Progressive Democrat Issue 79: THOUGHTS

Well, we lost in California. It was a long shot from the start, though it was probably our best shot at winning that particular district we will have for a long time. But this gets back to what I have been saying for months: the left has the potential of winning BIG this year. But only if we work for it. All indications are good. But I have no doubt that the Halliburton Republicans will steal, cheat and lie to win and the Democrats have a long history of dropping the ball when it comes to opportunities. Donations and/or activism have to start early and be sustained. That is how Republicans win so much despite being the minority party.

This week was a kind of odd and exciting week for me. A reporter from the New York Times contacted me to interview me regarding some local Brooklyn politics. I don’t know when that article comes out, but he said he plans on using what I said. During the same period I was playing telephone tag with the NY Times, BBC radio contacted me based on the pieces I have written about what I call the rise of a new, fundamentalist “Caliphate” and America’s dismal failure to fight the growth of terrorist groups. They wanted me to be on a live call in show discussing the fall of Mogadishu to the fundamentalist Islamicist faction. Sadly, the format of the show was such that I don’t think I came off as very interesting or insightful, but at least my writing is getting noticed!

This weekend is also Yearly Kos, the first national conference growing out of the Daily Kos blog. I have become just a tad disillusioned with Daily Kos, but it is still the most important and powerful political blog there is and this is reflected in their conference. Attended by Barbara Boxer, Wes Clark, Howard Dean, Bill Richardson, Mark Warner, Tom Vilsack and many other big names. Probably 2008 Presidential candidates are wooing the Kossacks…and notice that some are not. I believe both are conscious choices as some candidates are positioning themselves to be allied with the grassroots and others are trying to appeal to a more traditional and conservative crowd. I have no favorites and am open to all the 2008 candidates. But I will note that some of those wooing Kossacks are clearly trying to bridge the two strategies by being personally more conservative Democrats but also reaching out to the grassroots. I believe, my personal choices aside, anyone who can successfully bridge the conservative Democrats AND the grassroots will have a good shot at winning.

Progressive Democrat Issue 79: BYE-BYE DeLay

Tom DeLay bid a bitter farewell to Congress this last week. Rather than taking the nominally honorable path of Randy Cunningham and taking responsibility for his own corruption, Tom DeLay took the “pass the buck” path of the Bush administration and blamed Liberals for his problems.

I mean, what ever happened to Republicans who had some honor and sense of personal responsibility? Have they been completely replaced with corrupt Halliburton Republicans?

Well, I say we need to replace corrupt Halliburton Republicans with good, solid Democrats. There is an excellent Democrat running to replace Tom DeLay. Running on the issues of protecting Social Security and improving education, Nick Lampson is running for the TX-22 Congressional seat. As far as I know, he does not have a primary challenger. If he does, I will give equal time to that challenger. But as far as I know, Lampson is our candidate to replace the sad, bitter and corrupt Tom DeLay.

I will note that Lampson seems to avoid taking a clear stand on what to do about Iraq right now, he is very vocal about criticizing Bush for misleading Congress into supporting the illegal and immoral war in Iraq:

I supported the President's request to authorize force in Iraq, and that was the right vote considering the information I was given. I have since found that the information I was given, that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, was incorrect. We have learned since Congress voted to authorize force that our decision was based on faulty, outdated intelligence. When Congress is forced to make the difficult decision of whether to send our men and women in uniform into harm's way, it is critical that we have the most accurate intelligence available to make our decision. Whatever the reason Congress was given substandard intelligence, someone must be held accountable and we must look for ways to make sure it never happens again. Clear and honest intelligence is imperative for the defense of our nation and the men and women serving our country in uniform deserve that much.

Wow…the concept of holding government responsible! That is something Bush and DeLay seem to have no concept of.

Please GIVE TOM DELAY A GOOD-BYE PRESENT. Help turn TX-22 blue and REALLY make Tom DeLay sad and bitter against us liberals.

Progressive Democrat Issue 79: CORRUPT OHIO REPUBLICANS REVISITED: A Second Abramoff?

The extreme corruption of the Ohio Republican Party was one of the earlier stories I covered when I started discussing corruption. Ohio Republicans, along with Missouri and Kentucky Republicans, are among the most corrupt politicians in the nation. From Reps. Oxley and Ney to Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, Attorney General Jim Petro and all the way to Governor Taft, who has been found guilty of ethics violations.

Much of this had to do with GOP-fundraiser, Tom Noe. Well, first there was corrupt GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff, now we have corrupt GOP fundraiser Tom Noe. And this time it goes all the way up to Bush. From the May 31, 2006 issue of the Toledo Blade:

FEDERAL COURT CASE
Noe pleads guilty to illegally funneling donations to Bush

By MIKE WILKINSON
and STEVE EDER
BLADE STAFF WRITERS

Former GOP fund-raiser Tom Noe admitted today that he used politicians, former aides to Gov. Bob Taft, coworkers, and friends to illegally pour thousands of dollars into the effort to reelect President Bush.

Noe entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Court Judge David Katz in Toledo to all three felony charges he faced for violating federal campaign finance law. Appearing with his sister and brother-in-law and three attorneys, Noe was calm and responsive to Judge Katz' questions during the 47-minute hearing...

Noe, 51, was indicted in October on three charges related to the funneling of more then $45,000 into the Bush campaign at a $2,000-a-seat fund-raiser in Columbus in October, 2003. The Bush campaign later named Noe a “Pioneer” for raising at least $100,000 overall.

At the time of his indictment, a senior Justice Department official said the Noe case represented the largest campaign money-laundering scheme prosecuted by the U.S. Justice Department since new campaign finance laws were enacted by Congress in 2002.

The Noe probe identified several current and former politicians as “conduits,” including Toledo City Councilman Betty Shultz, Lucas County Commissioner Maggie Thurber, former Toledo mayor Donna Owens, and former state representative Sally Perz...

Noe is the new Abramoff...how long can America tolerate the blatant corruption and extreme cronyism of the Halluburton Republicans?

If you want to help fight the Republican corruption in Ohio, please help defeat them in Ohio. The OH-4 (Corrupt Republican Oxley) and OH-18 (Corrupt Republican Ney) are particularly important targets. On the State level, please help elect Ted Strickland to replace the corrupt Republican Governor, Jennifer Brunner to replace the corrupt Republican Secretary of State, and Mark Dann to replace the corrupt Republican Attorney General.

Progressive Democrat Issue 79: MEDIA ACTIVISM I: Glen Beck calls Al Gore a Nazi, calls Katrina victims "scumbags" and hates 9/11 families

From Media Matters and Daily Kos I bring you this latest disgusting right wing media BS.

Glen Beck, who broadcasts on CNN and Clear Channel, has really become one of the most disgusting right wing noise machines.

Some old crap from this guy comes from September 9th 2005:

…you know it took me about a year to start hating the 9-11 victims' families? Took me about a year.

Well, apparently he and Ann Coulter have something in common (see below): they both hate victims of terrorism.

Beck followed up that disgusting, callous crap with this:

when I saw these people [Katrina victims in New Orleans] and they had to shut down the Astrodome and lock it down, I thought: I didn't think I could hate victims faster than the 9-11 victims…And that's all we're hearing about, are the people in New Orleans. Those are the only ones we're seeing on television are the scumbags…

Typical Republican tactic: blame the victim. I think the REAL scumbag is Glen Beck and CNN gives this guy a show!

But more recently Beck used another disgusting tactic: compare someone you disagree with to Hitler no matter how inappropriate the comparison. To me this belittles the Holocaust.

On his CNN show, Glen Beck compared Al Gore to Hitler:

On the June 7 broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio program, CNN Headline News host Glenn Beck became the latest critic to compare An Inconvenient Truth, a documentary film about former Vice President Al Gore's campaign to raise awareness of global warming, to the Nazis. Beck dismissed many of the conclusions drawn from the documentary, stating, "[W]hen you take a little bit of truth and then you mix it with untruth, or your theory, that's where you get people to believe. ... It's like Hitler. Hitler said a little bit of truth, and then he mixed in 'and it's the Jews' fault.' That's where things get a little troublesome, and that's exactly what's happening" in An Inconvenient Truth.

THIS IS WHO CNN PUTS ON THE AIR???

Complain to CNN. Complain vigorously that this guy who hates victims of terrorism and victims of government incompetence and who belittles the Holocaust is given a show on CNN.

You can complain HERE and HERE.

Also complain vigorously to the company that puts out his show:

Premiere Radio Networks, Inc.
15260 Ventura Blvd. 5th Floor
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Main: (818)377-5300
Fax: (818)377-5333
Toll Free: (800)533-8686
Help get this scumbag off the air.

It also might be worth contacting the Anti-Defamation League since a.) belittling the Holocaust is something we all should be concerned with, and b.) if the ADL gets involved, CNN is going to get scared.

Progressive Democrat Issue 79: MEDIA ACTIVISM II: Ann Coulter hates 9/11 widows

Another right wing mouthpiece who hates the victims of terrorism is Ann Coulter. But Ann Coulter also has a history that in some ways is WORSE than Beck’s. Ann Coulter has repeatedly advocated outright violence and terrorism. She advocated “talking to liberals using a baseball bat” and poisoning a Supreme Court Justice.

From New Democratic Majority:

Ann Coulter is one of the favorite spokespeople of the Republican Party, having appeared, among other venues, at CPAC, the annual rightist conference in Washington; in that particular instance, she spoke right after Dick Cheney.

So it's entirely fair to assume that Coulter speaks for the Republican Party, and that her views represent those of the party.

So does the Republican Party support her statement on the 9/11 widows "These broads are millionaires, lionized on TV and in articles about them, reveling in their status as celebrities and stalked by griefparrazis. I have never seen people enjoying their husband's death so much."?

Almost no Republican elected officials in New York State have publicly said a word about Coulter's vicious attacks on the 9/11 widows. Silence, in this case, implies consent.

Here is a more complete quote taken from Daily Gotham:

On the 9-11 widows, and in particular a group that had been critical of the administration:
" These self-obsessed women seem genuinely unaware that 9-11 was an attack on our nation and acted like as if the terrorist attack only happened to them. They believe the entire country was required to marinate in their exquisite personal agony. Apparently, denouncing bush was part of the closure process."
"These broads are millionaires, lionized on TV and in articles about them, reveling in their status as celebrities and stalked by griefparrazis. I have never seen people enjoying their husband's death so much."

I would add that this isn’t just for people in NY State. Denigrating the victims of terrorism is pretty much the lowest thing anyone can do without actually advocating terrorism. BUT SHE DOES THAT TOO!

If you are represented by a Republican Congressional Rep., Senator or Governor, contact them and demand that that Republican condemn Ann Coulter’s advocacy of terrorism and denigration of the victims of terrorism.

And write the media expressing how disgusted you are with Ann Coulter’s anti-American statements.

Progressive Democrat Issue 79: NYC FOCUS

Here in NYC we have a Congressional race to win. Democrat Steve Harrison is running to replace Bush-supporting Republican Vito Fossella representing New York’s 13th Congressional District. I have already been able to raise $500 for Harrison through my Sweep NY State page. But here are other ways to help defeat Fossella. Contact his campaign if you can help even just for an hour: (718) 836-0760 or tomr@harrison06.com

*** Sunday fun in Staten Island ***
Starting at 1:00 on Sunday the 11th, we’ll be at the Staten Island Irish Fair. This should be a lot of fun—come on out, enjoy the weather, and help us spread the word and recruit supporters! More information on the Fair is at http://www.statenislandirish.org/Staten_Ireland_Fair.htm.

*** Morning rush voter outreach ***
Tuesday, 6:30-9:00am, N train station at Ave. U and West 7th Street. Thursday, 6:30-9:00am, Staten Island Ferry Terminal, Staten Island side. Join me bright and early to meet voters. Each day, we go to one mass transit station and spend the morning hours introducing the campaign. If you’d like to join us, but need transportation, give us a call-we’ll try to give you a ride to and from the event.

*** Pizza and Phones ***
Wednesday and Thursday, 6:30-8:00pm
We’ll be making phone calls to recruit volunteers from our Bay Ridge headquarters, at 544 Bay Ridge Parkway. These are rewarding phone calls to Democratic activists who are often eager to join the campaign. Pizza and soda provided!

*** Meeting Seniors in Bay Ridge ***
Wednesday, 11:00am
We’ll be making an appearance at a neighborhood Senior Citizens Center. Volunteers are needed at this event to help distribute literature and field questions.

If can join us at any of these, PLEASE get in touch with Tom Rutigliano, our volunteer coordinator, at (718) 836-0760 or tomr@harrison06.com. Thanks again for your support! With your help, we will take our district back and give our neighborhood the effective representation it deserves.

Progressive Democrat Issue 79: BROOKLYN/QUEENS GROUPS AND EVENTS

ALL NYC:

Sack Santorum Phone Banking in Central Park:
Sat, 06/17/2006 - 3:00pm
ACT new york will be calling independent voters in Pennsylvania to help lay the groundwok for the defeat of Senator Rick Santorum in Pennsylvania. Meet at the Southwest corner of Sheep Meadow (east of 67th and Central Park West) Bring a cell phone if you can, If you can't, For more information check website www.actnowny.org


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:

Benefit for Reproductive Rights Justice In South Dakota
Sunday June 11 7:30-10:30pm

Cattyshack
249 4th Avenue
(between President & Carroll)
(R to Union St or F to 4th Ave/9th St.)
Brooklyn - Park Slope, nyc

MC'd by Missile Dick Chicks Sparkle & Candy Can
DJ Winter, Co-founder of Sister NYC

Special Guest:
Jennifer Baumgardner
Annie Tummino, lead plantiff in EC case against FDA
Music by Amy Clarke

Video Clip of the film "Speak Out: I Had An Abortion"
Raffles @ 9pm & 9:45pm, and More!
$10

RSVP appreciated: feminist9-at-yahoo.com (replace -at- with @).

All proceeds go to Cecelia Fire Thunder, President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, and Planned Parenthood of South Dakota.


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!
To help Dmeocracy for NYC petition to get candidates on the ballot, please go here.

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

June 6 to July 10 is Petitioning season for soliciting signatures on designating petitions for our endorsed candidates to qualify them to run in the Sept. 12 Democratic primary. I urge you to work with CBID to circulate petitions.


Lambda Independent Democrats (Brooklyn’s gay and lesbian organization) for meeting info contact LID@LIDBrooklyn.org.

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

Park Slope: First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward, Commonwealth, 497 5th Ave (at 12th Street). Hosted by Emily Farris and Peter Wohlsen, parkslope (at) drinkingliberally.org

Williamsburg: Every Tuesday, 8:00 pm onward the Levee, 212 Berry St. (corner of N. 3rd). Hosted by Elana Levin and Michael Freedman-Schnapp, williamsburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

To find your nearest Brooklyn Democratic club, please CLICK HERE.

QUEENS:

Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!


Queens Jefferson Democratic Club: Our meetings are normally held the first Thursday of every month, @ 8:00 p.m. (the doors open @ 7:30 P.M.) except for July, August, and months in which a holiday falls on the First Thursday. Meetings are held at the Auburndale American Legion Hall, 198-09 33rd Ave Flushing, New York 11358 (just off Francis Lewis Blvd. near 33rd Avenue).

Queens County Young Democrats: for information CLICK HERE.

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

ASTORIA: Third Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward. Cassidy's, 34-16 Broadway (at 35th Street). Hosted by Bob Chamerda, astoria (at) drinkingliberally.org

To find your nearest Queens Democratic club, please CLICK HERE.

Progressive Democrat Issue 79: MANHATTAN GROUPS AND EVENTS

Benefit for Reproductive Rights Justice In South Dakota
Sunday June 11 7:30-10:30pm

Cattyshack
249 4th Avenue
(between President & Carroll)
(R to Union St or F to 4th Ave/9th St.)
Brooklyn - Park Slope, nyc

MC'd by Missile Dick Chicks Sparkle & Candy Can
DJ Winter, Co-founder of Sister NYC

Special Guest:
Jennifer Baumgardner
Annie Tummino, lead plantiff in EC case against FDA
Music by Amy Clarke

Video Clip of the film "Speak Out: I Had An Abortion"
Raffles @ 9pm & 9:45pm, and More!
$10

RSVP appreciated: feminist9-at-yahoo.com (replace -at- with @).

All proceeds go to Cecelia Fire Thunder, President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, and Planned Parenthood of South Dakota.


Sack Santorum Phone Banking in Central Park:
Sat, 06/17/2006 - 3:00pm
ACT new york will be calling independent voters in Pennsylvania to help lay the groundwok for the defeat of Senator Rick Santorum in Pennsylvania. Meet at the Southwest corner of Sheep Meadow (east of 67th and Central Park West) Bring a cell phone if you can, If you can't, For more information check website www.actnowny.org


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!
To help Dmeocracy for NYC petition to get candidates on the ballot, please go here.


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

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

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

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

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

For those who prefer running to drinking, you can join RUNNING FOR CHANGE: Building a progressive America through organized runs and other grassroots activities.

To find your nearest Manhattan Democratic club, please CLICK HERE.

Progressive Democrat Issue 79: NEW JERSEY FOCUS

From Democrats 2000:

With the primary season officially behind us, the real work to elect Democrats across the state, at the local, county, and federal level can begin.

Once again, Democrats 2000 looks forward to making sure that the voices of young professional Democrats are heard in races all throughout New Jersey, and that come November the candidates that best understand, and are willing to fight for, the issues that are important to us are victorious.

Together, we will spread the message of Senator Bob Menendez and make sure that he is sent back to Washington to represent us for a full six years. Senator Menendez is a proven reformer and exactly the kind of fighter New Jersey needs in Washington during this critical time in our nation's history. Bob Menendez' commitment to public service began when at just 19 years old he launched a successful petition drive to reform his local school board. He has served as Mayor of Union City, was a member of the New Jersey Legislature, and since 1992 represented the residents of the 13th District in Congress. Appointed to the Senate earlier this year, Senator Menendez has proven that he will continue to be a forceful voice for change and stand up for New Jersey against the misguided policies of the Bush White House.

We are also fully committed to not only returning all 6 of our Democratic House Members, but also to increasing the size of our Party's delegation and helping win back a Democratic majority. Candidates Paul Arohnson in the 5th Congressional District and Assemblywoman Linda Stender in 7th Congressional District have been mentioned by national pundits as serious challengers and will be a major focus of our efforts this year. Following the 50 state strategy employed by the Democratic National Committee, we also look forward to lending support to the other Democratic candidates seeking election to Congress across the state.

Of course, in keeping true to our mission of building an even better Party for our generation, Democrats 2000 will once again lead the way in electing young candidates to office at every level. Using the same successful model which allowed us to raise more than $70,000 and support over 50 young candidates in 2005, we are committed to contributing to the races of long time Democrats 2000 members such as Dan Reiman in Carteret, Dana Wefer in Morris County and Joe Chila in Gloucester County.

We appreciate everything you have done to help us achieve our record of success and hope that you will once again lend your support to our efforts to make 2006 even better. We hope that you will consider joining the Host Committee for our fall fundraiser with special guest Senator Menendez, contributing directly to Democrats 2000, or helping us increase our membership by directing your friends and colleagues to Democrats 2000.

Thank you once again for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail.

Time to rev up for November. Starting now helps guarantee success.

Progressive Democrat Issue 79: 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.

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: (and thanks to the people in NJ who keep me updated on the changes...I appreciate it!)

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 79: VIRGINIA FOCUS

The Virginia Grassroots Coalition is trying to improve their outreach to groups all around the state. They need to be in touch with you, need your help and want to be of help to you. Hook up with them if you haven’t already! Here is their message:

We’re ALMOST back on the regular schedule of 1am Friday morning. Once I get a backlog, it’s hard to dig out.

The VGC Wish List
The thinking behind the Wish List is driven by the idea of a regional coalition or community of progressive groups. We’d like to make resources available to group who are doing progressive outreach work in Virginia and around the region. As I watch groups produce events, it breaks my heart to see them pay several hundred to several thousand dollars to rent equipment for a rally. We currently own a very small sound system and a projection system. We are also fortunate enough to have “borrowing rights” on a larger sound system for small indoor events. As a community, however, we are unable to produce larger rallies and events. The Wish List approach is to start by augmenting the resources already available to us so we spend the least amount of money for the biggest return. Rather than spending lots of money for a single event, progressive groups could contribute $100-200 to help expand and maintain the system. We actually just did our first ‘rental’ a couple weeks ago and put $100 into the fund. We have $225 in actual funds and pledges. Since the first targeted purchase is the EON 15 speakers, we have a ways to go. Happily, they can be bought singly so, with each purchase, the community has a better resource. Please email me if you have questions or would like to fund the purchase of something. You can contribute $5 or $500 and we’ll guarantee the money will go toward making more outreach affordable for progressive groups in the region. eric@vagrassroots.org

2 15’-25’ long grounded (3 prong) extension cords ($15)
1 straight microphone stand, w/gooseneck ($60)
2 hyper-cardioid microphones ($100 each)
2 50’ microphone cables
2 JBL EON 15 powered speakers ($700 each)
2 JBL speaker stands ($300)

The list above gets us to the point that we could do a daytime, outdoor event for 600 people or an indoor event for 1000. THAT kind of reach is important and making that reach available to progressives across the region IS a big deal.
- - - - - - -
A reminder of the VGC tools available to all –

The Yahoo! Group. Aside from Spammers, this is an open, un-moderated forum.

VGC on Meetup.com

Progressive Democrat Issue 79: VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Monday, June 12, has been designated a Day of Solidarity by the Virginia State Conference NAACP and Youth for Social Change. This will be a day to, in a united way, protest police shootings and abuse, city cuts to teachers' pay, the mass firings of city social workers, the anti-worker rerouting of buses away from Broad Street and other issues that primarily affect the city's Black community. In addition, the organizers are raising the issue of immigrant rights and have invited the participation of Latino community leaders. They have also welcomed the participation of the city's anti-war organizations. The NAACP and YFSC are asking people to wear black shirts or T-shirts or black armbands on Monday. In addition, YFSC is asking people not to ride GRTC buses on that day -- or, if they have no other means of transportation, to wear black colors.

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 79: NATIONAL ACTION WITH MAINSTREET MOMS

In honor of the retirement of the uber-corrupt Tom DeLay, Common Cause is declaring June 27th “Clean Money Day” in an effort to clean up Congress. Here’s their message:

National Clean Money Day. That's what we're calling June 27, 2006 - a day where thousands of Americans will take part in house parties across the country, featuring screenings of a new film about Tom Delay and his legacy in Washington.

Today was Tom DeLay's last day in Congress. Almost makes you want to throw a party. That's we we are going to do! Sign up here to host a house party.

Why "Clean Money Day"? Because it's time to declare independence from wealthy special interests and usher in a new era where politicians are accountable to the rest of us. This month, Common Cause and its allies are launching a national campaign to bring real reform to Washington, DC, by adopting "Clean Election"-style public funding of congressional elections. Under Clean Election reforms, candidates who agree to spending limits and swear off private money can qualify for limited public campaign funds, allowing them to run competitive campaigns without being beholden to lobbyists or special interests.

Join us on June 27. Sign up here to host a house party.

The house parties will start with viewings of a new film called, "The Big Buy: Tom Delay's Stolen Congress." It connects the dots between big money and corruption, tracing the dirty dealings of the last decade's most powerful congressman, including his close connections with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

After the film viewing, the house parties will be linked with a conference call and live chat room with Common Cause President Chellie Pingree and other reform leaders. They will lay out the plan to end the corruption by bringing Clean Money reforms to the federal level. Working with coalition partners around the country, we'll use the same people-powered grassroots activism that passed this reform in Arizona, Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, Portland, and Albuquerque. This conference call will give you the inside scoop on the campaign and tell you how to get involved in your community.
Common Cause will provide hosts with copies of the film and campaign materials on Clean Elections.

Join Common Cause in cleaning up our government!

Progressive Democrat Issue 79: 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.