Progressive Democrat Issue 45: THOUGHTS

Maybe I don’t need to be doing this anymore. I can just retire from activism. The nation finally seems to be coming to its senses. What a week! You all know I have been fighting corruption in the Democratic Party in Brooklyn. Well, this week, the head of that corrupt party was convicted on 4 counts of election fraud.

Then, you all know I have been fighting Republican Corruption starting with Tom DeLay’s corruption. Well, this week Tom DeLay was indicted for his corruption!

But wait! There’s more! Those familiar with my Corrupt Republican blog know that one of the most corrupt Senators in the nation is Roy Blunt from Missouri. He was considered in line to replace DeLay should DeLay’s scandals catch up with him. Well, it seems Roy Blunt is on the outs and David Dreier is now the anointed successor. Speculation is that the Republicans don’t want to replace one corrupt crony with another.

But wait! There’s more! One person I have yet to target just because there is so much else to cover is Frist (R-TN). He also has a scandal dogging him. Well Frist’s scandal is exploding Martha Stewart style. There is no question that if Stewart deserved jail time, Frist certainly does.

The chickens are coming home to roost big time this last week! All I have been working towards is coming to pass. My job is done. We can all go home.

Okay so it isn’t over and we still need to work hard. The corrupt Brooklyn Dem machine and the corrupt Republicans will be fighting hard to survive these scandals and we are the ones who have to stop them. And earlier corruption I focused on continues: Halliburton got one of the first contracts to rebuild New Orleans and the incompetent, dishonored Michael Brown, who was just forced to resign as FEMA head for his failure to properly prepare for Katrina, has been hired by FEMA as a consultant. Republican corruption continues almost in defiance of public opinion, which is shifting against them. Cracks have appeared in their defenses, but they are still in control. We still must fight.

I wonder how much of an effect you and I have had in the fact that these scandals have not been buried. You and I have been writing the media week after week about Republican corruption. I wonder if our efforts had some small influence on the choice to pass over Senator Blunt as DeLay’s replacement. I wonder if our letters complaining about Blunt and his son have in some small way forced the Republicans to push the Blunts into the background. Did our letters about DeLay contribute in some small way to the fact that the case against his cronies actually made it to his doorstep?

I think we and our friends have started to have an effect. Our weekly work has started to pay off. It is time to redouble our efforts. If we have come this far, we can go all the way.

I guess there is still a need for this little newsletter.

On a side note, today, Oct. 1st, is Jimmy Carter’s birthday. More personally, a year ago today at about 10:30 PM at St. Vincent’s hospital in Manhattan, NY our son, Jacob William Michaelson, was born. Sadly, he had to witness the reelection of Bush scarcely more than a month after entering the world.

Progressive Democrat Issue 45: TARGET THE CORRUPT REPUBLICAN: Keep on keeping on!

It is time to return to Texas and DeLay’s corruption, the first target of my efforts to expose corrupt Republicans. This is from the Campaign for America’s Future:

Tom DeLay and two of his close political associates were indicted on criminal conspiracy charges by a Texas Grand Jury earlier today. This is the same Tom DeLay who eleven years ago this week signed the so-called Contract with America and pledged to end Congress' "cycle of scandal and disgrace."

The indictment against Tom DeLay has immediate political consequences -- he has just stepped down as House Majority Leader. This is a tremendous victory for everyone fighting to make Congress work again for the American people. But, it does not go far enough. Tom DeLay is the personification of the corrupt, pay-to-play politics that is the hallmark of today’s Republican-controlled Congress. To return honor and dignity to the legislative branch, and restore Congress' accountability to the American people, Tom DeLay must resign from Congress.

Congress is no place for scoundrels like DeLay who blatantly abuse their power for personal and corporate gain. He and his co-conspirators in Congress have consistently pushed measures that benefit the wealthy elite at the expense of the American people. It’s time to clear the air of corruption that Tom DeLay has brought into the House of Representatives. Please write your Representative and demand that they call for Tom DeLay's resignation from Congress.

But do more. Write the media telling them how disgusting you think DeLay’s corruption is. Tell them DeLay should resign and the Republican party has to start cleaning house before the American people can trust them again. Remember, these letters to the editor may just be having an effect! Keep up the pressure.

Finally, you can help take down Tom DeLay and possibly help a Democrat successfully challenge him for his Congressional seat. Act for Change is raising money for a billboard illustrating DeLay's criminal corruption. They are asking for donations of $10 to publicize DeLay's corruption in his own district. Please consider helping them out.

Progressive Democrat Issue 45: GIVING VOICE TO OUR VETS

I am repeating this because last week I didn’t have any info on the new PA-7 Iraq war candidate. So I am adding that race and repeating the others.

I want to highlight some of the upcoming 2006 races where Iraq War vets are running as Dems. First off, I want to emphasize that almost ALL Iraq war vets who are running for Congress are doing so as Democrats. The most famous so far was Paul Hackett who did wonders in the OH-2 special election, losing by 4% when no other Dem has pulled even 30% for 15 years. He made the Repubs spend a bunch of money that they hadn't planned to spend!

But there are more Dems who are running. I have to emphasize something, though. Some of these folks may face primary challenges. I am highlighting them BECAUSE THEY ARE IRAQ WAR VETS. I think they are worth looking at to consider supporting them. But if they have a Dem primary challenge, please consider ALL candidates running. Furthermore, if anyone KNOWS of such primary challengers and want to provide information to balance what I mention here, I promise to include it in a future newsletter.

Think of what it will look like if a whole slew of Iraq War Vets oust Republicans in 2006!

So, now on to the list of Iraq War candidates running as Dems:

1.The one I missed last week is Iraq War veteran Bryan Lentz will run against Curt Weldon (PA-7). Here is a Daily Kos diary on Bryan Lentz.

And here is Lentz’s website.

Here is how he introduces himself:

I'm running because I believe that we stand at a crossroads. The choices we make today will go a long way in determining what kind of country we live in tomorrow.

The American dream that I grew up with in southeastern Pennsylvania promised good jobs at good pay; quality, affordable healthcare; strong schools; a fair and equitable tax structure; a clean environment; and fundamental respect for the rights and liberties of all Americans.

Today, that dream is slipping away for too many of our friends and neighbors. The failed policies of the Bush administration and the Republican Congress have left us a weaker, more divided nation.

We can do better than that.

As a former prosecutor and veteran of the Iraq war, I'm prepared to work hard for you, as I have in the past, to make sure the American dream works for all of our citizens. But I can't do this alone. I need your help.

In the coming months I'll travel the district to meet with as many of my neighbors as possible. I'll also use this website to share my ideas with you. I hope you'll check in from time to time as the site grows, and that you'll send me your thoughts and comments along the way.

Together, we can put America back on the right track and allow all our citizens to enjoy the blessings of our democratic birthright.

So check out his site and help him out if you like what you see.


2. Then I want to highlight Tim Dunn, running for the NC-8 seat. Here is a dKos diary on his candidacy. His main plank in his platform is opposition to CAFTA. And here is his statement on announcing his candidacy:

A Note from Tim,

I wish to express to you my sincere appreciation for...your support of our campaign to return North Carolina values to the United States Congress.

While I am not the seasoned politician that my opponent is, I have served my country for 19 years as a United States Marine, and currently hold the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve. I view this opportunity as a chance to serve my nation in a different capacity.

I care deeply about our nation and, like you, am deeply troubled by the direction that this Congress and this administration is leading us.

I believe that we need to give our men and women in the armed services the tools that they need to carry out their mission effectively, so that we can bring them home safely and soon. I believe that we need to stop playing Washington politics with people’s jobs and livelihoods and I believe that when a man gives his word it should be his bond.

I believe that we should value education and work over idle wealth and I believe that the promise of opportunity that we know as the American Dream should be available to all, not just the privileged few.

I hope you’ll join me in our effort to make America strong at home and abroad.

Our opponent has a proven ability to raise millions of dollars and is capable of spending significant personal funds in this campaign. We don’t have to outspend him, but we do need to be able to have the tools necessary to be competitive. Your contribution, no matter the amount, will go a long way to helping us put the North Carolina 8th back in the blue.

Thank you and best wishes,

Tim Dunn

Sounds like a good beginning to a campaign. If you like what you hear, consider giving him some support.


3. David Ashe is running for the VA-02 open seat. Endorsed by Max Cleland, former Senator from Georgia and disabled Vietnam Vet, Ashe’s name is synonymous with service. Excerpts from his website:

48 hours after the [9/11] attacks, David [Ashe] rented a car and made his way to Manhattan. He entered the perimeter with a group of police officers and spent several days at GroundZero searching for survivors with the rest of the "bucket brigades."

On abortion:

Abortion should be safe legal and rare. We must educate to prevent the situations where this choice must be made.

On the Hate Amendment:

David Ashe believes that marriage is sacred, just as the U.S. Constitution is sacred. David Ashe opposes a Constitutional amendment on marriage and believes the federal government should not intrude on religious matters.

Ashe strikes me as being more conservative than I prefer, but he also sounds reasonable, dedicated and appropriate for his community. He has my best wishes. Please visit David Ashe's website.

4. David Harris, a Bronze Star recipient, is running for the TX-06 seat. You can read a little about his views on the Iraq war in this article. Harris is opposing GOP incumbent Joe Barton in Texas' very red sixth district. So this in many ways is a close parallel to OH-2 where a long-shot Iraq war vet ran in a very red district. Barton is one of the 11 Republican Reps. who voted against giving aid to the victims of hurricane Katrina (the so-called Katrina 11). Maybe we can do even better in TX-6 than in OH-2. His website won't be up until October, I hear, so as far as I know we can't make direct donations to him. However, I believe this is part of Tarrant County (Fort Worth area) so I suggest a donation to the Tarrant County Democrats or the Tarrnat County Youg Democrats. This can set the county Dem party up for supporting whichever Dem candidate wins the primary in 2006. Or go to my Defeat the Katrina 11 website and donate to the general fund for the TX-6 race. I suspect that this race will be a sleeper for awhile, but will get hot in the last weeks of the campaign in 2006. That would parallel the OH-2 race. But this time we really have a chance to give this race some early attention. Please keep an eye on it and give when you can!

5. Patrick Murphy is running for the PA-08 seat. This may be the most likely pick up because Murphy is running against a vulnerable Repub in a moderate district. He is also a recipient of a Bronze star and served both in Bagdhad and in Bosnia. Here is a Daily Kos diary on him. His focus is on Working Families, Supporting Our Troops and Honoring Our Veterans, and Protecting Our Constitutional Rights. If you can only support one of these good vets, this might be the most practical race to focus on. Check out his website and help him out if you like what you see.

Progressive Democrat Issue 45: NYC FOCUS

I feel like I am drowning in a sea of mailings and TV ads from Michael Bloomberg. The man who wants to buy the election is using his ample wealth to saturate the city with his ads. Should the richest candidate have so much advantage? I personally find this saturation offensive and I consider his trying to buy the election offensive. What has Bloomberg done for me? The schools don’t seem much better than they did when he took office. Classes are as crowded as ever. We still need more schools to be built. He says we don’t have the money to build new schools…but he also says we have the money for a new stadium and a new arena. Are these his priorities? Developers over our children. Bloomberg says we don’t have money to keep firehouses open. But we have money to help developers tear down entire neighborhoods to put up office buildings and luxury housing? Developers over our firefighters. He is has been stingy giving contracts and raises to our firefighters, teachers, nurses and cops. But he gives developers everything they want in secret backroom deals, even setting aside city laws to ease their path. Developers over the law.

And now Bloomberg further shows his disdain for New York voters by opting out of the first debate with Freddy Ferrer. What is Bloomberg scared of?

Bloomberg is all about real estate, isn’t he? That seems to be what his term as mayor is all about. Development, development and more development. But not development that preserves, nurtures and restores neighborhoods. It is development that destroys neighborhoods, replacing them with skyscrapers, shopping malls, Wal-Marts and sports arenas. Our schools, firehouses, cops and nurses can go to hell, but let’s give developers exemption from our laws and our taxes. That is the Bloomberg policy.

People tell me he isn’t beholden to anyone so they like him. Bull! Bloomberg is beholden to developers and to the Republican Party! And he is trying to get my vote by using his personal wealth to buy the election. I am not falling for it. My vote is my own and his endless mailings and TV ads just irritate me.

We need to get word out about Ferrer. Check out Freddy’s website.

Check out Mike Bloomberg's Record

and check out Boot Bloomberg out of Town.

And, of course, write letters to the editor saying why you don’t want Bloomberg and why you do like Ferrer. Hell, tell the media you’d rather have a beer with Ferrer than sip cocktails with Bloomberg and his rich developer friends. Help counter Bloomberg’s money with your own opinions. Tell the media YOUR viewpoint on the mayoral election:

May I suggest the following papers:

New York Daily News: voicers@edit.nydailynews.com

NY Times: gailc@nytimes.com

Staten Island Advance: hanley@siadvance.com

Progressive Democrat Issue 45: BROOKLYNFOCUS

The indictment of Clarence Norman is big…REALLY big for Brooklyn politics. Republican corruption is horrible, but we can’t tolerate corruption in our own party either. Clarence Norman not only is embarrassingly corrupt, but he also led a party machine that couldn’t even deliver votes. Brooklyn Dem voter turnout is extremely low. Norman only cared about holding power, not in strengthening the Democratic party. We are better off without Clarence Norman. I should also point out a contrast between the Republicans and our party. The massive corruption of the Republicans has gone unchallenged within the Republican party. The Republicans have generally closed ranks behind DeLay and Blunt and Frist and implicitly supported their corruption. Here in Brooklyn we have a corrupt Dem party, but their downfall comes from WITHIN the Dem party—from the reform Dem clubs and from Charles Hynes, the Democratic Brooklyn DA I don’t much like but who DID lead the legal attack on Clarence Norman. Today, Democrats are willing to clean house, even if it takes some time. The Republicans tolerate and encourage corruption across the nation.

I suggest that we all write our local media and comment on the conviction of Clarence Norman and the contrast between Democrats cleaning house and Republicans wallowing I corruption. I suggest the following newspapers:

New York Daily News: voicers@edit.nydailynews.com

Newsday: tbrune@newsday.com

Jewish Tribune: lijeworld@aol.com

If we all flood these papers with letters, they just might take notice!

Progressive Democrat Issue 45: NYC ACTION FOR KATRINA VICTIMS

I want to publicize this from a reader:

We are planning a return trip to Baton Rouge from Oct 7-11. *If you are interested in joining or supporting in any of the listed capacities please let me know.* Feel free to forward. The proposed itinerary is attached.

Looking for 2 to 4 strong willed volunteers to travel to New Orleans / Baton Rouge:
* Must be good with mop and bucket and good at providing loving support
* Must be good with people & pets and know how to navigate obscene bureaucracy with creative ingenuity
* Must be willing to pay your own way or solicit contributions from others - estimated cost around $175.00
*Must be willing to put in long hours without complaint, in other words be a true dynomight brooklynite!
*Must be open to transporting foster pets, either to directly foster or on behalf of others who will foster
* Must be dedicated upon return to matching families we meet in need of support with others in our networks
Looking for folks interested in committing to supporting an individual / family
* There are still many who need help in finding a temporary place to live, a job, or help locating missing loved – ones. If you would like to directly support a family or individual in need, we can do our best to match you up.
Looking for folks interested in committing to fostering or adopting a pet
* There are thousands of displaced pets needing homes – the LSU shelter is not allowing direct fostering so we will most likely work with other shelters, possibly in Slidell or Gonzales, La, directly fostering pets

Looking for contributions and donations to bring down with us as we did previously.
* I am inquiring about need with the local connections previously made. Most of you have already emptied your closets, pockets, and even homes, to support those in need. I will send out a list with requests only to those that express interest.

If you are interested in joining or supporting in any capacity please let me know. I realize there are a myriad of local relief initiatives taking place and we're all engaged in helping on many grassroots levels, plus we still have our own causes and families here to support. Pardon my plebian, philanthropic prose, but there is no substitute for experiencing things first hand if we possess the means and ability to do so. I know most of us feel beleaguered at the scope of this disaster and traveling down there only amplifies this effect, but it also magnifies the reward. I am still disturbed and overwhelmed by my first trip down, but it still feels infinitely worthwhile to help in this capacity and strengthens my resolve to return and to invite you to as well. I hope to dialogue with you soon and send some photos upon the return from BTR part deux.

If you are interested, please email ME and I will forward your email to the reader who is organizing this.

Progressive Democrat Issue 45: 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 last Friday starting in Union Sq. Park North, 7PM! And see their NYC calendar for Bike Workshops and other rides (including ones in other Boroughs).

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

Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!

Research & Advocacy Group Meeting, Wed, 09/28/2005 - 7:00pm: Join us for an exciting new initiative the DFNYC Research & Advocacy group and work on your issue.
The Research & Advocacy group or R&A provides you with an opportunity to on the issue or project you are most passionate about and develop an advocacy plan for other DFNYC members.

Some possible issues and project are: How City Government Works; Potential Reforms to the NY State Legislature; or National Health Insurance. Advocacy plans for these issues could include: a forum or panel discussion; flyering in a representative’s district; writing to our representatives; or joining another organization’s advocacy plan.

Each R&A member will focus on a specific issue and gather the information necessary to form an advocacy plan. The members will form teams around similar issues. The teams will help each member revise their ideas and hone in on an advocacy plan. The entire R&A group will work to empower the DFNYC membership and make us more informed and effective advocates.

Wed, 10/05/2005 - 7:00pm: DFNYC Linkups:

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

Upper East Side, Manhattan Lounge, 1720 2nd Ave. (btwn. 89th & 90th) with hosts Lewis Cohen and David Kogelman

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 hosts Josh Skaller

Hell's Kitchen O'Flaherty's Ale House, 334 West 46th (btwn. 8th & 9th), with host Abhishek Misty


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 45: BROOKLYN/QUEENS GROUPS AND EVENTS

ALL NYC:

HELP US SAVE THE SUPREME COURT AT WEEKLY PHONEBANKS EVERY WEDNESDAY every Wednesday until the Senate votes on Roberts’ nomination. 6:00-9:00 PM at the People For the American Way New York office, 149 Fifth Avenue at 21st Street, 7th Floor. To RSVP, please call Tony Simone at (212) 420-0440 x13, or email tsimone@pfaw.org. Please indicate whether you are willing to use your cell phone to make calls throughout NY State. We have many calls to make, but only a limited number of phone lines -- donating your minutes for this effort is a great help.

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 last 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:

Party/fundraiser for Chris Owens: candidate for Congress in Brooklyn's 11th District, to be held Sunday, October 9, from 3 to 6 pm. We will be serving wine & cheese and playing lots of New Orleans jazz, blues, etc. 262 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY

Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!

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

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


MARJORIE'S OZZIE’S MEETUP: October 27, 7 PM: Meet-up at Ozzie’s with discussion and speaker, Jeremy, from the Brennan Center on Albany dysfunction. Unless we decide to participate in a campaign related activity and postpone Albany problems until January. They aren’t going away. 249 5th Ave at Garfield, Park Slope, best subway is R to Union, east one block, and down three blocks. 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!

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 host Steve Behar


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 45: NEW JERSEY FOCUS

Things are looking good for Corzine. He is solidly ahead in polls, though we can’t be complacent. But I think a shift of focus is warranted. This election isn’t JUST about Corzine. It is about races across the state. Your efforts are more important to your local politicians than they are to a state-wide candidate. Some of your local politicians might even be your friends or family or neighbors. Or they may become your friends as some of my local politicians have. Most people running for the most local races are not so different from you and me—people trying to do something for their community and country.

I can’t find each and every local race in New Jersey. But I have been learning that an individual’s impact can be big in their local community if they put their mind to it. You can find out what is going on in your county and community by going to the following site, clicking on your county, and going to the website of your local county Democratic committee.

They can help you find out about the candidates that need your help. Your efforts can deliver the dozen extra votes that could determine a local election.

Progressive Democrat Issue 45: 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.

Candles For Jon Corzine! Tues. November 1, 2005, Dusk - 9pm, One week before Election day, Light a candle and place it on your front porch or window (preferably in a blue glass container) Let’s light up the night and show that NJ is a BLUE state and your choice for our next Governor is Jon Corzine.

Annual Spaghetti Dinner November 4th, 2005 Location: Washington Club Address: Route 130 Penns Grove, NJ Time: 6:00pm Price $30 per person

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.

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

Princeton, Every Thursday, 7:00 pm, 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 45: VIRGINIA FOCUS

The upcoming election isn’t just about the Governor’s race, important though that might be. This week I want to highlight the VA State Delegate races. This is your chance to influence your local area and help out your local community. Your efforts are more important to your local politicians than they are to a state-wide candidate. Some of your local politicians might even be your friends or family or neighbors. Or they may become your friends as some of my local politicians have. Most people running for the most local races are not so different from you and me—people trying to do something for their community and country.

People focus too much on state-wide and national elections and not enough on local elections. Getting out the vote for local candidates, even in long-shot races, helps state-wide candidates as well as potentially helping make your state government more Democratic. In 2004, Montana went solidly for Bush. But on the state and local level, Democrats won big. Why? Because local activists focused on local elections despite the knowledge that Bush would win the state.

Please follow this link, find your district, and help out your local Democratic candidate for VA Delegate.


I also want to highlight these actions:

Phone Banking: 10/6/2005 and every Thursday after, 7 pm
Price & Sons Books
1332 Sycamore Square
Midlothian
804-594-1900
Phone banking for Kaine every Thrusday in October 7-9 pm

Get Out The Vote Rally: 10/9/2005 2pm- 5pm
Historic Downtown Fredericksburg
Market Square
540-310-4750
Rally with Speakers, Music to Get out The Vote for Kaine Byrnes and Deeds. In Partnership with Fredericksburg Democrat Committee

Progressive Democrat Issue 45: VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

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

****Phone Banking: 10/6/2005 and every Thursday after, 7 pm
Price & Sons Books
1332 Sycamore Square
Midlothian
804-594-1900
Phone banking for Kaine every Thrusday in October 7-9 pm

****Get Out The Vote Rally: 10/9/2005 2pm- 5pm
Historic Downtown Fredericksburg
Market Square
540-310-4750
Rally with Speakers, Music to Get out The Vote for Kaine Byrnes and Deeds. In Partnership with Fredericksburg Democrat Committee


***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, 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.


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 45: NATIONAL ACTION: fighting treason

Well, we now know that it was I. Lewis Libby, Dick Cheney’s chief of staff, who leaked Plame’s name to Bob “the traitor” Novak. Yet I don’t see much about this in the news (other than on NY1 and in the NY Times). Even on Daily Kos it is more about attacking Obama and Clinton than publicizing the fact that the Vice President’s chief of staff committed treason by leaking the name of a covert agent to the press. Let me repeat that:

THE VICE PRESIDENT’S CHIEF OF STAFF COMMITTED TREASON!

And no one seems to care much. This should be the number one story on everyone’s lips.

THE VICE PRESIDENT’S CHIEF OF STAFF COMMITTED TREASON!

Here is a Booman Tribune diary on the topic.

Please read this and start up your letters to Congress and to the media demanding that:

1. I. Lewis Libby, Dick Cheney’s chief of staff, be fired, arrested and tried for treason
2. An independent investigation is initiated investigating Dick Cheney’s role in this treason
3. Bob Novak be fired and arrested and tried for treason


Bill Clinton was vilified and impeached by the Republicans because he lied about getting sex. But if Libby, Novak and maybe Dick Cheney commit treason, it’s okay? What is becoming of America???

Write your Senator and Rep demanding an investigation

And write the media!

Progressive Democrat Issue 45: GETTING LOCAL AROUND THE NATION

This is how our coalition will be built: through out local action. Our success depends on you and your activism. 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.


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.


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).


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.