Progressive Democrat Issue 93: THOUGHTS

A friend and fellow Brooklyn activist took me to task for what he saw as too pessimistic a tone regarding winning back the House. Well, since he is among the most active activists I know, I will accept pretty much any criticism he offers.

My point last week was not to be pessimistic, but rather to warn that we Democrats are talking too much and doing too little at what is a very critical time. But I also should note that the week I brought up the fact that Democrats are slipping in many polls was a mere week after a big surge. So, I still see our chances as being very good...but I also still think we need to work at it!

My perhaps overly pessimistic comments did, I should point out, lead to a few more donations on my Act Blue sites. Two more people donated at my Election Protection site which includes both Secretaries of State and Attorneys General positions.

The biggest shifts this week are in Virginia and New York. As I predicted back in March, New York State is turning into our biggest pick up chance. We are surging in several races, though mostly Republicans are still marginally ahead. Topping it off, as I will cover below, a group of Iraq and Afghanistan war vets has rated New York's Republican Congressmen C+ or below, while rating almost all Democrats B or higher. If we push that theme, it could really make a difference. Right now there are DEFINITELY four Republicans who are seriously endangered, and polls are starting to look good in a couple of others. I believe it is time to resurrect my Sweep NY State theme. I have been saying since March we have a shot at 4-6 or more pick ups. Help us make that happen with donations or, if you live in NY State, by volunteering. You can always ask me what volunteer opportunities there are in your area.

In Virginia, the Senate race continues to be neck and neck, with current trends somewhat favoring the racist Republican. The VA-2 House race also continues to be neck and neck, and I really think if we push REALLY hard in VA-2, it could make the difference for BOTH the House and Senate. If I were to choose a single race that could determine everything, it would be VA-2. But what has changed recently is that polls in two other Virginia House races are looking up. VA-10 has mostly been off everyone's radar, but now in a recent poll the Dem is within 5 points of the Republican incumbent. That means VA-10 is now potentially competitive. VA-5 has also picked up, though remains a longshot. But if momentum continues, that makes three districts where pushing hard will not only possibly pick up House Seats, but will help boot out Racist Republican Allen. Please help win big this year in Virginia with donations and/or (if you live nearby) volunteering. Again, feel free to ask me what is available in your area.

I also want to highlight Iowa and Indiana. Iowa at first had an endangered Democrat. No longer really. But we have a good shot at BOTH IA-1 and IA-2. So things are looking up better and better in Iowa. Keep pusing in Iowa! Indiana has for some time looked good for us, with three good pick up chances. But there has also been an endangered Democrat. In IN-7 the Democratic incumbent has been one of the most targeted Democrat this year. Polls are showing her slipping under Republican smears. So please, help not only to defeat Republicans in IN-2, -8 and -9, but also help out a good Democrat hold her seat in IN-7. Keep pusing in Indiana!

My friend's accusation that I was being too pessimistic also led to my analyzing my own somewhat dual personality regarding this election. So, for the benefit of my pessimistic and optimistic self, as well as my pessimistic and optimistic readers, I have created two new Act Blue sites:

The Pessimistic Democrat: dedicated to defending those Senate and House seats we may be in danger of losing, and the most likely pick up opportunities, ignoring the "pie in the sky" predictions of a huge surge.

The Optimistic Democrat: assuming defense is no problem and the most likely pick ups will happen with no problem, this site aims to reach beyond the currend expectations and turn the Democratic surge into a full, kick ass, historical route of the corrupt Republicans.

For the record, within mere hours of creating the site, and without ANY publicizing, someone donated $200 to the Pessimistic Democrat site, but so far no one has donated to the Optimistic Democrat site.

Progressive Democrat Issue 93: US Military to GOP: GET OUT NOW!

The US military is turning its back on the Greedy Oil Party and turning to the Democrats.

GET OUT OF IRAQ.

GET OUT OF CONGRESS.

This is the message, spoken loud and clear, by Maj. Gen. John Batiste and Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton, two retired senior Army generals, both of whom served in Iraq and both of whom previously voted Republican. Both are now openly endorsing a Democratic takeover of Congress while bitterly condemning Bush's failures.

This comes close on the heels of a leading organization of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), giving most Congressional Republicans worse ratings on their handling of war, terrorism and veterans' issues than Congressional Democrats. (Above linked article only looks at the New York State delegation).

And, of course, we also have an entire slate of Iraq and Afghanistan war vets running for Congress, almost ALL of them Democrats who bitterly condemn Bush's handling of the war, terrorism and veterans' issues. Some 21 Fighting Dem candidates, running in some 16 states, are doing their best to defeat Bush's failed policies.

From top to bottom, those who know the most about Bush's war are condemning it and pusing for a Democratic takeover in Congress.

From Salon.com:

"The best thing that can happen right now is for one or both of our houses to go Democratic so we can have some oversight," Batiste, who led the Army's 1st Infantry Division in Iraq in 2004 and 2005, told Salon. Batiste describes himself as a "lifelong Republican." But now, he said, "It is time for a change."

Eaton, who was in charge of training the Iraqi military from 2003 to 2004, agrees that Democratic control of Congress could be the best way to wrest control from the Bush administration and steer the United States away from a gravely flawed strategy in Iraq. "The way out that I see is to hand the House and the Senate to the Democrats and get this thing turned around," Eaton explained, adding that such sentiment is growing among retired and active-duty military leaders. "Most of us see two more years of the same if the Republicans stay in power," he said. He also noted, "You could not have tortured me enough to vote for Mr. Kerry or Mr. Gore, but I'm not at all thrilled with who I did vote for."

An active-duty senior military official who also served in Iraq said that, among a surprising number of his otherwise "very conservative" colleagues, there is hope that Democrats will gain control of Congress. "I will tell you, in the circles I talk to, the only way to enable or enact change is to change the leadership," he said...

ut last spring a handful of retired commanders shook the military establishment to its core by publicly calling for the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. And palpable frustration and anger among officers over the Bush administration's Iraq strategy clearly is driving some to do what was previously unthinkable: switch their allegiance to the Democratic Party, at least for the time being.

That may also be the case among the rank and file. As Salon reported recently, there are signs that support for Bush and the GOP is eroding in a Virginia congressional district saturated with military voters. Salon has also learned that more than 100 current members of the military have now joined a campaign formally appealing to Congress to immediately withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq.

"The rest of us still in uniform cannot publicly articulate our own concerns, but there is a whole bunch of people out there who feel [this] way," said the active-duty senior military official. When asked if he was a Republican, he responded, "I was in the past." He railed against the Bush administration's head-in-the-sand approach to the war. "What do we have today? Holy shit. Now you have sectarian violence? That is a new term, by the way," the official fumed, emphasizing that before the war and even well into a volatile occupation nobody in the Bush administration "would even believe there would be an insurgency."

This is big news, folks. Truth is, Republicans have been failing to stop terrorism for decades now while Clinton and many Democrats were advocating for going after bin Laden, changing international finance laws to block terrorist funding, and energy independence at a time when Republicans were whining "wag the dog" and saying Clinton was too "obessed with al-Qaeda." Bush has failed on terrorism and failed in Iraq...just as he has failed economically and in terms of fiscal responsibility.

America is ready for a change. America is ready for new ideas. And the Fighting Dems are leading the way. Give a donation to the Fighting Dems, and write the media discussing the failures of Republican policies.

Progressive Democrat Issue 93: FREEDOM OF THE PRESS DECLINES UNDER BUSH

The organization Reporters Without Borders has come up with its 2005 rankings of nations based on freedom of the press.

Our Founding Fathers would not be pleased.

At the top of the list are Finland, Iceland, Ireland and the Netherlands, all tying for #1 in Freedom of the Press. I am surprised by Ireland, I have to admit, though for no particular reason that I can think of. Finland, Iceland and the Netherlands are no suprise whatsoever.

What fascinates me are the others in the top 10. Norway and Switzerland are up there, no big surprise, as is Portugal. But the biggest surprise among the top ten are the number of former Soviet Bloc nations: Czech Republic, Estonia, Slovakia, Hungary, Latvia (one of my ancestral homes!), and Slovenia. Bravo to these nations for coming so far so fast. Russia itself does not fare so well, coming in 147, right above Yemen, the Gambia and Tunisia and below, get this, the "Democratic Republic" of the Congo and Somalia! Coming on the same day I read about the vandalism of a synagogue in Vladavastok, coming on the heals of a skinhead gathering, I can't help but think Russia is slowly failing in its experiments with democracy.

The bottom of the list is no surprise at all: China, Burma (sic), Cuba, Eritrea, Turkmenistan, and, rock bottom, North Korea at 168. I almost think North Korea has turned every possible measure of failure into a goal: starvation of its population, cult worship of living people, absolute censorship of pretty much everything. "Burma" (now actually called Myanmar) and Turkmenistan are about the shittiest nations (in terms of human rights) we actually have friendly dealings with, and our close friendship with these two nations pretty much belies any claim we have to advancing democracy. Sure, we condemn Cuba and North Korea, but Myanmar, Turmkenistan and, in terms of trade, China are among our best buddies.

Bush, I am sure, would love to tout the fact that Iran comes in at a dismal 162, but that might not be good for him because the nation he has the closest of ties to, Saudi Arabia, is 161. Our great ally Saudi Arabia comes in barely above Iran and well below Syria (153) and Lybia (152). Saudi Arabia is, I guess is too busy blaming America and "the Jews" for 9/11 to actually allow any real reporting. But they are our best friends, right? So Bush would like us to think. They have the oil, so Bush will kiss their asses no matter what.

But what about Iraq? Have we succeeded in bringing freedom of the press, a cornerstone of democracy, to Iraq? Well, Iraq actually comes in just below Syria and Lybia...so if we are defining what we have brought to Iraq as "freedom" then we have to say Syria and Lybia are just as free. Then again, Iraq is doing MUCH better than Saudi Arabia.

What about Bush America? Is Bush leading a free democracy with a free press? Well, that depends on how you view it. We are not down there with Saudi Arabia and Syria and Iran. But we are far below the top 10. Are we in the top 20? No. Top 50? Not quite. The United States of America comes in at 53...just below Croatia and just above Uruguay. In all seriousness, this is one of the biggest condemnations of Bush we can find: America has a press LESS free than most former Soviet Bloc nations INCLUDING Bulgaria. I can amuse my Bulgarian co-worker with that little fact. Almost all of Europe and many nations that once were bywords of oppression, beat us: El Salvador, Chile, Mali, Hong Kong (remember, Hong Kong is now run by China!), Namibia...all beat us!

Is this some fluke? Not really. It is rather a trend. I can only trace back as far as 2002, but the US has been declining in freedom of the press since then. We were ranked 17 in 2002. To me even THAT is embarassing when we really should be at the top. We are the paragon of freedom, right? So we claim, but that doesn't quite play out in freedom of the press in the 21st century. But at least ranking 17 seems tolerable. In 2003 the US plummeted to 31, tied with Greece and barely beating Albania. We briefly recovered some freedom in 2004, ranking 22, just below France and Bosnia/Herzegovina. Then, in 2005 (the current year ranked) we reach a dismal 53. Bush is TAKING AWAY our freedoms. And it just keeps getting worse.

Why not express your own freedom, while you can. Contact the media and tell them what you think about the decline in freedoms in the US under Bush.

Progressive Democrat Issue 93: MEDIA BIAS

As if we needed more proof of a clear media bias, recently an RNC ad receieved free air time as "news" on many news outlets. No equal treatment has been given to DNC ads. This is from Media Matters:

RNC Ad Received Free Airtime;
Will DNC Get the Same Treatment?

Republican Commercials Running Ad Nauseum on News Networks

Washington, DC – Today, Media Matters for America President and CEO David Brock criticized broadcast and cable news networks for giving free airtime to a new political ad by the Republican National Committee (RNC) and asked if the media will be giving the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) new ad the same treatment.

“It’s disheartening to see news outlets like CNN and MSNBC giving free airtime to the RNC’s new commercial as part of their election year coverage,” Brock said. “If the media refuses to give the same attention to the DNC’s new ad that they’ve shown for the RNC’s spot, they will, in effect, be taking sides with the GOP in the upcoming midterm elections.

The DNC’s new ad, “Stay the Course,” details the failures of the Bush administration’s Iraq policies, the administration’s relentless insistence on “staying the course” over the last three years, and its recent denials that it has ever supported such a policy.

The RNC’s ad, called “Stakes” featured clips of explosions and Osama bin Laden and other terrorists making threats against the United States.

BACKGROUND:

Last week, the Republican National Committee unveiled an advertisement that invoked the specter of terrorism in an effort to win votes in the upcoming midterm elections. As Media Matters noted, the ad received extensive media coverage, particularly by cable news networks, which replayed the ad again and again.

Today, the Democratic National Committee released an ad titled “Stay the Course,” which details the failures of the Bush administration’s Iraq policies, the administration’s relentless insistence on “staying the course” over the last three years, and its recent denials that it has ever supported such a policy.

For more information on coverage the RNC ad has received, CLICK HERE.

Of course, I am asking you to write the media complaining about this...but also, please support Media Matters, without whom much of this kind of crap would never be questioned.

Progressive Democrat Issue 93: NEW YORK STATE FOCUS

There is an article up on Daily Kos discussing how the organization Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) have given Bush lap dog, Social Security flip-flopper and scandal-ridden sleazebag Vito Fossella a mere "C+" rating for his stands on issues that affect US Troops, Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and military families.

IAVA was founded in June 2004 and claims to be the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans.

Given that Fossella is claiming his main strength is on defense, this mediocre rating is huge news, as covered in the Daily Kos article. In other words, Fossella is nothing more than a mediocrity even in the very area he considers his strength.

But there is more to this story even than can be found in the Daily Kos article. You see, Vito "Lap Dog" Fossella isn't the only NY State Republican who gets a mediocre rating from IAVA. Let's see how NY Reps do on issues affecting national defense and veteran issues:

Republicans:
Vito Fossella: C+
Sue Kelly: C+
John Sweeney: C+
John McHugh: C+
Sherwood Boehlert: C+
James Walsh: C+
Thomas Reynolds: C
Randy Kuhl: D (the worst rated of ALL NY Congressmen)


Democrats:
Chuck Schumer: B+
Hillary Clinton: A-
Tim Bishop: A-
Steve Israel: A-
Carolyn McCarthy: A
Gary Ackerman: B+
Gregory Meeks: B
Joe Crowley: A-
Jerrold Nadler: B
Anthony Weiner: B
Edolphus Towns: B (someone has to like him)
Major Owens: C (I disagree, but it's their rating system)
Nydia Velasquez: B-
Carolyn Maloney: A-
Charles Rangel: A-
Joe Serrano: B-
Eliot Engel: A-
Nita Lowey: A
Michael McNulty: A-
Maurice Hinchey: C+
Brian Higgins: A-
Louise Slaughter: B

Notice that Republicans pretty much suck on defense according to these veterans while Democrats do pretty well? I think this is just one more reason for Democrats to Sweep NY State. And, of course, write the media discussing the fact that Iraq and Afghanistan war vets favor NY State Democrats over NY State Republicans.

Progressive Democrat Issue 93: BROOKLYN/QUEENS GROUPS AND EVENTS

ALL NYC EVENTS:

Drum Major Institute Marketplace of Ideas Talk: "Promoting Universal Access to Pre-School Education"

When it comes to giving kids the skills they need, Oklahoma's Universal Pre-School Program puts the rest in the nation to shame. The most successful program in the country, it has the highest enrollment and has been shown to close the school readiness gap between low-income kids and more affluent kids, greatly expanding vocabulary and shooting math skills up the charts.

It's time to learn from Oklahoma. New York's kids deserve a better start.

Where : The Harvard Club (27 West 44th Street)

Panelists :
Oklahoma State Senator Penny Williams, NY City Council Speaker Christine Quinn,

Executive Director of Child Care Inc. Nancy Kolben, and Member of the Board of Regents Lorraine Cortes-Vasquez.

Date : Monday, October 30th from 8:00 am until 10:00am

Admission & Registration: Please RSVP to (212) 909-9663 or by email to:
dmi@drummajorinstitute.org .

The talk will include a conversation with local leaders and experts about how to make sure New York's kids get the start they deserve.

A light breakfast will be served.


Get Out the Disability Vote: Now - Election Day

From DFNYC:

About 65% of People With Disabilities do not vote - they typically get about 30-35% turnout. Roughly 20% of all voting age Americans have a disability. Most of the non-voting people with disabilities are Democrats.

This big bloc of voters can help put a candidate over the line.

Disabilities drain energy; being paralyzed, for example, is physically exhausting for anyone who tries to live an active life.

You can help a friend or family member with a disability make their voices heard on Nov. 7th.

Here are three ways you can help them cast their votes.

1. Help register or request an absentee ballot.
About three-fourths of the disability community lacks Internet access. Take your laptop and help them register or get an absentee ballot online. Info on voter registration and absentee ballots is on the New York State Board of Elections Absentee Ballot voting page.

You can always call the NYS Board of Elections Voter Information unit at Voter Info. 1-800-458-3453 or (518) 473-5086. The main number in Albany is (518) 474-6220, with TDD 1-800-533-8683. Here's the link to the Voter Information page.

2. Help find a ride to the polls. Contact a disability group in your area and ask about rides to the polls on Nov. 7th.

3. Encourage your friend to vote. A little encouragement may be needed to take on the challenge of voting. You can do it.

Thanks, and let's GOTV, together!


BROOKLYN EVENTS:

JOIN MOVEON.ORG's BROOKLYN PHONEBANK: targeting the 30 top House races in the nation, this phone bank is working hard. The organizer we are hosting works from 8 AM to 10 or 11 PM every day! They need your help. They are located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn and will be operating every day from now until the election. If you can put in some time, please call 718-797-0743

Brooklyn Critical Mass:
Critical Mass is a monthly celebration of bicycles and other nonpolluting means of transportation, exercising our right to the road. Critical Mass is a movement, not an organization; no two riders participate for exactly the same reason. Brooklyn Critical Mass started rolling in 2004.

Brooklyn rides are the Second Friday of every month, 7:00 p.m., meeting at Grand Army Plaza. Come out and join Critical Mass in Brooklyn. Celebrate cycling, and assert your right to the road -- Brooklyn style!

For more events and bike workshops, check out their calendar.


Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats (CBID) (mostly covers Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, and Kensington). http://www.cbidems.org/ My wife, Joy, is now on the executive board of this club. This club is very grassroots and worked very hard for progressive candidates in the recent primary. They need more people if we want to strengthen the grassroots. If you are not yet a member, please come to the next meeting and join. Membership is cheap! Next meeting is 7 PM on Thursday, November 16th, at the Park Slope United Methodist Church, 6th Ave. & 8th Street in the basement (enter through the garden gate on 6th Ave).


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. You can contact me (mole333@gmail.com) for more info.


Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 7PM

Park Slope/Brooklyn, Ozzie's, 249 5th Ave, with host Josh Skaller

Williamsburg/Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Boulevard Tavern, 579 Meeker Ave. (btwn. N. Henry and Monitor St.) There will be no official DFNYC Linkup host here this month, but Harold at Boulevard is a DFNYC member and encourages everyone to stop in. Harold will have DFNYC info about the upcoming elections.

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


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, NOVEMBER 1, 7PM

Sunnyside, Queens, The Grind, 39-24 Queens Blvd., with host Dan Jacoby

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 93: MANHATTAN GROUPS AND EVENTS

Democrats for New Politics Campaign Car Pool to Jimmy Dahroug Campaign
Please join Democrats for New Politics, New Democratic Majority and Democracy for New York City as we...

TRAVEL TO CAMPAIGN FOR JIMMY DAHROUG

Democratic Primary Candidate for New York State Senate
3RD District – Suffolk County

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4TH
AND
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5TH

MEET AT THE BAYSIDE LIRR STATION at 41ST AVENUE
LEAVING AT 10 A.M.

rsvp to
Steve@DemocratsForNewPolitics.com
Phone (917) 669-0111


Bill Perkins Trip for Andrea Stewart-Cousins
State Senate candidate Bill Perkins is organizing a volunteer trip to Westchester to help Andrea Stewart-Cousins, one of the hottest state senate races this year and a great opportunity for the Democrats to pick up a seat in the State Senate:

Help Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Take Back the State Senate Volunteer Bus
Meet At Bill Perkins Headquarters
2292 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (at 123rd Street)

Saturday, November 4
Bus Leaves at 9:30 AM
Bus Returns at 4 PM

Reply Today To Reserve Your Seat:
Call 212-749- 2414


Drum Major Institute Marketplace of Ideas Talk: "Promoting Universal Access to Pre-School Education"

When it comes to giving kids the skills they need, Oklahoma's Universal Pre-School Program puts the rest in the nation to shame. The most successful program in the country, it has the highest enrollment and has been shown to close the school readiness gap between low-income kids and more affluent kids, greatly expanding vocabulary and shooting math skills up the charts.

It's time to learn from Oklahoma. New York's kids deserve a better start.

Where : The Harvard Club (27 West 44th Street)

Panelists :
Oklahoma State Senator Penny Williams, NY City Council Speaker Christine Quinn,

Executive Director of Child Care Inc. Nancy Kolben, and Member of the Board of Regents Lorraine Cortes-Vasquez.

Date : Monday, October 30th from 8:00 am until 10:00am

Admission & Registration: Please RSVP to (212) 909-9663 or by email to:
dmi@drummajorinstitute.org .

The talk will include a conversation with local leaders and experts about how to make sure New York's kids get the start they deserve.

A light breakfast will be served.


Get Out the Disability Vote: Now - Election Day

From DFNYC:

About 65% of People With Disabilities do not vote - they typically get about 30-35% turnout. Roughly 20% of all voting age Americans have a disability. Most of the non-voting people with disabilities are Democrats.

This big bloc of voters can help put a candidate over the line.

Disabilities drain energy; being paralyzed, for example, is physically exhausting for anyone who tries to live an active life.

You can help a friend or family member with a disability make their voices heard on Nov. 7th.

Here are three ways you can help them cast their votes.

1. Help register or request an absentee ballot.
About three-fourths of the disability community lacks Internet access. Take your laptop and help them register or get an absentee ballot online. Info on voter registration and absentee ballots is on the New York State Board of Elections Absentee Ballot voting page.

You can always call the NYS Board of Elections Voter Information unit at Voter Info. 1-800-458-3453 or (518) 473-5086. The main number in Albany is (518) 474-6220, with TDD 1-800-533-8683. Here's the link to the Voter Information page.

2. Help find a ride to the polls. Contact a disability group in your area and ask about rides to the polls on Nov. 7th.

3. Encourage your friend to vote. A little encouragement may be needed to take on the challenge of voting. You can do it.

Thanks, and let's GOTV, together!


Take Back Congress - Landline Phone Banking Every Tuesday and Thursday:
ACT NOW is hosting regular Tuesday and Thursday evening landline phone banking from Chelsea. This is traditional phone banking - no predictive dialing, no computer skills needed.

On Tuesdays, the calls are to targeted voters in Pennsylvania's 6th District, to help DFA-endorsed Lois Murphy dislodge Bush Rubberstamp House incumbent Jim Gerlach.

On Thursdays, we're targeting voters in Connecticut's 4th District, to help top-notch Democratic challenger Diane Farrell defeat long-time Republican D.C.-insider and Iraq War apologist Chris Shays. (And, boost turnout for Ned Lamont at the same time.)

These two races are among the most important to win.

More info and RSVP at: www.actnowny.org


Seize our State Senate - ACT NOW Landline Phone Banking Now Three Nights per Week:

ACT NOW continues phone banks on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from Midtown East to take back our State Senate!

What will we be doing? We're going to be using landlines to do low-pressure Voter ID and/or Volunteer Recruitment calling -- not undecided voter persuasion -- 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.

More info and RSVP at: www.actnowny.org


NYC Critical Mass The last Friday of the month, every month, 7:00 p.m., starting at Union Square Park North. Come along for the ride! Critical Mass is a monthly celebration of bicycles and other nonpolluting means of transportation, exercising our right to the road. Critical Mass is a movement, not an organization; no two riders participate for exactly the same reason. New York City's first Critical Mass was in 1993.


Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 7PM

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

Upper East Side, location TBD, with host Lewis Cohen & David Kogelman

West Village, Kettle of Fish, 59 Christopher St. (near 7th Ave.), with hosts Dana Northcraft & Judith Ren-Lay

East Village, Cinema Classics/Rafiffi, 332 East 11th Street (btwn. 1st & 2nd), with host Heather Woodfield


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 93: NEW JERSEY FOCUS

I have been pushing the NJ-7 congressional race quite avidly because that is the closesy House race in NJ and our candidate, Linda Stender, has been edorsed by Democracy for America. The NJ-5 race has mostly been below people's radar, though I recently mentioned how it was picking up.

Well, Paul Aronsohn, the Democratic candidate running in NJ-5, really is picking up momentum. He has just been endorsed by The Star Ledger — New Jersey's largest newspaper. That's GOTTA help! The Star Ledger, which I often see people reading on the subway here in NYC, joins a pretty impressive line up of people who have endorsed Aronsohn. Here's what two tough Dems have to say about Paul:

“Paul Aronsohn is exactly the right candidate at the right time. On issues of national security, he not only gets it, but he is ready to play a leadership role in Congress...You’ve got one of the best candidates of this generation.”
- The Honorable Madeleine Albright
Former US Secretary of State


“Paul is the person New Jersey deserves to have on Capitol Hill. He values family, hard work and responsibility and his foreign affairs experience is just what we need in Washington.”
- General Wesley Clark (Ret)
Former Supreme Allied Commander

Then add in New Jersey AFL-CIO, NARAL Pro Choice America, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Sierra Club, SEIU, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the Fireman's Mutual Benevolent Association, and you have a pretty damned good candidate.

By contrast, Paul's Republican opponent is one of the odious Katrina 11, Republicans who support no-bid contracts for Halliburton but opposed aid to victims of Katrina.

So please help out these two excellent New Jersey Democrats win in November. Please write the media expressing your support for these two excellent candidates. Spread the word to your friends about them. And, if you possibly can, help out Linda Stender and Paul Aronsohn with a donation or some hours of your time.

Progressive Democrat Issue 93: NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

Brick Democratic Club Annual Breakfast
October 29, 2006
Crystal Point Yacht Club
Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
For more information, please contact Mike Blandina at 732-477-6507


Come See Bill Bradley With Congressman Rush Holt
PETER & JOAN WEIDHORN

Cordially invite you to join

CONGRESSMAN RUSH HOLT

In Support of his Re-Election with special guest

Bill Bradley
FORMER U.S. SENATOR (D-NJ) AND CANDIDATE FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION
AUTHOR OF NUMEROUS BOOKS INCLUDING THE JOURNEY FROM HERE AND VALUES OF THE GAME
BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

on Monday, October 30th, 4:00PM – 5:30PM

at their home:
60 Thomas Drive
Manalapan, NJ 07726

$100 Individual Contribution


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.


Middle Twp. Democratic Club General Meeting
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Sam DiVico Senior Center, 23 Romney Pl.
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
For more information please call mary Durkin at 609-465-4170


Campaign Rally for Al DiCicco
LaCosta Lounge
Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
Come show your support for Al DiCicco at LaCosta Lounge.

Wednesday, November 1, 2006
7:00pm

For more information, please call 609-390-2288


FREE Breakfast Honoring Middle Township Candidate Steve Barry
November 04, 2006
Atkinson's Tavern
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Come out and support Steve Barry! FREE breakfast at Atkinsons Tavern honoring our candidate for Middle Township Committee

8:00am-11:00am
Atkinsons Tavern
1010 Route 9 South
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

For more information, please call Suzanne Pasley at 609-465-4666


Monmouth County Democrats PreVictory Breakfast
November 05, 2006
Battleground Country Club, Millhurst Road
Tennent, NJ 07763
$60.00 per person

Rahway Democratic Club Pre Election Night Rally
November 06, 2006
Knights of Columbus/Crnr of Inman & Jaques Aves.
Rahway, NJ 07065
Rahway Democratic Club Pre Election Night Rally.
Refeshments served.

Bob Bresenhan, Jr.
Director of Public Relations
Rahway Democratic Club
908.327.2040


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

Toms River, New Jersey
* First Tuesday of each month (next meeting October 3), 8:00 pm onward
* Joshua Huddy Brew Pub, 1250 Hooper Ave (across from Ocean County Mall) (map)
* Hosted by Robin Kinlin and Ian Valentine, tomsriver (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 93: VIRGINIA FOCUS

As I said in the Thoughts section, we now have another VA House race that is looking competitive, with a third one looking up as well. We all know Phil Kellam is kicking ass in the VA-2 race, one of the hottest races in the nation. If you live in VA-2, please help GOTV for Kellam!

But now VA-10 and VA-5 are looking up, too. The more momentum Democrats build, the more races could be pulled along, and these two could turn into victories if we work on them. Judy Feder, running in VA-10, is a mere 5 points behind, and momentum seems with her. She is up against a Republican incumbent who votes Bush's way 90% of the time, one of Bush's best lap dogs. So this is a race really worth winning, and, for the first time this year, it is looking winnable. Judy has on her site a link for people to write letters to the editor. Please write a letter to the editor expressing your suport for Judy and your disgust for the Republican party.

VA-5 has been a longshot all along. But it has picked up in recent weeks. And many races this year that looked like longshots are now looking like victories. I predicted some time ago that 4-6 NY State races would be close, and that has become true. I think VA-5 has potential. Al Weed is our candidate. He has been endorsed by Vet PAC, AFL-CIO, Farmers Union, Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood and NARAL. So he's a good man! Please, if you live in VA-5, give Al some of your time.

I continue to emphasize the critcal position of Virginia in this year's election. Donate or volunteer! It really means alot.

Progressive Democrat Issue 93: VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Democratic Homecoming and GOTV Rally

Starts: 10/29/2006 3:00pm
Ends: 10/29/2006 5:00pm
Contact: Amy LaMarca
Location: Hurkamp Park, 500 block of William Street in downtown Fredericksburg
Phone: 540-455-6080

Regional Committees to Host Democratic Homecoming

The Fredericksburg Democratic Committee, in association with the Stafford, Spotsylvania, and King George Democratic Committees, is proud to host the Democratic Homecoming and Get Out The Vote Rally on October 29, 2006 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at Hurkamp Park in downtown Fredericksburg.

The Rally will be an opportunity for citizens to find out more about Democratic candidates for office, including Jim Webb for Senate, Shawn O’Donnell for Congress, and Cindy Sellers for Commissioner of the Revenue in Stafford County, as well as the family and community based issues facing the Commonwealth in this election.

The park will be filled with children’s activities, including a moon bounce and face painting. Refreshments will be available. Music will feature singer/songwriter Jon Bachman. Each candidate for office will speak, as well as keynotes from the Democratic Party of Virginia.

For more information on the event, please contact Amy LaMarca at 540.455.6080. To find out how to join the Democratic Party of Virginia please see the state website at www.vademocrats.org.


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. If there isn't one near you, it is easy to start your own!

Alexandria, Virginia
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
* Shenandoah Brewing Company, 652 S Pickett St (Look for us upstairs)
* "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world" - Margaret Mead
* Hosted by David Swim and Quinn Jones, alexandria (at) drinkingliberally.org

Danville, Virginia
* Every other Wednesday, 7:00 pm onward
* The Purple Onion, 215 Main St
* Hosted by Meryl Ibis, danville (at) drinkingliberally.org

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 93: MIDWEST FOCUS: Take Tom Vilsack's Challenge

Tom Vilsack is challenging us all to volunteer. Sign up and he will hook you up with a campaign near you that needs help. Here's his challenge:

It's time to schedule your volunteerism and recruit your friends to join you. It's time to make a commitment to real change by volunteering your time.

Over the past year, our Heartland PAC community has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for gubernatorial and secretary of state candidates all across the country. In some cases, we provided early money to help draw attention to important down-ballot races. More recently, our contributions have helped our candidates respond to some pretty shameful Republican attacks. We've emptied our war chest, and now it's time for the real work to begin.

Momentum means nothing if we don't get our voters to the polls. And that's where you come in. We have created an easy volunteer form where you can sign up to help any of our 41 endorsed candidates. No matter where you are -- there is something you can do.

Sign up and we will send your volunteer commitments to the campaigns right away.

Despite being down, Republican activists are hard at work. The GOP's famous "72 Hour Plan" is reported to be in full swing, making hundreds-of-thousands of phone calls, canvassing precincts and finalizing GOTV plans. While they appear to be desperate -- their TV ads, and machinery is running and shouldn't be underestimated.

Your support -- stuffing envelopes, making phone calls and knocking on doors -- will make the difference. If you haven't signed up to volunteer with a campaign in your area yet, please do it now.

Join me in working towards an Election Day to remember.

The best thing about Vilsack's efforts is that they cover campaigns in most states and include gubernatorial races as well as Secretaries of State. So help out!

Progressive Democrat Issue 93: PROGRESSIVE GROUPS IN THE MIDWEST

I don't yet have enough Midwest readers to do an extensive Groups and Meetings page like I do for NYC, Virginia and New Jersey. But I can at least highlight a few groups and encourage readers to set up their own local groups.

IOWA GROUPS:

First I naturally will highlight Iowa's local Democracy for America group, Blog for Iowa. Joining this blog will help you connect with fellow progressives in Iowa and help establish a progressive infrastructure in Iowa.

Drinking Liberally in Iowa: Promoting democracy one pint at a time! Drinking liberally is a social organization with chapters nationwide. There are four Iowa Drinking Liberally groups (see below). If there isn't one near you, you can set one up at the Drinking Liberally website. If you don't like bars, I have always thought non-drinkers could set up their own drinking liberally groups in coffee houses. Here are the current Iowa groups:

Davenport:
* Meets second and fourth Friday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
* Pat McQuire's Bar & Grill, 3333 N Harrison St (Set back form Harrison - Next door to the Citgo on the corner of 32nd and Harrison)
* We will also drink liberally in the AM on the 1st Saturday at 9:30am at Mojo's (corner of Main and 2nd St - downtown Davenport)
* Hosted by Alta Price and Caroline Vernon, quadcities (at) drinkingliberally.org

Ames:
* Every Friday, 5:00 pm onward
* Legends American Grill, 200 Stanton Ave, 7th Floor (in Campustown) (map)
* The group will meet in the large accessible party room left of the elevators unless it is booked by a larger group. We will then be in the Sky Box. Ask a waiter for our location.
* Hosted by Jan Bauer and Brent Wynja, ames (at) drinkingliberally.org

Des Moines:
* Every Thursday, 8:00 p.m. onward
* The Lift, 222 4th St (between Court Ave and Walnut) (map)
* Hosted by Amanda Mittlestadt, Tricia Kell, Dan Chibnall, Cassie Samspon and Matt Jesson, desmoines (at) drinkingliberally.org

Iowa City:
* Every Thursday, 8:00 pm onward
* The Mill Restaurant, 120 E Burlington St (map)
* Hosted by Nicholas Bergin, iowacity (at) drinkingliberally.org


WISCONSIN GROUPS:

First I naturally will highlight Winsconsin's local Democracy for America group, Democracy for Wisconsin. Democracy for Wisconsin grew from the seeds planted by Howard Dean's presidential campaign. We believe that strong values and grassroots participation are the key to successfully promoting progressive policies and rebuilding the Democratic Party. Please help us take our country back! Local chapters are listed on their website.

Drinking Liberally in Wisconsin: Promoting democracy one pint at a time! Drinking liberally is a social organization with chapters nationwide. There are surprisingly few Wisconsin drinking liberally groups! There are currently only two Wisconsin Drinking Liberally groups (see below). If there isn't one near you, you can set one up at the Drinking Liberally website. If you don't like bars, I have always thought non-drinkers could set up their own drinking liberally groups in coffee houses. Here are the current Wisconsin groups:

Madison, Wisconsin
* First and third Tuesday of each month (next meeting October 3), 7:00 pm onward
* Genna's, 105 W Main St
* Hosted by Brian Cadwell, madison (at) drinkingliberally.org

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month (next meeting October 11), 7:00 pm onward
* Club Garibaldi, 2501 S Superior St
* Hosted by Stacie Rosenzweig, Scott Feldstein and Jason Haas, milwaukee (at) drinkingliberally.org


INDIANA GROUPS:

First, I will highlight the very important Indiana Progressives PAC. Indiana Progressives believe to win nationally we must first win locally. Their message is positive, practical and progressive! And hopefully will be popular as well! Be a part of Indiana Progressives by registering with their site today.

Drinking Liberally in Indiana: Promoting democracy one pint at a time! Drinking liberally is a social organization with chapters nationwide. There are six Indiana Drinking Liberally groups (see below). If there isn't one near you, you can set one up at the Drinking Liberally website. If you don't like bars, I have always thought non-drinkers could set up their own drinking liberally groups in coffee houses. Here are the current Indiana groups:

Bloomington
* Every Tuesday, 7:00 pm onward
* Upland Brewery, 350 W 11th St (map)
* Hosted by Eric Foster and Chris Herlihy, bloomington (at) drinkingliberally.org

Indianapolis
* Every Thursday, 7:00-10:00 pm
* Spencer's Stadium Tavern, 802 S West St (SW corner of West & McCarty streets)
* map: http://tinyurl.com/ann6t
* Hosted by Jason Borneman, indianapolis (at) drinkingliberally.org

Noblesville
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Ram Brewery, 12750 Parkside Dr (near the corner of 126th St and Hwy 37)
* Hosted by Keith Clock and Molly Martin, noblesville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Lafayette
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Lafayette Brewing Company - UPSTAIRS, 622 Main St
* Hosted by Amy Clinton-Corbett, Mary Nauman, Curtis Parker, Jon Neal, Susan Schechter and Gavin Steiger, lafayette (at) drinkingliberally.org

New Albany:
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* "The Red Room" of Rich-O's Public House, 3312 Plaza Dr (Near the Kroger on Grant Line Rd; and next to Sportstime Pizza)
* Rich-Os is 21+ and "The Red Room" is in the smoking section, though we are able to meet in alternative areas of the Rich-O's/Sportstime Pizza complex to accomodate under-age attendants and those who are sensitive to cigarette smoke.
* We will now be meeting on THURSDAYS instead of Wednesdays to accomodate the academic work week.
* Hosted by Lacy Davis, newalbany (at) drinkingliberally.org

South Bend
* First and third Thursday of each month (next meeting October 5), 7:00 pm onward
* Oaken Bucket, 1212 S Ironwood Dr (map)
* Hosted by Chris Wilson, Thomas Winegar and Ben Runkle, southbend (at) drinkingliberally.org

Progressive Democrat Issue 93: NATIONAL ACTION: The Final Sprint to Win

Unless you are engaged locally with a campaign, there is one thing I strongly urge you to do for at least a couple of hours. Join the MoveOn.org Call for Change Phonebank where you, from your home, contact voters in key swing districts and GET OUT THE DEMOCRATIC VOTE!

Call For Change: It's Too Close NOT to Call

Call for Change -- It`s Too Close NOT to Call -- MoveOn.org Political ActionThis year, victory will come down to voter turnout. We've found the Democratic-leaning people who often don't vote in mid-term elections like this one. If we can just get these “unlikely voters” to vote, they'll provide a winning margin in a whole bunch of races.

Over 30 races are in a dead heat – margins of a few thousand or few hundred votes. We’ve tested these calls, and we know they work – the people we talk to are much more likely to turn out. Your calls could tip the balance – but we're in a daily struggle to make sure we're reaching more voters than the Republicans’ infamous turnout program. Can you help?

I can vouch for this program. A MoveOn.org organizer from Denver is staying with Joy and myself and working herself ragged organizing this phonebanking effort. But she needs your help to make calls. Your calls can help make the difference between a Republican and a Democratic Congress. Sign up today.

Progressive Democrat Issue 93: GETTING ACTIVE THROUGHOUT 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.