilling coalition…

Exposing and changing ExxonMobil’s irresponsible and deceptive behavior is the mission of “Exxpose Exxon,” a new campaign sponsored by a coalition of America’s largest public interest and environmental groups. The campaign launched today with over 50 events outside ExxonMobil service stations around the country as well as online at www.ExxposeExxon.com.

And here is a partial litany of complaints regarding Exxon/Mobil:

* ExxonMobil's active support of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge;

* ExxonMobil's efforts to block meaningful action to cut global warming pollution and its funding of junk science to hide the real facts about global warming;

* ExxonMobil's decision to forgo investment in clean energy solutions--despite your record profits at a time of rising gasoline prices;

* ExxonMobil's failure to pay all of the punitive damages awarded to fishermen and others injured by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.

So please, start boycotting Exxon/Mobil. Tell your like-minded friends to boycott Exxon/Mobil. And send a clear message to Exxon/Mobil by writing them about your concerns. And for an even bigger impact, call or write Exxon and Mobil at the following numbers/address:

Exxon or call: 1 800 243 9966
Mobil or call: 1 800 662 4592
Or write at:
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Attn: Customer Relations
PO Box 1049
Buffalo, NY 14240-1049

Never underestimate the power of a well-organized, patient, persistent boycott. Again, we are targeting Exxon/Mobil because they embody the worst that oil companies represent without the mitigating factors that makes a company like Chevron more palatable.

Progressive Democrat Issue 34: NATIONAL SECURITY

President Bush has pledged to fire anyone who helped leak undercover CIA agent Valerie Plame's name to the press. This is appropriate since revealing the identity of a CIA agent endangers that agent, endangers all contacts of that agent and endangers our national security. The outing of Plame endangered all of us because it seriously hurt the war on terrorism. Not only should the person who leaked her name be fired, he should be prosecuted for treason.

Now we know that the person responsible was Karl Rove. A top member of George Bush’s administration committed treason, endangering Americans, yet Bush is standing behind him.

MoveOn.org has a petition calling for Bush to fire Rove. start by signing this petition. But do more! Write your local papers and call for Rove to be fired and prosecuted for treason. Those of us who are really concerned about terrorism realize that this action by Karl Rove really shows how little the Bush administration cares about the safety of Americans. They are willing to sacrifice national security for their own petty political gain.

Progressive Democrat Issue 34: GIVING VOICE TO OUR VETS

Last issue I discussed the Republican claim that Democrats are out of touch with our troops. I countered this by pointing out the websites of liberal soldiers and the Congressional races where two Iraq War vets are running as Democrats...the ONLY Iraq War vets who are running for Congress.

This week I want to quote a letter from the Daily Oklahoman, Oklahoma City's paper. This comes from a Daily Kos diary.

Volunteer force is floundering

Having served in the military recently, I believe I can shed some light on the questions posed by William R. Melton (Your Views, July 10). He wonders if our fighting men can maintain good morale and continue to fight under these conditions. They can't. The morale of our enlisted men is already low. Most of the young enlisted men who do the majority of the fighting are tired of the lies from this administration. They know they are not defending America's freedom; instead, they are wrapped up in a personal vendetta gone bad.

Will the volunteer force crash and burn? It already has! I would never allow one of my children or other family members to volunteer to serve in the military under its current leadership. I'd try to talk anyone out of volunteering to serve in an organization that's governed recklessly and based on fiction.

Michael Marsh, Oklahoma City

It sounds to me that it is George Bush, the AWOL from the Vietnam War, and the Republican party who are out of touch with our troops.

Progressive Democrat Issue 34: TARGET THE CORRUPT REPUBLICAN: a partial success!

This week we have had a partial success in our Target the Corrupt Republican Campaign. This week, Randy Cunningham (R-CA) announced he will not run for re-election. This comes as something as a surprise for such an entrenched politician. It seems the smell of scandal following him has made him too vulnerable for re-election. So he will bow out in 2006. This is only a partial victory, though, because in reality he should resign and be prosecuted for his criminal corruption.

Randy Cunningham is a particularly disgusting Corrupt Republican who I cover on my Target the Corrupt Republican Blog Rep. Cunningham, who sits on the powerful Appropriations defense subcommittee, has taken bribes from a defense contractor around the same time that defense contractor began getting big government contracts. His house was recently raided by the FBI looking for evidence of his corruption. Cunningham also had the nerve to evoke 9/11 to push the flag burning Amendment, claiming that those who died in 9/11 would want the amendment passed. When the New York Rep. Nadler (from Brooklyn) called Cunningham on this shameless exploitation of NYC’s, Nadler's mike was shut off as if Cunningham has the right to talk about 9/11 but a NYC Rep. doesn’t!

Well, under such extensive scrutiny, Rep. Cunningham has decided not to run for reelection. Chalk one up for the good guys! If only Tom DeLay, Roy Blunt and Mike Oxley would give up their seats now that their corruption is becoming so well known.

This emphasizes what I have been saying for months now--we have to hammer away at each and every corrupt Repubclian, exposing the neo-Cons for the greedy bastards they are.

Please join me in saying goodbye to Randy Cunningham with a small donation to a San Diego Democratic Group. Maybe we can teach the Repubs a real lesson here and push San Diego closer to the blue.

I also want to urge you all to go to my Target the Corrupt Republican Blog and help out the fights in Ohio and Missouri, the two states with the MOST corrupt State Republican parties. We can definitely turn those states blue if we hammer away at this corruption issue.

Progressive Democrat Issue 34: NYC FOCUS

I want to CONTINUE my focus on the mayor’s race. Last time I hammered on Bloomberg. This time I want to focus on the Dem candidates.

The problem is that none of the Dem candidates is a real standout. People dislike Bloomberg, but they need someone they like before they will abandon him. The Dem candidates are all very good in their own way, but none really grabs the public attention enough. I know two of them well, know some about a third and know almost nothing about the fourth. Here is my take on each of them:

Freddie Ferrer: former Bronx Borough Pres, popular in the Bronx and among Puerto Ricans. Many, including me, have a hard time forgiving him for the fiasco he and Mark Green made of the last mayoral election, which is why we got Bush lap dog Bloomberg in the fist place. I have grown to like Ferrer better than I though after hearing him give a very good, if a bit condescending, speech on Education. Main drawback is his personality tends to be abrasive...though that can be GOOD in a NYC mayor. He may be the toughest of the lot and I think NYC mayor NEEDS to be tough.

Virginia Fields: Manhattan Borough Pres, popular in Manhattan, trying to take the black vote but, from what I hear, not succeeding. I know least about her and have not heard her speak. I have heard that she would easily win again as BP if it weren't for term limits. Main drawback is she doesn't show up to things much. She seems to me to be the absent candidate. Many people think having a black woman as NYC mayor would be kick ass, but can't quite be enthusiastic about Fields. I welcome comments from someone who knows more about her.

Anthony Wiener: probably the smartest and best of the candidates. A good solid Congressman and recipient of the endorsement of most of the progressive groups--New Democratic Majority, Lambda Neighborhood Dems, etc. I have heard him speak on foreign policy (as a Congressman) and Education (as a candidate for mayor) and he was excellent speaking on both. Had good ideas for raising money for education (creating a new top tax bracket on the very top earners) and was scathing in his criticisms of Bush's lame war on terror. Pointed out that the US gov't pays money to Saudi Arabia each year as part of a sweetheart deal. Every year about 4/5 of Dems in Congress vote against giving the Saudis money, 4/5 of Repubs vote for it. Very personable if a bit geeky. He flew in from a key vote in DC to make it to a small neighborhood education meeting...and boy were his arms tired. Main drawback--no one outside of his district knows him. And, as a friend of mine, and ardent Wiener supporter, puts it: "He's just another skinny Jewish guy." For better or worse, race does play a strong role in NYC politics and NYC Dems seem to want to put up a minority candidate, not a skinny Jewish guy. But people who support him are the most enthusiastic campaigners, with the possible exception of Ferrer supporters.

Gifford Miller: Speaker of the City Council...and the youngest Speaker in NYC history. I have tended to not want to like him but always wind up being REALLY impressed with him. He has led the City Council to override Bloomberg's veto 27 times (last I heard). His speeches tend to be robotic, but I have learned that he personally is very passionate and eager. His speeches tend to give the most detail about how he will actually do things. I have heard him three times and each time he grows on me more. Wiener may actually be better overall, but Miller is a better campaigner. He is EVERYWHERE. He attends almost any meetup he is asked to and treats even the smallest with respect. He has been accused of stacking clubs and meetups with his supporters to get their endorsement. If true I have to say that it is the way the local clubs traditionally work, so this is not anything new. I have also heard that his supporters are pretty good participants in the groups they join, so they aren't just there to get him the endorsement. So far he has gotten endorsements from Democracy for NYC (and national DFA) and Independent Neighborhood Democrats that I know of. He is viewed as too young and as too slick, but I find him one of my favorite overall.

I honestly have not decided which I will vote for in September. I have the most to say about Miller because I have met him the most. But I like others as well and I may not actually decide until I am in the voting booth. Each has strong and weak points. Each is better than Bloomberg by far. But none are yet capturing the enthusiasm of a city that seems not to care about the mayor's race this year.

Progressive Democrat Issue 34: BROOKLYN/QUEENS GROUPS AND EVENTS

ALL NYC: (Manhattan events of interest to all of us)

Torture and Lies: Who Is Accountable? From Abu Ghraib to the Downing Street Minutes. Saturday July 23, 2005 2-4 p.m. New York City Town Hall Meeting at the New York Society for Ethical Culture 2 W. 64th St., Free admission, donations suggested. Seating is limited, no reservations. Sponsored by The Nation and Democrats.com

Speakers:
Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), who has represented a conservative district in upstate New York since 1993, has spoken passionately about the significance of the Downing Street Minutes and the need to hold the President accountable for taking the nation to war on the basis of lies.

Hon. Liz Holtzman, a former Congresswoman from New York, served on the House Judiciary Committee during the impeachment of President Nixon. She later served as District Attorney of Brooklyn and currently serves on the Nazi and Japanese Imperial War Criminal Records Interagency Working Group. She just published "Torture and Accountability," an extraordinary article in The Nation:
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20050718&s=holtzman

Randi Rhodes hosts The Randi Rhodes Show, the hugely popular afternoon show on Air America Radio.

Bob Fertik is the President of Democrats.com and a co-founder of AfterDowningStreet.org, a broad national coalition formed on May 26 to end the U.S. media blackout of the Downing Street Minutes, which exposed the Bush administration's pre-war declarations as deliberate lies.

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 every Friday starting in Union Sq. Park North, 7PM! And see their NYC calendar for Bike Workshops and other rides (including ones in other Boroughs).


Party at the Pier for Norman Siegel –Tues., July 19, 7:30-10:30

-The Frying Pan, Pier 63 Maritime, near Chelsea Piers

Come Celebrate aboard the lightship Frying Pan with the Billionaires for Bush and the New York Granny Chicks singing anti-war songs with DJ Kimyon Huggins. Food and drinks can be purchased at the Tiki Hut Bar & Grill.

Minimum Donation: $20

Directions: Take any train to 23rd Street, transfer to the westbound M-23 bus to the end of the line. Walk through the parking lot in front of Basketball City, bearing right and across the ramp to Pier 63 Maritime.


First DFNYC Monthly Mixer –Tues., July 26, 7pm-?

-Pioneer Bar, 218 Bowery at Rivington

Mark your calendars for an exciting DFNYC social event. A social event is a lot like a data entry party, but without the typing. Mingle with your fellow DFNYCers and meet new people.

Admission is $7 (includes a drink ticket) or $10 for two people. The proceeds from the door will benefit Democracy for NYC. It’s a good cause and a good time, so bring a friend! RSVP


BROOKLYN EVENTS:

Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!

Independent Neighborhood Democrats: Contact me or Devin Cohen: devincohen@msn.com if you are interested.


MARJORIE'S OZZIE’S MEETUP: July 28, at 249 5th Ave, at Garfield, Park Slope, 7:00 PM, best by R subway to Union & 4th. Walk east one block and down three. This month’s guest: Gifford Miller. I also recommend getting Marjorie’s very informative newsletter which you can get by contacting her at: johnkerry57@covad.net

Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats (CBID) (mostly covers Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, and Kensington.


Lambda Independent Democrats (Brooklyn’s gay and lesbian organization) for meeting info contact LID@LIDBrooklyn.org.


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 Brooklyn groups:

Park Slope: First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward, Commonwealth, 497 5th Ave (at 12th Street). Hosted by Emily Farris and Peter Wohlsen, parkslope (at) drinkingliberally.org

Williamsburg: Every Tuesday, 8:00 pm onward the Levee, 212 Berry St. (corner of N. 3rd). Hosted by Elana Levin and Michael Freedman-Schnapp, williamsburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

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

QUEENS:

Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!

Queens Jefferson Democratic Club: Our meetings are normally held the first Thursday of every month, @ 8:00 p.m. (the doors open @ 7:30 P.M.) except for July, August, and months in which a holiday falls on the First Thursday. Meetings are held at the Auburndale American Legion Hall, 198-09 33rd Ave Flushing, New York 11358 (just off Francis Lewis Blvd. near 33rd Avenue).

Queens County Young Democrats: for information CLICK HERE.

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 Queens groups:

ASTORIA: Third Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward. Cassidy's, 34-16 Broadway (at 35th Street). Hosted by Bob Chamerda, astoria (at) drinkingliberally.org

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 34: MANHATTAN GROUPS AND EVENTS

Torture and Lies: Who Is Accountable? From Abu Ghraib to the Downing Street Minutes. Saturday July 23, 2005 2-4 p.m. New York City Town Hall Meeting at the New York Society for Ethical Culture 2 W. 64th St., Free admission, donations suggested. Seating is limited, no reservations. Sponsored by The Nation and Democrats.com

Speakers:
Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), who has represented a conservative district in upstate New York since 1993, has spoken passionately about the significance of the Downing Street Minutes and the need to hold the President accountable for taking the nation to war on the basis of lies.

Hon. Liz Holtzman, a former Congresswoman from New York, served on the House Judiciary Committee during the impeachment of President Nixon. She later served as District Attorney of Brooklyn and currently serves on the Nazi and Japanese Imperial War Criminal Records Interagency Working Group. She just published "Torture and Accountability," an extraordinary article in The Nation:
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20050718&s=holtzman

Randi Rhodes hosts The Randi Rhodes Show, the hugely popular afternoon show on Air America Radio.

Bob Fertik is the President of Democrats.com and a co-founder of AfterDowningStreet.org, a broad national coalition formed on May 26 to end the U.S. media blackout of the Downing Street Minutes, which exposed the Bush administration's pre-war declarations as deliberate lies.

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 every Friday starting in Union Sq. Park North, 7PM! And see their NYC calendar for Bike Workshops and other rides (including ones in other Boroughs).


Party at the Pier for Norman Siegel –Tues., July 19, 7:30-10:30

-The Frying Pan, Pier 63 Maritime, near Chelsea Piers

Come Celebrate aboard the lightship Frying Pan with the Billionaires for Bush and the New York Granny Chicks singing anti-war songs with DJ Kimyon Huggins. Food and drinks can be purchased at the Tiki Hut Bar & Grill.

Minimum Donation: $20

Directions: Take any train to 23rd Street, transfer to the westbound M-23 bus to the end of the line. Walk through the parking lot in front of Basketball City, bearing right and across the ramp to Pier 63 Maritime.


First DFNYC Monthly Mixer –Tues., July 26, 7pm-?

-Pioneer Bar, 218 Bowery at Rivington

Mark your calendars for an exciting DFNYC social event. A social event is a lot like a data entry party, but without the typing. Mingle with your fellow DFNYCers and meet new people.

Admission is $7 (includes a drink ticket) or $10 for two people. The proceeds from the door will benefit Democracy for NYC. It’s a good cause and a good time, so bring a friend! RSVP

Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!

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.

Progressive Democrat Issue 34: NEW JERSEY FOCUS

(from the Democrats 2000 website):

NEWSFLASH TO NJ COLLEGE REPUBLICANS:
SUPPORT OF YOUNG VOTERS IS NOT FOR SALE!

Jamesburg , N.J. – Shocked and appalled by the overtures made by the New Jersey College Republicans, Democrats 2000 today denounced unsavory tactics used to shakedown Party and campaign officials in exchange for the support of younger GOP voters.

“It is unfortunate that the Republican Party has instilled in its youngest members the notion that the support and votes of our generation is for sale,” said Steven Lenox, president of Democrats 2000. “What kind of message does that send to young voters who are already disenfranchised?

“For more than a decade, our organization has strived to support young candidates without any hint of impropriety. It is a shame that there is no comparable organization within the state's Republican Party to help us engage young voters on both sides of the aisle,” Lenox added.

In e-mails obtained by politicsnj.com , the now-former NJ College Republican chairman, Steven Damion, demanded money in return for the organization's support. Damion wrote: “If there is a 3,000 dollar check waiting for me I am coming running and the campaign will have total access to our resources at all times, no problem.”
“This exchange between the College Republican leader and Republican Party and campaign officials is startling. Young voters should be encouraged to participate in the democratic process and support candidates based upon their merits and their support of issues affecting our generation and our families,” Lenox added.
Established in 1992, Democrats 2000 has become the largest and most active organization for younger generation Democrats in New Jersey . Through grassroots fundraising, the organization has become a vehicle for younger generation Democrats to get involved in New Jersey 's political process and helps them establish relationships that will last throughout their careers.

Please write a letter to the editor expressing your disgust at the behavior of the NJ Young Republicans.

Progressive Democrat Issue 34: NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

Democracy for America Meetups: DFA is one of the best hopes we have of retaking America. I strongly urge you to get involved with your local group. New Jersey for Democracy Meetups take place on the first Wednesday of every month @ 7pm. There are many meetups around the state: North, Central and South Jersey.


DFA at the Beach!: Date: Thursday July 21, 2005 Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: North side of Casino Pier, Seaside Hgts. NJ
Email ocdems4kerry@yahoo.com for info
Come to a meet and greet beach blanket party sponsored by The Ocean County Democracy For America Youth Action committee. Free beach day, coolers allowed, no glass, plenty of shade under the pier. On the beach in front of The Aztec hotel/bar at casino pier, Look for the american flag! Play hookey for the day & Come hang at the beach and meet your fellow South Jersey young democrats! BYOB -Bring Your Own Boogieboard! Use www.mapquest.com for directions.

Democrats 2000 TRIPLE HEADER! Democrats 2000 will be taking a road trip to three of New Jersey 's minor league parks in June and July. Tickets are $35 each which includes game and contribution to Democrats 2000. Come to all three games for just $75!

Sponsorships for all three games are available.

July 20 - Camden Riversharks vs. Newark Bears
Campbell 's Field
Camden
6:35 p.m.

July 26 - Newark Bears vs. Camden Riversharks
Bears and Eagles Riverfront Park
Newark
7:05 p.m.

Common Cause: Common Cause is a major force in Progressive Politics. It was founded in 1970 (by a Republican, mind you!) to counter the influence of special interests in Washington. Today they work on many of the same issues I am trying to highlight. Check out the NJ Common Cause website.

New Jersey Democratic Veterans Caucus present A HERO'S RALLY with special guests former Senator Max Cleland and Senator Jon Corzine
WHEN: Thursday, July 28, 2005
TIME: Doors open at 7pm
WHERE: Nottingham Firehouse
RSVP to (732) 729-9940 x116 or veterans@njdems.org

Here is how you can find your local Dem clubs. Go to HERE and click on your county.

Ocean County for Democracy Meetup July 20th, 2005 Location: Downtown Toms River, Address: 26 Main Street, Toms River, NJ Time: 7:00pm Price Contact Clair Fitzgerald at clairnjim@comcast.net for more information

The Democratic Club of Long Beach Island will host its FIRST annual fundraiser at the Foundation of Arts and Sciences , Loveladies NJ. Date August 27th 2005, 5:30 - 7:30, contribution is $40.00 per person, hot and cold hors d'oevres , wine, beer, soda. Democratic dignitaries as guest speakers, Silent Auction. Contact : Barbara Truncellito, Director PR, Democratic Club LBI, truncellito@comcast.net

North Brunswick Democratic Club 2nd Annual "Babbage BBQ Blast" July 29th, 2005 Location: Babbage Park Pavilion Address: , Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm Price FREE Contact David Sirna at 732-236-790 for more information

Edgewater Park Democrats Crab Fest 2005 July 30th, 2005 Location: Riverfront Home of Ralph and Adrienne Franciosi Time: 3:00pm to 8:00pm Price $35 per person. Contact the organizer at 609-871-7886 or 609-386-4651 for more information


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. Find your local drinking liberally group or start your own with a few buddies: Currently there is only one group in New Jersey:

Hoboken, New Jersey, Second Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward, Mulligan's, 159 1st Street (between Bloomfield and Garden), Hosted by David Alpert and Ali Savino, hoboken (at) drinkingliberally.org

COMING SOON: Princeton, first meeting: Thursday Sept 15 at 7pm, Annex Restaurant at 128 Nassau St., Princeton. princeton@drinkingliberally.org

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 34: VIRGINIA FOCUS

Write a letter to the editor for Tim Kaine

Tim Kaine’s campaign has a webpage where you can contact local newspapers. If you want to help spread Tim Kaine’s message, the "Letters to the Editor" section of your newspaper is a great place to do it. The letters to the editor section of a newspaper is often one of its most widely-read. You can first read up on Kaine’s positions on the issues. Then focus on one or two issues and write a letter to the editor giving your opinion on Tim Kaine’s stand on that issue.

This is an excellent and easy way to get not only voters, but also Kaine’s campaign listening.

Progressive Democrat Issue 34: VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Democracy for America: One of the best ways to get active! FIND YOUR LOCAL DFA MEETUP AND GET INVOLVED!

***Verified Voting Hearings in Richmond: Tuesday, July 19. Virginia is holding hearings to consider requiring voter-verified paper audit trails for voting equipment. Many Virginia jurisdictions have purchased paperless electronic voting machines, and others are considering doing so.

Digital voting machines that lack a voter-verified paper trail are subject to programming errors and possible fraud, with no ability for meaningful audits or recounts.

Attend the hearings and show support for voter-verified audit trails by wearing orange shirts or ribbons. A large audience will show that Virginians care about the integrity of our elections, and that we demand transparent and reliable elections.
Joint Subcommittee Studying Voting Equipment, General Assembly Building, Richmond
· Tuesday, July 19, 2005, at 12:30 p.m. in Senate Room B
· Monday, August 22, 2005, at 12:30 p.m. in House Room C
· Monday, November 21, 2005, at 1:00 p.m. in House Room C
More information can be found at http://www.vavv.org and http://www.verifiedvoting.org.

Sunday, July 24, 7 PM. Seminar on the politicization of US intelligence by Ray McGovern, a 27 year former analyst for the CIA. Ray McGovern recently testified before Congressman John Conyers public hearings on the implications of the Downing Street Memo. He is a nationally known speaker and is author of a forthcoming book on how the integrity of the US intelligence community has been undermined by political influence. The title of one of the chapters illustrates the process. Sham Dunk; Cooking Intelligence for the President. To be held at Masonic Temple, 411 Little Falls Street, Falls Church, VA. Tel. 703-795-8628


Sunday July 31st, 3:00pm WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception. The VGC Media group hosts a screening at the George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike in Annandale, VA. "Weapons of Mass Deception" reveals: How the Iraq war was sold to the American public through professional P.R. strategies. Contact media@vagrassroots.org for more.

August 12th-14th Dismantling Racism Workshop, Virginia Organizing Project will sponsor a weekend Dismantling Racism workshop August 12-14, 2005 at the Richmond Hill Retreat Center, 2209 East Grace Street, in Richmond. The session begins at 4:00 p.m. Friday, August 12 and ends at noon Sunday, August 14. Contact Laura Ramirez at 434.984.4655 or lramirez@virginia-organizing.org


The Democratic Party: Here are links to some of your local Dem clubs. This is another very important way to be active.

Albemarle County Democratic Committee, Albemarle County, VA

Arlington County Democrats, Arlington VA. Contact Name: Elizabeth Weitzman mewsician1@msn.com (703) 528-8588

Arlington Young Democrats, Arlington VA. Contact Name: Jaime Mulligan publicity@arlingtonyoungdems.org 571-334-7626

Democratic Party of Fluvanna County, Virginia, Bremo Bluff, Virginia VA

Hanover Democrats, Ashland VA

Loudoun County Democratic Committee, Leesburg, VA. Contact Name: Steve Deak chairman@lcdems.com

Norfolk Democratic Party Meetup, Norfolk VA. Contact Name: Alma D. Kesling akesling@yahoo.com 757 333-8694

Rappahannock County Democrats, Rappahannock VA.

Stafford County Democrats, Fredericksburg VA:

Virginia Beach Democrats, VA

Virginia Young Democrats, Richmond, VA. Contact Name: Justin Wilson justin@justin.net


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. Find your local drinking liberally group or start your own with a few buddies. Currently there is only one Drinking Liberally group in VA (see below). But it is easy to start your own!

Charlottesville, Virginia Drinking Liberally: Every Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Mellow Mushroom, 1320 West Main Street, Hosted by Jared Jenkins, charlottesville (at) drinkingliberally.org


RUNNING FOR CHANGE: And if you want a healthier alternative to Drinking Liberally (or want to do some running after your drinking), you can RUN for progressive causes. Building a progressive America through organized runs and other grassroots activities. To find your local Running for Change events, CLICK HERE.

Progressive Democrat Issue 34: NATIONAL ACTION

From Verified Voting

VERIFIED VOTING VICTORIES IN NY, NJ, HI and CT: Let’s win in the rest of the nation as well!

New York: Last year, New York's legislature passed two bills (S.5877 and A.8969) requiring all voting machines to produce a voter-verifiable paper record, but did not complete the conferencing process before the session ended. We're happy to announce that on July 13, 2005, New York Governor Pataki signed this year's version of the legislation into law. VerifiedVoting.org is proud to have partnered with New Yorkers for Verified Voting (nyvv.org) to ensure New Yorkers get a verifiable voting system. Now, we're trying to get New York State counties and boroughs to purchase precinct-count optical scan technology with ballot-marking devices for disabled accessibility, rather than less dependable, less accessible, and more costly e-voting machines.

New Jersey: On July 7, 2005, New Jersey Governor Codey signed a bill (A.33) requiring all state voting machines to produce a voter-verified paper record. Verified Voting joined New Jersey Citizen's Coalition on the Implementation of HAVA, Coalition for Peace Action, and New Jersey Tenants Organization in support of this bill.

Hawaii: On July 6, 2005, Hawaii Governor Lingle signed into law H.B. 1740, which requires new voting machines to produce a voter-verified paper record. VerifiedVoting.org joined SafeVoteHawaii.com in support of H.B. 1740.

Connecticut: On July 1, 2005, Connecticut Governor Rell signed into law a bill (S.B. 55) which safeguards Connecticut's elections and prevents the purchase of unverifiable paperless e-voting machines. VerifiedVoting.org partnered with TrueVoteCT.org in support of Senate Bill 55.

We congratulate everyone who supported these efforts! But we need victories in ALL states! That is where you come in.

· Send your members of Congress a fax or letter urging them to co-sponsor federal legislation requiring voter-verified paper ballots (VVPBs) (Go to Congres.org to enter your zip code to get contact information for members of Congress).

· Better yet, call your members of Congress at +1 (202) 224-3121 or (888) 508-2974 and urge them to co-sponsor the federal legislation.

Progressive Democrat Issue 34: GETTING LOCAL AROUND THE NATION

There are many ways you can get active. Below I try to provide a good variety of options and urge you all to find a couple that suit you. These groups below are the way we can get our country back. If we don’t get involved we won’t win in 2005, 2006 and beyond. Joy and I are currently involved in two groups plus our own organizing efforts bringing different groups together and we are finding it a good boost to our social life. We are meeting cool people and it makes us get out a couple of times a month more than we would otherwise.

Finding your local groups:

Democracy for America: Founded by Howard Dean, now run by his brother Jim Dean, this group is very effective at the local grass roots. Many think this is the future of the Democratic Party. I think this is partly true, though the neighborhood Dem party clubs will continue to be vital to our efforts as well. This is a group that you really should be active in either by joining a local meetup or starting one of your own.


The Democratic Party: Now that Howard Dean is in the driver’s seat I am hoping the Democrats will become more effective on the local level. One of the main complaints against the DNC in the past couple of elections is that they didn’t help the local parties in most parts of the nation. If you go to the DNC website and find the “Get Local” pull down menu on the left, you can find your local Dem groups. I strongly urge you to get involved with your local Dem club since it is often these groups that actually do much of the footwork to win each district.

Critical Mass: Critical Mass is a bicyclist movement (NOT an organized group!) that holds weekly protests all over the world to protest pollution. Go here to find the closest Critical Mass action in your area (site covers ALL of North America).


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. Find your local drinking liberally group or start your own with a few buddies.

Wellstone Action: Paul Wellstone started something in Minnesota and his death hasn’t stopped it. Wellstone’s family is continuing his work and expanding it throughout the nation. Wellstone Action trains activists and grassroots candidates and they did very well in the last election. I urge you to look into any nearby Wellstone Action events.


Common Cause: Common Cause is a major force in Progressive Politics. It was founded in 1970 (by a Republican, mind you!) to counter the influence of special interests in Washington. Today they work on many of the same issues I am trying to highlight. Look for your state’s Common Cause organization.

To find the League of Conservation Voters branch in your state, CLICK HERE. This is the group you should be involved with if the environment is your thing.

To find the NARAL branch in your state, CLICK HERE. This is the group you should be involved with if choice is your thing.

Finally I suggest Americans for Democratic Action. ADA is a progressive branch of the Democratic Party. Email: adaction@ix.netcom.com for info on local groups.