Progressive Democrat Issue 60: Thoughts

Corruption continues to be the issue of the moment. That and Alito. This week I will be focusing on both.

Corruption is the issue we need to nail home. That and fairness in voting are the two things Democrats should be pushing as our key issues. We need to be the "Fair and Easy Vote" and the anti-corruption party. THOSE are our winning issues and the Republicans are handing them to us on a plate.

Don't have much else to add. For once my thoughts section will be short!

Progressive Democrat Issue 60: Perpetual Republican Corruption

Two Republican Congressmen are competing to replace Tom DeLay as the leader of the House Republicans. One would expect that the Republicans would be eyeing the most squeaky clean of their members to counter the corrupt image their party now has. And yet, one of the top contenders is Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri, one of the most corrupt members of Congress. The other is at best only soft on corruption and at worst, based on the REPUBLICAN view of the Abramoff scandal (not our own), the other, Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, is among the most corrupt Congressmen around. In their blind quest for power, Republicans just don't get it. Americans don't like corruption.

Roy Blunt vs. John Boehner for top House Republican. Both claim they want "reform." But what do we know about these two regarding corruption and attempts to reform? Let's start with Roy Blunt and his son, Matt Blunt. And I have been talking about this corrupt pair from Missouri since June, 2005.

Roy Blunt (MO-7) and his son Matt Blunt (Governor of MO) are among the most corrupt politicians in America today. Not only is Roy Blunt so caught up in Tom DeLay's web of corruption, but he and his son have their own sleaze dragging them down. Here are some excerpts from Blunt Facts regarding the corruption of the Blunt family in Missouri politics:

Rep. Roy Blunt (MO-7) tried to help Philip Morris (one of his big donors and employer of his son, Andrew, and his then girlfriend, Abigail Perlman) by inserting a tobacco industry backed provision attacking internet cigarette sales into the, get this, Homeland Security Bill.

From CBS NEWS
Reported June 11, 2003

GOP Whip Tried To Aid Tobacco Pals

(CBS) House Majority Whip Roy Blunt is coming under fire for trying to help tobacco giant Philip Morris USA in last November's homeland security bill.

Blunt's ties to the company include large campaign donations from the company - $150,000 since 2001 to committees affiliated with Blunt. His son, Andrew, also works as a lobbyist for Philip Morris back in his home state of Missouri.

The Washington Post reports that just days after he was named to the House's third-highest leadership post, Blunt - who has close personal and political ties to Phillip Morris - tried to slip a pro-tobacco provision into the bill creating the new Department of Homeland Security.


When Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., found out about Blunt's idea, he immediately yanked it out of the bill. Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Tex., also said he opposed Blunt's effort and "worked against it" when he found out about it.

Several Republicans told the Post they felt a pro-tobacco provision had very little support and that Blunt's actions could have proven "embarrassing" to the party and its new Whip.

Some Republicans also expressed concern that Blunt's close personal relationship with a Phillip Morris lobbyist named Abigail Perlman may have influenced his actions.

Matt Blunt, Gov. of Missouri, used taxpayer's money, including Federal money, to urge people to vote. Problem was, he plastered his own name and face all over the ads even though he was a candidate. He used OUR money to plug himself.

From SPRINGFIELD NEWS-LEADER
Published September 1, 2004

Blunt faces ethics complaints after primary advertising

By Kelly Wiese
Associated Press

Some former Republican gubernatorial candidates and a group backing Democratic candidate Claire McCaskill have filed ethics complaints against Republican nominee Matt Blunt over newspaper ads encouraging people to vote.

The Associated Press reported last month that Blunt, the secretary of state, spent almost $48,000 in public money on statewide newspaper advertising that includes his name and picture, urging voters to turn out for the Aug. 3 primary.

Blunt easily defeated five little-known opponents in the Republican primary for governor to face McCaskill, the state auditor, in November.

Blunt used federal funds to pay $47,984 to the Missouri Press Association to place the ads twice during the primary campaign in 295 daily and weekly newspapers across the state, the association said...

Out-of-state donors who needed support from Roy Blunt in Congress donated large amounts of money to his son, Matt Blunt's, campaign.

From THE HILL - Newspaper for and about Congress
Published July 9, 2003

Rep. Blunt's son aided by donors from out-of-state
by Sam Dealey

Campaign finance records show that Matt Blunt, the son of House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), received significant contributions from out-of-state sources during his successful 2000 race for Missouri secretary of state.

Many of the contributors seemingly lacked a direct interest in the down-ballot state race but had significant interests pending before Matt Bluntís father.

At the time that the contributions to his son's campaign occurred, Roy Blunt was a rising GOP star and an aggressive fundraiser. After the elevation of J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) to Speaker in 1999, Blunt was named chief deputy whip.

He also won a seat on the powerful House Commerce Committee, with assignments on subcommittees with jurisdiction over finance and hazardous materials, oversight and investigations, and telecommunications, trade and consumer protection.

Missouri state records show contributions to Matt Blunt's campaign came from firms and individuals with business pending before Roy Blunt's subcommittees. Although some of the companies have significant interests in the state, others do not.

Top executives at Freddie Mac, for example, contributed $4,000 to his campaign. On Nov. 6, 2000, Senior Vice President Gary Lanzara and Vice President Lelan Brendsel gave $1,000 each. Two weeks later, Freddie Mac lobbyist David Glenn and his wife, Cherie, also contributed $1,000 apiece. Cherie is listed as a homemaker; the couple reside in Great Falls, Va.

Contributions from telecommunications-related entities accounted for over $10,000. Railway transportation companies also contributed more than $6,000 to Matt Blunt's campaign. John Scruggs, a top lobbyist for Altria, formerly Phillip Morris, contributed $1,000. Other contributions came from companies and executives in--or representatives for--such heavily regulated industries as healthcare, insurance, chemicals and defense technology.

By far the biggest outside contributors to Matt Blunt's campaign, however, were colleagues of Roy Blunt. Campaign finance documents show 84 House lawmakers made 95 contributions to the secretary of state campaign, totaling more than $65,000.

"What it looks like is that people were giving not because of an independent desire to help Matt Blunt but because he was Roy Blunt's son," said Larry Noble of the Center for Responsive Politics. "Clearly, there are questions raised by the fact that so much money came from out-of-state donors, and it looks like the givers have interests where Mr. Blunt might be able to help.

Finally, Governor Matt Blunt has tried to prevent the U.S. Attorney's office from investigating his family's scandals by putting the wife of U.S. Attorney Todd Graves (U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri) on the Blunt Family payroll to the tune of a cool half million dollars a year, and he used taxpayer dollars to do it. This is described in the Kansas City Star. And here is an excerpt from a petition to Attorney General Gonzales demanding an investigation of this corruption:

It has recently been reported that United States Attorney Todd Graves and his family will personally benefit from no-bid state contracts valued at more than $3.6 million given by Missouri Governor Matt Blunt. This raises serious ethical and legal questions concerning Mr. Graves' ability to perform his job, which includes investigating and prosecuting public corruption in federal, state and local government, including the Blunt administration, those who might attempt to influence the Blunt administration, or Blunt's father, the United States Congressman from Missouri's 7th District.

Awarding these contracts to the Graves family effectively undermines any attempt by the United States Attorney's Office to investigate claims of public corruption as they did against former Speaker of the House Bob Griffin or Attorney General William Webster...

On Feb. 9, 2005 the Blunt administration announced that Tracy Graves, wife of United States Attorney Todd Graves, had been given a no-bid contract to run the second most lucrative motor vehicle fee office in Missouri, located in Gladstone. As the fee agent, Tracy Graves will gross more than $2.6 million over the next four years of Governor Blunt's term. US Attorney Todd Graves' brother-in-law, Todd Bartles, was also awarded a $1 million no-bid contract to run the Sugar Creek Motor Vehicle Fee Office.

In addition, two congressional staffers to Congressmen Sam Graves, who is the brother of United States Attorney Todd Graves, were also given no-bid contracts, even as they continue to be on the Federal Government's payroll. Congressman Sam Graves' Deputy Chief of Staff Dean Brookshier was given a no-bid contract to run the Chillicothe office and Field Representative Naomi Boss was awarded the Keytesville office.

This arrangement goes far beyond the appearance of impropriety. One could reasonably argue that this lucrative contract will ensure that the Blunt administration is never investigated for corruption or wrongdoing as long as United States Attorney Graves and his family are personally getting rich off of the administration.

We also strongly feel that United States Attorney Todd Graves has violated the U.S. Department of Justice's Standards of Conduct, specifically section 1-4.320, which states:

Conflicts of Interest. Employees may not engage in outside activities that create or appear to create a conflict of interest with their official duties. Such a conflict exists when the outside activity would: (1) require the recusal of the employee from significant aspects of his or her official duties (5 C.F.R. § 2635.802(b)); (2) create an appearance that the employee's official duties were performed in a biased or less than impartial manner (5 C.F.R. § 2635.502); or (3) create an appearance of official sanction or endorsement (5 C.F.R. § 2635.702(b)).

It is our sincere hope that you would obtain all correspondence, including emails and phone records, between the Graves family, the Blunt transition team and the Blunt administration in connection with these arrangements. It is essential to know who approached whom in regards to this arrangement and what promises were made.

An added concern is the fact that in his official capacity, United States Attorney Graves also was a member of the interview and hiring team for the Missouri Department of Public Safety Director. This was an official governmental body that was responsible for the review of applicants and the selection of the final panel of nominees to the Governor. Such participation now makes it impossible for United States Attorney Graves to effectively investigate or prosecute misconduct by the Department of Public Safety in the expenditure of federal dollars, including Homeland Security Funds.

Can we tolerate this kind of corruption in American politics? The Republican party includes Roy Blunt in its leadership. This, along with their defense of Tom DeLay's corruption, is a dark stain on the reputation of the Republican party.

But let's turn to Blunt's rival for Tom DeLay's top spot. John Boehner voted to weaken House ethics rules to try and save Tom DeLay from corruption accusations, but then flip-flopped when it became clear that Tom DeLay could not be saved. This alone shows that Boehner is weak as a reformer and soft on corruption. Not to mention, he is a flip-flopper. But there is more to Boehner as well. As part of the Ohio Republican political machine, he is tainted by the massive corruption of that state party. Ohio Republicans are massively corrupt, with Congressmen like Mike Oxley and Bob Ney as well as Ohio Gov. Bob Taft embroiled in scandals. John Boehner does not seem directly linked to coingate or the other massive scandals hitting Ohio's Republican Party, but neither has he been crusading for reform within his state's party. Again, he seems soft on corruption at best. But wait...there's more.

We claim that the Abramoff scandal is exclusively a Republicans scandal. The Rpublicans claim that Democrats are tainted as well. The difference is that we are focusing on the politicians who are directly linked to Abramoff himself while Republicans are looking at all politicians who have received money from the Indian tribes that Abramoff has represented, as if the tribes themselves were the source of the corruption. Well, you and I realize that it is ABRAMOFF and those most closely linked to him that are the scandal. ABRAMOFF, not the Indian tribes, has pleaded guilty to corruption charges. Based on our criteria, ONLY REPUBLICANS are implicated. But the Republicans want to define ALL politicians who have taken money from the Indian tribes as being tainted. Well, based on this Republican definition, John Boehner of Ohio is one of the most tainted of Congressmen because he is one of the top beneficiaries of these Indian tribes. So let's ask the Republican Party: Which is it? If the Democrats are implicated, then Rep. John Boehner seems the most corrupt of all and should resign. If Rep. John Boehner is innocent, then there ARE NO DEMOCRATS IMPLICATED IN THIS SCANDAL. They can't have it both ways.

Tom DeLay and Randy Cunningham have been brought low by corruption. But do the Republicans learn? NO! They are favoring one massively corrupt man (Roy Blunt) and one man who is by their own definition corrupt or by our definition merely a wimp when it comes to fighting corruption (John Boehner). Is this really the best the Republicans can do?

You know the score. Write your Congress Critters and the media telling the Republicans that they better get a clue and stop foisting corrupt politicians on us. They better clean up their act or America will clean up for them. Speak out and be heard!

Progressive Democrat Issue 60: The Nonpartisan Fight Against Corruption

This is from Common Cause:

Scandals like the one engulfing Congress now are a blot on our politics, but these moments in history are also an opportunity to change the way Washington does business. We need to move fast to take advantage of this opportunity.

We have about three weeks to make sure Congress passes real ethics reforms when they return to Washington. If we all do our job, by the time they come back, they will have heard from thousands of Americans telling them to clean up the mess in the nation's capital.

Immediate action is critical, because reforms like we're proposing are never easy to pass...

Common Cause has developed a far-reaching set of reforms - the Common Cause Ethics Challenge. There are five points in our plan, starting with strong enforcement of ethics rules by establishing an independent commission to oversee Congressional ethics.

This is what we want them to do:

Five Ways To Shake Up Washington

1. Tough enforcement - An independent ethics commission to provide oversight and enforcement of Congressional ethics rules.

2. Impose an Effective Gift and Travel Ban - No more gifts from lobbyists; no more privately-funded travel.

3. Slow the Revolving Door - No more Members of Congress and staff getting lucrative lobbying job offers as they write special interest legislation.

4. End The Campaign Money Chase - Enact a publicly-funded, clean elections system for Congressional campaigns.

5. Shine a Light on Lobbying Activities - Full, real-time disclosure of lobbying contacts, who's lobbying who and how much they're spending.

Will you join our team to challenge Congress? We need you to contact your Senators and Congressmen and insist that they pass real reform. Don't let them slide by this scandal with window-dressing rules.

And I would add that it would be a good idea to highlight these 5 reforms in a letter to the editor.

Progressive Democrat Issue 60: Fight for the Court, Oppose Alito

I am taking this from the ACLU:

As the Senate begins hearings on the nomination of Judge Samuel A. Alito, Jr. to the Supreme Court, the ACLU is taking an extraordinary step.

That is because this is an extraordinary time. Our President has claimed unprecedented executive powers and has shown a deep hostility towards protecting individual liberties and rights.

The ACLU opposes a Supreme Court nominee only when his or her record clearly indicates that the nominee is fundamentally hostile to civil liberties. With that context and standard in mind, we believe there is no choice but to oppose the Alito nomination.

We encourage each and every person in our country who cares about the future of civil liberties to urge their Senators to reject this nomination.

At a time when the President of the United States is defying the Constitution and showing contempt for the checks and balances essential to democracy, the last thing we can tolerate is a Supreme Court nominee who has a broad view of executive power and a limited view of the judicial role in checking that power.

A Supreme Court Justice with Judge Alito’s troubling record on civil liberties issues, including reproductive freedom and civil rights, would be the wrong choice at any point in time.

At this moment in time, a nominee with Judge Alito’s history of deference to authority and support for government power would strike a blow to the future of fundamental freedoms.

In this high-stakes climate, the Supreme Court must be a bulwark against incursions on our fundamental freedoms.

Judge Alito would replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, considered a moderate voice and a critical swing vote on civil liberties and civil rights issues.

For example, in the case of American-born detainee Yaser Esam Hamdi, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor said the Court has "made clear that a state of war is not a blank check for the president when it comes to the rights of the nation's citizens." We are deeply concerned that Judge Alito would not bring the same balance and moderation to the Court.

The ACLU and freedom-loving people all across America are fighting to uphold the Constitution and the Bill of Rights against a climate of disregard, and in some cases illegality, in the current administration.

Tell your Senators to Oppse Alito!

And, of course, write a letter to the editor saying why you oppose Alito.

Progressive Democrat Issue 60: Environmental Action

Tell Exxon's New CEO - End the Disinformation Campaign

ExxonMobil, the most powerful, most profitable, most polluting oil company, claims that it is the world's leading supporter of global warming research. But what Exxon leaves out is that it spends millions of dollars to convince people that global warming is a hoax.

Tell ExxonMobil's new CEO, Rex Tillerson, that enough is enough. The world needs action, not misinformation campaigns. Urge him to move ExxonMobil in a new direction!

And Remember, Exxon/Mobil is still a target of a progressive boycott, with people preferring Citgo, BP, Sunoco or Chevron as alternatives, depending who you ask.

Progressive Democrat Issue 60: NY State Action: Activate the Grassroots

Act Blue has their own 50-state strategy, complementing Howard Dean's 50 state strategy for the DNC, aimed at activating the grassroots nationwide with $10,000 per state seed money. Their approach is distinct from Howard Dean's efforts but is just as important and even MORE supportive of the grassroots. Can we take pride in our state's grassroots and help Act Blue ACTIVATE NY STATE'S GRASSROOTS.

You can also get active locally as a volunteer within your local Democratic Party organization, or your local Democracy for America group. We are always asking "where are the Democrats." Well, WE are the Democrats, too. So where are we? Hopefully we are giving our time and money right here and now to defeat the un-American Halliburton Republicans and to retake our nation for the American people. It really is up to us.

Progressive Democrat Issue 60: BROOKLYN/QUEENS GROUPS AND EVENTS

ALL NYC: (lots going on this week!)

PHONE BANKING AGAINST ALITO:
THIS IS CRUNCH TIME. JUST DO IT!

Location: PFAW-NY Office, 149 5th Avenue at 21st Street, 7th Floor
When: Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in January, 10AM to 4PM and every Thursday Evening, 6-9PM

RVSP to Tony Simone at 212-420-0440 x13 or tsimone -at- pfaw.org (replace -at- with @) and let him know you heard it from DFNYC.


Throughout the week (Jan. 15-21), the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service will be projecting historical photos of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on its video walls. This slideshow by Magnum Photos and curated by Spike Lee, documents the context and mood of the civil rights movement and Dr. King’s critical speeches and events. All students with an NYU I.D. are welcome to stop by Wagner and view the exhibit: The Puck Building, 295 Lafayette St., 2nd floor



Celebrating the Dream: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Wednesday, January 18
Kimmel Center, Eisner & Lubin Auditorium
6:00 p.m. (Kick-off reception at 6:00 p.m., program will begin at 7:00 p.m.)
An evening of student performances, award presentations and more. Keynote address by Keith Beauchamp, celebrated documentary filmmaker of The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till; the NYU Gospel Choir and the NYU Step Team will perform; MLK Celebration Week essay winner will read the winning essay; MLK Award will be presented.

# MLK Essay contest

Deadline for submissions: December 14th
For more information, visit essay contest

# MLK Oratorical Contest

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Kimmel Center, Shorin Auditorium, Room 802
A speech contest honoring the dream through student voices.
Sponsored by The Steinhardt School of Education.


MLK day of service Various Service Projects
Saturday, January 21, 9 am – 3 pm
various locations
Participate in a variety of volunteer projects at agencies throughout New York City that address issues including hunger, homelessness, literacy and at-risk youth. Register to volunteer at: MLK Day of Service Volunteers
Sponsored by The Office of Community Service, and Office of Government and Community Affairs


DFNYC Judiciary Issues Committee Meeting Tue, 01/17/2006 - 7:00pm; Starting on Jan 17th, The DFNYC Judiciary Issues Committee will be meeting every month on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the office of David Kogelman at 305 Broadway (corner of Duane St), 5th Floor, 212-385-0777.


Saving Our Democracy: A Colloquium To Rescue Our Democracy From The Far Right Sat, 01/21/2006 - 9:00am, he Nation, PFAW Foundation, Demos, and the New Democracy Project are co-hosting "Saving our Democracy" on Saturday, January 21. Here's the info:

The Great Hall @ Cooper Union
7 E. 7th St.
(212) 490-0001
Saturday, Jan 21, 9am to 5:30pm
$10

With Bush & Co. exporting democracy abroad while dismantling it here at home, it's time for progressives to stand up and take your democracy back. "Saving Our Democracy" brings together 20 of the nation's leading activists and authors to audit the state of American democracy and to offer real ideas on how to save it. Through the day's eight panels, "Saving Our Democracy" will cover every major domestic democracy issue from voter suppression and religious McCarthyism to government secrecy and the failing media.

Co-hosted by The Nation, PFAW Foundation, Demos, and the New Democracy Project.

The colloquium will help you think--not about left vs. right, but about pro-democracy vs. anti-democracy.

For tickets, speaker schedules, or more info, visit www.newdemocracyproject.org.


DFNYC Monthly Mixer Tue, 01/24/2006 - 7:00pm, Where: Pioneer Bar, 218 Bowery (btwn. Prince & Spring)

Join us at the Democracy for NYC special New Year Party Monthly Mixer.

Admission: $5 per person (with RSVP), $7 without


Research & Advocacy Group Meeting Wed, 01/25/2006 - 7:00pm, Where: Cosi, downstairs, 2160 Broadway at 76th St.

Join us for an exciting new initiative the DFNYC Research & Advocacy group and work on your issue. New participants are always welcome.

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. All members will help eachother revise their ideas and hone in on an advocacy plan. The R&A group will work to empower the DFNYC membership and make us more informed and effective advocates.


1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East March for Dignity & Justice: Mon, 01/16/2006 - 10:00am, Join Dennis Rivera and 1199 SEIU in a March for Dignity & Justice in support of New York's home health aides, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther Kings, Jr.'s birthday on January 16th.

The march will begin at 10 am on 110th Street and Malcome X Blvd. (Lenox Ave.) and culminate at the New York State Office Building on 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. for a rally.

Please call Laura Santucci at 212-603-37062, or email Laura.Santucci-at-1199.org to confirm your participation (replace -at- with @).


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

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


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


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

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


BROOKLYN EVENTS:

Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!

MARJORIE'S OZZIE’S MEETUP: I also recommend joining Marjorie's meetups and getting Marjorie’s very informative newsletter which you can get by contacting her at: johnkerry57@covad.net

Independent Neighborhood Democrats: Contact me or Devin Cohen: devincohen@msn.com if you are interested. http://www.indbrooklyn.org/

Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats (CBID) (mostly covers Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, and Kensington. http://www.cbidems.org/


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 60: MANHATTAN GROUPS AND EVENTS

PHONE BANKING AGAINST ALITO:
THIS IS CRUNCH TIME. JUST DO IT!

Location: PFAW-NY Office, 149 5th Avenue at 21st Street, 7th Floor
When: Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in January, 10AM to 4PM and every Thursday Evening, 6-9PM

RVSP to Tony Simone at 212-420-0440 x13 or tsimone -at- pfaw.org (replace -at- with @) and let him know you heard it from DFNYC.


Throughout the week (Jan. 15-21), the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service will be projecting historical photos of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on its video walls. This slideshow by Magnum Photos and curated by Spike Lee, documents the context and mood of the civil rights movement and Dr. King’s critical speeches and events. All students with an NYU I.D. are welcome to stop by Wagner and view the exhibit: The Puck Building, 295 Lafayette St., 2nd floor



Celebrating the Dream: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Wednesday, January 18
Kimmel Center, Eisner & Lubin Auditorium
6:00 p.m. (Kick-off reception at 6:00 p.m., program will begin at 7:00 p.m.)
An evening of student performances, award presentations and more. Keynote address by Keith Beauchamp, celebrated documentary filmmaker of The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till; the NYU Gospel Choir and the NYU Step Team will perform; MLK Celebration Week essay winner will read the winning essay; MLK Award will be presented.

# MLK Essay contest

Deadline for submissions: December 14th
For more information, visit essay contest

# MLK Oratorical Contest

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Kimmel Center, Shorin Auditorium, Room 802
A speech contest honoring the dream through student voices.
Sponsored by The Steinhardt School of Education.


MLK day of service Various Service Projects
Saturday, January 21, 9 am – 3 pm
various locations
Participate in a variety of volunteer projects at agencies throughout New York City that address issues including hunger, homelessness, literacy and at-risk youth. Register to volunteer at: MLK Day of Service Volunteers
Sponsored by The Office of Community Service, and Office of Government and Community Affairs


DFNYC Judiciary Issues Committee Meeting Tue, 01/17/2006 - 7:00pm; Starting on Jan 17th, The DFNYC Judiciary Issues Committee will be meeting every month on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the office of David Kogelman at 305 Broadway (corner of Duane St), 5th Floor, 212-385-0777.


Saving Our Democracy: A Colloquium To Rescue Our Democracy From The Far Right Sat, 01/21/2006 - 9:00am, he Nation, PFAW Foundation, Demos, and the New Democracy Project are co-hosting "Saving our Democracy" on Saturday, January 21. Here's the info:

The Great Hall @ Cooper Union
7 E. 7th St.
(212) 490-0001
Saturday, Jan 21, 9am to 5:30pm
$10

With Bush & Co. exporting democracy abroad while dismantling it here at home, it's time for progressives to stand up and take your democracy back. "Saving Our Democracy" brings together 20 of the nation's leading activists and authors to audit the state of American democracy and to offer real ideas on how to save it. Through the day's eight panels, "Saving Our Democracy" will cover every major domestic democracy issue from voter suppression and religious McCarthyism to government secrecy and the failing media.

Co-hosted by The Nation, PFAW Foundation, Demos, and the New Democracy Project.

The colloquium will help you think--not about left vs. right, but about pro-democracy vs. anti-democracy.

For tickets, speaker schedules, or more info, visit www.newdemocracyproject.org.


DFNYC Monthly Mixer Tue, 01/24/2006 - 7:00pm, Where: Pioneer Bar, 218 Bowery (btwn. Prince & Spring)

Join us at the Democracy for NYC special New Year Party Monthly Mixer.

Admission: $5 per person (with RSVP), $7 without


Research & Advocacy Group Meeting Wed, 01/25/2006 - 7:00pm, Where: Cosi, downstairs, 2160 Broadway at 76th St.

Join us for an exciting new initiative the DFNYC Research & Advocacy group and work on your issue. New participants are always welcome.

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. All members will help eachother revise their ideas and hone in on an advocacy plan. The R&A group will work to empower the DFNYC membership and make us more informed and effective advocates.


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

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


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


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

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


Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!


1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East March for Dignity & Justice: Mon, 01/16/2006 - 10:00am, Join Dennis Rivera and 1199 SEIU in a March for Dignity & Justice in support of New York's home health aides, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther Kings, Jr.'s birthday on January 16th.

The march will begin at 10 am on 110th Street and Malcome X Blvd. (Lenox Ave.) and culminate at the New York State Office Building on 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. for a rally.

Please call Laura Santucci at 212-603-37062, or email Laura.Santucci-at-1199.org to confirm your participation (replace -at- with @).



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 60: NEW JERSEY AGAINST CORRUPTION

Given the continuing emphasis on Republican Corruption, I am continuing this action from last week. Please speak out against corruption.

I want to reiterate how important it is to fight the corruption in Congress. And it SHOULDN'T BE a partisan issue. I have been emphasizing that the Abramoff scandal is predominantly a Republican scandal, but Republicans should be just as angry as Democrats. Scandal and corruption makes the entire nation look bad and Senators and Representatives FROM BOTH PARTIES should be calling for an investigation and for the resignation of those most implicated in the scandal.

Please write your Senators and Representatives demanding a FULL investigation into the Abramoff scandal and demanding the resignation of all who are implicated in the Abramoff scandal, starting with Tom DeLay, Bob Ney, and Conrad Burns.

Progressive Democrat Issue 60: 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.

Indigo Girls Concert Fundraiser on February 8, 2006
On February 8th the Blue 7th PAC will hold a cocktail party in Princeton, NJ at 6 p.m., and then go to see the Indigo Girls at the McCarter Theater at 8 p.m. The Indigo Girls are an excellent, Grammy winning folk-rock band, and this show has been sold out since September. It's a hot ticket, folks!

Tickets are just $100 a head for the concert, and $150 for the cocktail party and concert. There's only 100 tickets available!

Sponsorships are available, as well. $500 for the Host Committee (2 tickets to Party & Concert), $1000 for Patrons (4 tickets to Party & Concert), $2500 for Sponsors (6 tickets to Party & Concert) and $5000 for Honored Guests (10 tickets to Party & Concert).

All funds raised will go towards building a Democratic majority in the Congress by working locally to build grassroots support and expose Republican hypocrisy.

February 9, 2006 Celebrating Black History Month with the African-American Trivia Game Show - How well do you really know your Black history? Join us for a fun mix of various game shows. There'll be teams, prizes and lots of fun. Questions will be multiple choice and guessing is allowed. Edison Job Corps Academy, 500 Plainfield Avenue, Edison, NJ, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM.

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:

New Brunswick, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month, 7:00 PM @ Doll's Place, 101 Paterson St. New Brunswick, NJ

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 60: VIRGINIA FOCUS

From the Virginia Grassroots Coalition:

National Labor Committee Action Alert --Ten to 13-year-olds Sewing "I Love My Wal-Mart" Shirts

An undercover investigation by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's "Zone Libre" program found children 10 to 13 years of age sewing blue "I love my Wal-Mart" shirts in several Bangladesh factories. The children were paid less than ten cents an hour and forced to work long hours in dimly lit and dirty conditions. The children also sewed t-shirts carrying Wal-Mart's "Simply Basic" private label. Go here to read more, see video footage, and a sample letter to WalMart CEO Lee Scott.

WRITE TO TELL WAL-MART TO DO THE RIGHT THING!

Lee Scott
CEO
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
702 Southwest 8th Street
Bentonville, AR 72716
Phone: (479) 273-4000

Fax: (479) 273-4329
Email: hlscott@walmart.com

And write the media and your local politicians to complain about WalMart's abuse of child labor.

Progressive Democrat Issue 60: VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

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

Annual Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jan. 15th, 2005, 3:30pm to 5:00 pm
Speaker: Dr. Michael Ellerbrock
Blacksburg Presbyterean Church
701 Church Street, SE
corner of Church and Eakin Street, (540) 552-2504
Blacksburg, VA

Monday, January 16, 2006, 10 am--A Commemoration of the Life and Legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.
First Baptist Church of Vienna, 450 Orchard St., Vienna, VA 22180
Guest Speaker: Dr. Dwight C. Jones, Pastor First Baptist Church, South Richmond; Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates, 70th District.
For more information, contact Lillie G. Morarity, Program Chair at 703-425-1331.

Town Halls with 11th District Congressman Tom Davis –
Thursday, January 26th, Lorton 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm, Lorton Station Elementary School, 9298 Lewis Chapel Road

Saturday, January 28
Falls Church, 9:00 am - 10:30 am, Belvedere Elementary School, 6540 Columbia Pike
Fairfax City, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm, Fairfax City Hall, Room 305, 10455 Armstrong Street
Bristow, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm, Marstellar Middle School, 14000 Sudley Manor Drive

Saturday, February 4
Vienna, 9:00 am - 10:30 am, Vienna Town Hall, 127 Center Street South

Fairfax Station
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Fairview Elementary School
5815 Ox Road
Fairfax Station

Prince William
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Prince William County McCourt Building
1 County Complex Court

Fredericksburg Regional Democratic Breakfast
Starts: 2/4/2006 9:30 AM
Ends: 2/4/2006 11:00 AM
Contact: Tres Seaver
Location: Brush Strokes Gallery
108 Hanover Street
Fredericksburg
Phone: 540-371-6595

Join Democrats from Stafford, Spotsy, and Fredericksburg for light breakfast and hearty conversation. Bring a chair, and a friend!


Democratic Party of Virginia Quarterly Meeting
Starts: 2/10/2006 7:30 p.m.
Ends: 2/11/2006 12:00 p.m.
Contact: Ruth Anne Walker, Party Services Director
Location: Steering Committee, Friday, February 10, 7:30 p.m.
Central Committee, Saturday, February 11, 10:00 a.m.
Richmond Convention Center, Broad and Fourth Streets, Richmond.
Phone: 804-644-1966, x.224

The next quarterly meeting of the state party will be on Friday evening (Steering) and Saturday morning (Central).

The annual Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner will be on Saturday evening. Email jj2006@vademocrats.org or call 804-644-1966, x.237 for more information.


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 60: National Action: Let's start winning big!

Howard Dean is telling us to kick them while they're down...and I, for one, am willing to join in.

The Republicans are certainly not down for the count yet. But they are down. They are on the floor whining about how unfair the Democrats are because we are trying to hold them accountable for their failure against terrorism, the failure of their Iraq policies, the failure of their response to Katrina, and their shameful corruption. They are down on the ground hoping we will give them a chance to recover so they can counter attack. Meanwhile, the DNC, under Dean's leadership and with our help, has raised a record amount of money in 2005. Howard Dean wants us to do even more.

I am with Howard Dean: kick them while they're down! Don't let them counter attack. Don't let them off the hook. And let's not be satisfied even with the record fundraising in 2005. Let's kick ass starting now and going all the way through November 2006 and beyond.

Here is Howard Dean's message:

As 2006 begins, I am reaching out to you and every other Democratic Party supporter I can find. I'm urging you to immediately contribute to the Democratic National Committee.

We cannot let Republicans off the hook - in 2006 Democrats will not back down.

Help make January the biggest month ever with Democrats making more donations than in any previous month in history.

This is the year when the corruption, cronyism, and incompetence of the Republican Party collides with a powerful grassroots Democratic campaign. They won't know what hit them.

If we can count on the 2006 support of loyal friends like you, we'll take the power out of their hands. And we'll move America forward.

Here is why your donation means so much.

With your support, we can recruit strong Democratic candidates to challenge the increasing number of vulnerable Republican incumbents.

With your support, we can stand behind Democratic candidates who are taking strong stands on the issues and giving powerful voice to our values.

I'm talking about Democrats who understand, like you and I do, the one principle that should guide everything we do in 2006:

We cannot let Republicans off the hook - in 2006 Democrats will not back down...

Are you ready to take it to the Republicans every day in 2006?

Are you ready to continue our work building a year-round, 50-state grassroots Democratic Party capable of carrying our candidates to victory?

Then now is the time to act. Be part of the biggest single month of Democratic membership support in history...

This is the month when - in a collective act of political will - we're going to propel our 2006 campaign forward all across America. And, from this point on, we're never looking back, never stopping until we win.

We've got the Republicans on the ropes. Let's go for it.

On to victory,

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.

Right on Howard! The bastards have been looting our nation and pissing all over our Constitution for years now. The poor babies are starting to stumble and get caught in their own messes. Now is the time to take them down! I urge everyone to answer Howard Dean's call. Do it by contributing as Dean asks above. Better yet, show Dean your support by buying a Democracy Bond to help set up the 50-state strategy.

For those who aren't as keen on Dean as I am, there is another 50-state, grassroots strategy you can participate in to kick the Republicans while their sorry asses are on the ground. Act Blue has their own 50-state strategy aimed at activating the grassroots nationwide with $10,000 per state seed money. Their approach is distinct from Howard Dean's efforts but is just as important and even MORE supportive of the grassroots.

I would also suggest three other Act Blue campaigns that might interest you and can help make 2006 our best year yet, starting this month. You can donate to take down the ten weakest Republicans in the House, or to defend the most targeted Democrats in the House, or donate to my campaign to defeat the Katrina 11, the 11 Republicans who are willing to give Halliburton no-bid contracts but not to help the victims of hurricane Katrina.

However you feel about Dean, making January a record month for fundraising and watching the corrupt Halliburton Republicans panic is bound to start your year off right.

You can also get active locally as a volunteer within your local Democratic Party organization, or your local Democracy for America group. We are always asking "where are the Democrats." Well, WE are the Democrats, too. So where are we? Hopefully we are giving our time and money right here and now to defeat the un-American Halliburton Republicans and to retake our nation for the American people.

Progressive Democrat Issue 60: 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 2006 and beyond. Joy and I are currently involved in a few 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.