Progressive Democrat Issue 39: THOUGHTS

Personal Note: This issue will be more cut and pasted from other sources than usual. Don’t be fooled: these actions and ideas are VERY important even if they don’t come from me : -). Why am I unable to put as much time into this issue? Simple. I have been too busy. My job hunt has yielded some interviews and those have taken precedence. It has been an interesting week! I have interviewed for a job as a Science Teacher for a brand new private High School in East Harlem as part of Boys and Girls Harbor, a very comprehensive program to improve the communities served by this organization. I have interviewed for a job as a project leader initiating a censorship in science project for the National Coalition Against Censorship. And I have connected with a friend of a friend who works for a major funding agency who asked for my CV. No job offer is certain right now, but at least I have some leads. The teaching job is close to solid, the censorship job is maybe 50/50. If no job materializes, I will be unemployed as of Sept. 1st. I am somewhat disappointed that jobs in my existing field, scientific research, are almost nonexistent these days. It is almost certain that I will no longer be a lab researcher at the end of this month…due to budget cuts in NSF and NIH funding, there are no biology lab research jobs in NYC that I can find. The upside is that I am finding some connections with education, political and public advocacy jobs, and that interests me as well. We’ll see. But now, on to this week’s newsletter!

Awhile back a reader from Tennessee forwarded me excerpts from The Four Freedoms speech delivered by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, on January 6, 1941. So much that was said and done by FDR are still very applicable today. I want to draw your attention to this speech and focus on a few excerpts.

In times like these it is immature—and, incidentally, untrue—for anybody to brag that an unprepared America, single-handed and with one hand tied behind its back, can hold off the whole world…

As a nation we may take pride in the fact that we are soft-hearted; but we cannot afford to be soft-headed. We must always be wary of those who with sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal preach the ism of appeasement. We must especially beware of that small group of selfish men who would clip the wings of the American eagle in order to feather their own nests…

The nation takes great satisfaction and much strength from the things which have been done to make its people conscious of their individual stake in the preservation of democratic life in America. Those things have toughened the fiber of our people, have renewed their faith and strengthened their devotion to the institutions we make ready to protect. Certainly this is no time for any of us to stop thinking about the social and economic problems which are the root cause of the social revolution which is today a supreme factor in the world. For there is nothing mysterious about the foundations of a healthy and strong democracy.

The basic things expected by our people of their political and economic systems are simple. They are:

Equality of opportunity for youth and for others.

Jobs for those who can work.

Security for those who need it.

The ending of special privilege for the few.

The preservation of civil liberties for all.

The enjoyment of the fruits of scientific progress in a wider and constantly rising standard of living.

These are the simple, the basic things that must never be lost sight of in the turmoil and unbelievable complexity of our modern world. The inner and abiding straight of our economic and political systems is dependent upon the degree to which they fulfill these expectations.

In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms.

The first is freedom of speech and expression—everywhere in the world.

The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way—everywhere in the world.

The third is freedom from want, which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings, which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants—everywhere in the world.

The fourth is freedom from fear, which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor --anywhere in the world.

That is no vision of a distant millennium. It is a definite basis for a kind of world attainable in our own time and generation. That kind of world is the very antithesis of the so-called "new order" of tyranny, which the dictators seek to create with the crash of a bomb.

There is no way that anyone can read these words by FDR, said while the world was immersed in WW II, and not realize the inadequacy of the current resident of the White House. Bush violates all the basic principles and morals that FDR outlines so eloquently in this speech. The smallness of Bush is obvious when we compare him with the great leaders of the past. We are not being led today in America. We are being dictated to by petty, greedy men who know nothing about morality, compassion or freedom.

This is why I spend so much time focused on this newsletter, on my blog and on activism. This is why we must fight so hard to defeat these petty, greedy men who are ruining our nation. Never give up no matter how strong they seem. We must prevail because if we don’t, America is lost.

Progressive Democrat Issue 39: TARGET THE CORRUPT REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN: MORE Ohio Corruption

The Republican party of Ohio continues to be the most amazingly corrupt state party I have personally ever heard of. And I mean EVER! I have previously covered the corruption of Ohio Republicans, from Congressman Mike Oxley to Governor Taft to other smaller fish elsewhere on this blog. But things have progressed further. The Governor now faces criminal charges and the Attorney General is in trouble.

Here is a Daily Kos diary on the problems of Governor Taft, drawing from the Columbus Dispatch:

Gov. Bob Taft is expected to be charged this afternoon in Franklin County Municipal Court with four criminal misdemeanors for failing to disclose golf outings and possibly other favors…

Taft's problems surfaced in connection with Thomas W. Noe, a prominent Republican campaign contributor who managed failed rare-coin investments for the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Taft appointed Noe to the Ohio Board of Regents and Ohio Turnpike Commission. Noe resigned from both jobs in the wake of the coin scandal.
Noe, a Maumee coin dealer, has been accused of stealing nearly $4 million from the $50 million investment for personal use, and his lawyers have acknowledged a shortfall of up to $13 million.

Multiple state and federal agencies are investigating, and three special grand juries have been seated. Noe, who denies any wrongdoing, has not been charged.
Things really began unraveling on May 23 when Charles contacted the governor's office seeking records. He had found allegations, during the course of his investigation, that members of the governor's staff received lodging, accommodations and other items from Noe.

Taft subsequently sent a letter to the Ethics Commission on June 14, acknowledging that he failed to list multiple list golf outings and other events on his financial disclosure forms over several years.

This is all part of the current Republican practice of taking pretty blatant bribes (there, I said it!) from lobbyists and then pretty much support whatever those lobbyists want. Tom DeLay (TX), Randy Cunningham (CA) and the Blunts (MO) are further examples of this kind of disgusting Republican corruption.

Now here is the amazing thing: Governor Taft pleaded NoLo, as we used to say in Los Angeles (“no contest” to the rest of you) meaning that he in essence admits guilt without legally admitting guilt. Here is a Daily Kos article on his guilt:

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

Taft is found guilty

Ohio Gov. Bob Taft publicly apologized and pleaded no contest today to four misdemeanor ethic charges in Franklin County Common Pleas Court for failing to disclose more than two dozen golf outings and other gifts he received.
Taft, whose wife, Hope, accompanied him to court, was found guilty, fined $4,000 and ordered to write an email apology to state employees, and to send an email to the news media apologizing to the people of Ohio.

Taft told the court that he was disappointed in himself for failing to meet the high ethical standards that he expects all state employees to meet. Taft is the first Ohio governor to be convicted of a crime while in office.

Slap on the wrist for what is, in essence, nasty corruption. Let’s make this clear: Republican Governor Taft of Ohio is guilty of corruption and the Republican party still supports him. This is a continuing pattern of apologizing for corruption by the Republican Party.

But Taft isn’t the only Ohio Republican to be corrupt. Let’s make THIS clear: corruption is rampant throughout the Republican Party, particularly in Ohio. Now, the attorney general of a state is supposed to be the top law enforcement official for that state. The Republican attorney general of Ohio is himself corrupt. His problems stem from the same “coingate” scandal that is dogging Governor Taft. Here is a Daily Kos diary covering attorney general Jim Petro’s latest problems.

The gist is that Petro has been refusing to disclose to the public documents relating to a workers comp. fund and the “coingate” scandal. When Petro first argued that the documents were protected by the "trade secret" privilege, a court denied his defense and demanded he turn over the documents. He then, in contempt of court (an attorney general in contempt of court!!), he failed to turn over the documents. When once again ordered by the courts to produce the documents, he produced EDITED versions of those documents, in essence violating the court order. This is roughly where the case stands.

Again, let’s make this clear: the Republicans are violating court orders, hiding facts from the public and, in essence, deeply engaged in corruption.

These examples of Republican corruption are finally getting some press. But if we don’t keep pushing the media and Congress to pay attention to this corruption, it will be quickly forgotten. PLEASE, write your local media and the Ohio media complaining about Republican corruption. Aren’t we all embarrassed by this corruption? Isn’t this un-American?

Also, if you like, write your Congresscritter demanding an investigation of this corruption.

Progressive Democrat Issue 39: CONSUMER ACTIVISM: Alonovo.com

August 22, 9am PDT - the world shifts ever so slightly, new possibilities emerge and a dream becomes reality.

WHAT IF together we can begin a new era in America?

WHAT IF an easy to use website empowered you to:
· Let your values inform your purchasing decisions
· Help redirect the powerful $64 billion eCommerce economy to ethical businesses
· Shift the global marketplace toward a sustainable, values-based economy

WHAT IF you could be an important member of a growing community that:
· Is guided by leading member-based citizen organizations
· Does not compete for donations among the community it serves
· Generates funding for its founding and affiliated non-profit organizations
· Protects the privacy of all users and does not sell lists or contact information

This is exactly what a very interesting, new project aims to accomplish. I have been in contact with these people and watching their progress for some time. This MONDAY their great efforts are coming to fruition. PLEASE check out their website starting on Monday, 9 AM West Coast time. This could be the future of the Progressive movement taking shape before our eyes. Check them out!

http://www.alonovo.com/

And one of Alonovo’s partner sites is Global Justice: http://www.globaljusticenow.org/about.html

Progressive Democrat Issue 39: MEDIA ACTIVISM:

From Free Press:

In 2000, the FCC opened up the nation's airwaves to low power community radio stations. Since then, more than 675 local stations have gone on the air in 50 states, forming the national backbone for community broadcasting.

Now, local radio (LPFM) needs your help to survive and grow. The FCC is considering critical new measures that would prevent commercial stations from pushing our community broadcasters off the dial. Before the FCC decides, they need to hear from you.

Write the FCC and tell them to protect Low Power FM radio stations.

It's taken commercial saturation of the radio waves to create demand for something as revolutionary as LPFM. These stations are locally driven and noncommercial, providing news and information to communities often ignored by mainstream radio.

The FCC is modifying the 2000 rules that created LPFM stations. If you have and value a local station, or wish you had more homegrown broadcasting in your area, the FCC needs to hear from you right now.

Act now to protect and support local radio.

And for those who have video cameras but haven’t thought about making a Pod for Al Gore’s new Current TV, PLEASE check out my earlier campaign to give Al Gore our Pods.

Progressive Democrat Issue 39: ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION

Sometime back I focused on the seeming Republican tactic of poisoning Americans—Arsenic in our drinking water, mercury emissions, destroying the clean air and clean water acts. All of this makes our air and water less safe for average Americans. This trend continues! Now we are back to mercury emissions.

Compiled from the League of Conservation Voters and Act for Change:

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that has been shown, even in minute doses, to seriously harm young children. The largest single source of mercury in our environment is emissions from coal-fired power plants. Incredibly, the Bush administration now wants to relax the rules and allow these plants to continue polluting our environment with high levels of mercury. Working Assets is partnering with the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) to call attention to this problem, and we're asking you to take action today.

Last March, the Bush Administration finalized a pro-industry rule for mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. But now Congress has the opportunity to effectively overturn a key part of this rule and force stricter regulation of this toxic pollutant…

The scope of the problem is clear. Pregnant or nursing women, women of childbearing age, and children are now advised not to eat ANY of the high-mercury fish species such as tilefish, shark and swordfish, and no more than two servings of other types of fish (such as tuna) per week. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 12 women of childbearing age currently has a mercury level in her blood that is unsafe for a developing fetus.

Yet in response to this widespread public health threat, the Bush Administration has proposed a ten-year delay in implementing regulations designed to cut mercury emissions by 90 percent. The Administration also wants to remove coal-fired power plants from the list of mercury sources that can be regulated under the Clean Air Act. In response, Senators Snowe and Leahy have introduced a bipartisan resolution of disapproval to prevent these proposals from going forward.

As the Bush Administration proposed their weak rules, 45 Senators and 10 Attorneys General expressed opposition to the plan. Now it's time for Congress to take action and force the Bush Administration to clean mercury from coal-burning power plants.

Take Action Now: Tell your Senators to force stricter regulation of mercury emissions.

And now from the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG):

Toxic mercury pollution is so pervasive that many Americans cannot safely eat fish caught in local waters. Mercury causes learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other serious problems. But rather than crack down on the largest U.S. source of mercury pollution - power plants - the Bush administration recently gave polluters a pass, delaying reductions in mercury pollution from power plants for years to come.

Senators Patrick Leahy (VT) and Susan Collins (ME) have introduced a bipartisan joint resolution that would overturn the Bush administration's mercury plan and send the administration back to the drawing board to write a rule that complies with the law and protects public health.

Please take a moment to urge your senators to protect Americans from mercury pollution by voting for the Leahy-Collins resolution. Then help spread the word by forwarding this email to three mothers concerned abouut the impact of mercury pollution on their children's development.

Background

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can affect the brain, heart, and immune system. Children and developing fetuses are especially at risk. Even low-level exposure can cause learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other problems, and EPA scientists estimate that one in six women has enough mercury in her body to put her child at risk should she become pregnant.

Notwithstanding these risks, the Bush administration recently finalized two rules that do too little, too late to reduce mercury pollution from power plants, the largest manmade source of mercury emissions in the U.S. The first rule (the "delisting rule") takes power plants off the list of sources subject to strict controls for their emissions of mercury and other toxic air pollutants, paving the way for the second rule, an industry-favored "cap-and-trade" plan that delays even modest mercury reductions until 2018 and lets power plants buy and trade the right to pollute. Such a trading scheme increases the risk of mercury "hot spots" around plants that choose to buy mercury credits rather than reduce their pollution.

In issuing these rules, the Bush administration ignored the law, which requires power plants to reduce their mercury emissions by the maximum achievable extent, about 90% by 2008. The administration also ignored the science on mercury, widespread public opposition, and highly critical reports by three separate government bodies, including EPA's own children's health committee, foisting what amounts to a do-nothing approach on the public for years to come even though proven, cost-effective control technology is already available. And it did so even though recent studies by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and the EPA's own water office have all shown tremendous benefits from reducing mercury pollution from power plants.

To date, 15 states and a variety of other groups, including environmental and public health advocates, Indian tribes, and the City of Baltimore, have challenged the administration's mercury rules in court or petitioned the EPA for reconsideration of the delisting rule. Then, on June 29, Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced a bipartisan resolution to disapprove the delisting rule. If enacted, this resolution would nullify the rule, sending EPA back to the drawing board to craft a rule that complies with the law and protects public health.

Please take a moment to urge your senators to protect Americans from mercury pollution by voting for the Leahy-Collins resolution. Then help spread the word by forwarding this to three mothers concerned abouut the impact of mercury pollution on their children's development.

The life you save may be your own, your child’s or my child’s. Please, help stop the Republican-sponsored poisoning of Americans.

Progressive Democrat Issue 39: NYC FOCUS

The primaries are coming up. Again, I want to emphasize that it is very important for us all to be part of the process because if we aren’t out there backing candidates, only those candidates who are backed by big money get anywhere. You can find candidate websites on the left hand side of the Democracy for NYC website.

But there is something else we need to do: be ready to vote. The same link above can give you information on candidates. Don’t just pay attention to the mayor’s race. There are several other races of considerable importance—Public Advocate, Brooklyn Surrogate judge, the DA races, etc. Find out about these candidates and vote intelligently. It is on the local level like surrogate judge and DA where corruption can be rampant or can be fought. The choice is ours, but we need to read up on the races to know. DFNYC can be a good resource for information.

Debates are another way to find out about candidates. Here are some upcoming debates that you can catch on TV:

First Public Advocate Debate, Tuesday, August 23, 2005, 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Channel 1 (NY1)

Second Public Advocate Debate, Sunday, August 28, 2005, 6:00-7:00 a.m. on Channel 4 (NBC)

Second Mayoral Debate, Wednesday, September 7, 2005, 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Channel 4 (NBC)

Progressive Democrat Issue 39: 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!

MARJORIE'S OZZIE’S MEETUP: August 25: Meetup at Ozzie’s, 249 Fifth Ave. at Garfield. 7:00 pm. Best subway is R to Union, east one block, and down three blocks. Gifford Miller has confirmed, a serious effort on organizing for election reform, and perhaps a Code Pink lady with her pink boa. 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 39: 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).


Billionaires for Bush “Drunk on Power” Ball –Thurs., Aug 24, 8pm - The Lightship (Gentri) Frying Pan at Pier 63, just north of Chelsea Piers. Billionaires for Bush invite you to their "Drunk on Power" Ball on August 24th from 8 until it's-too-late-for-Social-Security. Come celebrate the anniversary for the RNC in NYC with music, dancing, performers and decadence. Huzzah! Dress to Oppress. Ticket information at: http://www.billionairesforbush.com/nyc Proceeds from this benefit will go to support Billionaires for Bush and the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign.

Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!

Mondays in August, DFNYC Dials Siegel –Aug. 22, 29, 6:30pm-9pm -Siegel HQ, 260 Madison Ave. @ 38th, 2nd floor (near Grand Central) Join Tracey and Heather and your fellow DFNYCers as we phone bank to likely Democratic primary voters around the city to encourage them to vote for Norman Siegel. If you are interested, we'll show you how to do phone banking from home. Feel free to come early or late. RSVP at: http://www.dfnyc.org/cms/node/87174

DFNYC Research & Advocacy Group Meeting –Wed., Aug 31, 7pm -Cosi, downstairs, 2160 Broadway at 76th St. DFNYC wants to help you work on your issue! Join us as we kick off the DFNYC Research & Advocacy (R&A) Group. Each R&A member will focus on a specific issue and gather the information necessary to form an advocacy plan. The R&A group will work to empower the DFNYC membership and make us more informed and effective advocates. Meetings will take place the last Wednesday of every month. Contact research@dfnyc.org with questions and for further information. RSVP at: http://www.dfnyc.org/cms/node/87150

DFNYC Needs Your Kitchen –Bake Cookies for Democracy –Sept. 8-12. DFNYC will be baking homemade cookies for the Primary Day volunteers. Please donate your kitchen for an evening or afternoon on the weekend before the September 13 primary. Host a DFNYC Cookie Banking Party at your house! We’ll help you set up your party to feed the primary day volunteers. Write to Heather at hwoodfield@dfnyc.org to set up and promote your party.

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 39: NEW JERSEY FOCUS

Jon Corzine wants you!

The Corzine Connection is a new, grassroots organizing mechanism. Corzine has created the Corzine Connection as a place where you can organize to bring your voice more fully into the process. These are their stated goals:

1. Build a grassroots community that is a place for genuine interaction between activists and the campaign while also serving as a forum to be heard.
2. Communicate with members about campaign activities, volunteer opportunities, and important issues.
3. Organize members at a local level, in conjunction with our field staff, to engage in voter contact activities like phone calls and door-to-door canvassing.
4. Encourage member participation in issue campaigns to influence New Jersey voters and media.
5. Create an organization that will continue beyond November by helping to renew a sense of achievement, progress and momentum in New Jersey grassroots politics.

Use the Corzine Connection to organize New Jersey's grassroots. We hope that this is the future of politics in America--stronger grassroots replacing the big money methods that too often dominate both parties. Retake your party. Retake your country. Buildup the grassroots in your neighborhood with the Corzine Connection

Progressive Democrat Issue 39: 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.

Democrats 2000 Beach Barbecue with Special Guest Senator Jon Corzine Saturday, September 10, 2005 5:00 p.m. at 206 3rd Avenue, Belmar $50 suggested contribution Sponsorships Available. For More Information Email Democrats2000@aol.com

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

Hunterdon County Democratic Committee Picnic: September 5th, 2005, Location: Kingwood Park; Time: 1:00pm to 5:00pm; Price $35 for adults, $12.75 for children 12-17; Contact Lois at jlzarish@sprintmail.com for more information

North Brunswick Democratic Club 2nd Annual "Day at the Races": September 10th, 2005; Location: Monmouth Park Racetrack; Address: Oceanport, NJ; Time: 12:00 Noon; Price: $37.50 per person; Contact David Sirna at 732-236-7490 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 39: SOUTHERN FOCUS

I still am amazed that there is an ongoing anti-South/pro-South debate going on among progressives on blogs like Daily Kos. I suspect that those who say the Democrats should just abandon the South are Northerners who don’t really understand the South. As I have said many times, there is no reason to view the South as nothing but a sea of rabid Republicans. Far from it!

Let’s remember that Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Ann Richards and Jimmy Carter all represented the South. And, in the view of Jimmy Carter:

“Republicans are men of narrow vision, who are afraid of the future. “-Jimmy Carter

Southerners are NOT all people of narrow vision who are afraid of the future! And to prove the point, I want to introduce you to Think South blog and the Center for a Better South.

There is a think tank called the Center for a Better South: a pragmatic, nonpartisan think tank dedicated to developing progressive ideas, policies and information for thinking leaders who want to make a difference in the American South. They have started a web log dedicated to discussions of progressive issues and values focused on the Southern states. From voting rights, to Medicaid to minimum wage, Think South focuses on the issues that concern us all from a Southern perspective. Check them out!

Progressive Democrat Issue 39: VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

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


The Kaine for Governor Campaign and the Virginia Association of Democratic Chairs

INVITE ALL VIRGINIA DEMOCRATS TO A SERIES OF REGIONAL ACTION MEETINGS

PURPOSE: ENGAGING CONSTITUENCY GROUPS to Support Democratic Candidates and the Virginia Victory 2005 Coordinated Campaign

Expanding outreach efforts to help elect Democrats by inspiring grassroots action through enhanced communication between statewide (Kaine, Byrne, and Deeds) and House of Delegates campaigns, Virginia Victory 2005 Coordinated Campaign, DPVA, VADC,
and Democratic grassroots volunteers regarding:

· Explaining the Coordinated Campaign's Regional Strategy, Tactics, and Progress

· Implementing the DPVA Outreach Plan

· Continue to implement the DPVA/VADC regional training plan

AND

· Recruit volunteers! Recruit volunteers! Recruit volunteers!

*JOIN CAMPAIGN AND PARTY REPRESENTATIVES*
HERE ARE THE CURRENT LOCATIONS

THIS WEEKEND! Blue Ridge Community College Saturday, 8/20/05 10a.m. - 12 p.m.
Directions: http://www.brcc.edu/Visitor/map_wc-bldg.htm


NEW! Coordinated Campaign Headquarters, Roanoke, Wednesday, 9/7/95, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
308 South Jefferson Street in Downtown Roanoke
After 5:30, parking can be obtained for free on the street, or in the lot across the street. For detailed directions call: 540-344-1160. Jen Tomasello.


Germanna Community College: Locust Grove Campus, Saturday, 9/10/05 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Directions: LOCUST GROVE http://www.gcc.vccs.edu/pres_office/campus.asp

and, same day,

NEW - LOCATION CHANGE!!! Caroline County Community Center, Saturday, 9/10/05 9 - 11 a.m. 17202 Richmond Turnpike, Milford, VA (previously listed in Essex Co.)
(The First Congressional District Committee will meet at 12 p.m.)
Directions - From I-95. Take Carmel Church/Bowling Green exit (exit 104). Travel east on Rt. 207 (Rogers Clark Boulevard) approximately 13 miles. (Rt. 207 East crosses Rt. 301 about 1/2 mile past the first Bowling Green exit). At the intersection of Rt. 207 and Rt. 301 take Rt. 301 South. Go approximately 1 and 1/2 miles. Just past the intersection of Rt. 301 and Rt. 640 you will see the Caroline County Community Service Center (a large brick building) on the west side of the road.


NEW! Coordinated Campaign Headquarters, McLean (Fairfax), Tuesday, 9/13/05, 7 - 8:30 p.m. 1575 Anderson Road, McLean, VA 22102. For detailed directions call: 703-720-2600. Abby Curran.

NEW! Coordinated Campaign Headquarters, Richmond, Tuesday, 9/13/05, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
6010 Crestwood Avenue, Suite B, Richmond, VA 23230 For detailed directions call: 804-673-2100. Charlie Kelly.


*****August 18th through August 21st, Help educate citizens about Verified Voting at the Arlington County Fair. They need people to hand out literature at the Arlington County Fair this August. The fair is at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 South Second Street • Arlington, VA 22204 Verified Voting Organization of Virginia is working to support legislation in the state legislature that will assure that everyone who casts a vote in a Virginia election will get a verifiable receipt.. There is legislation before both houses in Virginia that will assure that voters get receipts that can be accurately recounted and verified as needed when they vote. Now we need to get the bills passed and signed by Governor Warner. Contact Joan at JjP3871@aol.com to volunteer.

***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.

Tuesday, September 13th, 6:30-9:00pm, Virginia Grassroots Coalition Labor Night at Capitol City Brewing. The VGC labor folks will take the lead in a discussion of issues of economic justice in the workplace.

Saturday, September 17th, a public forum on National Health Insurance in Roanoke, VA. Public Policy Virginia & Virginia Grassroots Coalition sponsoring an event in Roanoke, VA, on September 17th at William Ruffner Middle School, (3601 Ferncliff Ave NW, Roanoke, VA) around the issue of National Health Insurance. The aim of this event is to help inform people of the scale of the problems inherent in our current health care system and about an alternative to this system. When people leave this event, we want them to be more comfortable with the idea of a single payer system and to be able to communicate the advantages of this system to others. We are trying to make citizens aware of the fact that there is a solution to the fact that 45 million Americans lack health insurance and millions more are underinsured. To volunteer to help with the event in Roanoke or for more information, contact Dan Barish at dbarish@ppvir.org www.ppvir.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 39: NATIONAL ACTION WITH MAINSTREET MOMS

From Mainstreet Moms Operation Blue:

UPDATE:
PLAN A SCHOOL BOARD OUTING &
OPT OUT TOOL FOR PENTAGON RECRUITING DATABASE

YELLOW RIBBON SHIFT; MOTORCADES & MOTHERS; DVD
There's a momentum shift happening in America's yellow-ribbon attitudes toward the occupation of Iraq. Footage of Bush's gleaming black motorcade sliding right past mother Cindy Sheehan and her makeshift camp in Crawford fuels that shift. As do tales of aggressive military recruitment and targeting in the high schools under No Child Left Behind. (We interview Cindy on "Leave My Child Alone: The DVD" which is available free to anyone for their Opt Out events, tiny or otherwise.)

PENTAGON OPT OUT TOOL
MMOB, working with Working Assets and DFA, is accelerating that opinion shift toward tangible action through Leave My Child Alone. With an automated tool for opting out of both the No Child Left Behind military recruiter lists AND the Pentagon's irksome database, LeaveMyChildAlone.org is an easy resource to spread. And if we can commit more new folks against the war through the simple action of Opt Out, we might just have a mainstream anti-war movement on our hands. And in our schools.

GIVE AN EVENING IN SEPTEMBER?
This battle is happening primarily at school board meetings in September. If you can fit just one evening in for your local school board meeting, please email Josh at jsonnenfeld@workingassets.com or call 415-369-2112. If you're ready to go, just register your meeting at www.partylaunch.com/workingassets. Otherwise, take action in your own circles - have a DVD viewing party and hand out Opt Out forms and info; ask your reading group to give you 20 minutes; show it at a school assembly; bring it to your Dem club get togethers, whatever works. Please do post your event (private or public) so we know to send you the film. If web posting is a pain for you, just call or email Josh.

DAMNING STATS
Here are some quick stats to put your ire to work:

* "Army proposes..$1 billion advertising contract -- government's largest ever." Ad Age Magazine
* "Overall military recruiting budget reaches $4 billion. Access to high schools slows down the escalating costs of military recruiting." PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer
* "Parents are the biggest hurdle we face." Ohio Recruiter, New York Times
* "High schools are the recruiter's life blood." Jim Massey, former recruiter and Gulf War Veteran, Leave My Child Alone DVD
* "In an effort to stem continued recruiting shortfall...Army wants to double the top cash bonus to $40,000 for new recruits" USA Today
* Recruits receive "offers of more than $70,000 in college aid" Fox News
* "Only 8% of these troops receive the full benefit." Chronicle of Higher Education
* "57% of the veterans who apply for the Montgomery GI Bill...have never seen a penny in college assistance" Peacework Editor Sam Diener
* "30% of U.S. troops surveyed have developed stress-related mental health problems" USA Today
* "An estimated 500,000 veterans were homeless at some point in 2004" UPI
* 11,000 kids have "opted out" so far.

So can you rally together a friend or two and go to your local school board meeting, or have an LMCA film party, or take Opt Out forms to the farmer's market? Anything to help more districts handle Opt Out right, and help more parents know how to Opt Out.

Here’s what we moms can do - put 15 minutes on the timer and if takes longer than that, email your stress level to megan@themmob.org.

* Go to www.partylaunch.com/workingassets, click ‘Find’ and search for your local school board meeting. If you find it, click the ‘RSVP’ button and we’ll contact you about hosting.
* If you can’t find your local school board meeting in the tool, go to your school district’s website (or call them on the phone) to find the next meeting, and post time and location. You may be contacted by other MMOB moms or LMCA participants about joining you on this outing.

You'll find a great resources to help you plan (leaflets, sample resolutions, opt-out forms, etc.) as part of our Adopt-A-School-Board kit.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OUTINGS: POST & HOST
Once again, If you can be a school board outing host, or would like to volunteer in any way, please contact Josh at jsonnenfeld@workingassets.com or 415-369-2112. If you're ready to go, just register your meeting.

HONOR ROLL?
If you are in a great district already, you can nominate them for the School Board Honor Roll by emailing HonorRoll@workingassets.com.

Meanwhile, several of us may be getting on the phone to check in personally to see if you're up for any action next month. Hope you don't mind

Best to everyone

Megan and the others at the MMOB

Progressive Democrat Issue 39: 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.