Progressive Democrat Issue 78: THOUGHTS

The way I put together these newsletters, I often don't address weekend holidays until the following week. Last Monday was Memorial Day and I didn't mention it at all last Saturday. But this is something I wrote for Memorial Day itself and it bears repeating here. Let's not forget that the Democrats understand better what war means while Chickenhawk Republicans seem to have no clue the sacrifices required and the consequences of war.

In response to the Yellow Elephant Chickenhawks who currently run our nation (into the ground), I appeal to you to support the real men and women who have served our nation and want to continue serving our nation.

My stepfather was a military man. He fought in WW II and Korea. He taught at West Point and was the youngest Lt.-Col. in the history of the army to that date. He died about 11 years ago, but he was a life-long Democrat and, by the end of his life, was sounding more liberal than I am.

Diaries come and go here. But I hope this one gets attention, and generates some donations. Because today, on Memorial Day three years after "Mission Accomplished" it seems to me that there is one single thing we all should do today:

Don't let this opportunity pass. Send a message to Bush, America and the world on this Memorial Day that you want brave veterans in Congress, not more of these reactionary Chickenhawks. Support The Fighting Dems, the REAL DEAL who served their nation in the miliary and now want to serve in Congress. Just do it. Getting these guys elected will rock the nation and will put an end to the Chickenhawk domination of America.

Key for New York is of course Eric Massa, listed on the Fighting Dems Act Blue page. I particularly appeal to you to contribute to his campaign.

Please. Honor those who have died for their nation by sending their compatriots to Congress and ousting the yellow-bellied, greedy, corrupt chickenhawks.

Progressive Democrat Issue 78: LAST CHANCE TO START WINNING NOW

This is out last shot to win California's 50th Congressional District. The race is neck and neck. The 50th is a previously solidly Republican district just north of San Diego. They were represented by Randy Cunningham, a Republican with a "safe seat." Through the efforts of people like us, the corruption of Cunningham caught up with him and he is now in jail. People's disgust with Republican corruption has made them open to a Democrat...and we need to win this one as part of our fight against Republican corruption. The special election is THIS WEEK!!!

From Democracy for NYC (though applicable nationwide):

Democrat Francine Busby is competing in a special election in California's 50th congressional district this Tuesday, June 6. It's a competitive race and if Busby wins, it will be a Democratic pickup in the house and give us great momentum going into the November elections. Francine has been endorsed by Democracy for America, and DFA people in the San Diego area are canvassing for her campaign.

MoveOn is organizing on-line volunteer phone calling to voters in the 50th District. You just need a phone and a computer with Internet access.

Please click on the above link and spend some time helping. Winning this one will be so sweet!

Progressive Democrat Issue 78: THE ENRON REPUBLICANS

Why does the conviction of Enron executives Ken Lay and Jeff Skilling matter so much? Because it is a blow to the Culture of Corruption that is so much a part of the Bush Administration. Halliburton Repubclians like Tom DeLay and Roy Blunt and Randy Cunningham (now in jail) think that they and the giant corporations that back them are above the law. Enron was one of those corporations with deep connections to Bush and the Halliburton Republicans and the conviction of their top executives hits very close to home for the neo-cons in the Republican party. From Salon.com:

Ken Lay was George Bush's number one financial backer. During the 2000 election campaign, Bush frequently flew on Enron corporate jets. Bush's first cabinet included a former Enron executive, Thomas White, as Army Secretary, and two former Enron advisers, Lawrence Lindsey (Bush's first chief economic adviser) and Robert Zoellick (Bush's first United States Trade Representative).

Vice President Dick Cheney met numerous times with Ken Lay to discuss energy policy. Lay was instrumental in the hiring of his hand-picked Texas buddy Pat Wood as chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Lay's influence likely led to the Bush administration's do-nothing stance on the California electricity crisis. Do we even need to mention Wendy Gramm, the wife of Texas Senator Phil Gramm (R) and chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission? Just five weeks after a ruling in which she exempted Enron from certain forms of federal regulation that could have cost the company a great deal of money, she quit and joined Enron's board.

Let's keep the Bush administration in perspective. Some of the best friends of the Bush family are relatives of Osama bin Laden. Some of Bush's closest economic advisors are Enron execs who are guilty of corruption or are Halliburton execs who get no-bid contracts from the Federal government no matter how much they overcharge the taxpayers. Bush, Cheney and many of today's Congressional Republicans are corrupt as hell and the downfall of Enron may be the closest hit they've taken since the Abramoff-Republican scandal.

Progressive Democrat Issue 78: CORRUPT REPUBLICANS COVERING THEIR TRACKS?

What happened to freedom of the press? You know, that FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT, written by James Madison, intended to ensure that America had a free, independent press that can help keep government honest. It is the job of the press to expose government corruption. And yet, the United States Congress is considering a law that would imprison journalists who publish stories containing information which the Bush administration wants to hide from the public. At a House Intelligence Committee hearing, several anti-Constitution Republicans expressly urged that our country start throwing reporters in jail: (from the May 27th NY Times):

Some Republicans on the committee advocated the criminal prosecution of The Times. Their comments partly echoed and partly amplified recent statements by
Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales that the Justice Department had the authority to prosecute reporters for publishing classified information. . . .

"I believe the attorney general and the president should use all of the power of existing law to bring criminal charges," said Representative Rick Renzi, Republican of Arizona.

The Bush administration wants to hide it's corruption and cronyism under the carpet and the corrupt Republicans in Congress want to help him do it. By contrast, Democrats want to protect the First Amendment rights of journalists and prevent the Federal government from hiding things from the public that foots the bill. From the same NY Times article:

"If anyone here wants to imprison journalists," Ms. Harman said, "I invite them to spend some time in China, Cuba or North Korea and see whether they feel safer."

TRUE Conservatives, who I don't always agree with, fully recognize the anti-American nature of the Republican attacks on our Constitution. In the National Review Jonathan Adler wrote something that could come right from my own pages, despite the fact that we come from different political philosophies:

The Founding Fathers understood that a free and independent press is critical to self-governance and to the constitutional order they established. The Constitution states that Congress “shall make no law” abridging the freedom of the press. This mandate is clear and unmistakable. The press should be free to publish news reports without fear that Congress will criminalize those publications.

Liberals, True Conservatives and Congressional Democrats agree: Bush and the corrupt Republicans in Congress are dead wrong on this issue. Protect America's freedoms! The Federal government cannot and should note be able to declare anything it wants "classified" and imprison anyone who writes about it. That is dictatorship. That is the kind of thing that America USED to fight against. In fact that is the kind of thing REPUBLICANS used to fight against. But not under Bush. Under Bush, DeLay, Ney and the rest of the Halliburton Republicans, the Federal government has usurped the right to control all information, control the press, and to silence dissent.

And THAT, my friend, is anti-American.

Progressive Democrat Issue 78: SOUTH DAKOTA NEEDS OUR HELP

From the South Dakota Healthy Families Campaign:

Yesterday, the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families delivered 38,000 signatures to the South Dakota Secretary of State — more than twice the number needed to challenge the state's abortion ban on the November ballot.

That was the first step. Now the real campaign begins. We have just five months to educate tens of thousands of moderate South Dakotans and get them out to the polls. The extremists who passed this attack on women's health will use every trick in the book to defend it.

That's why NARAL Pro-Choice America and Planned Parenthood Federation of America are asking you to give directly to the South Dakota campaign to kick off a massive voter education and turnout campaign.

Our two organizations often work together to achieve common goals. Today we are joining forces to ask you to donate to the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families, the coalition which sprang into action as soon as the ban was passed.

We supported them as they rolled up their sleeves, hit the pavement, and collected the signatures needed to put the measure before voters. Right now they need your help to begin knocking on doors, talking to the media, running ads, and making sure every South Dakotan knows just how important it is to vote down this ban.

Please give $25, $50, $100, or more to the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families to win the ballot measure in November!

The week South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds signed this ban — intended to be a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade — an anonymous right-wing donor pledged $1 million to finance the legal battle against Roe. This is what we're up against!

Polls show a majority of South Dakota voters disagree with Governor Rounds. But without the resources needed to counter anti-choice opposition all the way through November, the majority voice might be muted again.

Help the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families kick off their campaign!

Don't let this attack on fundamental American values go unanswered.

Have no illusions. South Dakota was an intentional test case that was initiated as soon as Bush's judges got approved. If we can hold the line here, we will have the advantage in the next fight. If we lose here, they will have the advantage. This is the culmination of years of Bush policies. We cannot ignore it!

Progressive Democrat Issue 78: NY STATE FOCUS

On 9/11/2001 the consequences of ignoring the threat of al-Qaeda was driven home dramatically. America, NYC in particular, had the lesson slammed home on that day. President Clinton had warned us, Bush included, that al-Qaeda was the threat to watch. His warnings were ignored. We paid the price on 9/11.

But has the lesson been learned? Did the Bush administration realize that its agenda had to focus on defeating al-Qaeda? At first it seemed that they had. The invasion of Afghanistan and the toppling of the al-Qaeda-allied Taliban was clearly the right first step. I was heartened when Bush took that first step.

But then came Tora Bora. Bush abandoned the War Against Terrorism, pulled out a large chunk of our troops and let Osama bin Laden get away. Why? To invade Iraq, a nation that had nothing whatsoever to do with 9/11. Bush let his attention wander from the war against those who attacked NYC and America. Bush dropped the ball.

As I have written recently, and perhaps at too great a length, that decision by Bush to abandon the real war in favor of his directionless war on Iraq has allowed al-Qaeda and the Taliban not only to regroup, but to expand. They are stronger than ever by our own admission. Bush dropped the ball and the enemy that attacked NYC and America is stronger than ever. Bush is losing the War Against Terrorism, just as he is losing his directionless war against Iraq, "Mission Accomplished" not withstanding. In fact, the Iraqis are taking Bush up on his offer and are "Bringing it on." And now we have even given al-Qaeda its long-desired foothold in Iraq.

Why is Bush losing? Why is he refusing to learn the clear and simple lesson of 9/11: al-Qaeda is the enemy and we must defend ourselves against them. Everyone in America understands that except apparently the Republican Party. From NYC to Davenport, Iowa, to Helena, Montana: Americans understand who the enemy is. But the Republican Party does not.

While Bush continues to bog us down in Iraq and wants to put 6000 National Guardsmen on the Mexican border to defend against poor migrant workers, NYC is unprotected. NYC is a target and Bush refuses to help. He has NEVER even tried setting up a system of inspecting the cargo that comes into our port. He has privatized and outsourced our security and in the process has completely ignored some of the biggest threats to our city. Our port is unprotected and al-Qaeda knows it. Is Bush DARING them to attack NYC again?

But it gets even worse. The Department of Homeland Security, which already is failing to protect NYC, has basically given us a further slap in the face by cutting our security funding by $83 Million. NYC will be even less protected in the future. And
New York State is also taking a cut of almost $115 million, despite promises from Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff earlier this year that his department would be distributing money based on risk. NYC and NY State are being slapped in the face and abandoned.

Mr. Bush: Why don't you just hang a giant "Bomb Me" sign on NYC and wait for the terrorists to attack?

I never bought into the conspiracy theories that Bush WANTED 9/11 to happen so he could have an excuse to do whatever he wants. I think he was insanely stupid and incompetent and ignored the warnings then was surprised when it bit him in the ass. Of course nearly 3000 Americans died because of that mistake. But I do not think Bush wanted it to happen. Gross negligence, not conspiracy. That has always been my view on 9/11.

But what about now? Every American citizen learned the lesson of 9/11: terrorists will get us unless we defend ourselves. But Bush is not defending us! Bush is practically inviting terrorists in while failing to fight them abroad. The terrorists have regrouped and Bush is letting our guard down further. It seems like Bush is hanging NYC and NY State out as bait and telling al-Qaeda to "bring it on."

Does Bush want us to be attacked again? Is that what is going on? He is doing everything he can to facilitate another attack. It becomes harder to believe it is just gross incompetence and conspiracy theories are starting to sound more plausible. Bush is abandoning the defense of America! He cares more about oil fields in Iraq than in the homes, ports and infrastructure of regular Americans. He cares about protecting no-bid contracts for Lockheed, Bechtel and Halliburton, but not about the safety of American families. Why?

Does Bush want us to be attacked again? He clearly was willing to sacrifice New Orleans and a big chunk of Mississippi and Louisiana, letting it wash away while he vacationed. Does he also want to sacrifice New York?

My advice is participate in a backlash. Help Sweep Republicans out of NYC.

Progressive Democrat Issue 78: NYC FOCUS

This is a reminder from Marjorie Gersten, with some additions from me.

The festivals in June provide opportunity for both petitioning for candidates and registering voters.

…joining with the League of Women Voters will give us volunteers, legitimacy with voters, as well as an opportunity to tout their position favoring Paper Ballot, Optical Scanners. More on that later, but I hope in addition to our kicking back, past the depression of living in Bush World, we can do something positive this summer about upcoming elections and outreach into Brooklyn. Please contact me if you are willing to give a couple of hours, here and there call: 718-624-8384

Petition for your favorite candidates, who will need the real work done on their campaigns. We have worthy ones throughout our boroughs.

Actnowny.org is targeting critical areas upstate and out of state to help elect Democrats: http://actnowny.org/

and DFNYC has many actitvities, like Neighborhood Days. Check their website www.dfnyc.org.

I would add that petitioning and canvassing through Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats (http://www.cbidems.org/ ), Village Independent Democrats (http://www.villagedemocrats.com/portal/ ), the Reform Independent Democratic Club of Flushing (718-460-9514), and Stonewall Democrats (http://www.stonewalldems.com/ ) are other good options. Also please help out in Staten Island since that is where we need to help defeat the Republican Vito Fossella. If you want to help in Staten Island, please contact one of the following:

Staten Island Young Democrats: http://www.siyoungdems.org/

Staten Island African American Political Association: 39 Macormac St., SI, NY 10303

Staten Island Democratic Association: 917-602-4735


For Brooklyn, here are a few of the Festivals Marjorie wants to cover. If you can make any of them, contact her at: 718-624-8384

JUNE 10 / Brooklyn Pride Festival, 9-15th Streets, Prospect Park West. For petitioning and registering voters, although not a combined activity.

JUNE 18 / Seventh Heaven Street Fair, from Flatbush to 16th Street. For petitioning and voter registration.

JUNE 25 / Smith Street Fair, in Brooklyn’s Bococa: Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens. For petitioning and voter registration.

Progressive Democrat Issue 78: BROOKLYN/QUEENS GROUPS AND EVENTS

ALL NYC:

DFNYC calling on the UWS, Sun. 7-10ish: Merle of DFNYC is hosting phonebanking at her apartment on the Upper West Side, (tomorrow) Sunday, June 4th. We will do the MoveOn calling for Busby with a wireless Internet connection. If you would like to join us, please email Merle at merlelynn@earthlink.net, and let her know if you can bring (a) a laptop that is wireless enabled, and (b) a cell phone. We have some extras if you do not have a laptop and/or cell phone. If resources allow, we will also do some local calling for local candidates and Linkups.


Ned Lamont w/Democracy for NYC and Jim Dean - Mon., Jun. 5, 6:30 pm
-Prey, 4 West 22nd St. (btwn. 5th and 6th Ave.)

Join Democracy for NYC, Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America, to Help Send Democrat Ned Lamont to Washington! Ned Lamont is running for U.S. Senate from Connecticut. Ned recently received 30% at the state's Democratic convention, well above expectations and a very strong showing against incumbent Senator Joe Lieberman.

Speakers: Jim Dean and Ned Lamont

RSVP

Suggested donation: $25

Ned Lamont is running for the US Senate because we deserve a Senator who will stand up for our progressive democratic values. We need Senators who will actually do something about the damaging policies of this administration, and lead the charge to take back our government. Ned has real business experience, a strong progressive platform, and will fight for universal health care, good jobs, and to protect our Constitutional rights (including a woman’s right to choose.) Ned Lamont is just the person we need to be the Democratic Senator from Connecticut. Ned has refused to seek or accept donations form Washington lobbyists. Ned has been endorsed by Democracy for America.

Please join us and help send Ned Lamont to Washington!


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 78: MANHATTAN GROUPS AND EVENTS

DFNYC calling on the UWS, Sun. 7-10ish: Merle of DFNYC is hosting phonebanking at her apartment on the Upper West Side, (tomorrow) Sunday, June 4th. We will do the MoveOn calling for Busby with a wireless Internet connection. If you would like to join us, please email Merle at merlelynn@earthlink.net, and let her know if you can bring (a) a laptop that is wireless enabled, and (b) a cell phone. We have some extras if you do not have a laptop and/or cell phone. If resources allow, we will also do some local calling for local candidates and Linkups.


Ned Lamont w/Democracy for NYC and Jim Dean - Mon., Jun. 5, 6:30 pm
-Prey, 4 West 22nd St. (btwn. 5th and 6th Ave.)

Join Democracy for NYC, Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America, to Help Send Democrat Ned Lamont to Washington! Ned Lamont is running for U.S. Senate from Connecticut. Ned recently received 30% at the state's Democratic convention, well above expectations and a very strong showing against incumbent Senator Joe Lieberman.

Speakers: Jim Dean and Ned Lamont

RSVP

Suggested donation: $25

Ned Lamont is running for the US Senate because we deserve a Senator who will stand up for our progressive democratic values. We need Senators who will actually do something about the damaging policies of this administration, and lead the charge to take back our government. Ned has real business experience, a strong progressive platform, and will fight for universal health care, good jobs, and to protect our Constitutional rights (including a woman’s right to choose.) Ned Lamont is just the person we need to be the Democratic Senator from Connecticut. Ned has refused to seek or accept donations form Washington lobbyists. Ned has been endorsed by Democracy for America.

Please join us and help send Ned Lamont to Washington!


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 78: NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

BBQ & Beer Fund Raiser For Rich Sexton Campaign Fundraiser June 11th, from 2:00 til 6:00PM, 309 Munn Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ. PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS OF South Jersey and supporters of Rich Sexton for Congress will hold a Beer and BBQ on Sunday June 11th. Beer and BBQ will be provided, but feel free to bring side dishes, deserts, wine, soda, or more beer. An opportunity to meet other supporters of Rich Sexton in his fight to become the next Congressman from NJ District 3, and to support the candidate with whatever donation to his campaign you would like to make.

2006 Primary Celebration with
Senator Bob Menendez
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
8:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.
East Brunswick Hilton
Suggested Contribution: $50

Reception for Linda Stender
Sunday, June 11, 2006
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
At the Home of
Michel Bitritto
261 Springfield Avenue
Summit
Suggested Contribution: $100

PAM's List Reception
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
6:00 p.m- 8:00 p.m.
Gaebel's Restaurant
85 Church Street
New Brunswick
Suggested Contribution: $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, 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 78: 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 78: 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.