Progressive Democrat Issue 68: THOUGHTS

Well, "Mission Accomplished" becomes even more absurd as the term "civil war" is increasingly applied to the situation in Iraq and as America holds it's biggest military operation in Iraq since the 2003 invasion itself. All together now: "QUAGMIRE!" Anyone who hasn't written their local media and just SCREAMED about the incompetence and insanity of this war should just do so right now. Every aspect of this war has been screwed up by Bush and his cabinet from DAY ONE. Sure we rolled over the Iraq army in no time, but that was because Clinton's embargo had left them practically without an air force or tank corps so all they could do was retreat and prepare a partisan resistance. Which is EXACTLY what they did.

When will America learn...military supremacy in NO WAY MEANS VICTORY. We learned in Vietnam that partisan-style tactics can work very effectively against the American military, battling it to a stalemate that will allow political defeat back home. The Vietnam Quagmire brought down LBJ and helped to bring down Nixon. Bush's numbers are tanking largely because of the Iraq war. An endless war with no clear benefit for anyone is really hard to sell to the American people especially when it drains our ability to deal with our domestic problems.

Oh, and by the way, Bush's numbers really are tanking. And they are doing so ACROSS THE NATION! He is majorly disliked even in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Iowa, and Arkansas. The only states that still like him are places like Idaho, Utah and Mississippi. And his numbers are really only steadily solid in Utah!

Folks, this is our chance. Sometimes it is hard to win even under favorable conditions, and the Democrats have been down so goddamned long, that we don't always remember how to win. But we started winning unexpectedly big in 2005 with wins in Virginia, unexpectedly big wins in New Jersey, and even some really unexpectedly good results for progressive candidates in Wisconsin, Washington, Colorado and Arizona. Here in New York State, the normally conservative upstate region gave some solid Democratic victories. In 2005 the tide turned. IF we play our cards well, that tide in our favor will become a massive wave in 2006. BUT, we have to play our cards and play them well because the right wing STILL dominates all levels of government, the courts, the debate on voting machines, and the media. Their near monopoly on power could still keep them in power in 2006 and 2008, because they are more than willing to use underhanded, illegal and immoral tactics to win.

Which means our victories have to be so big that they can't do a damned thing about it.

This year, 2006, has to be our year of greatest action and greatest tenacity. This HAS to be the year that the grassroots grows so strong that nothing can stop us. If we don't push hard, they will pull out all stops and win it with media lies, stolen elections and well-timed, false terror threats. So, you know what to do!

Progressive Democrat Issue 68: FROM THOUGHTS TO ACTION TO...VICTORY

As I emphasized above, the left is on a roll starting in 2005 and we are ready to sweep to victory in 2006...IF we work so hard that Republican corruption, cheating and lying and the media's pro-Bush fawning doesn't steal it from us.

So, please:

1. Get active locally: these two are the NUMBER ONE MOST IMPORTANT ACTIONS

Find or start a local Democracy for America group

Get busy with your local Democratic Party Group


2. Give some help to the following if you can. Money now can be worth five times as much as money donated later.

Progressive Majority the group that is winning biggest these days for the left.

NAACP Voter Fund, helping to fight disenfranchisement of the minority vote by the Right Wing

Democracy for America's A-Team, some of America's best rising stars.

Donate to defeat the weakest Republican incumbents.

Donate to defeat the Republicans who abandoned the Katrina victems.

Support the Fighting Dems, Veterans who are angry at Bush's abuse of veterans and misuse of the military who are running for Congress to directly challenge Bush's policies.

Take back America with Democracy Bonds, Howard Deans strategy to fund the STATE level Democratic Party with money that comes from the voters, not from special interests. This helps the Democrats and helps fight corruption.


3. And remember to speak out early and often about what is important to you.

WRITE THE MEDIA and shout loud and strong about your opinions.

Progressive Democrat Issue 68: ONGOING ACTIONS

Here are a series of actions that we have to persist with. Taking action once then forgetting about it doesn't really work. So, in the spirit of persistence, please take a moment to return to these efforts.

Targeting Bill O'Reilly:

As O'Reilly's ratings go down, the pressure on advertisers to stop advertising on his shows increases. So now is a good time to strike. I have discussed the reasons for this boycott before, but simply put O'Reilly's shows are scarcely more than lies, threats, hate-mongering and, occasionally, anti-Semitism and outright terrorist threats. The last is exemplified in his encouragement of blowing up Coit Tower in San Francisco.

Insure.com is one of O'Reilly's biggest and most enthusiasitic sponsors. Write their management team to express your disgust with O'Reilly's hate-mongering, lies and advocacy of terrorist attacks on America. Make sure you emphasize that you are BOYCOTTING the sponsors of O'Reilly's shows and that they fall into this category.

Eric Bergquist
Chief Information Officer
ebergquist@insure.com

Robert S. Bland, CLU
Chairman and Founder
bob@insure.com

Phillip Perillo
Chief Financial Officer
pperillo@insure.com

William V. Thoms
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
bthoms@insure.com


For added pressure on Insure.com, one main anti-O'Reilly site, Ad Nausea.org, is recommending writing Esurance, one of the main companies that Insure.com represents, and let them know that Insure.com is making them look bad with their sponsorship of Bill O'Reilly's show. Ask them why they are doing business with insure.com, a company which actively defends O'Reilly's hate-mongering show. I should note that Esurance has been VERY kind and thoughtful in their responses. Be nice to them!

ESURANCE CONTACT: erin@esurance.com

Finally, contact WESTWOOD ONE, which airs O'Reilly's offensive radio show, the forum in which many of his most vile comments have been made. Tell Westwood One what you think of O'Reilly's offensive show and tell them that you are writing O'Reilly advertisers threatening a boycott.

Contact Westwood One at:
President & CEO, Westwood One:
peterj_kosann@westwoodone.com

You should also contact your broker and mutual fund companies and tell them that you hear that a boycott has been called on Insure.com and its parent company Quotesmith because of their support of right wing commentators who advocate terrorism and threaten violence. Express your concern that you might hold shares of their stock and want to dump that stock before the boycott takes hold. When we did this for Sinclair, my broker said that there was indeed a buzz about a boycott of Sinclair and that many people were concerned that it would affect the stock. The stock did tank shortly after, though later recovered. The net effect was that the Sinclair program we were boycotting over (a pack of lies about Kerry) was pulled and a much tamer piece put in its place. We sent a message when we did this to Sinclair. Some people even went so far as to short the Sinclair stock and made money off it. I won't advocate this because it is risky financially. But more power to those who do it! Let's send a second message by doing the same thing to Quotesmith. Contact your investment advisors, mutual fund companies, 401K companies, etc and express your desire to get out of Quotesmith. Write even if you have an indexed fund (which has no choice in what to invest in). The point is to create a stir like we created over Sinclair.


Targeting Chris Matthews:

Chris Matthews is slightly less offensive than Bill O'Reilly, but his show is still little more than lies and right wing propoganda. As such, his show is the target of another advertiser boycott. The site that started this seems down, but I have a Daily Kos diary covering the Matthews boycott and the value boycotts in general.

I should note that we are not just boycotting because we disagree with these people. I am not advocating a boycott of Lou Dobbs, who I disagree with but find well within acceptable debate. We are boycotting because these people are a source of lies and hate speech.

Three of the main advertisers targeted in this boycot are:

1. Verizon:

Tell Verizon you'll go to Sprint, T-Mobile, or Cingular if they don't do the right thing.

Ivan Seidenberg, Chmn & CEO, Verizon Corp. Branding
212-395-2121
ivan.g.seidenberg@verizon.com

Robert Engalls Jr, Pres. Retail Mtkg.
bob.ingalls@verizon.com

Robert Varetonni, ED External Comm.
robert.a.varettoni@verizon.com

Eric Rabe, VP External Comm.
eric.rabe@verizon.com

Judy Verses, Sr. VP Natl. Mktg.
703-390-7017
judy.verses@verizon.com

Jerri DeVard, Sr. VP Mktg.
jerri.devard@verizon.com

John Bonomo, PR
212-395-7756
john.j.bonomo@verizon.com

Sharon Cohen-Hagar, PR
972-718-6205
sharon.cohen-hagar@verizon.com


2. Bayer Asprin: they seem sympathetic to our complaints.

Heiner Springer, Head of Communications
heiner.springer.hs@bayer-ag.de

Michael Schade, Head of Media Relations
michael.schade.ms@bayer-ag.de

Gerard Smith, VP Mktg
973-254-4843
gerard.smith.b@bayer.com

Jay Kolpon, VP Mktg.
973-254-4797
jay.kolpon.b@bayer.com

and

3. Intuit/TurboTax: tell them you won't use their product this year at tax time because of their sponsorship of right wing hate-mongers like Chris Matthews who insult liberals on a routine basis.

Bill Campbell, Chmn. of the Board
Bill_Campbell@intuit.com

Scott Cook, Co-Founder & Exec. Committee Chairman
650-944-6000
scott_cook@intuit.com

Steve Bennett, Pres.
tel. 650-944-6000
fax 650-944-5295

Scott Gulbransen, Comm.
858-525-7594
scott_gulbransen@intuit.com


Exxon/Mobil boycott:

As the oil company that has been most active in global warming denial and with some of the worst corporate practices, Exxon/Mobil is the targe of boycotts by many environmental groups. Please, DO NOT PATRONIZE EXXON/MOBIL. Citco, BP, Sunoco and Chevron have been suggested as alternatives by various people, though each is problematic in their own right. Most are CHEAPER THAN EXXON/MOBILE as well. But none are as bad as Exxon/Mobil. For more info, go to Expose Exxon.

Exxon/Mobil has had some new leadership come in. Now is the time to pressure them. Please Write Exxon/Mobil asking them to change course.

If you want fliers explaining the Exxon/Mobil boycott to give out, please find them here.


Wal Mart boycott:

Wal Mart is being boycotted by a broad coalition of labor, environmental and neighborhood groups for their irresponsible practices and the way they ruin the neighborhoods they operate in by driving out small businesses and then raising prices when no competition is left. They are being sued by several states for violating state and local laws, they sell products from some of the worst sweat shops, and they are also major donors to Republicans. And their "low prices" are not always so low: their prescription drugs are HIGHER than local drug stores or CostCo. Where they do have lower prices it is usually due to creative tax breaks (so we're paying the cost anyway) and poor labor practices. Finally, they are refusing to sell legally-approved emergency contraceptive pills to women.

You can find local Wal Mart Boycott Groups here. Each one may have a different approach depending on whether they are trying to prevent a Wal-Mart from coming to their neighborhood, trying to boycott an existing Wal-Mart, or simply acting in solidarity with neighborhoods that are being ruined by Wal Mart.

Boycott Wal-Mart and take the actions outlined on this page. If Wal-Mart is coming to YOUR town, here is a tool kit for keeping them out.

Thank you for taking action on these issues and keeping up the pressure. There are many more going on, but for now, let's focus on these.

Progressive Democrat Issue 68: THOUGHTS ON GLOBAL WARMING

This discussion comes partly out of some things that have been floating through my mind for some time and partly in response to Political Cortex article on Global Warming.

Republicans believe America is Weak

This is the message that Republicans tell you all the time. We are too weak to maintain our traditional freedoms in the face of terrorism. We are too weak to condemn and eschew torture. We are too weak to maintain our levees. We are too weak to handle the truth from our politicians. We are too weak to run our own ports. We even appear too weak to keep up technologically with Osama bin Laden's media men, according to Rumsfeld!

But where we hear this message the most is when it comes with facing the impending crisis known as Global Warming. Although a handful of deniers remain loudly vocal, more than 95% of climate scientists agree that global warming is in full swing, that our energy policies are primarily to blame, and that we had better get busy DOING SOMETHING about it if we don't want the consequences to be beyond our control. Though many details are still debated, Global Warming is so solidly supported as a scientific theory that even Bush eventually had to publicly admit its truth. And our addiction to oil is so clearly a major contributing factor to Global Warming that even Bush has had to publicly admit it. If you want to read more about the overwhelming evidence for Global Warming (as well as some discussion of the foolishness of its deniers), please read this and this as well as the information on the Union of Concerned Scientists website. And for one of the most authoritative and respected discussion boards on Global Warming, including the latest science and controversies, please go to Real Climate, which is put together by Dr. Gavin Schmidt, a climate modeller at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York who was cited by Scientific American as one of the 50 Research Leaders of 2004.

But, the Republicans tell us that we are too weak to do anything about Global Warming and we just have to sit back and hope for the best. We just are victims who can't do anything to avert disaster. That is the message given to America by the Republicans.

BULL! I say the Republicans are WRONG. America is fully capable of facing the crisis of Global Warming. All we need is LEADERSHIP, which is one thing the Republicans are completely unable to give us.

Here is what we know: Global Warming is happening and our energy policies are contributing to the problem. Our cities are polluted and our energy policies are contributing to the problem. Our trade deficit is growing rapidly and our energy policies are a large part of this deficit. Terrorism is in large part funded by oil profits and the major oil producing nations of the Middle East are also the major sources of support for al Qaeda. And our energy policies are contributing to the problem of terrorism.

A REAL leader would come right out and say we can and will change our energy policies to in one broad stroke help address ALL of these problems. What does alternative energy mean? It means STRENGTH for America. What does energy independence mean? It means STRENGTH for America.

Other nations are doing it. Australia looks to solar. Patagonia (Argentina) looks to wind. Brazil looks to biofuels from sugar. Sweden looks to biofuels from its forests. What about America? What ever happened to our technological edge, our American ingenuity? Instead of acting, our leaders are denying that we have the strength to do anything.

It takes strength and leadership to get the ball rolling, but the rewards of making the change are highly encouraging. Alternative energy means LOCAL and AMERICAN solutions to these problems. Alternative energy means each region of the US discovers its own best energy source--solar, geothermal, wind, biofuels, etc. America has the diversity of climate and resources to take advantage of pretty much EVERY alternative energy source. This would mean AMERICAN jobs, stronger communities, energy independence, cleaner air, a MUCH smaller or eliminated trade deficit, and a direct and real response to global warming. It is so obviously advantageous that it seems the height of insanity that it isn't being done! What we face now is so inferior to what we would face if we made the change that I do not understand why we cling to our current energy policies. Companies already exist that are invested in every single alternative energy resource in America. Companies like US Energy Systems, Inc., focused on geothermal, and Native Energy, which is a Native American owned and operated business that builds wind generation projects. Other companies (publicly traded ones) can be found HERE.  Distribution companies, like Green Mountain Energy are offering alternative energy choices that you can use as YOUR energy source for YOUR home. In New York, even ConEd has a Green Energy option for powering your home that Joy and I have opted into. Hybrid cars that get 50 mpg are already available (I have experienced this in a Prius). So the solutions already exist and you and I can individually choose them. What is lacking is the national leadership to lead our entire nation on a saner, better path.

Energy Independence for a STRONG America, a STRONG economy and a STRONG environment. Alternative energy for our future and our children's future. Alternative energy for a BETTER future. Don't listen to the Republicans. America is strong and America can do what it takes to assure our children's future. Challenge your politicians, local, state and Federal, to become LEADERS in the fight to keep America strong for our children.

For those who want to watch it, Sunday March 19th at 7pm on CBS - Ch. 2 (NY listing!) 60 Minutes will be airing "Rewriting Science" featuring an interview with Dr. James Hansen, head of GISS and the target of some of Bush’s attempts to censor science.

Progressive Democrat Issue 68: New York City Against the War

Monday, March 20th there is a massive anti-War concert with Cindy Sheehan and Michael Stipes. This comes from Act For Change:

Mark the third anniversary of the invasion of Iraq on March 20th by
coming out to an historic New York City concert with a stellar line-up
of today's most acclaimed, provocative, and outspoken musicians,
including Michael Stipe, Rufus Wainwright, and Bright Eyes.

Headlined by peace activist Cindy Sheehan and actor Susan Sarandon,
the "Bring 'Em Home Now! Concert" will benefit Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace, two leading national organizations
working to end the war in Iraq.

The concert will give voice to the majority of Americans who now
support the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, and will also
showcase Fischerspooner, Peaches, Chuck D, Steve Earle, and Devendra
Banhart.

The landmark concert will take place at New York City's Hammerstein
Ballroom.

Full information HERE

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or
212-307-7171. Ticket prices are $28.00 and $35.00. There is also a
special VIP reception hosted by Cindy Sheehan for $150. Doors open at
7pm and the concert kicks off at 8pm.

Air America Radio will broadcast The Majority Report live from the
Hammerstein Ballroom to all of its 46 affiliates nationwide. The show
will feature interviews with concert performers and guests.

Progressive Democrat Issue 68: BROOKLYN/QUEENS GROUPS AND EVENTS

ALL NYC:

Men of Color: Sexual Health & HIV Conference: Thu, 03/30/2006 - 9:30am

Men of Color: Your Sexual Health & HIV Today

Men Sharing about Sexuality, HIV Prevention & their Overall Well-Being

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2006
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Black Veterans for Social Justice
665 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn
[Between Throop and Marcus Garvey Avenues; Nearest subway trains: "G" & "J"]
Conference attendees will receive METROCARDS

Co-Sponsors: HIV Arts Network, Black Veterans for Social Justice
Keynote Speakers: Professor Darrell Wheeler (CUNY Hunter College/i), Eddie Rivera (NYC HIV/AIDS P.P.G./i)

Panelists & Discussants: Julius Powell, Von’Michael Hanton, Edward
Shaw, Jonathan Santos-Ramos, Yves-Michel Fontaine, Matt Ignacio,
Michael Batshaw, Mark Colter John, Doneley Meris & more...

Program includes: keynote speeches; panel discussion on the state of affairs for men of color and HIV prevention; small group discussions about stigma and discrimination, immigration, mental health, homelessness, substance use/abuse and harm reduction, male sexuality – identity, behaviors and practices, religion, spirituality and family systems, and male well-being

Co-Sponsoring Institutions (in formation):

• Project Hospitality
• Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
• Community Health Action of Staten Island, Inc.
• Hispanic AIDS Forum
• The Institute of Gay Men’s Health – Gay Men’s Health Crisis
• Brooklyn AIDS Task Force

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.


And see their worldwide calendar for Bike Workshops and other locations.


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:

SATURDAY MARCH 18th : TROOPS OUT NOW Rally & March**3/18 SAT - Actions: mark 3rd anniversary of the invasion of Iraq w/protests at military recruiting stations all across the country. In NYC region, 1 pm: rally at Times Sq recruiting office (41st & B'way), followed by a march to the U.N.

Sponsors: Troops Out Now Coalition, many others. Info: 212-633-6646

We'll be gathering at Freddy's (Bklyn - 6th and Dean) at noon and leave for Times Square shortly thereafter. In Times Square, White Blackula & the Missile Dick Chicks will extort blood for oil from the freaks on the street. The Missile Dick Chicks will show us the way to the next oil field by performing at the recruiting station on 41st & B'way at 1:00 pm. I called Troops Out Now and they informed me that everything is permitted, so you can bring on the doohickery and we'll be filming for posterity!

SUNDAY MARCH 19th: It's BROOKLYN vs. BUSH at the Jam for Bread CaféBrooklyn vs. Bush at the Jam for Bread Café, 333 Henry Street (corner of Pacific), Brooklyn, NY (#2, #3, #4, #5 to Borough Hall or #F to Bergen). Steve & Peter will be filming live music & more beginning at 6:00 pm - come hear HolleyGoAnarchy sing and watch Sander Hicks record a PSA, listen to the Larch and get your groove on in an American Bandstand kinda way.


NEW! NEW! NEW!New Democratic Majority in Brooklyn: March 23rd will be the inaugural meeting of the New Democratic Majority’s Brooklyn group. This will join NDM’s Brooklyn membership with Marjorie’s Ozzie’s meetup and may include other progressive organizations as well (remains to be confirmed). I will be a co-host of this meeting. Will meet the 4th Thursday of every month at the 5th Ave. Ozzie’s in Park Slope, 249 5th Ave (intersection of 5th and Garfield) at 7 PM.

March 30th, 7 PM The Ethical Culture Society will host a benefit for Develop, Don't Destroy Brooklyn, the organization that is defending Brooklyn from Ratner's mega-development project that would build 17 giant sky-scrapers in the heart of Brooklyn. Performers include Lisa Gutkin and Lorin Sklamberg of the world-famous Klezmatics, classical guitarist Robert Secrist, and Julia and Leela, the Jewel Odalisque Dancers.

The event will also feature a raffle with terrific prizes donated by local merchants, story-telling and sing alongs, a photo exhibition, local crafts and a Baker's Row featuring some of Brooklyn's top bakers: Erica's Rugelach and Baking Co., Regina Bakery, Cheryl Kleinman Cakes, Shakoor's Sweet Tooth, Cousin John's and Viola Bakery.

The Ethical Culture Society is located at 53 Prospect Park West, between 1st and 2nd Streets in Park Slope. Admission will be on a sliding scale: $5-$10-$20.
Contact Scott Turner for more information: scott@fansforfairplay.com


COMMUNITY FORUM ON "ATLANTIC YARDS"
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 6:30 P.M.

On Thursday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m., Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn invites you to a community forum on the Forest City Ratner's Atlantic Yards Nets Arena proposal. The evening's agenda will feature:

- Latest Updates
- South Brooklyn Legal Services ­ Ratner's proposal's Impact on Low-Income People
- Special Guest Speaker Francis Morrone: “About New York” columnist for The New York Sun. Author of An Architectural Guidebook to Brooklyn, co-author of Brooklyn: A Journey Through the City of Dreams
- Information on Volunteer Opportunities
- Community Q&A and open Discussion

The meeting will take place at the First Unitarian Congregational Society at 50 Monroe Place, at the corner of Monroe Place and Pierrepont Street in Brooklyn Heights.



Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!

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 68: MANHATTAN GROUPS AND EVENTS

Breakfast Forum: Community Needs and Public Financing: The New Yankee Stadium

Please join Good Jobs New York, the New York Foundation and The New York Community Trust for a breakfast forum:
Community Needs and Public Financing Issues are at the Heart of a Proposed New Yankee Stadium. How Will the Bronx Benefit?

Wednesday, March 22, 2006
9:00 ­ 10:30 AM (starting promptly)
New York Foundation
350 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan
Room 2901

In recent months, more information about the proposed new Yankee Stadium has surfaced, such as the $480 million in contributions from taxpayers, the plan to replace twenty-two acres of parkland that would be displaced by the stadium, and estimates of the benefits and jobs that would be generated from the $1.2 billion project.

As the project moves through the public approval process, the goal of this forum is to better understand the impact of the project on the surrounding community and the city economy as a whole.

Panel moderated by Errol Louis of the Daily News
Majora Carter - Sustainable South Bronx
Bettina Damiani - Good Jobs New York
Joyce Hogi - Save our Parks
Kate Slevin - Tri-State Transportation Campaign

Seats are limited please RSVP to gjny@goodjobsfirst.org or phone 212.721.7996

The New York Foundation is located in the Empire State Building and is accessible by the following train lines: 1, 2, or 3 to Penn Station B, D, F, N, Q, R, V, W to West 34th Street and Sixth Avenue 6 on the Lexington Avenue line to East 33rd Street and Park Avenue


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.

And see their worldwide calendar for Bike Workshops and other locations.

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.

New Democratic Majority General Meeting:

Please join us for the March General Meeting, to be held on March 13th at the City Center located at 130 West 56th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues at 7:30 PM. We will be in Studio 3.

Our guest will be Drew Warshaw, Policy Associate in the Spitzer campaign. In November, the attorney general came out in favor of a nonpartisan commission to draw district lines, instead of continuing our present practice of allowing the State Senate and the Assembly to draw their own district lines.

NDM Fundraiser with David Sirota - May 11th, 2006
Please join us for a fundraiser with Progressive author and activist David Sirota on May 11th.

David will be joining us to talk about his new book, "Hostile Takeover - How Big Money and Corruption conqured Our Government - and how we can take it back".

To learn more about David, please check out his web site.


Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!

DRINKING LIBERALLY: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Here are our local Manhattan groups:

Upper East Side Last Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm onward, Doc Watson's, 1490 2nd Avenue (at 77th). In the backyard, weather permitting. Hosted by Matthew Bachiochi, ues (at) drinkingliberally.org

In Manhattan: Thursday, 7:30 pm onward, Rudy's, 627 9th Avenue (between 44th & 45th Streets). Hosted by Justin Krebs and Matthew O'Neill, nyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

Bar Hopping Manhattan: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:00-9:00 pm
A monthly Democratic drinking club at different gay bars around Manhattan. Join the mailing list to receive updates of future venues. Hosted by Dirk McCall, outnyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

East Village: Last Wednesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward, Grassroots Tavern, 20 Saint Mark's Place (between 2nd and 3rd). Hosted by Quinn Raymond, Elena Morin and Abby Cook-Mack, eastvillage (at) drinkingliberally.org

For those who prefer running to drinking, 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 68: NEW JERSEY FOCUS

Continued from last week because we have to support the good, effective efforts.

From Democrats 2000:

I would like to once again take this opportunity to thank you for all of your support last year.

I hope that you will consider renewing your membership with Democrats 2000 by contributing your $15 annual dues as soon as possible.
As a member of Democrats 2000, you have access to the largest network of young professional Democrats statewide, are eligible to obtain discounted ticket prices for both Democrats 2000 and various candidates' fundraisers across the state, and will receive invitations to several free Democrats 2000 events we will be hosting later this year.

Thanks to your help, and the help of more than 1,200 members across the state, Democrats 2000 enjoyed its most successful year in 2005. Together, we raised more than $70,000 and helped elect 30 young candidates at the local, county and state levels. We also contributed thousands of volunteer hours to campaigns statewide and advocated in support of several issues important to New Jersey's young professionals.
We were especially proud to welcome 2004 Presidential Candidate John Kerry to our Beach Barbecue and to host a rally in support of Governor Jon Corzine with DNC Chairman Howard Dean.

Even with all of these accomplishments, there is no doubt that in 2006 we can accomplish even more!

Donate on line HERE,

Or by check: Democrats 2000, P.O. Box 31, Jamesburg, NJ 08831

Progressive Democrat Issue 68: NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

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

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

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

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, Fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:00-10:00 pm, Mulligan's, 159 1st Street (between Bloomfield and Garden), Hosted by Leigh Wolinsky, David Alpert and Morgan Baden, hoboken (at) drinkingliberally.org

Princeton, Every Thursday, 7:00 pm, The Yankee Doodle Tap Room, 10 Palmer Sq W, Princeton. princeton@drinkingliberally.org

Montclair Every other Wednesday, 6:30 pm onward, Egan & Sons, 118 Walnut St. Hosted by Jon Hershberg, montclair (at) drinkingliberally.org

Morristown, Third Thursday of each month (next meeting April 20), 7:00 pm onward; The Famished Frog, 18 Washington St. Hosted by Jim Long, Tracy Kurland, Rob Gregory and Dave Cochran, morristown (at) 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 68: VIRGINIA FOCUS

The Virginia Grassroots Coalition is a non-partisan progressive community network working to educate, enable, and connect communities across the state. VGC’s mission is to promote and foster progressive grassroots activism in Virginia, with the goal of advancing more equitable social and economic policies at local, regional, and state levels. Our primary means for achieving this mission is to work within communities to equip citizens with the skills and knowledge to fight the battle for social and economic justice in their own neighborhood. In order to do this, they need the resources to be able to help you and Virginia’s grassroots organizations. The following is a wish list they have put together of resources they need so that they can make resources available to groups who are doing progressive outreach work in Virginia and around the region. From the Virginia Grassroots Coalition: an offer of help and a request for help

As I watch groups produce events, it breaks my heart to see them pay several hundred to several thousand dollars to rent equipment for a rally. We currently own a very small sound system and a projection system. We are also fortunate enough to have “borrowing rights” on a larger sound system for small indoor events. As a community, however, we are unable to produce larger rallies and events. The Wish List approach is to start by augmenting the resources already available to us so we spend the least amount of money for the biggest return. Rather than spending lots of money for a single event, progressive groups could contribute $100-200 to help expand and maintain the system. Please email me if you have questions or would like to fund the purchase of something. You can contribute $5 or $500 and we’ll guarantee the money will go toward making more outreach affordable for progressive groups in the region. eric@vagrassroots.org

2 15’-25’ long grounded (3 prong) extension cords ($15)
1 straight microphone stand, w/gooseneck ($6)
2 hyper-cardiod microphones ($100 each)
2 50’ microphone cables
2 JBL EON 15 powered speakers ($700 each)
2 JBL speaker stands ($300)
The list above gets us to the point that we could do a daytime, outdoor event for 600 people or an indoor event for 1000. THAT kind of reach is important and making that reach available to progressives across the region IS a big deal.

If you need resources in Virginia, contact VGC. If you can provide resources, contact VGC. THAT is how a coalition is built.

Progressive Democrat Issue 68: VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Monday, March 20, 4 p.m., March for Peace and Impeachment. March beginning at the Rotunda at the University of Virginia at 4 p.m. and marching to the Freedom of Expression Wall on the Downtown Mall near City Hall. Come prepared to buy a yard sign and carry it in the march, or bring your own posters, flags, noise makers, musical instruments. Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice http://www.charlottesvillepeace.org

Wednesday, March 22nd, 7:30 – 9:30 PM, The Alliance for Science Public Meeting, The Republican War on Science. Featured Speaker: CHRIS MOONEY
OAKTON HIGH SCHOOL – LECTURE HALL, 2900 SUTTON ROAD, VIENNA, VA 22181 {The Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro Stop on the Orange Line}

Tuesday, April 11th, , 6:30-9:00pm. April with VGC - Smart Growth, Transportation, and the Hidden Tax on Every Virginian. At Capitol City Brewing, 2700 S. Quincy St (at the corner of 28th). Contact - info@vagrassroots.org

Tuesday, May 9th, , 6:30-9:00pm. The VGC May Meetup Program --A Living Wage in Virginia - An Issue of Economic Justice. At Capitol City Brewing, 2700 S. Quincy St (at the corner of 28th). Contact - info@vagrassroots.org

Monday, May 15th, 7:00-9:00pm, A Forum on Iraq with the Democratic candidates seeking the nomination to run against Tom Davis in the 11th Congressional District. So far, the two candidates vying for the nomination are Andrew Hurst and Ken Longmyer. It’s a great chance to come meet them and share your views on the war. The forum will be at the Mason District Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 from 7-9 PM on May 15.

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

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 68: NATIONAL ACTION FOR VOTING RIGHTS

The number one threat to our democracy is the effort to replace our voting machines with ones that cannot be publicly monitored, checked and verified. Don't underestimate this threat! At best these machines mean inaccurate elections due to breakdowns, errors and glitches, some of which would never be detected. At worst, these machines are extremely vulnerable to hacking and outright fraud. All it takes for fraud to occur is for the companies that run the machines to allow fraud. And the public WOULD NEVER KNOW! Remember that these companies are run by CEOs who are solidly Republican and one of whom, the head of Diebold, said PUBLICALLY that his goal was to deliver Ohio to Bush in 2004. People suspect that these machines delivered it for Bush in Ohio in 2004 and delivered Georgia to Republicans in 2002.

There are several ongoing efforts to preserve and improve the integrity of our vote. The main things ALL states need are precinct-based verification, real paper ballots (not just receipts!), and bipartisan or non-partisan or multipartisan election boards. Partisan election boards are responsible for the inadequate recounts and unfairness in Ohio and Florida in recent elections. I personally urge you to contact your state and local politicians and your local media and demand verifiable paper ballots and non-partisan or bipartisan election boards, and OPPOSE eVote machines where the software is not accessible to the public and the elections verifiable. These are the simplest ways of putting what is needed in all states. The specific will vary from state to state. We need to be heard LOUDLY on this from coast to coast.

For state-by-state action on requiring a paper ballot (just part of what we need) please go to Verified Voting and click on your state. You can also go here for state-by-state news.

A National effort is H.R. 550, a bill introduced by Rep. Holt of New Jersey, that would help protect the integrity of our elections by requiring a voter verified paper record of every vote, requiring mandatory random hand counted audits to verify the accuracy of electronic tallies, and prohibiting the use of secret software and wireless communication devices in voting machines. Please Advocate for H.R. 550 and Voter Verified Paper Records!

Finally, help protect a Florida whistle blower who has been working to protect our elections. From Vote Trust USA:

Ion Sancho needs our help! Florida officials are attacking the courageous Leon County Supervisor of Elections for trying to protect the integrity of our vote. Last year, Supervisor Sancho authorized security tests of the Diebold voting system used in Leon County, Florida. These tests definitively proved election results could be altered without detection using only a memory card. A team of California computer scientists have sinced confirmed the Leon County tests and discovered additional severe security flaws in the Diebold system.

Instead of thanking Sancho for exposing flaws that should have been discovered by state and federal certifiers, state officials are threatening Sancho with legal action, which could include removing him from office.

Instead of hailing him as a national hero, state officials have condemned and threatened him. On top of that, the only three companies with Florida certified voting systems (Diebold, ES&S and Sequoia) have blacklisted Sancho and are refusing to sell their voting machines to Sancho, either in retribution for exposing serious security vulnerabilities in the Diebold voting system, or out of fear that he will find similar flaws in their systems.

Write to protest the mistreatment of this brave whistleblower. I personally added to each letter a note expressing my unwillingness to go to Florida as a tourist or to any conferences in Florida or to buy products that I know come from Florida (e.g. Florida Orange Juice) as long as Florida seems determined to allow election fraud. Please add your voice.

Progressive Democrat Issue 68: 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.