Progressive Democrat Issue 77: THOUGHTS

This week, Ken Lay and Jeffrey Skilling were both been found guilty of fraud. Randy Cunnnigham, Tom DeLay, Ken Lay, Jeff Skilling, Karl Rove, Jack Abramoff...

Slowly we are chipping away at the Halliburton/Enron Republican culture of corruption. People are getting fed up with it!!! But we have to keep up the pressure.

But the main thing that continues to worry me is the increasingly bleak and chaotic situation throughout the world. Our insanely stupid foreign policy is helping the most extreme elements of Islam, a situation which seems to get worse week by week. This is serious. This is something I am harping on because I think this is going to be the worst part of the Bush legacy: a lasting, popular, powerful, extremist power uniting a large part of the Muslim world. Moderates in both America and in Muslim nations, in both Christianity and Islam, are being pushed aside by increasingly angry and intolerant extremists. Bush's stupid, weak and failed policies are bankrupting America while our real enemy thrives right under his nose. Forget all other issues (well, not really) because THIS is the biggest threat that we are facing.

What have I been saying for months? We are losing the war on terrorism. Bush’s renaming of that war to “The Long War” is only one more symptom of that failure. I call it the Forever War because that is what Bush, Cheney, Halliburton and Bechtel want to keep their profits high and our civil rights low. But all around the world, while we bog further and further into Iraq, the Wrong War at the Wrong Time, our real enemies—remember those guys who attacked us!—are regrouping, building and growing.

I have written about this twice in the past month or so, but I keep reading articles on how it gets worse and worse!

We continue to ignore the rise of al-Qaeda linked Islamicists in Somalia. Remember that this has always been one of the many fronts in the war against al-Qaeda that Bush has ignored. Clinton tried to stabilize Somalia and was blocked by the Republicans, leaving al-Qaeda the preferred stabilizing force in Somalia.

Our invasion of Iraq, a nation that formerly had almost no al-Qaeda presence, has brought al-Qaeda in as heroes in the fight against what Iraqis see as American aggression. Bush SHATTERED our anti-terrorism coalition when he invaded Iraq and gave al-Qaeda the richest recruiting grounds they could imagine. The Taliban and al-Qaeda already have a foothold in the nuclear nation of Pakistan. Now Bush has given them an opening into one of the most oil rich nations in the world. The increasing chaos in Iraq once again, as in Somalia, allows al-Qaeda supporters to take on the mantle of the stabilizing force.

So far al-Qaeda has had a minimal hand in Palestinian politics, with even Hamas rejecting them. But it is violent chaos that gives al-Qaeda its initial foothold, so how long before the near civil war in Gaza brings in al-Qaeda influence? The Gaza violence has already spread to Egypt. Osama bin Laden has been trying to link his movement to the Palestinian issue since 9/11. So far he has been unsuccessful. But if we ignore the chaos in Gaza and its spread into Egypt, we may once again sit idly by while al-Qaeda gets the jump on us.

Finally, even in Afghanistan, the one single region where we actually spent some time fighting those who attacked us, we are losing. Remember that we actually had a very real victory in our hands at Tora Bora before Bush stupidly pulled out our troops so we could invade Iraq. Now even the US government is forced to admit that the al-Qaeda allied Taliban are growing in strength and numbers. We are losing EVEN IN AFGHANISTAN. And, as I previously wrote, even in our ally, Pakistan, al-Qaeda is now seen as a heroic force for liberation and stability.

This is insane!!! A bunch of terrorists attack our nation and Bush spends the next 5 years doing almost nothing to stop them. In fact, it almost seems like he is doing everything he can to HELP them, in the long tradition of either supporting or ignoring al-Qaeda. Republicans funded them in their early years and they prevented Clinton from going after them long before 9/11. Republicans now are doing practically nothing to stop their spread and resurgence. Bush’s legacy will be an al-Qaeda that is stronger and more widespread than ever. If Bush continues his stupid and weak policies he will wind up allowing al-Qaeda to get nuclear weapons in Pakistan and get control of oil in Iraq. And he may give them their chance in Iran as well. Again, I am convinced that Bush’s legacy may well be a new, extremist Caliphate spanning from the border of India all the way into Africa.

STOP IT! Bad as they may be, Iran and Iraq are not the enemy! Stop fighting the wrong wars at the wrong times in the wrong places and start fighting the people who actually attacked America!

Progressive Democrat Issue 77: FIGHTING A CORRUPT DEMOCRAT

I have been harping against Republican corruption for a couple of years now. The Republican culture of corruption is deep rooted, disgusting and widespread, spanning from John Seweeny in NY, to Katherine Harris in Florida, to the now imprisoned Randy Cunningham in California and is most concentrated in the states of Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky. And when one of their most corrupt members, Tom DeLay, resigns, he is replaced by an almost equally corrupt Republican. And that isn’t even counting their immoral sex scandals! The names of Cunningham, DeLay, Ney, Blunt (father and son), Taft and many others have become synonyms for blatant and immoral corruption.



And I have written how although Democrats can be corrupt, we are different because we are more likely to fight against corruption in our own ranks. I have used my own local Brooklyn Democratic Party as an example of both the corruption and the fight against corruption within the Democratic Party.

Along these lines I want to comment on a recent scandal—the corruption of Louisiana Democrat William Jefferson.

First off, the man deserves a fair trial. But he got caught about as red-handed as Republican Randy Cunningham did taking bribes. Republicans defend their corruption. I do not defend corrupt Democrats. Corruption is corruption and even though I know the attack on Rep. Jefferson is partly politically motivated, and possibly even partly racially motivated, Jefferson was caught. Just as I called for the resignation or ousting of corrupt Republicans like Tom DeLay, Matt Blunt, Roy Blunt, Randy Cunningham, John Sweeney and the rest, I call for the resignation or ousting of William Jefferson. Let him stand trial and if exonerated let him return to politics. But if we are to fight the Republican culture of corruption we have to make sure we also recognize corruption in our own ranks when it occurs, and fight it with equal determination as we fight Republican corruption.

Oust the Blunts. Oust Ney. Oust Taft. Oust Sweeny. And, yes, oust William Jefferson.

Progressive Democrat Issue 77: WINNING THE WEST: Revised version

Last week I wrote a three-state strategy for winning in the West in November. The three states were Nevada (Gov, Senate and House), Montana (Critical Senate) and New Mexico (two House Seats). I am still hoping more people make even just small donations to win some of the races I list for these states because we will be really happen in November that we did. But, I have had to add more thanks to some nagging. Two people on Daily Kos convinced me that I left out two important states, Arizona and Colorado, and I realized I left out yet another group that ties them all together. So please join me in a five state frontier strategy that could win us some big gains in 2006.

I want to focus on the Western States. Remember in 2004 the wonderful and unexpected win in Montana on a state level. This was a sign that the Democrats COULD deliver a message that would work in the Western States. Analyzing who is targeting what, where corruption is rife and where there are some really promising Democratic candidates, I want to introduce you to three Act Blue sites I have designed to help us win big in the Western States this year. With your help we can really route the Republicans in three carefully selected states.

Let me begin with an Act Blue site I have already introduced and which has already collected $245: my Blue Nevada site. I think Nevada is our key state this year because it has EVERYTHING: Governorship, Senate (Jimmy Carter's son) AND House seats. Nevada is considered one of the Purple States, very finely balanced between red and blue. I think this year is the year to turn it solid blue. First off, we have Jack Carter, son of Nobel Laureate and former President Jimmy Carter. Jack Carter is a great candidate with integrity and a real populist message that is going to work in the West. If we want to retake the Senate, I think this race is a must win. There are also two House races in Nevada and here is where I think we have a shot, albeit a long shot, at Sweeping Nevada. One of these House races, NV-3, is a genuinely close race, one of the 10 House seats the Republicans most fear losing. If we can win BOTH the Nevada Senate AND NV-3, we will have gone a long way to turning Nevada solid blue. But there is one more race worth considering: NV-2. This is not seen as a close race, BUT...it is an open seat this year and we all know that open seats are opportunities NOT TO BE MISSED. A concerted web-based effort to help out NV-Sen, NV-2 and NV-3 could just push the whole state into our camp. Hence, my Blue Nevada site. Please help take Nevada.

Next I want to introduce two new Act Blue sites I have made. Both are virgins so YOU could be the first to contribute.

First there is my Blue Montana site which gives us an opportunity not only to follow up on the wonderful victories in Montana in 2004, but to actually Sweep Montana. First off there is the Montana Senate race. This is one of the most important Senate races in 2006 because the seat is currently held by one of the most corrupt Republicans in the Senate. For this reason, Montana is listed by BBC news as one of the states to watch this year. Two great Democrats are fighting it out as to which has the honor of taking down Conrad Burns for his disgusting corruption. Both Democratic candidates are out-polling Burns, showing that Montana is sick of Republican corruption. We can win this seat and, like the NV Senate race, this is a must-win if we want to recapture the Senate. But there is also a House race to be won in Montana. This is more of a long shot than the Senate race, but BOTH are state-wide races and so will be determined by the same voters. A competative Senate race can make this House race competative...and if we can help the Democrat in the House race, it will also help our candidate beat Conrad Burns. Please donate to my Blue Montana site and help complete the victory that we started in Montana in 2004.

Finally I want to introduce my Blue New Mexico Act Blue Site. New Mexico is another one of those very Purple states balanced between red and blue. And it is one that we can turn solid blue with a little effort. First there is the NM-1 House race. The Republican incumbent, Heather Wilson has taken more money from Exxon/Mobil's PAC than any other New Mexico politician - $5,000 already in this cycle, and $27,000 since 2000. She took $4,000 from Halliburton's PAC in the 2004 cycle. She is the EPITOME of what I call a corrupt Halliburton Republican. The Democratic opponant is two-term state Attorney General Patricia Madrid. An extraordinarily well-qualified candidate, Madrid seems poised to be a leading Democrat from the West. This race is another must win this election cycle. NM-2 is not as hot a race as NM-1, but it is worth fighting hard for because if we win both we Sweep NM, and even if we merely come close, this kind of bold move can help turn New Mexico solid Blue by 2008. So please check out my Blue New Mexico and help at least NM-1 if not also NM-2.

Now I want to introduce the two sites I was pestered into creating...and which I DESERVED to be pestered into.

First there's Colorado, another very rich state for pickups. Not only do we have a good shot at picking up the Governorship, but there are TWO of the most cirtical House races PLUS one of the Katrina 11 Republicans to target. So, with apologies for leaving it out last time, let me introduce my Colorado Blue site. I should note the guy who pestered me into making this STILL wasn’t satisfied, but for now this will have to do.

Finally, there is Arizona. Here there is a long-shot Senate race, two very hot House races and yet another one of the Katrina 11 Republicans to target. Yet another rich pick up chance. So please help out with Blue Arizona.

On all of these sites I have included the State Democratic Party because not only will they help win the key seats I list but also will help with many state and local races that are important for developing our future national candidates. I also include Frontier PAC, one of the best organizations delivering a populist and progressive Democratic message THROUGHOUT the west. But I have left off one more excellent group. With all of the talk of "natives" vs. "immigrants" in American politics today, I want to urge support for empowering the TRUE Native Americans through the Indiginous Democratic Network (INDN).

If the blogsphere can make a good showing for these five states plus Frontier PAC plus INDN we can not only win big this year but also be set up nicely for the future. Give a little bit to win the Western Frontier!

Progressive Democrat Issue 77: FIGHTING WAL-MART

In case you needed further reason to boycott Wal-Mart

From Detroit Free Press via Wake Up Wal-Mart:


NEW EVIDENCE SHOWS WAL-MART WORKING CLOSELY WITH RIGHT WING ATTACK GROUP

SENIOR WAL-MART OFFICIALS, BOB MCADAM AND LEE CULPEPPER, CONNECTED TO RIGHT-WING ATTACK DOG - RICK BERMAN, HEAD OF THE CENTER FOR UNION FACTS

GROUP CALLS ON WAL-MART TO FIRE BOB MCADAM AND LEE CULPEPPER AND END RELATIONSHIP WITH RIGHT WING ATTACK DOG, RICK BERMAN

Washington, D.C. - WakeUpWalMart.com, America’s campaign to change Wal-Mart, has uncovered a close and working relationship between high-ranking senior Wal-Mart executives, Bob McAdam and Lee Culpepper, and right-wing radical Rick Berman.

Earlier this year, Rick Berman, a well-known right-wing radical and defender of mercury poisoning, drunk driving and Big Tobacco, launched a campaign attacking hard-working union members. At the time of Berman’s launch, Wal-Mart spokesman, Sarah Clark, publicly denied any involvement or connection between Wal-Mart and Berman’s group, the Center for Union Facts. According to the Los Angeles Times, Clark said Wal-Mart had "never heard" of Berman.

Now, Wal-Mart publicly admits it has not only heard of Berman, but has been working with him. The Detroit Free Press reports, “Wal-Mart said it has a relationship in which it exchanges union information with Berman, the group's head." [Detroit Free Press, 5/24/06]

And also from Wake Up Wal-Mart is a description of just how bad Wal-Mart’s health care policy is:

Based on the two leaked health care documents, Wal-Mart workers will face significant restrictions under the new health care changes, including:

1) Only uninsured part-time Wal-Mart workers, who also insure their dependents, are eligible to enroll during this special enrollment period.

• “If you are a peak-time hourly Associate who has been employed by Wal-Mart for more than two years and are not currently enrolled in any medical coverage option offered by the AHWP, you may enroll yourself in any of the available peak time medical coverage options (except HSA Qualified or HSA Qualified Performance plans), but only if you enroll your dependent children.” (Memo: Summary of Material Modifications to Associates Health and Welfare Plan; p. 2)

2) Spouses of part-time associates will not be eligible during this enrollment period.

• “Your spouse is not eligible for Medical coverage.” (My Benefits: New Peak Time Benefits Making a Difference for You: page 3)

3) Former full-time workers, now reduced to part-time workers, will lose an array of additional benefits.

• “Dental, Optional Life Insurance, Company-Paid Life Insurance, Dependent Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Short-term Disability, Short-term Disability Plus, and Long-Term Disability - will stop at the end of the pay period in which you transition.” (My Benefits: New Peak Time Benefits Making a Difference for You: page 4)

4) Former full-time Wal-Mart workers, now reduced to part-time workers, who change plans during this “Special Enrollment” period will lose credit for any money they have already spent against their deductible. Therefore, a worker could have to pay as much as $3,000 in deductibles twice.

• “If you switch Medical plans, or if you change your deductible during the Special Enrollment or within 60 days due to your transition, your annual deductible will start over. Amounts already incurred toward your annual deductible will not carry over to your new plan option or new deductible.” (My Benefits: New Peak Time Benefits Making a Difference for You: page 4)

5) Wal-Mart made no changes to the cost of the deductible for family or individual coverage on any plans. Deductibles on Wal-Mart’s most affordable plan are as high as $3,000 for family coverage and $1,000 for individual coverage.

Copies of the two Wal-Mart health care documents describing these health care changes are available for download at www.WakeUpWalMart.com.

Please, boycott Wal-Mart and Take Action against Wal-Mart!

Progressive Democrat Issue 77: ENTERTAINMENT:

This is kind of a plug for a good show (even though the host is a Bush supporter).

Rabbi Shmuley Boteach is an orthodox (modern) Rabbi who has a new show on The Learning Channel called “Shalom in the Home”. It is a cute show where, inspired by his own childhood loneliness due to his parents’ divorce, travels around the country trying to help families find “Shalom” (peace).

My wife and I have watched a few shows and find it endearing and a cut above the average voyeur show. Reb Boteach is compassionate and insightful and is able to cut through bullshit without angering the people he is counseling.

In last week’s show, the Rabbi dove wholeheartedly and intentionally into controversy raising the quality of his show from “cute and endearing” to pretty damned cool.

What we had was an orthodox Rabbi counseling a lesbian couple on how to raise their two daughters in what looked like Park Slope Brooklyn. Rabbi Boteach used this as an opportunity to COMPLETELY demolish the morality of religious attacks on homosexuality.

He came right out and said that they knew this show would be controversial and that was one reason why they wanted to show it. They even had an unusual segment where the crew and the lesbian couple discussed whether the show should even air of if it might be misinterpreted as criticism of the ability of a lesbian couple to raise children. Again, the Rabbi made the point that the message is the exact opposite—that he is helping one of the most compassionate, deep and caring families he has known.

Orthodox Judaism condemns homosexuality in pretty extreme terms, but it does so in a far more complex way than right-wing Christianity does. This complexity can be seen, for those who are interested, in a film called “Trembling Before G_d (sic)" (http://www.tremblingbeforeg-d.com/ ) which I found quite interesting despite being neither Orthodox nor homosexual. It is a great movie about people who are honestly trying to resolve two contradictory sides of their lives.

Rabbi Boteach made only vague references to gay marriage. He gave me the general impression that he opposes it. And, someone on Daily Gotham informed me that he is a Bush supporter. Too many Orthodox Jews buy the BS that Bush is good for Israel even though not even Ariel Sharon liked Bush (he favored Kerry). But, in his words, a person’s view on gay marriage is irrelevant when counseling a family. He clearly stated that a person’s view on homosexuality should NEVER get between a parent’s unconditional love for his or her child and that one’s views on homosexuality should NEVER make one lose sight of the fact that EVERYONE is one of God’s children (in his words) and EQUALLY deserving of love and respect. He admits the negative view of homosexuality in Orthodox thinking, but vehemently condemns those who use a negative view of homosexuality as an excuse to treat homosexuals as unequal before God. If I caught it properly, he said that God hates people who do that. His condemnation is for those who hate rather than for those who love in a manner that he may not approve of.

It seems clear that he chose to air this show specifically so he could make these statements regarding homosexuality. The families he has counseled in the past were in fairly dire need of help with some major issues that needed resolving to avoid divorce and misery. The lesbian couple had no such dire problems but rather had a far subtler negative dynamic with one of their daughters over schoolwork. The problem was certainly important and took some subtle counseling to help resolve, but it wasn’t the kind of dramatic television that the problems of his previous families provided. What provided the drama was the direct and clear condemnation of a society or a religion that condemns a person for the manner in which they love. Rabbi Boteach in no way condoned homosexuality since his views on the matter seemed more complex than simple condoning or condemnation. He did not come out for or against gay marriage. He did not say people had to be comfortable with homosexuality. What he did was say that you deal with homosexuals in exactly the way you would any other people and you view them as equals before God whether or not you like what they do.

I have to say that Rabbi Boteach made me proud to be Jewish. Viewing the world and life as complex and leaving judgment to God may not be a characteristic of all Jews, but it is a more common characteristic of Judaism than it is of many religions. Embracing complexity and controversy and leaving judgment aside is a lesson we all should learn from Shmuley. Kudos to him and to TLC for a wonderful show.

Progressive Democrat Issue 77: Fighting Companies that Collaborate with Spies

Continued from last week because it is pretty darned important!

Alomst every phone company caved in and handed our private phone information to the Federal Government. To put it mildly, I would call this lousy customer service! Verizon, AT+T, etc. are collaborating with spies!

But there is an option...and I have used them for my long distance service for years. Working Assets is the only telephone company participating in the ACLU's lawsuit against the National Security Agency. We believe that the warrantless monitoring of phone conversations ordered by the Bush administration is illegal and unacceptable. We oppose the sale of domestic calling records to the NSA by AT&T, BellSouth and Verizon.

SWITCH TO WORKING ASSETS! They offer long distance and cell phone service.

Progressive Democrat Issue 77: Helping a Progressive run for State Senate

Helping a Kossack run for State Senate

This is from the Daily Gotham

A progressive Democrat is running for the State Senate in a traditionally Republican area. Brian Keeler, a Daily Kos blogger (NYBri) is running in NY's 41st District, an east of the Hudson district which includes Columbia and Duchess County voters.

Is this the year that a progressive program can win? It feels like it to me. Yesterday's NY Times, you may recall, included an article suggesting Democrats were disarray on State Senate candidates. As I read it, it appeared based on demoralized party insiders. What can grass and net roots do here?

Congratulations to Hudson Valley Democrats. Those of us who want Joe Bruno to experience the joys of minority leadership may want to help Keeler out. Brian Keeler's campaign web site and blog: http://www.keeler2006.com/

I have previously pushed for the idea of sweeping all Congressional seats in NY State, a goal I find very worthy and have managed to raise $650 for already…feel free to pitch in if you can.

But retaking the State Senate is another very important goal. I have not had any chance to find a good round up of all State Senate seats we can aim for…but SD-41 is a good beginning and Brian Keeler a good candidate. Please donate or volunteer to help Keeler.

This region actually is very important since we can pick up a State Senate seat (SD-41) AND a Congressional seat (CD-20). Helping the Columbia County Democrats can help BOTH races.

Progressive Democrat Issue 77: BROOKLYN/QUEENS GROUPS AND EVENTS

ALL NYC:

The Democratic Progressive Action Caucus of New York (DPACNY)
invites you to its first candidates forum!

Thursday, June 1st, 2006
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Hosteling International-NY,
891 Amsterdam Ave at 103rd St,
The Down Under Room

Candidates for US Senate, US Congress in the 11th, 13th, 17th and 19th CDs have been invited along with NY State candidates for Senate in the 3rd, 30th and 35th Districts, and the Assembly in the 57th AD. Candidates will speak in the order in which they arrive. As we get closer to the date, another reminder email will go out with the list of confirmed candidates. As of now, we have confirmations from Jonathan Tasini, Chris Owens, David Yassky, Jessica Flagg, Bill Perkins, Ruben Vargas, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Jimmy Dahroug, Bill Batson, and C. Virginia Fields.


Governor Dean at CUNY Grad Center

The New York Times Presents Sunday with The Magazine: How We Govern

Sunday, June 4, 2:00 pm (doors open 1:45)
at CUNY Graduate Center - Proshansky Auditorium
365 Fifth Ave between 34 & 35th Streets

Contributing writer Matt Bai interviews Governor Howard Dean, head of the Democratic National Committee and founder of DFA, on the future of the Democratic Party
General Admission $25.00


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 Democratic Majority in Brooklyn: Please join your hosts Marjorie Gersten, David Michaelson and Michael Bouldin on Thursday, June 22nd, 7 PM at Ozzies, 249 5th Avenue, between Carroll Street and Garfield Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
At this next meeting we hope to be talking to some candidates for Assembly in Brooklyn, including Wellington Sharpe and Bill Batson (the only two who have so far expressed interest…more to follow, we suspect).

I will be a co-host of this meeting. We 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!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 7PM

Park Slope, Brooklyn, Tea Lounge, 837 Union Street (@ 7th Ave.), with host Josh Skaller

Williamsburg, Brooklyn,, location TBD, with host Ben Morrison

Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Wycoff-Bennette Homestead, 1669 East 22nd. St. (between Quentin & Kings Highway), with hosts Annette Mott and Estelle Glasser


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!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 7PM

Sunnyside, Queens, The Grind, 39-24 Queens Blvd., with hosts Dan Jacoby and Heather Woodfield

Bayside, Queens, The First Edition, 41-08 Bell Blvd, right near the LIRR stop, with host Steve Behar of Democrats for New Politics


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 77: MANHATTAN GROUPS AND EVENTS

The Democratic Progressive Action Caucus of New York (DPACNY)
invites you to its first candidates forum!

Thursday, June 1st, 2006
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Hosteling International-NY,
891 Amsterdam Ave at 103rd St,
The Down Under Room

Candidates for US Senate, US Congress in the 11th, 13th, 17th and 19th CDs have been invited along with NY State candidates for Senate in the 3rd, 30th and 35th Districts, and the Assembly in the 57th AD. Candidates will speak in the order in which they arrive. As we get closer to the date, another reminder email will go out with the list of confirmed candidates. As of now, we have confirmations from Jonathan Tasini, Chris Owens, David Yassky, Jessica Flagg, Bill Perkins, Ruben Vargas, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Jimmy Dahroug, Bill Batson, and C. Virginia Fields.


Governor Dean at CUNY Grad Center

The New York Times Presents Sunday with The Magazine: How We Govern

Sunday, June 4, 2:00 pm (doors open 1:45)
at CUNY Graduate Center - Proshansky Auditorium
365 Fifth Ave between 34 & 35th Streets

Contributing writer Matt Bai interviews Governor Howard Dean, head of the Democratic National Committee and founder of DFA, on the future of the Democratic Party
General Admission $25.00


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.


Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 7PM

Upper West Side, Cosi (downstairs) 2160 Broadway @76th Street, with host Merle McEldowney

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

West Village, Kettle of Fish, 59 Christopher St. (near 7th Ave.), with host Dana Northcraft

East Village, NEW LOCATION, Cinema Classics/Rafiffi 332 East 11th Street (btwn. 1st & 2nd), with hosts Abhishek Mistry


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 77: URGENT NATIONAL ACTION

Continued from last week

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE help out. We are so close to winning this one!

Above I describe how we all can donate a little money to campaigns in five key states to win big in November. But winning back congress starts JUNE 6TH with the FIRST CONGRESSIONAL RACE OF THE YEAR. In a special election to replace the disgraced Republican Randy Cunningham (now in jail!!) Democrat Francine Busby came in first in the open primary, but now has to beat the full efforts of the Republican Party.

This could be our first pick up of the year and if we win it we will illustrate the importance of defeating corrupt Republicans and we will pick up a seat that has been solidly Republican for decades. Busby has been tenuously AHEAD in recent polls.

You can help. MoveOn.org has phonebanking going on that you can participate in from anywhere in the nation. The goal is to push for a high Democratic turnout simply by calling Democrats and remind them to vote.

We have less than two weeks to help elect progressive Francine Busby to Congress in a Calfornia special election. Busby faces a tough fight, but if 10,000 MoveOn members each contact just 15 voters in the district, we can help her win and learn key lessons that will lead to victory in November.
Just sign up here and we'll give you the names of voters to call and instructions on what to say.

Remember, you must be able to be on the phone (a land line or cell phone) and on the Internet at the same time.

Let’s win this one folks. It will set the tone for the entire year.

Progressive Democrat Issue 77: URGENT NATIONAL ACTION II

This comes straight from Focus South Dakota, fighting against the South Dakota abortion ban.

In previous Diary we told you why we were fighting against the extremists.  Today we will tell you who exactly we are, and tomorrow we will post who the extremists really are.

Focus South Dakota was formed in the 2004 election cycle as a 527 organization intended to alert moderate and swing voters to the dangers of supporting extremist candidates and positions.

In the 2006 cycle our main focus is repealing HB 1215 and letting the extremists know that their first attack on Roe will be their last

If you have not heard, HB 1215 is the abortion ban that Governor Rounds of South Dakota recently signed.  It does not even include exceptions for Rape, Incest or to protect the health of the mother.  However, per the South Dakota constitution, if we collect 16,728 signatures by June 19th, we will be able to block the law, and refer it to the November ballot instead and that is exactly what we intend to do. Thereby empowering the voters of South Dakota to overturn this archaic law.

Who is Focus South Dakota?

Focus South Dakota is led by Jim Robinson, Jeff Masten and Jody Severson.

President Jody Severson of Rapid City has been active in South Dakota and national politics since the late 1960's. His clients have included Senator Tom Daschle, U.S. Senator Tim Johnson, U.S. Senator Ben Nelson, former Senator Bob Kerrey, the presidential campaigns of Dick Gephardt, Gary Hart and Bill Clinton and scores of other progressive candidates and ballot campaigns nationwide.

Vice President Jeff Masten of Sioux Falls is a former Chairman of the South Dakota Democratic Party. During his tenure as Chair, Masten successfully took back control of the South Dakota State Senate and set records for fundraising and event attendance. His previous tenure as a State's Attorney was one of the most widely publicized and successful in South Dakota's history. In addition to three decades of advocacy in politics and law, he is currently a radiation oncology physicist.

Secretary-Treasurer Jim Robinson of Sioux Falls has been involved in public affairs and political activity for 30 years, having served as Executive Director of the Democratic State Party and as Staff Director and statewide Campaign Manager for Tom Daschle. He has worked for many US Senate, US House and Presidential canidates in over 38 states. Robinson currently heads the state's largest and longest established opinion research firm.

The Honorable Jim Abourezk is a former United States Congressman and Senator from South Dakota, as well as an attorney, author and Navy Veteran of the Korean War. Abourezk, who was first elected to Congress at the age of 40, went on to earn a reputation as a maverick and trailblazer in the US Senate. He is serving as the attorney for FOCUS: South Dakota and is playing an active role in appealing nationwide for support for the organization's role in this fight.

Kimberly Scott is President of ConklinScott, a national political consulting firm specializing in fundraising, strategy and political relations for progressive candidates and organizations, labor and the national Democratic party committees. She has worked with over 50 Congressional, Senate and statewide campaigns, including the Presidential campaign of Bill Clinton. Based in Washington, DC, ConklinScott is the only national firm of it's kind with a 100% record of working with pro-choice candidates and causes.

Focus South Dakota's Role in winning the referral campaign

There are several aspects involved in winning a campaign like the referral of HB1215. Using its past role in South Dakota as precedent, and subject to coordination and agreement with SDCHF, the overall umbrella group acting as a clearinghouse for the referral effort, we are tentatively planning an effort with these broad strategic purposes:

*    To identify and educate swing voters on the many defects of HB1215, and to brand the law as an extremist measure that is out of touch with mainstream South Dakota values.

*    To make sure voters understand where incumbent legislators and challengers stand on HB1215.

*    To respond aggressively to the far right's campaign finances, message, and tactics, and to prevent the far right from distorting the truth about the true nature of HB1215. For example, at the moment there is an effort by some within the "prolife" movement to invent a claim that HB1215 does indeed allow for abortions in some rape cases. These imaginative explanations range from Senator Bill Napoli's "sodomized religious virgin" exception to a more responsible-appearing effort to claim that there is a 72-hour window in which emergency contraception would be permitted and thus obviate the need for a specific rape exception. The argument is specious but gaining ground and must be stopped.

*    To perform voter attitude research necessary to shape the message and maintain message discipline. At either end of the abortion spectrum, voter opinion is strongly held and not likely to change. The battle will be won or lost in the middle. Think of a small town, red state, Main Street Republican man or woman who thinks of herself as generally "prolife," but who has not heretofore been heavily invested in the issue and who is inclined to think that HB1215 goes too far, is too extreme, is a bad idea. If we win THEIR votes, we will win handily, but if we allow the far right to manipulate their generally anti-abortion inclinations, the story might well have a different ending. This will require a sophisticated and well-disciplined approach.

*    In those and other ways, to use HB1215 as an opportunity to reshape the political environment of South Dakota and to do so in a manner so decisive that it provides an object lesson for prolife extremists nationally.

Progressive Democrat Issue 77: 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, Princeton, First Thursday Each Month 7:00 PM @ Sotto Ristorante and Lounge (formerly the Annex) 128 1/2 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ. princeton@drinkingliberally.org or http://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 77: VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

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 77: HEARTLAND FOCUS: Speak out in Iowa

SPEAK OUT IN IOWA!

Make Your Voice Heard:
Become a Member of the Iowa Democratic Party
Alert the Media Team!

The Iowa Democratic Party needs your help writing letters to the editor and calling into talk radio programs to spread the Democratic message and help ensure victory in 2006.

Being a member of the Alert the Media team is easy. You will receive email updates from the IDP on the hot topics of the day. The emails will include message notes and background information to help you write your letter to the editor and prepare your question for a radio program. All you have to do is Alert the Media! Finally, your printed letters and call-in questions will be featured below!

If you would like to join the IDP Alert the Media team, email Erin Seidler at eseidler@iowademocrats.org.

Progressive Democrat Issue 77: 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.