Progressive Democrat Issue 36: THOUGHTS

There is an ongoing divide in the Democratic Party as to whether we need to move to the left or move to the right. There is also an ongoing search for what our TRUE Democratic values are. I don't think the problem really is liberalism or moving to the right. I think moving to the right HAS failed, but moving to the left is not a cure all either. The former alienates our strongest base and really produces simply a weak alternative to the Republicans. The latter alienates OTHER important aspects of our base.

What we need is to reconnect with ALL parts of the party—from Joe Lieberman to Barney Frank, we need to embrace the DIVERSITY of our party. This is not easy and it is the ongoing difficulty our party faces. The diversity of our constituencies is our biggest weakness...and our biggest strength.

What we need is to return to the populist/progressive roots of the modern DemocraticPparty. This means grassroots. This means that LOCAL branches of the party will be more independent because the local constituencies vary from region to region. We cannot apply the same strategies, positions and tactics to Iowa, and Montana and New York. They are different and we must embrace that difference.

BUT...we also have to have core values. I think that is actually the easier part, at least for me. As I personally would define them, I think our core values are:

a. Individual Rights and Privacy--Protection of Constitutional Rights for all Americans

b. Fairness--equal rights to ALL Americans

c. Integrity--fighting corruption wherever it raises its head

d. Helping the average Joe American--supporting the farmers and the workers as the foundation of America's economy

e. Grassroots participation in politics--making politics responsive to the people rather than to big money interests.

These are values that will appeal to ALL Democrats and they should be the focus of our party. The DLC drift to the right simply drifts from these core values in the name of triangulation--it means we look like we have no core values. The leftist view that we have to be purists and reject everyone who is moderate or conservative as "traitors" the party is simply the kind of self-righteous smugness that ruined Ralph Nader, the once great crusader for the people who became an irritating mosquito with the ego of a giant. We need a big tent AND core values.

Progressive Democrat Issue 36: WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN IRAQ

From a Daily Kos diary.

“Women in Saddam's Iraq lived under a system that promised them freedom from gender-based oppression.

Even under Saddam's regime, women were free to choose whether to wear western-style dress and make-up or the black abaya. Many wore western dress in their jobs for government departments and in schools and universities…

Women were given the right to vote, receive an education, and work outside the home. Education was mandatory for both girls and boys up to the age of 16. Women were strongly encouraged to attend universities and acquire professional skills.

This was the starting point when the US invaded Iraq. I'm not suggesting Iraq was a beacon of democracy. It was far from it and women in Saddam's Iraq were not free from danger.

AI Under Saddam Hussein's regime, Iraqi women faced arrest; torture, including rape; and even execution because they were suspected of political opposition activities or simply because their husbands or male relatives were sought by the authorities.

The impetuous for abuse under Saddam was usually based on politics, not on gender. Have things gotten any better?

While politically based intimidation and murder of women continues, today we see increasing threats to women based solely on their gender.

Insurgents and religious extremists use rape, acid and assassination to force Iraqi women to wear the veil - the symbol of submission, first signal of further repression to come. Many Iraqi women have never worn the scarf. Now, dead bodies of girls and women are found in rivers and on waste ground with a veil tied around the head, as a message…

Similar attacks and threats have forced a number of women in the northern city of Mosul to give up paid work or to make sure they are accompanied to work by a brother, a male driver or a guard.

While these types of attacks and oppression were reported in some cities in Iraq over a year ago. The oppression of women is now widespread.

Attacks have now expanded from certain geographic locations to the whole country. They have also spread to non-Muslim women.

Has Bush spoken out about the increasing oppression of women in Iraq? Of course not. To do so would be to admit his stated goal of bringing democracy to Iraq is failing. To do so would require him to take responsibility for the mess he's created.”

It this the freedom that Bush keeps talking about in Iraq? Since he is claiming great victories, it seems Bush approves of these changes in women’s rights in Iraq. I suggest that this should be a topic for a letter to the editor and an opportunity to plug an organization that I particularly like, the Global Fund for Women. This group fights for the rights and economic empowerment of women around the world.

Progressive Democrat Issue 36: ELECTIONS 2005: Democracy for America’s A-List

I want to call people's attention to the Democracy for America A-list. This is their list of endorsed candidates for 2005. I would like to go through
the candidates that whose elections have happened and then highlight those
candidates whose elections are still pending.

LeAnna Washington (PA) ran in a May 17 special election for a State Senate seat vacated by successful DFA-endorsed Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz. LeAnna Washington won her special election on May 17th.

Harvey Johnson (MS) was the first African-American mayor of Jackson, Mississippi. Johnson has led the city for 8 years and serves as the president of the National Conference of Black Mayors. Much of his life and talents have been spent expanding economic opportunities for underserved Mississippians. Sadly, Harvey Johnson lost his election in May.

Andres Ramirez (NV) ran for Mayor of North Las Vegas against an incumbent. Andres Ramirez lost his election in June.

Colleen Condon (SC) ran for a Charleston County Council seat that had long been held by Republicans. On Election Day, the Republicans claimed an 18 vote victory. But Colleen Condon discovered that over 200 of her supporters had been left off the voter rolls due to a "clerical error." Republicans tried to seat her opponent on the County Council anyway. But Colleen stood up for voters and took her case to the County and State Election Commission. After months of a prolonged legal battle, the South Carolina Supreme Court supported the County Elections Board and decided that Colleen had the right to a new election. Colleen won this special election (July 16th) by 300 votes, more than the original disputed margin.

Julian Castro (TX) Julian served on the San Antonio City Council, pushing through reforms on ethics and crime while working to attract new jobs to the city. Julian is ran for Mayor of San Antonio, but lost his election in June by less than 4,000 votes.

Donna Frye (CA) knows how to stick to her guns. She won her first race for city council of San Diego, and quickly made a mark with her tenacious commitment to open government and accountability of government spending. But looming problems in the city's pension system—problems she warned about as early as 2002—led to revelations about mismanagement, and ultimately the resignation of the incumbent mayor. Now, Donna is determined to bring fiscal responsibility to the city of San Diego with her honest and effective leadership as mayor. She JUST came out on top of the special election on July 26, but she now faces a runoff election. Help us in supporting this DFA-San Diego endorsed candidate for her runoff election.

So far they have 3 losses, 2 wins (plus a win that needs a runoff). Given the fact that some of their candidates were excellent people but political long shots, that's not too bad. But can we do better?


DFA has a whole slew of candidates coming up for election in the next 4 months. With our help, many of them can make it.

Let's start with Paul Hackett for United States Congress.

CRITICAL: ELECTION IN A MATTER OF DAYS: Paul Hackett for United States Congress. (OH) Paul knows what's at stake for all Americans. As a major in the United States Marine Corp, he voluntarily left Ohio to serve in Iraq. As an opponent of the war, Paul answered the call of duty because he knows that America needs leaders who don't shy from adversity. Now, he is running for Congress in the 2nd congressional district of Ohio fighting to promote small business growth, sustainable environmental policy and fiscal responsibility. Help us give Iraq war veterans their first voice in Congress and bring us a step closer to taking our country back in 2006 and 2008. Support Paul Hackett for United States Congress today. The special election is August 2, 2005. Within the last week, Hackett's campaign has gained HUGE momentum, now having more cash on hand than their opponent. Now is the time to remind Ohio that it was supposed to be blue. A victory here would be a pickup and if we don't pick it up under THESE near perfect circumstances, we never will. PLEASE HELP!! They need to get out the vote and they need our help for that.

Jon Corzine (NJ) has been a member of the United States Senate since 2001. While he could have spent the rest of his political career coasting on his incumbency, he instead has set off in a new direction. To bring his bid for governor closer to the grassroots, Corzine built the 'Corzine Connection' community website and made it the heart of his gubernatorial campaign. The 'Corzine Connection' knocks down barriers to political participation, letting all interested supporters contribute their views and voices to his effort. Corzine's willingness to innovate reflects the same spirit of experimentation that built Democracy for America. This one is kind of personal for me because Karl Rove made his comments about liberals being responsible for 9/11 while campaigning for Corzine's opponant. And now Dick
Cheney is heading to NJ to campaign for his opponant. So I think we need to help Corzine out as much as we can to prevent Rove and Cheney from winning. Join us in supporting Jon Corzine in his bid for Governor of New Jersey. The election is November 8, 2005.

"Running for reform" - Tonya Payne (PA) has taken these words to heart. A
longtime Meetup attendee, she ran against an entrenched Democrat on the City Council-and won this tough primary. Tonya had never run for office before but heeded the call of Democracy for America and ran as a first-time candidate. Running on a platform of reform, with a focus on the economy, Tonya beat the incumbent and is now determined to bring fiscal responsibility to the Pittsburgh City Council. Join us in supporting this DFA-Pittsburgh endorsed candidate in her November election.

Shirley Franklin (GA) marked her successful 2001 bid for mayor of Atlanta with
the slogan, "You make me Mayor and I'll make you proud." Mayor Franklin has certainly lived up to her promise - becoming the first ever African-American female to serve as mayor for a major southern city. She has also battled for a living wage, LGBT rights and fought the city's worst budget crisis since the Great Depression. Mayor Franklin won the Profiles in Courage Award at the Kennedy Library this year and was recently named one of the "5 Best Big-City Mayors in the U.S." by Time Magazine. With your help, we can re-elect Mayor Franklin -- and continue to bring her progressive voice to Atlanta.



The following are facing possible primary challenges so I will not comment
on them, merely present their DFA profile:

Pat Jehlen (MA) has the experience, vision, and determination to stand up for all families of the 2nd Middlesex District. During her fourteen years as a state representative, she has fought for education funding, universal health care, marriage equality and the needs of working people and families. In the wake of State Senator Charlie Shannon's death, Pat Jehlen has vowed to continue the presence of a strong, progressive voice in the Massachusetts State Senate. Jehlen has also received the endorsement of the Cambridge-Area Democracy for America. The primary election is August 30, 2005 and the general election is September 27, 2005.

Gifford Miller (NY) knows how to stand up for what counts. A lifelong New Yorker, Miller was elected to the city council at the young age of 26. Eager to make a difference, he hit the ground running, and focused on issues to make the city more livable: strong schools, better health care, reliable transportation, and living wages for honest work. He was chosen to be the speaker of council in 2002. Join us in supporting this DFA and Democracy for New York City endorsed candidate. The primary election is September 13, 2005 and the general election is November 8, 2005.


Norman Siegel (NY) knows how to stand up for the rights of the people. Since graduating from law school over 35 years ago, Siegel has dedicated his life to defending our most basic freedoms and making sure government works for everyone. He joined the American Civil Liberties Union's Southern Justice & Voter Law project in 1968, and later headed up the Youth Citizen's fund. He has been at the forefront of some of the city's most critical struggles as Executive Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union. He fought for the New York State Equal Rights Amendment and brought better legal services to people in Manhattan's poorest neighborhoods. Now Norman is running for New York City Public Advocate—a city-wide elected office that has the capacity to make government more effective and accountable. Join Democracy for New York City and DFA in supporting Norman Siegel.

Progressive Democrat Issue 36: TARGET THE CORRUPT REPUBLICAN: DeLay revisited

You can get the latest information on Tom "Corruption" DeLay from the Daily DeLay.

The Public Campaign Action Fund is conducting a phone call campaign to urge two ranking members of the House Ethics Committee to investigate DeLay's scandals.

Please take a minute and make two telephone calls today to these members to respectfully request that they act without delay. Recent news coverage, historical precedent, and the fact that DeLay's PAC has made donations to 226 or the 232 Republican members of the House all call for an outside counsel to be appointed in a matter such as this. There is no impartial jury pool of members of Congress from which to launch an investigation. Period.

    Call Ethics Chairman Doc Hastings in his district office in Pasco, WA at 509-543-9396, or his Washington, DC office at 202-225-5816.

    Call Ranking Democratic Rep. Alan Mollohan at his district office in Wheeling, WV at 304-232-5390, or his Washington, DC office at 202-225-4172.

When you call, be firm and respectful. Tell the person who answers the phone that you want the Ethics Committee to appoint a highly-qualified, independent-minded outside counsel to investigate Tom DeLay

Please emphasize that the reputations of Congress, the Republican Party and the entire American Government is on the line here.

MoveOn.org is also leading the attack against DeLay's corruption.

The next step is to send a message to the Republican representatives who keep DeLay in power as Republican House leader. Today MoveOn volunteers are delivering petitions to Republican representatives at their hometown offices. We're also putting radio ads on the air in the hometowns of representatives who are expected to have the closest elections in 2006--connecting the representatives directly to Tom DeLay's scandals.

The goal of the ads is to demonstrate that representatives who continue to shield DeLay from accountability will pay a political price. We're running the ads in seven congressional districts. Six of the targeted members of Congress are close associates of DeLay, and they're expected to have a close election in 2006 (see the P.S. for more on them). The seventh, Rep. Melissa Hart of Pennsylvania, was appointed to the House Ethics Committee where she'll rule on DeLay's ethics charges--even though she recently contributed to DeLay's legal defense fund.

That's exactly the sort of abuse of power that DeLay is guilty of and one reason he needs to be fired as majority leader. Chronic rule-breakers shouldn't get to appoint a close friend as their judge. Congresswoman Hart's constituents need to hear about what she has gotten mixed up in.

If some Republicans in Congress begin to understand they could lose their next election because of Tom DeLay's abuse of power we'll embolden them to rebel against DeLay and then there is a real chance we could score another win this year: getting Tom DeLay fired as Republican leader. That's the sort of big news that will make it clear what the Republican leaders in Congress have been up to.

Will you make a contribution to keep these ads on the air while members of Congress are home this week? CLICK HERE to contribute now.

MoveOn.org also has these good DeLay resources:

More on DeLay's list of offenses.

Rankings of connections between DeLay and every member of Congress.

House Democrats expose DeLay's missteps.

The media mostly ignores the Republican scandals. It is up to us to force the nation to notice that the Republicans are dragging America down an immoral, corrupt path that is competely incompatable with Democracy. Come on folks! Hit them hard!

Progressive Democrat Issue 36: NYC FOCUS

Recently a pro-Bloomberg poster on Daily Gotham claimed that New Yorkers have not lost any rights under Bloomberg. I, of course, pointed out the detentions during the RNC that violated the time limit a person can be held before a hearing and the blanket arrests of Critical Mass bicyclists and the fact that simply publicizing Critical Mass is illegal. But the newest abuse of our rights is the searching of bags in the subway. One question is: is it an effective deterrent? I would argue that this is irrelavent legally beacuse, quite simply, these random searches seem very definitely to be a violation of the Bill of Rights.

Here it is:

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Let's repeat the key part there:

"...no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

Bloomberg's random searches of our backpacks does not fulfill these requirements! Where is Betsy Gotbaum? Isn't it HER JOB to speak out against such abuses?

We need a new mayor, one who respects the Constitution of the US, and a new Public Advocate, one who actually stands up for our rights. PLEASE get involved in the mayor’s race and the Public Advocate’s race.

Progressive Democrat Issue 36: BROOKLYN/QUEENS GROUPS AND EVENTS

ALL NYC:

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).


BROOKLYN EVENTS:

Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE! WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 7PM

Park Slope/Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NEW LOCATION! Heights Coffee Lounge, 335 Flatbush Ave(btwn. Park Place and Prospect), with host Wole Parks

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Royal Oak, 594 Union Avenue (@ North 11th) with hosts Ben Morrison and Paul Nocera

Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Wycoff-Bennette Homestead, 1669 East 22nd. St. (between Quentin & Kings Highway), with hosts Annette Mott and Estelle Glasser

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

MARJORIE'S OZZIE’S MEETUP: Next meeting in August, 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. Next 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! WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 7PM

NEW! Jackston Heights Meetup Novo, 78-23 37th Avenue, Jackson Heights, with host Henry Baranczak. Take any train to the Roosevelt Avenue stop in Queens. Click here for a map.

Bayside, Queens, The First Edition, 41-08 Bell Blvd, right near the LIRR stop, with hosts Steve Behar and George Howard

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 36: 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 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).


Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE! WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 7PM

Upper West Side, 420 Bar and Lounge, 420 Amsterdam Avenue @ 80th

Upper East Side, Waterloo, 1629 2nd Ave. (btwn. 84th & 85th) with hosts David Kogelman and Miriam Danar

West Village, Kettle of Fish, 59 Christopher St. (near 7th Ave.), with hosts Nicole Shore and Dana Northcraft

East Village, Raven, 194 Avenue A (@ 12th St.), with the return of host Heather Woodfield

Hell's Kitchen location TBD, with host Abhishek Mistry

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 36: NEW JERSEY FOCUS

New Jersey is clearly a big target for the Republicans. They know they will have a hard time turning NJ red, but notice who they are sending to NJ...they are sending their big guns. Karl Rove and Dick Cheney have been making the rounds. I think they are clearly trying to chip away at New Jersey's lovely blue color. Don't get complacent! Corzine is ahead in the polls, but the Republicans think they have a chance. They are not stupid. They wouldn't be sending Dick Cheney and Karl Rove if they didn't have something up their sleeves.

So, to all who live in New Jersey, you HAVE TO COUNTER THE REPUBLICAN TRICKS. How can the Dems battle the big money of Forrester and the Repubs? Simple. VOLUNTEER! Please take some time, even just a few hours, and VOLUNTEER FOR CORZINE. Do it as your personal message to Karl Rove and Dick Cheney that you don't want them coming around no more!

Progressive Democrat Issue 36: 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.


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.

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

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


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 36: VIRGINIA FOCUS

We all know Virginia is a BIG battleground. And we kow the race is close. The Republicans CAN'T let the Dems win Virgina this year. So they will be pulling out every trick in their sleazy book of tricks and Virginia will be majorly slimed this year. You have to stand up against their sleazy attacks!

So, to all who live in Virginia, you HAVE TO COUNTER THE REPUBLICAN DIRTY TRICKS. How can the Dems battle the big money and sleaze of the Repubs? Simple. VOLUNTEER! Please take some time, even just a few hours, and VOLUNTEER FOR KAINE.

Progressive Democrat Issue 36: 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: 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. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THESE HEARINGS. Your future vote may depend on it!

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
· 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 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 are only two Drinking Liberally groups in all of 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

Richmond, Virginia Drinking Liberally: Every Thursday, 7:30 pm onward Commercial Taphouse, 111 N Robinson St. Hosted by Scott Goode, richmond (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 36: NATIONAL ACTION: Voting Rights

This is an update on an action I wrote in April. In some ways little has changed so I will mostly just remind everyone what we are facing. But the fight for our voting rights is going on RIGHT NOW, state by state and, in some cases, county by county. We need to flood our local and state reps with our opinions on voting machines because right now they are only hearing from the vendors who sell the machines. And we know where THAT will lead. So STAND UP FOR YOUR VOTING RIGHTS! (or, really, sit down and start writing letters)

Part of this will focus on NY State, because that is where I have the most info, but it applies nationwide. The bottom line is that state and local legislators are deciding on our voting systems without considering cost, accuracy or transparency. The main thing they are considering are sales pitches from touch-screen manufacturers, which are mainly companies owned by right wing Republicans.

Bo Lipari of the New Yorkers for Verified Voting had a press conference in April announcing county by county cost comparisons for NY state of the electronic touch screen (DREs, aka Direct Recording Electronic), versus our preferred, paper ballot with precinct-based optical scanners.

Total acquisition costs for New York State:

    * DRE system: $230,473,000

    * Optical Scan: $114,423,640

Cost Savings of Precinct Based Optical Scan Voting System: $116,049,360

Touch screen and pushbutton style DREs have been found to be error prone, impossible to recount, and extraordinarily expensive. The NYVV cost estimate shows that the purchase cost of DREs exceeds the equivalent cost of precinct based optical scan systems by over 100 million dollars. Yet these are the very machines that the Republicans are trying to force on us.

Optical scan systems have been used successfully in elections around the United States for over 20 years. Currently used in nearly 30% of all the precincts in the US, the states of Arizona, Michigan, Ohio, Rhode Island and West Virginia have decided to use optical scanners to comply with the Help America Vote Act, which mandates new voting machines for New York. Of course optical scans can have problems too (e.g. Ohio), BUT at least they DO HAVE A PAPER TRAIL. With proper reform they can be reliable.

o "Optical scan voting systems are a reliable, mature, auditable and cost effective technology." said Bo Lipari, Director of New Yorkers for Verified Voting. "It's a mistake for NY to spend over 200 million dollars on untested, unauditable, problem prone DREs, when a proven system like optical scanners can be adopted for a fraction of the purchase and maintenance costs." said Lipari.

o "Precinct-based optical scan voting machines with the addition of accessible ballot marking devices will satisfy Help America Vote Act requirements to replace lever voting machines in New York State," said Aimee Allaud, Elections Specialist, New York State League of Women Voters. "The League supports optical scan systems because they meet our criteria of secure, accurate, recountable and accessible," said Ms. Allaud.

o "The Sierra Club members who vote for environmentally minded political candidates want to make sure that every vote is counted. That's why the Sierra Club supports paper ballot based optical scan voting systems - they're the most transparent, reliable, practical way to ensure that every vote counts." Said Sarah Kogel-Smucker, Legislative Associate from the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter.

o The New York Times in an editorial said, "Albany should ignore lobbyists for high-priced voting machines and come out strongly for optical-scan machines".

For detailed information on Paper Ballot/Optical Scan voting systems please visit Where's the Paper.

Touch screen machines have an estimated life of 3-5 years, and have a recent history of problems and breakdowns. Last Nov 2, there were tens of thousands of reports of them breaking down, losing votes, causing undervotes, or overvotes, that threw elections into question, assigning votes to the wrong candidate, and causing a loss of voter confidence in the election.

Summary: the touch screen machines are more expensive, less reliable and more prone to errors than Paper Ballot/Optical Scan voting. This is the message we need to send to our state legislators. We DON'T WANT our votes left up to unreliable touch-screen machines that will cost our states more money but are less reliable. We WANT Paper Ballots that are reliable, verifiable and cheaper. The League of Women Voters of New York State, the statewide Sierra Club, New Yorkers for Verified Voting, and many other organizations have endorsed a paper ballot/optical scan system. It is much less vulnerable to software error and fraud than touch-screen voting machines and is much less expensive.

So, are you convinced? Your voting rights are being threatened by the right wing and it is up to you to contact your state and local legislators and tell them what YOU think. Also contact your local media to tell them what you think. Our rights to a fair and accurate vote are at stake.

Progressive Democrat Issue 36: 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.