Progressive Democrat Issue 71: THOUGHTS

Things are busy for me this week, so the Thoughts section will be brief. What can I say? Republican Corruption is exploding, the right wing's intolerance to all religions other than the most extreme right wing Christianity is growing, and progressives are winning elections.

Time to get busy!

Progressive Democrat Issue 71: TARGET THE CORRUPT REPUBLICAN I: Tom DeLay's Continuing Downfall

Randy Cunningham was caught red handed in his corruption. First he dropped out of his re-election bid. Then he left Congress. Now he is doing time.

Tom DeLay was caught red handed in his corruption. Now he is dropping out of his re-election bid:

From Time via Truthout:

Tom DeLay Says He Will Give Up His Seat
By Mike Allen
TIME Magazine

Monday 03 April 2006

Rep. Tom DeLay, whose iron hold on the House Republicans melted as a lobbying corruption scandal engulfed the Capitol, told TIME that he will not seek reelection and will leave Congress within months. Taking defiant swipes at "the left" and the press, he said he feels "liberated" and vowed to pursue an aggressive speaking and organizing campaign aimed at promoting foster care, Republican candidates and a closer connection between religion and government.

"I'm going to announce tomorrow that I'm not running for reelection and that I'm going to leave Congress," DeLay, who turns 59 on Saturday, said during a 90-minute interview on Monday.

Ding-dong the witch is OUSTED!

But that isn't enough. Like Randy Cunningham, Tom DeLay BROKE THE LAW and he deserves jail time. One by one, we have to bring the Corrupt Halliburton Republicans to justice.

Write a letter to the editor saying "good riddance" to Tom DeLay and suggesting that his next stop should be the same prison cell holding his buddies in corruption, Randy Cunningham and Jack Abramoff. We can't let Tom DeLay slink off to haunt us for years to come. We have to demand that he be tried for his crimes.

Finally, we have to make an effort to replace those who are brought down by corruption with grassroots Democrats. And we HAVE THAT CHANCE.

In just a few days we have the chance to replace Randy Cunningham with Democracy for America endorsed Democrat Francine Busby. This is the FIRST CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION OF 2006. It would rock big time if we win it. PLEASE donate to her campaign today, or, better yet, Join MoveOn.org's phone banking from home for Busby. Ten or twenty or thirty minutes of your time with your cell phone could win the election for Busby. Please give cash or time to win the first Congressional election of 2006 and to replace corrupt Randy Cunningham with grassroots Francine Busby.

Then, let's make Tom DeLay's seat our next target. And let's aim for EACH AND EVERY seat occupied by a corrupt Republican. I want to introduce you to an Act Blue list someone has put together called 2006 Crooks Out targeting the most corrupt Republicans. Tom DeLay's TX-22 seat is top of that list. Please donate to end Republican Corruption in Congress!

Progressive Democrat Issue 71: RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE IN AMERICA

A little while back Pat Robertson once again showed the blind intolerance of the right wing fanatics by calling Islam a "demonic religion" that was inherantly violent. You can read more about Pat Robertson's attack on one of the world's major religions here.

More recently, in March, the right wing fanatics are taking on yet more religions in their Christian Crusade for hatred. On Bill O'Reilly's hate-mongering show, Albert Mohler, he president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and host of the daily Christian radio show.

Here is what Mohler had to say:

O'REILLY: So you think Islam is a demonic religion?

MOHLER: Well, I would have to say as a Christian that I believe any belief system, any world view, whether it's Zen Buddhism or Hinduism or dialectical materialism for that matter, Marxism, that keeps persons captive and keeps them from coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, yes, is a demonstration of satanic power.

So, Hinduism and Buddhism (or at least Zen) are satanic. You can read/hear this interview on Media Matters.

And remember that Bill O'Reilly is the guy who told a caller to "go to Israel" if he didn't like publicly funded Christmas displays because America is a "Christian nation."

This might be a good time to remind people of my previous suggestions for pressuring O'Reilly advertisers to stop sponsoring his hate-filled rants.

Finally, I would like to add, that the other major world religion that fanatical right wing Christians--and our mainstream media--are intolerant towards is...Christianity itself. Any version of Christianity that advocates tolerance is apparantly unacceptable in today's America. For those who missed it from my last newsletter (it was in my National Edition), here is the most recent censorship of the United Church of Christ's message of tolerance for everyone: (repeat from last issue)

America’s media is more than willing to air advertising and opinions of right wing extremist Christians like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. But they are unwilling to air ads from the United Church of Christ that advocate tolerance. Why is intolerance considered acceptable but tolerance is not? This action comes from the United Church of Christ:

It has been a while since we’ve sent you a message about our Accessible Airwaves Campaign. But, the television networks still think that the United Church of Christ’s message of inclusion is so controversial that they won't even take our money to run a paid advertisement about it.

Just today, we released a new television commercial, which has already been rejected by ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and the WB.

We now know that it’s not just the about the commercials. Ask yourself this question: When was the last time you saw a mainline progressive religious leader on a news program?

A recent study completed by Media Matters concludes what we have long known to be true: the networks favor the Religious Right.

In this particular study, an analysis of guests on Sunday Morning talk shows revealed a pronounced bias in the percentage of conservative pundits versus progressives. In fact, the report shows that the networks frequently allow these shows to be used to attacks progressives and their ideas.

Why do James Dobson, Franklin Graham, Al Moehler, Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell warrant seemingly endless coverage when ministries of the United Church of Christ, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, among others, rarely receive a single mention?

Networks can't play favorites. Mainline religious communities like the UCC have a right to be heard along with everyone else. Demand equal access to the air waves. Send a message to the Networks today.

Blessings,
Bob
The Rev. Robert Chase
Director of Communication
United Church of Christ

PS - To view the new ad or to keep up to date with the campaign please visit our Blog.

Progressive Democrat Issue 71: TARGET THE CORRUPT REPUBLICAN II: Wisconsin Edition

The latest Corrupt Republican linked to the Abramoff scandal appears to be Congressman Mark Green of Wisconsin. Republican Mark Green has in essence participated in the disgusting culture of corruption that the Republicans are wallowing in, taking freebies from a now convicted sleazebag, Abramoff. This comes from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin:

As Abramoff is Sentenced Today, Green Still Must Answer Questions About Ties to Convicted GOP Lobbyist

Green’s Congressional Office Took Ticket Freebies from Abramoff

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Press Release

MADISON – After disgraced GOP super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff was sentenced in Miami today to almost six years in prison for wire fraud and conspiracy, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin once again called on Congressman Mark Green to explain why his congressional office received so many ticket freebies from the convicted lobbyist.

“Mark Green has yet to answer why his congressional office was such a favorite of Jack Abramoff and why his staff tried to cover up their ties to Abramoff,” said Joe Wineke, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. “The people of Wisconsin deserve to know what Mark Green’s relationship with Jack Abramoff was.”

Records show that Green’s congressional chief of staff Mark Graul repeatedly took ticket freebies from Abramoff’s firm to sit in Abramoff’s skybox for NBA games, concerts, and even a WWF event. [TalkingPointsMemo.Com, 10/10/2005] Graul – who is now Green’s campaign manager – first denied that he took free tickets from Abramoff and then excused the behavior by saying it is illegal in Wisconsin to take freebies, but “it’s legal in Washington.”

Abramoff has yet to be sentenced for his role in the largest political corruption scandal to hit Washington since Watergate. In January, he pleaded guilty to three felony charges including conspiracy to bribe public officials, and has agreed to cooperate in a wide-ranging corruption probe that could involve up to 20 members of Congress and aides. Abramoff has admitted to offering politicians in both houses of Congress lavish meals, tickets to major sporting events, and trips in order to benefit his clients.

In addition to his ties to Abramoff, Green has taken more than $30,000 in tainted money from the indicted former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay – a close associate of Abramoff. Green has refused to get rid of the money, even though he could donate it today to a nonpartisan voter registration campaign.

“One would think Mark Green would want to distance himself from the players in the GOP corruption scandal that has rocked Washington, yet Green refuses to do so,” Wineke said. “A lot can be said about Mark Green by the company he’s keeping in Washington.”

Mark Green defends Tom DeLay even after all of the scandals that have disgraced DeLay in the eyes of most Americans. Mark Green opposes strong ethics in Congress. Here is a summary of Green's corruption from the DCCC: (with links to documentation)

# Mark Green has taken $29,414 from Tom DeLay's ARMPAC. No surprise that Green voted with Tom DeLay 90% of the time between Jan. 1 2004 and March 31 2005.

Is this the kind of government-for-hire that working families deserve?

# Mark Green voted to weaken the ethics rules in a move that many say served only to protect Tom DeLay.

Does the integrity of the House mean so little that Mark Green would sacrifice it to defend Tom DeLay?

# When Republicans realized it was "impossible to win the communications battle" over the gutted ethics rules, Green flip-flopped and voted to put the old rules back into place.

So Mark Green cares about the integrity of the House after all -- when cable news is covering it.

# When Democrats offered a solution to clean up the House by strengthening ethics rules, Mark Green voted twice to make sure it never even came to an up or down vote.

So instead of a bipartisan effort to get government working for Americans, Mark Green stood for cronyism and partisan politics.

# Mark Green voted to allow Tom DeLay to continue serving as Leader even if he is indicted.

Is Tom DeLay's behavior the kind of leadership that should be REWARDED, not punished?

# Tom DeLay has been admonished three times for his unethical behavior, yet Mark Green gave DeLay's legal fund $1,000 to help defend him.

Isn't that the definition of cronyism?

Yet more examples of Republican Corruption. Please write the media (including Wisconsin media) complaining about Mark Green's links to the corruption of Tom DeLay, the now convicted Abramoff, and the Republican culture of corruption.

Progressive Democrat Issue 71: PROGRESSIVE MAJORITY WINS AGAIN

I reported after the 2005 elections that Progressive Majority, a group that helps train people to run for office then helps them get elected, won 70% of the races they were involved in. They often will focus on a handful of states like Wisconsin, Colorado, Arizona and Washington State.

Well, once again Progressive Majority is winning. This time back in Wisconsin, on April 4th, Progressive Majority helped get more than 12 progressive candidates elected to local offices. This group is emerging as the most effective progressive group out there when it comes to electing candidates. Here are some excerpts from their most recent victories:

Larry Nelson:
With help from Progressive Majority, Larry Nelson overcame the critics and the odds when he won his election to Mayor of Waukesha. By outworking his conservative opponent, he won 53% of the vote in a city that went overwhelmingly for George W. Bush in 2004.

Celestine Jeffreys:
The Green Bay City Council looks a little more like the people it represents now that community activist Celestine Jeffreys has been elected. The twelve-member council will finally have a woman and a person of color among its members.

Ken Hall:
In Racine, Ken Hall defeated the county board chair--a twelve year incumbent--with 52% of the vote. Hall's victory gives Racine an influx of new ideas and fresh energy to meet the challenges of one of Wisconsin's fastest growing counties.

Trish Cummins:
Trish Cummins was the top vote-getter in a race against two long time incumbents in the Eau Claire School Board election. Community activist and mother of three, Cummins is an enthusiastic, progressive champion of public education.

Jef Hall:
Winnebago County welcomed a new progressive voice when it elected Jef Hall to the County Board. Hall claimed 56% of the vote to beat a conservative incumbent and change the direction of government in the Fox Valley.

If you want to help Progressive Majority in it's mission to elect good progressives to local offices across the nation (even in conservative districts!!!), please help them out!. They are getting the job done.

Progressive Democrat Issue 71: TARGET THE CORRUPT REPUBLICAN III: Republican Sex Scandals: "Great Work, Doily"

The title was suggested by a reader in the Bronx.

The so-called "moral" Republican party has been beset by so many corruption charges that it is hard to take their claims of morality seriously anymore. With Jack Abramoff and Randy Cunningham in jail and with Tom DeLay facing impending corruption charges, the Republicans are looking might immoral these days. But there is another aspect to the "Immoral Republican Party"--sex.

Now I have nothing against sex. Unlike so many Republicans, I believe what people do on their own time in their own house is none of my business as long as all participants are consenting. Consenting adults are free to play scrabble, engage in homosexual sex or even watch Fox News and it is none of my business. Republicans feel that they have the right to dictate to you and me what we are allowed to do in private. But they are often so hypocritical about this that once again one wonders how anyone believes the myth of Republican morality.

Awhile back I covered the story of the extreme right wing, anti-gay Republican mayor of Spokane, WA who was caught soliciting homosexual sex over the internet in exchange for city jobs. The fact that he was publicly anti-gay but privately a practicing homosexual is merely hypocritical. We are used to Republican hypocrisy. Doing it over the internet when he had something to hide was outright stupid. Well, with Bush as our "president" we are used to Republicans being stupid. But to offer city jobs in exchange for homosexual sex is criminal. So, the Republican mayor of Spokane displayed extreme stupidity, criminality and hypocrisy all at once. To their credit, the voters of Spokane ousted him from office.

Republican immorality reaches a new level this week. At least the Spokane mayor was engaging in consensual, adult sex. The deputy press secretary for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was arrested Tuesday trying to solicit sex from teenage girls over the internet.

Yes...the second in command of PR for our nation's Homeland Security was caught doing something immoral, illegal and utterly stupid. From Salon.com:

Brian J. Doyle, 55, of Silver Spring, Md., was arrested on charges of use of a computer to seduce a child and transmission of harmful material to a minor. The charges were issued out of Polk County, Fla.

Doyle had a sexually explicit conversation with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl whose profile he saw on the Internet on March 14, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

The girl was an undercover Polk County Sheriff's Computer Crimes detective, the sheriff's office said...

During other online conversations, Doyle revealed his name, that he worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and offered his office and government issued cell phone numbers, the sheriff's office said.

Doyle also sent photos of himself to the girl, but authorities said they were not sexually explicit.

Okay. A member of the so-called "moral party" who has been appointed to be a spokesperson for our nation's Homeland Security department REVEALED his name and position and SENT PICTURES OF HIMSELF while soliciting sex with a child. Over the internet!!!

We are faced with even worse hypocrisy, criminality and stupidity here than we were with the Spokane mayor! Jesse Helms may have been a racist scum who was more than willing to get a black woman pregnant then deny it his whole life. That was hypocritical and, in denying his responsibility, was immoral. But not illegal. Offering city jobs for sex or soliciting sex with minors is immoral AND illegal.

Has anyone else noticed that the confident grins of the right wing have slowly faded to forced smirks that barely mask the fear that they are feeling over being caught red-handed? America is waking up to the fact that they are being led by a bunch of lying, corrupt and disgusting scum and America is not happy about it.

Folks, tell the media what you think about the immoral, corrupt Republicans

Progressive Democrat Issue 71: INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

I will include every week an update on KIVA’s loan needs. Currently, there are about 5 loans to businesses in the Kajiado District of Kenya that need filling. Remember, these are loans, so you will get the money back eventually. And you can start by loaning as little as $25. I keep getting updates on the loans I have made and I am amazed at how much a small loan can matter to these small businesses.

But remember. East Africa has been suffering from a terrible drought that has led to famine. The drought has finally broken, but there is still a deficit of food. If you possibly can, donate to Oxfam’s East Africa famine relief. The situation is pretty critical.

Progressive Democrat Issue 71: BROOKLYN/QUEENS GROUPS AND EVENTS

ALL NYC:

CRITCAL MASS BICYCLE MOVEMENT! Critical Mass is a bicyclist movement (NOT an organized group!) that holds weekly protests all over the world to protest pollution. Rides 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:

NEW! NEW! NEW!New Democratic Majority in Brooklyn: Please join your hosts Marjorie Gersten, David Michaelson and Michael Bouldin on Thursday, April 27th, 7 PM. We are hoping to have a candidate’s forum for the NY-11 Congressional race. I will be a co-host of this meeting. We 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.

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 71: MANHATTAN GROUPS AND EVENTS

CRITCAL MASS BICYCLE MOVEMENT! Critical Mass is a bicyclist movement (NOT an organized group!) that holds weekly protests all over the world to protest pollution. Rides 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

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 71: HEARTLAND FOCUS

Action Alert from the Iowa Democratic Party:

There are two major items that come straight from the Iowa Democratic Party. Participation is critical!

Rally for Iowa's Priorities

George W. Bush and Jim Nussle, the co-authors of the largest deficits in American history will be appearing together at a $10,000 per person fundraiser at the Iowa Events Center on Tuesday, April 11th.

We want to let the president know that his priorities, and Jim Nussle's priorities, are misplaced, and out of touch with Iowa Values. Please join your fellow Iowans for a rally to let George Bush and Jim Nussle know that trying to reduce the federal deficit on the backs of working Americans while providing massive tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans is unacceptable.

WHERE: Nollen Plaza--3rd Avenue and Locust Avenue in Downtown Des Moines (across from the Des Moines Civic Center). Convenient parking is located in the municipal ramp at between 3rd Avenue and 4th Street.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 11, 4:00 p.m.

PLEASE RSVP TO: Brad Frevert at 515-244-7292 or bfrevert@iowademocrats.org

Please protest him for me! His incompetance and refusal to recognize the danger of al Qaeda led to the death of my friend and nearly 3000 of my fellow New Yorkers. Show him that America does not appreciate his corruption, his incompetance and his arrogance.

And let's not forget to hit the Republicans in every district in Iowa:

The Filing Date is Next Week: Don't Forget Your Democratic Party Tax Check-off!

It's that time of year…we're all thinking about our income taxes whether we want to or not. The best part of filing your Iowa tax return is knowing that you can support the Iowa Democratic Party in this critical election year--at no additional cost to you--simply by marking an "x" on your form!

When you fill out the standard Iowa 1040 Long Form, make sure to check the contribution boxes for yourself AND your spouse to the Democratic Party in Step 11 of the form. Checking the contribution boxes will direct $1.50 from you and $1.50 from your spouse to the Iowa Democratic Party. Best of all, your tax check-off contribution does not increase the amount of taxes you owe or decrease your refund! If you are filing an Iowa Form 1040A (short form), the Political Check-off can be found immediately above the signature on the left side of the form.

Monies received from tax check-off are a critical portion of the Iowa Democratic Party's budget for overhead and operational expenses. Please take a moment to make sure you check the boxes for you and your spouse. It's a painless way to help ensure that Iowa Democrats will have the resources we need to hold the governorship, pick up Congressional seats, and take back the Iowa House and Senate this year.

And for those who are interested, here is a preview of the as yet unannounced Sweep Iowa Act Blue page dedicated to defeating the Republicans in every district of Iowa. Donations now will make a huge difference by November.

Progressive Democrat Issue 71: NATIONAL ACTION I: Phonebanking for Victory in 2006

I can’t emphasize enough how important this one is. This is the first Congressional race of the year. If we win, it will be a real coup. Here is some recent info from MoveOn.org:

Insiders Say Busby Looks Strong

The National Journal's "Hotline," one of the most respected sources of insider political info, was full of good news yesterday. They say that Francine Busby's GOTV effort is strong enough to give her "a shot at winning outright" in Tuesday's election (avoiding a runoff). They note that Democrats make up an especially high share of early absentee ballot returns. And, they say, the National Republican Congressional Committee's recent ad buy suggests the Republicans are worried that Busby's on track to win.1

San Diego Union-Tribune: Winning Here = Momentum Nationally
This morning, the San Diego Union Tribune ran a story on all the national interest in this race.2 Much of it focused on how a Busby victory would help the larger effort to change control of Congress:

The strength of Busby's finish will be telling, pundits and politicians believe. The election could signal whether Republicans are in trouble because of Cunningham's spectacular moral collapse, the conviction of Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and the resignation of former House Majority Leader Tom Delay in the wake of his former deputy chief of staff's guilty plea to corruption charges.

Winning with over 50% of the vote—and avoiding a runoff—won't be easy. But Francine Busby's got momentum, and our calls this weekend just might make all the difference. So please take 20 or 30 minutes to call voters this weekend.

You can make the difference. Click here to help.

Progressive Democrat Issue 71: NATIONAL ACTION II: From the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families:

Almost immediately after Bush’s two Supreme Court nominees were approved, the final assault on a woman’s right to choice began. And South Dakota was where the right wing chose to start, though many other states are poised to follow. South Dakota is the front line in the battle for women’s rights right now. This is something that needs to be a major focus of our attention.

On March 6 of this year, South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds signed into law the most restrictive abortion ban in the nation – a total ban on abortions. Women will no longer be in control of their reproductive choices. The law is so extreme that even women who are victims of rape and incest will have no options available to them. Women whose health is in danger will no longer be able to make their own health care decisions. Doctors will go to jail. And South Dakota will spend millions in court battles for years to come.

The new South Dakota law is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2006 unless nearly 17,000 signatures are gathered to refer it to the November ballot when voters would decide its’ fate.

As a result of the passage of this extreme new law, a coalition of leaders has formed the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families to refer it to voters in November and to campaign for the repeal of the abortion ban. A petition drive to refer the law began on March 24.

The Healthy Families Campaign is the umbrella group for the campaign. It is co-chaired by 16 prominent South Dakota leaders from all corners of the state, from both political parties, young and old, ministers, doctors, nurses, the leader of the largest Native American tribe and two students. Many groups have endorsed this effort and are working with the Healthy Families Campaign. They include Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Focus South Dakota, Democracy in Action, The Mainstream Coalition, the ACLU, Grassroots South Dakota, South Dakota Advocacy Network for Women, the National Women’s Political Caucus, Native American Women Health & Education Resource Center, Pastors for Moral Choices, Republican Majority for Choice and many other groups and individuals.

The South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families is organized as a South Dakota Ballot Committee and is registered with the South Dakota Secretary of State and the IRS. The Ballot Committee can accept unlimited contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations or any source. Contributions are reported to the Secretary of State and the IRS.

Those of us who live in the rest of the US can help in the following ways:

What Can You Do? – Adopt our Cause: Create awareness and activism all over the country.

Step 1: Email everyone in your contact list.

· Direct them to our website, www.sdhealthyfamiles.org.

· Tell them about the extreme nature of the South Dakota law and how it will hurt women and tear apart families.

· Ask them to contact any friends or family members in South Dakota and express concerns about this law and to vote to repeal it in November.

· Ask them to make a small donation on the website.

· Ask them to contact everyone in their contact list to help raise awareness.


Step 2: Host a House Party to Benefit South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families

· Invite your friends to attend a small house party to raise awareness, create activism and raise small contributions for the South Dakota effort. Small donations of $10 – or whatever size donation – are very helpful. This will be a very expensive campaign where we need to match/exceed our opposition who we expect to spend upwards of $10 million to keep their extreme law on the books.

· Let’s have house parties in every state, in big cities and small towns and build a list of national activists committed to taking back our country from the zealots on the far right.

· At the party, have our website live on your home computer and ask each person to sign up to support our campaign. They can contribute on-line or send us a check.


Step 3: Organize a Rally – Not a Boycott!

· Organize a rally in your community to show support for the women and families in South Dakota and to raise awareness and create activism locally. Work with other pro-choice activists in your area to build a crowd. Notify the press to get them to promote your rally in advance. Have a sign-making party to have lots of homemade signs with messages in support of the women and families of South Dakota. Invite prominent speakers who will help deliver our message in a clear, concise and responsible way.

· Don’t boycott South Dakota. Boycotts will only send a negative message to the people of South Dakota and allow our opponents to use it against us.


Step 4: Organize a Small Fundraising Drive

· Get 10 friends to make contributions by check or on our website.

· Ask to have an announcement made at pro-choice or other progressive gatherings and pass the hat to collect contributions.

· Get an important leader in your community to ask their contacts to give to our effort.

· Organize a bake sale.

I don’t necessarily agree with their dismissal of a boycott…but, I also feel that this battle will be won from WITHIN South Dakota, though with help from us.

Progressive Democrat Issue 71: NEW JERSEY FOCUS

URGENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The New Jersey filing deadline for candidates is April 10…MONDAY! We still need candidates for NJ-02, NJ-04, and NJ-11. We have Republicans running UNOPPOSED in these districts. Strategically there is no reason for us to let Republicans run unopposed in ANY district. We need to run candidates, if for no other reason, to get our views on issues aired in every corner of the nation. Let's not let that one pass us by.

Please help the NJ Democratic Party recruit and run a candidate in every district.

Progressive Democrat Issue 71: NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

Thursday, April 20 - 7:00pm
Please join Democrats 2000 at a Happy Hour Co-Hosted by Assemblyman John Wisniewski honoring the young elected officials of the 19th Legislative District:

Dan Reiman, Mayor, Carteret
2002 Recommended Candidate

Greg Bedard, Councilman, Woodbridge
2005 Recommended Candidate

Dan Buchanan, Councilman, Sayreville
2004 Recommended Candidate

Jorge Diaz, Councilman, Carteret
2004 Recommended Candidate

Starland Ballroom
570 Jernee Mill Road
Sayreville
Tickets - $40 (includes food, drinks, and $15 annual dues)
Event Sponsorships - $100


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 71: VIRGINIA FOCUS

URGENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Virginia filing deadline for candidates is April 19.. We still need candidates for VA-04, VA-06, and VA-11! We have Republicans running UNOPPOSED in these districts. Strategically there is no reason for us to let Republicans run unopposed in ANY district. We need to run candidates, if for no other reason, to get our views on issues aired in every corner of the nation. Let's not let that one pass us by.

Please help the VA Democratic Party recruit and run a candidate in every district.

And you can read more about this, focused on VA-6, in this Daily Kos diary.

Progressive Democrat Issue 71: VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

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 71: 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.