Progressive Democrat Issue 83: THOUGHTS

This week has seen further descent into chaos worldwide. We can't completely blame Bush for this, but what we can blame him for is the fact that he has done close to nothing to deal with it. What has he done while the Middle East explodes, oil prices soar, a tsunami kills hundreds, Somalia falls further under the sway of Taliban-like, al-Qaeda linked Islamicists, and tensions between Pakistan and India are increasing since the Mumbai bombings? As all this goes on, Bush vetoes a bipartisan bill that would have encouraged life-saving stem cell research and he embarrasses the nation by giving the Chancellor of Germany a patronizing, spontaneous back rub...to her horror.

I am proud to say that Joy has been elected to the board of a local Democratic club (Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats). As our involvement in local politics heats up, my time to spend on this newsletter decreases. But I do intend to keep it going on some level that will hopefully remain useful to my readers. Readership has declined somewhat and I have not had time to do anything to boost readership. So if this is indeed useful, let me know and please try to recruit readers. Otherwise I may have to consider focusing more on other things and less on this newsletter. How that will play out is not clear, but less time searching for local events and actions is one possibility.

Finally, the next two weeks Joy and I will be in California to reintroduce Jacob with his grandmother, so I will not be putting out a newsletter for at least 2 weeks. After that we will see depending on time available and increased interest.

Progressive Democrat Issue 83: CONTINUE TO FIGHT THE CULTURE OF INTOLERANCE

Glen Beck on national, mainstream television says he "hates" the victims of Katrina and called them "scumbags," and he said he "hates" the 9/11 widows. Ann Coulter on national, mainstream television says she "hates" 9/11 widows, that people should attack liberals with baseball bats and has advocated murder of a Supreme Court Justice and a Congressman. Bill O'Reilly has advocated bombing Coit Tower in San Francisco. And let's not forget Pat Robertson and Jerry Fallwell's hate speech in the guise of sermons.

What do all these people have in common? Advocacy of hatred and violence on national television. Advicacy of hatred and violence on mainstream television, paid for by large corporations and in collaboration with Republican politicians. Media, extremist religious leaders, corporations and the ruling Republican party all in collaboration advocating hatred and violence.

People say we should just ignore these right wing extremist hate-mongers lest we "build them up." Maybe if we ignore them they will fade away.

A reminder: Hate Crimes have been on the rise in America since 9/11, and, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, hate groups in America have increased by 33% in the past five years. A peak in attacks on Muslims after 9/11 was rapidly followed by an increase in anti-Semitism in the US and worldwide. There was a slight decline in anti-Semetic incidents in 2005, but incidents are still at disturbingly high levels. As the right wing collaboration of religious extremists, large corporations, media figures and Republican politicians increasingly advocate hatred and violence, incidents of hatred and violence in the United States increase.

The Delaware Pogrom which I covered in the last 2 issues is the perfect example of what happens in such a culture of intolerance. We are in the early stages of what Germany went through in the 1930's. We may not take the same path, but the general road is the same, with violence and intolerance a tool for a party who advocates torture, detention without due process and the suspention of Civil Rights.

We cannot ignore them and hope they go away. That is how 11 million people were exterminated in the Holocaust...people ignoring each step in the process hoping it would all just go away.

It is our moral duty to speak out against the right wing culture of violence and intolerance. It is the moral duty of all religious leaders to speak out against the right wing culture of violence and intolerance. It is the moral duty of all politicians to speak out against the right wing culture of violence and intolerance. Those who do not are accepting the advocacy of hatred and violence that leads to pogroms.

The Republican Party and media in particular has to reject the advocacy of hatred and violence of Glen Beck, Ann Coulter, Bill O'Reilly, Pat Robertson and Jerry Fallwell, not to mention many others.

Speak out to the media condemning the advocay of hatred and violence of the above extremists. Speak out to your religious leaders if you are religious and discuss the connection between the culture of hatred and violence advocated by the right wing and the Delaware Pogrom. And speak out to your elected politicians, Republican and Democratic, asking them to condemn those right wing extremists who advocate violence and hatred in the mainstream media. Take the initiative. This fight is a fight for our very moral values and our very lives. Spread the word and get people doing what was not done enough during the rise of the Nazi culture of violence and hatred: fight it!

Progressive Democrat Issue 83: WE ARE GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT THERE

Slowly, very slowly, the message of the Delaware Pogrom, mostly ignored by the mainstream media, is getting out there. Slowly, very slowly, the link to the rhetoric of Ann Coulter and Bill O'Reilly and others is getting out there. One article I wrote on the Republican disenchantment with Ann Coulter's extremism got linked to by Netscape somehow and, at last count, had gotten over 3000 hits. That is how we have to get this message out. If you have a blog or participate on a blog, please write about the Delaware Pogrom and it's link to Coulter and O'Reilly's extremism. Discss it with your local church group or social club. Discuss it with every politician you can. Without our effort to get this discussed and condemned, this nation will quietly ignore its increasingly intolerant and violent culture and more people will be threatened or hurt and more people will be driven from their homes because they just aren't seen as "fitting in."

Many of us are seen as not fitting in for one reason or another. We are not just defending two Jewish families in Delaware. We are defending ourselves. Get the word out any way you can.

Progressive Democrat Issue 83: FIGHTING BACK FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH

This week Congress, or at least a large part of it, did the right thing by voting for stem cell research. That research is the chance for life and limb for many, many Americans and Bush's "moral" stand on it is a selfish attempt to give his immoral regime a facade of morality. But it is a morality that sacrifices real human lives for the sake of balls of cells that will never grow to become human.

I want to suggest a very simple, very real, very practical thing you can do to protest Bush's immoral act of faux morality. Help out in the Senate race where this issue has become the number one issue.

In Missouri, Senator Jim (No) Talent's faux moral stand against life-saving stem cell research has angered many voters. This issue is giving his Democratic opponent, Claire McCaskill, a very real shot at defeating him. In other words, Talent, who was one of the Senators who voted against saving lives and who is an obsticle to over-riding a veto, is in serious danger of losing his job because of this issue.

I ask all who care about science and saving lives to protest Bush's immoral, faux moral stand by donating even just a little bit to defeat Jim (No) Talent, the poster child for opposition to stem cell research.

This is a really key issue. Stem cell research helps real people of all ages. Standing up for stem cell research helps the elderly and children alike as well as many of us in between. This is OUR wedge issue because Republicans are asking children to die for the sake of balls of cells that will never develop.

Progressive Democrat Issue 83: SOME OPTIMISM: Will there be any Red States left?

Optimism does not come easily to me. I am known as a cynic and pessimist by those who know me well. But, when looking around the nation at the 2006 elections, it is hard not to have a touch of optimism spring up as the nation as a whole seems to wake up to what we have known for years: Bush and his Halliburton Republicans are about the worst thing that has ever happened to this nation.

This year may be a golden opportunity to take on the Red States...or to realize, as Howard Dean already has realized, that no state is solidly Blue or Red but all states are in play.

The chance actually started in Montana in 2004. There the Democrats swept through on the state level with a strong populist message. It was a great beginning showing us that even in a state as "red" as Montana, dissatisfaction with Bush is growing and any Democrat with a good message can win.

Since then, Bush's popularity has plummeted to rock bottom, America is waking up to the depths of Republican corruption and cronyism, and Howard Dean has introduced his controversial 50 State Strategy, mostly funded by small monthly donations called "Democracy Bonds." This erosion of America's confidence in the Republican Party combined with Dean's building of State-level parties in all 50 states, no matter how "red" they seem, is giving Democrats a chance to use their populist message to win over some of America's reddest states.

If this keeps up, will there be any red states left by the time Bush's failures and Dean's successes play out?

Three states in particular stand out as key and surprising opportunities this year and we would be foolish to let them slip through our fingers. The Republicans will be fighting tooth and nail to prevent our winning in the Red and Dean can't do it alone. We need to help. The three states that need our help in their path from icons of Red America to populist Blue States are Montana, Wyoming and Indiana.

Montana is furthest on its way thanks to the success of its State Party in 2004. But this is the year we need to follow up on 2004. And our standard bearer in Montana this year is one of our most kick-ass candidates, Jon Tester. Not only is he a great candidate, but he is holding his own quite nicely in both polls and fundraising. Corrupt Republican Conrad Burns is running scared as Tester's momentum, helped greatly by the blogshpere, is growing. We even have a chance to extend that momentum to other Montana races. So let's continue to turn Montana Blue!

Then there is Wyoming...Dick Cheney's very own state. Could we ever imagine winning big in Dick Cheney's state? You bet! Wyoming seems fed up with corrupt and incompetent Republicans and Democrat Gary Trauner looks well poised to take a House seat from an incumbent Republican. Trauner is actually OUTRAISING his Republican incumbent opponent making WY-1 one of our better and more surprising pick up opportunities of the year. Add to that a Senate race, and Wyoming becomes a great battleground. Wouldn't it just make Dick Cheney's head explode to see his dear Wyoming turn Blue? Well, you can help make it happen!

Finally, I come to a state that has one very good pick up opportunities and two other seats that are unexpectedly coming into play in a very real way. We have no less than THREE pickup opportunities for House seats in Indiana, the state that brought us Dan "even Bush is smarter than me" Quayle. IN-8 is considered one of the hottest races of the year, with law enforcement officer Brad Ellsworth fighting hard to defeat one of the Katrina 11 Republican incumbents. If we want to retake the house, IN-8 is one of the must-win races. But recently IN-2 and IN-9 have started to look promising. Protecting Social Security and developing energy independence are two of Democrat Baron Hill's key issues for winning IN-9 and it has started to strike a chord with voters. But the real surprise is IN-2 where an ad by MoveOn.org had what in marketing is considered a huge effect, shifting opinion away from the incumbent Republican and making this race competitive against all expectations. Joe Donnelly is the Democrat who is poised to defeat the corrupt and ever less popular Republican incumbent, Chocola. Count them: THREE pickup opportunities in one of the Reddest states! I should note that IN-7 is a seat held by a Democrat which the GOP are going all out to defeat. You know what that means: lies, smears and cheating. In addition to picking up three House seats in Indiana we also have one to defend. Again, YOU can make it happen!

Democrats all too often drop the ball, letting perfect opportunities pass them by due to infighting, laziness or just plan inattentiveness. We can't let that happen this year. Three Red States that are this much in play with, collectively, at least one Senate seat (maybe two!) and at least four House seats (maybe more!) possible pickups for Dems, we have to go all out. If we win these three states, we will be on our way to winning both houses of Congress and if we do that, you and I will be dancing in the streets come November. Make it happen. As Dr. Dean would say, YOU HAVE THE POWER!

Progressive Democrat Issue 83: ALL NY FOCUS

Here are events covering a variety of efforts for NY State and surrounding areas. Your participation in these events could help ENORMOUSLY in winning in November. Even an hour or two of your time can make a huge difference.

Congressional Pick Up Opportunity in NYC:
Every Monday and Wednesday, the Harrison campaign will operate phone banks out of the Staten Island office to contact voters and recruit volunteers. It is extremely important to help them out.

This will be from 2-8 pm.

Please call Tom at (718) 836-0760 if are able to volunteer.


Target PA -- Sack Santorum
Sunday, July 23rd AND Saturday, July 29th, 3:00 - 8:00 PM
Central Park Cell Phone Banking
Southwest corner of Sheep Meadow (east of 66th and Central Park West)

We'll be making Voter ID and Education calls using high quality campaign lists. We're helping lay the groundwork for the defeat of Senator Rick Santorum, one of the nastiest and most politically vulnerable senators of the extreme right. At the same time, we'll be working to defeat Republican Congressman Jim Gerlach, who took $30,000 from Tom DeLay's political action committee. Gerlach is considered to have one of the nation's most competitive challengers in Democrat Lois Murphy, who lost her 2004 race against Gerlach by just 2%. We're going to do our best to help Lois win.

Please bring a fully charged cell phone if you can. If you don't have one, let us know so that we can have extras handy.

If bad weather looks likely the morning of the event, we'll post an alternative indoor location on this page, and on our voicemail line, 212-714-7125.


Seize the State Senate
Wednesday, July 26th AND August 2nd, 6:15 - 8:45 PM
Landline Phone Banking
420 Lexington Ave (at 43rd St), Suite 360
Bring photo ID to sign in at front desk.
Please arrive on time for orientation.

What will we be doing? We're going to be using landlines to do low-pressure Voter ID calls to dramatically increase Democratic voter turnout in the most competitive State Senate races. This is a great way for first-time callers to get started.

Why care about the State Senate? If you care about fair elections, education, transportation, the environment, healthcare, security, and other major issues in New York, you should care a lot about winning back the New York State Senate. Now that reformer Eliot Spitzer is likely to be New York's next governor, it's even more important to have a Democratic legislature in place.

Can we win? Yes, we can. We’re just four seats from Democratic control for the first time since the mid 1960s. No, that’s not a typo: the 60’s. We need to take full advantage of popular outcry this year and overwhelm them with volunteer turnout.

Progressive Democrat Issue 83: BROOKLYN/QUEENS FOCUS

This comes from Democracy for NYC:

The Voting Machine Decision is Around the Corner: Call Your Borough Officials Today
- Contact info for Elections Commissioners & Party Chairs in New York City

Elections commissioners in New York City are about to decide what type of voting system will replace our lever machines. We have been discussing the issue of voting machines in New York for awhile, at Linkups and other events, as well as in DFNYC newsletters. Now we are hearing that a decision will be made within the next two months.

The decision of which type of machines to buy will be made by 10 elections commissioners in New York City, one Democrat and one Republican for each borough. Democracy for NYC has strongly endorsed PB/OS (paper ballots with optical scan machines; as opposed to electronic touchscreen machines), and we encourage you to contact the commissioners in your borough:

Political Party Chairs: Elections commissioners are appointed by the political parties in each borough, so we've included contact info for the party chairs. So there is a total of 4 contacts you should make - both elections commissioners and both party chairs in your borough.

Contact information below: We have made many efforts to get the best possible contact information for each commissioner and party chair, but it has not been easy. If you encounter any problems contacting or leaving messages for the individuals listed below, please let us know. Email us at info@dfnyc.org

BROOKLYN (KINGS COUNTY)

Democratic Party Chair - Brooklyn
Hon. Vito Lopez, bklyndem@aol.com, (718) 875-5870,
--Snail mail: Democratic Committee, 16 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11241
--Fax: 718-596-4013

Republican Party Chair - Brooklyn
Hon. Hy Singer, (718) 646-5655, (718) 852-9454
--Snail mail: Republican Committee, 26 Court Street, Suite 2305, Brooklyn, NY 11242
--Fax: 718-858-5144

Republican Elections Commissioner - Brooklyn
Nancy Mottola-Schacher: nschacher@boe.nyc.ny.us, (718) 797-8800 ext. 1301.
(If voicemail not working, press 0 and leave a message with Elizabeth.)
--Snail mail: Kings County Bd of Elections (Brooklyn Borough Office), 210 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Democratic Elections Commissioner - Brooklyn
Jeannette Gadson: jgadson@boe.nyc.ny.us, (718) 797-8800 ext. 1302
(If voicemail unavailable, call (718) 797-8816 and leave a message with Brenda.)
--Snail mail: Kings County Bd of Elections (Brooklyn Borough Office), 210 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201


QUEENS

Democratic Party Chair - Queens County
Tom Manton, 718-268-5100, queensdems@AOL.com
--Snail mail: 95-25 Queens Blvd., Flushing, NY 11375
--Fax: 718-268-7363

Republican Party Chair - Queens County
Hon. Serphin Maltese, 718-628-9522
--Snail mail: 71-20 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, NY 11385
--Fax: 718-381-4807

Republican Elections Commissioner - Queens
Anthony Como: acomo@boe.nyc.ny.us, (718) 730-6730, ext. 1537
--Snail mail: Queens County Board of Elections (Queens Borough Office), 126-06 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens, NY 11415

Democratic Elections Commissioner - Queens
Terrence C. O'Connor: toconnor@boe.nyc.ny.us, (718) 730-6730, ext. 1535
--Snail mail: Queens County Board of Elections (Queens Borough Office), 126-06 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens, NY 11415

Progressive Democrat Issue 83: MANHATTAN FOCUS

This comes from Democracy for NYC:

The Voting Machine Decision is Around the Corner: Call Your Borough Officials Today
- Contact info for Elections Commissioners & Party Chairs in New York City

Elections commissioners in New York City are about to decide what type of voting system will replace our lever machines. We have been discussing the issue of voting machines in New York for awhile, at Linkups and other events, as well as in DFNYC newsletters. Now we are hearing that a decision will be made within the next two months.

The decision of which type of machines to buy will be made by 10 elections commissioners in New York City, one Democrat and one Republican for each borough. Democracy for NYC has strongly endorsed PB/OS (paper ballots with optical scan machines; as opposed to electronic touchscreen machines), and we encourage you to contact the commissioners in your borough:

Political Party Chairs: Elections commissioners are appointed by the political parties in each borough, so we've included contact info for the party chairs. So there is a total of 4 contacts you should make - both elections commissioners and both party chairs in your borough.

Contact information below: We have made many efforts to get the best possible contact information for each commissioner and party chair, but it has not been easy. If you encounter any problems contacting or leaving messages for the individuals listed below, please let us know. Email us at info@dfnyc.org

MANHATTAN (NEW YORK COUNTY)

Democratic Party Chair - Manhattan (NY County)
Hon. Herman D. Farrell, Jr., 212-725-8825, farrellh@assembly.state.ny.us
--Snail mail: 60 Madison Avenue, Suite 1201, New York, NY 10010
--Fax: 212-725-8867

Republican Party Chair - Manhattan (NY County)
Hon. James Ortenzio, contact@nycrepublican.org, (212) 517-8444
--Snail mail: 122 East 83rd Street, New York, NY 10028
--Fax: 212-517-3142

Republican Elections Commissioner - Manhattan (New York County)
Frederic M. Umane: fumane@boe.nyc.ny.us, (212) 886-2100, (If not available, leave a message with Troy Johnson)
--Snail mail: NY County Bd of Elections (Manhattan Borough Office), 200 Varick Street, 10 Floor, New York, NY 10014

Democratic Elections Commissioner - Manhattan
Gregory C. Soumas, gsoumas@boe.nyc.ny.us, (212) 886-2100
--Snail mail: NY County Bd of Elections (Manhattan Borough Office), 200 Varick Street, 10 Floor, New York, NY 10014

Progressive Democrat Issue 83: BROOKLYN/QUEENS GROUPS AND EVENTS

ALL NYC:

CRITCAL MASS BICYCLE MOVEMENT! Critical Mass is a bicyclist movement (NOT an organized group!) that holds weekly protests all over the world to protest pollution. Rides are the last Friday of every month starting in Union Sq. Park North, 7PM! At a DFNYC meeting attended by Norm Seigel, Norm used Critical Mass as an example of the kind of activism that NYC needs most and the way Bloomberg is trying to squelch our rights and our voices. Critical Mass deserves our help. According to Bloomberg, my inclusion of this in my newsletter is probably illegal. Well, I refuse to let Bloomberg tell me what I can and cannot write in my Newsletter.

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

There is more you can do to support Critical Mass. This comes from a reader in Manhattan:

To help keep people involved in Critical Mass, people who might be sacred off because of renewed aggressiveness by the police, I have started a pledge drive that sponsors arrestees. This is a great way for people to stay involved in Critical Mass, stay on top of the issue, and use the NYPD and Bloomberg's tactics to work for us not against us. I am pledging $2 per arrestee, and the money will go to the Legal Aid Society. Pledges are made on the honor system. The more bicyclists the cops arrest the more money for defending civil rights is raised.


BROOKLYN EVENTS:

New Democratic Majority in Brooklyn:
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!

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:

Democrats for New Politics Meeting featuring guest speaker Jimmy Dahroug; Wed, 07/26/2006 - 8:00pm; The Chabad Center of Northeast Queens
26-06 213th Street, Bayside, New York (at the corner of 26th Avenue and 213th Street – across from the Bay Terrace Shopping Center)

Special Guest Speaker Jimmy Dahroug, candidate for New
York State Senate in the 3rd District on Long Island

For more info contact Steve Behar @ Steve@DemocratsForNewPolitics.com


Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!

To help Dmeocracy for NYC petition to get candidates on the ballot, please go here: http://www.dfnyc.org/cms/node/86993


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 83: MANHATTAN GROUPS AND EVENTS

LAUGHING LIBERALLY in NYC Next show: Monday 7/24: Featuring: Jim David (Comedy Central Presents), Julie Goldman (VH-1 & HBO's Sopranos), Dean Obeidallah (Arab-American Comedy Festival), Jamie Jackson (Town Hall) & Benari Poulten (U.S. Army); Every Monday Night, July 17 - August 28; 45th Street Theatre; 354 West 45th Street (Between 8th and 9th Ave); TICKETS: $30/$15
Call: 1-800-838-3006


Democrats for New Politics Meeting featuring guest speaker Jimmy Dahroug; Wed, 07/26/2006 - 8:00pm; The Chabad Center of Northeast Queens
26-06 213th Street, Bayside, New York (at the corner of 26th Avenue and 213th Street – across from the Bay Terrace Shopping Center)

Special Guest Speaker Jimmy Dahroug, candidate for New
York State Senate in the 3rd District on Long Island

For more info contact Steve Behar @ Steve@DemocratsForNewPolitics.com


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 83: NEW JERSEY FOCUS

This year it is pretty simple for New Jersey Democrats. The Senate race is the number one race for NJ in 2006 and of primary importance are the many ways in which you can help out the Menendez campaign. There are a variety of things you can do and times you can volunteer for. Every hour you spend can be critical for success in 2006.

Second to this race, the Linda Stender campaign is of primary importance. So, if you are in that district, please volunteer for Linda Stedner for Congress.

And if you cannot volunteer, please donate even if it only a small amount. These two races are key for Progressive Democrats in New Jersey.

Progressive Democrat Issue 83: NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

Citizens' Campaign comes to Sussex County July 26, 2006; 10Am to 12:00pm
Senator Littell Community Center, Franklin, NJ 07416

Common Cause of NJ and other affiliated organizations such as Association of Retired People and the NJ Chamber of Commerce are offering a town meeting on the efforts to promote a grassroots campaign for civic reform. At the July 26 presentation running from 10Am to 12:00pm, Sussex County residents will be told how their participation can help promote civic reform in municipal and state government in such areas as Pay-to-Play and Eminent Domain.


Campaign Headquarters Grand Opening for Rush Holt for Congress
2500 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Please Join Congressman RUSH HOLT for the Grand Opening of his new Campaign Headquarters, Saturday, July 29th, 1:00PM

RUSH HOLT FOR CONGRESS
2500 Brunswick Pike
Suite 200 (Ground Floor)
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(Business Rt.1 Northbound side, off the Texas Ave. jug handle,
between the Dollar Tree and the Perfect Dress)

Light refreshments will be served

For directions or more information,
call Alison at (609) 278-0800, email Alison@RushHolt.com,
or visit www.RushHolt.com


Fundraiser for Congressman Rush HoltJuly 30, 2006
Home of Debbie D'Arcangelo and Ed Dippold
Trenton, NJ 08608
For more information, contact Alison Zayas at alison@rushholt.com or 609-278-0800.


Town Hall Meeting with Rep. Rush HoltJuly 30, 2006
Municipal Building, 2207 Lawrence Rd.
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Contact: Lauren LaRusso, Office of Congressman Rush Holt, 609-750-9365 or via e-mail at lauren.larusso@mail.house.gov


Berkeley Democratic Club Meeting
Silver Ridge Park West Club House
Berkeley, NJ 08721
For more information, contact Pete Mustardo at 732-286-1882.


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 83: VIRGINIA FOCUS

The Virginia Democratic Party is gearing up for another kick-ass year. I am asking you to be a part of to the best of your ability.

There are ten things you can do TODAY to Help Democrats Across Virginia

The purpose of the Democratic Party of Virginia is to help Democratic candidates get elected to public office. Helping to achieve that goal for any office might mean conducting voter registration drives, hosting outreach receptions, staffing the polls, setting up phone banks, fundraising, and supporting your candidates.

1. Get involved with a campaign

There's always a campaign that needs help from people like you—in Virginia, every year is a campaign year. (See above!) Contact the Democratic Party of Virginia today to find out which campaigns need help. betsy@vademocrats.org.

2. Join the party

Democrats across Virginia are energized and engaged in grassroots activism. Don't miss out on your chance to make a difference. Contact your City/County Committee Chair. Find out how to get involved in local politics. Bring friends. Make suggestions. Help improve the activism at the local level through direct participation in Democratic events.

3. Help spread the message...

...that the Democratic Party of Virginia is the party of fiscal responsibility, preserving our commitment to our world-class public schools and institutions of higher learning, working to create new jobs and opportunities for all Virginians. You can spread the message by writing a letter to the editor, through e-mail discussion groups, and by calling in to radio talk shows. Write a Letter to the Editor by contacting state newspapers.

4. Join the Demo Memo e-mail list
...for news, action alerts and event information from the Democratic Party of Virginia.

5. Send us local articles...
...about the party or campaigns that appear in your local paper so we can get an idea of what is happening in your community. (Send electronic clips to ruthanne@vademocrats.org.)

7. Register to vote
If you have not registered already, it is very simple to do in Virginia. More about that here.

8. Write...
...to your Senators and Members of Congress. They need to hear from you.

9. Talk to your friends, neighbors, co-workers. Encourage Democratic Voters to Become Members! For more information on how to recruit members to strengthen the Democratic Party of Virginia, Contact your local committee chair.

10. Contribute...
...to the Democratic Party of Virginia.

Progressive Democrat Issue 83: VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Tuesday, June 27th, March To Overcome Poverty! Hundreds of faith leaders (including Rev. Jim Wallis), community leaders, and religious activists from around the country will be marching to elevate the commitment to overcome poverty to the top of the political agenda, and launch A Covenant for a New America, a solutions-based anti-poverty platform.

* 11 a.m. - Assemble at National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle NW - map) march to the Upper Senate Park just north of the Capitol.
* Noon - Gather with us at the Upper Senate Park (Between New Jersey Ave NW and Delaware Ave NE just north of the Capitol - map) near to launch A Covenant for a New America, our major anti-poverty initiative.

Sunday, June 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.: Virginia Marriage Amendment Teach-In It's not just about marriage. Panel discussion of the far-reaching implications of the proposed amendment to Virginia's constitution on the November ballot and ways to oppose it. Participants include State Senator Janet Howell; Claire Guthrie Gastañaga of the Commonwealth Coalition; a Virginia legal expert; and a UCC pastor. Sponsored by the Social Action Board of Rock Spring Congregational UCC, 5010 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA 22207. RSVPs appreciated but not required. Contact Susan Johnson at johnson1966@cox.net or Rock Spring at 703-538-4886.

10th CD Democratic Committee Family Picnic Fundraiser

Starts: 7/30/2006 12 Noon
Ends: 7/30/2006 5 PM
Contact: Rich Galecki, Secretary, 10th CDDC
Location: J.R.'s Festival Lakes
42830 Ft. Evans Rd.
Leesburg, VA 20176
Phone: (540) 347-5550

Enjoy fishing, a golf driving range, volleyball, paddle boats, swimming, badminton, a kids' play area, softball and horseshoes. Food will be served 1 PM – 3 PM. Ticket prices are: Children 12 and over and Adults are $35, Children 5 to 11 are $25, and Children under 5 are free. Non-alcoholic beverages are included; beer and wine tickets will be available for sale.

6th Annual Wine & Cheese Hosted by the Manassas City, Brentsville, and Gainesville Dem. Committee

Starts: 7/28/2009 7:00 pm
Ends: 7/28/2009 7:00 pm
Contact: Clara Meagher
Location: 9293 Bayberry Avenue
Manassas, VA
Phone: (703) 361-3220

Join Democrats from Manassas, Manassas Park, Prince William County, and Northern Virginia to sip fine Virginia wines, talk politics, and get ready to turn Virginia blue this fall. Our keynote speakers are Pierce Homer and Aneesch Chopra. Also speaking will be our Congressional candidates in th e 10th District, Judy Feder, the 11 th District, Andy Hurst, and Jeanette Rishell, our candidate for the House of Delegates, District 50. Tickets $30 per person/ $50 per couple, available at the door.


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 83: NATIONAL ACTION: Remembering Paul Wellstone

July 21, would have been Paul Wellstone’s 62nd birthday. Paul Wellstone was one of America's most progressive Senators until October 25, 2002 when Paul and Sheila Wellstone, their daughter Marcia, and three campaign staffers died in a plane crash. The Wellstone family established WellstoneAction to carry on the work of Paul and Sheila Wellstone, furthering women's rights and progressive politics.

For a biography of Paul Wellstion, visit here.

Wellstone Action is a national center for training and leadership development for the progressive movement. Founded in January 2003, Wellstone Action’s mission is to honor the legacy of Paul and Sheila Wellstone by continuing their work through training, educating, mobilizing and organizing a vast network of progressive individuals and organizations.

In three years, Wellstone Action has experienced tremendous growth, adding over 108,000 members and training 10,984 (and counting!) citizen activists and professionals in 32 states in political organizing skills. In addition to training, Wellstone Action engages our members in non-partisan voter mobilization efforts; lobbies Congress on behalf of mental health parity, Social Security and the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act; trains domestic violence advocates to be organizers on their issue, and helps preserve the Wellstone archives for future generations.

To find out about Camp Wellstone training sessions, go here.

Most importantly, please join Wellstone Action to further progressive politics in the Midwest and throughout America. Let's keep the legacy of the Wellstones alive in America.

Progressive Democrat Issue 83: 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.