Progressive Democrat Issue 102: THOUGHTS

We are at that quiet period between Christmas and New Years. I was expecting last week's readership to be low given the holidays, but I really had somewhat more readers than usual. Maybe I should just stop obsessing over the patterns of readership and just assume what I'm doing is what people want me to do! But being a scientist, I do love data and the patterns of how many reders from what places interests me. For the record, last week saw a continued resurgence of New Jersey readership and more than average California readership. Right now NYC, NJ and CA are my three biggest areas of readership.

This last week Gerald Ford died. I want to take a moment to consider his death in a broader context.

There was a time, barely remembered today, when the idea of bipartisanship really seemed reasonable. There was once a kind of Republican, now driven to the verge of extinction, called the "Eisenhower Republican." Today, the equivalent beast would be called a "Moderate Democrat." The Republican Party itself has largely purged itself of Eisenhower Republicans in its radical shift to the right.

I have always been a Democrat. But even the earliest President I remember, Richard Nixon, though a crazy, paranoid, power hungry SOB, could be ideologically reasonable, as evidenced by his establishment of the EPA. But Nixon, probably unintentionally, began the decline of the Eisenhower Republican. Some of those he brought into government are the very same "barking crazy rightwingers" who have systematically been destroying our nation under Bush. That, combined with Nixon's spectacular and televised downfall, discredited the reasonable, moderate Republican. The Democrats, then more liberal than now, were ready to take advantage of Nixon's downfall, and the far right wing Republicans, then marginalized but poised to strike, were ready to begin their plans to take over the nation through lying, stealing and cheating.

One man had a small chance of saving the Eisenhower Republican: President Gerald Ford.

Gerald Ford, the last of the Eisenhower Republicans who had any chance of saving the Republican Party from the barking crazy rightwingers, has died.

Gerald Ford had been a well-respected Congressman, someone who could work with both parties to get things done. As criminal charges consumed Nixon and his administration, Gerald Ford was the last chance Republicans had of restoring respectability. Centrist, traditionalist and all around nice guy, Ford might have been the only person who could have saved the Republican Party from being taken over by extremists or lapsing into obscurity.

Pardoning Nixon and the stagflation Ford inherited from Nixon pretty much made it impossible for Ford to succeed. In the end, a moderate Democrat (Jimmy Carter) defeated Ford for President, and the right wing fringe of the Republican Party swept in to destroy the Eisenhower Republicans and take over. Those right wing nutcases have not only gone to great lengths to destroy our Constitution and to run up the biggest budget deficits in hitsory, but have also by now alienated moderate Republicans. The death of the Eisenhower branch of the Republican Party was one reason why Democrats won this year.

And with the Republican Party now nearly completely dominated by anti-democracy, right wing fools, and with Democrats winning by appealing to American moderates, Gerald Ford, at the age of 93, has died.

America has always been and should remain a two-party system. Why? Because we, as a culture, divide pretty solidly into Federalist and State's Rights camps...strict interpretation vs. loose interpretation of the Constitution... These are very real ambiguities within our system, left ambiguous by those who formed our government, and it is the give and take between these two views of government that has made our nation strong. The big danger now is that one party, the Republicans, have been taken over by a group that believes in neither of these philosophies of government except as a way of fooling voters. Instead, the barking crazy rightwingers have, in essence, thrown the whole Constitutional dichotomy out the window and have tried instituting a one-party, Soviet system of crony capitalism, corruption and war profiteering.

I have always been a Democrat and almost certainly will remain a Democrat for life. Why? Because I like the fact that the Democratic Party represents America's diversity in almost every way and, by and large, is more representative of the average American than the more elitist, pro-wealthy Republican Party has been since Harding's time. You'd have to go back before Harding before I would consider the Republican Party more representative of my views than the Democratic Party.

But I respect a healthy, moderate Republican Party, the Eisenhower Republicans, to balance the two-party American system. That is why Ford's failure to hold the line against the right wing extremists within the Republican Party is a shame and why I am saddened by Ford's death.

Since Ford's presidency, the entire track of the Republican Party has been towards more and more extremism, more and more lies, more and more greed, and more and more corruption. Almost every traditional, Eisenhower Republican ideal has been thrown out by the barking crazy rightwingers, as the three largest deficits in our history came from Reagan, the elected Bush and the current little Bush and as the idea of "small government" has been thrown out the window in a greedy rush to publicly fund the corrupt military-industrial-religious extremist complex.

I can only hope that the Republican Party can rediscover its Gerald Ford/Dwight Eisenhower side and reject the extremists who currently control their Party.

Hope everyone has a happy new year!

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

The First Step in Iraq (humor)

A COMMENT ABOUT 2008 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

BUSH CRONYISM: Shilling for Shell

NYC FOCUS: Atlantic Yards and Development in NYC

NYC GROUPS AND EVENTS

VIRGINIA FOCUS: Raising the Minimum Wage

VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

BLOGGING THE MIDWEST

MIDWEST GROUPS AND EVENTS

RUNNING FOR DELEGATE IN CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Progressive Democrat Issue 102: THE FIRST STEP IN IRAQ (humor)

This is from American Progress:




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Progressive Democrat Issue 102: A BRIEF WORD ABOUT 2008

Speculation is rife about the 2008 Presidential election...and on all the blogs, particularly Daily Kos, the internal fights over who to back have begun. Within weeks of the great victory of the moderate/progressive Democratic alliance, that alliance started fragmenting over who to support 2 years from now.

I won't cover this issue much. Not only is this newsletter not intended for internal dissention within the party so much as finding common ground and working to achieve common goals, but also because, quite simply, I have not chosen a horse to back in this race. But, since speculation is in the air, let me make a few comments.

Hillary Clinton gives us the possibility of the first woman President. We are WAY behind in this one. Not only has Germany, Israel and Britain all had women executives, but even nations not know for being progressive on women's rights, like Pakistan, Nicaragua, India and Sri Lanka, have beaten us to the punch. As America has argued over whether we "are ready" for a woman president, these nations have done it. It is WAY past time for us to accept a woman President. Hillary has clear plusses and minuses. I am not likely to support her in the primaries, but were she to get the nomination I would be more than willing to support her because I think she would make a perfectly good President, especially in comparison with any of the Republican contenders. I don't have to agree with someone 100% to think they would make a good President. I certainly don't agree with Hillary 100%, but I do think she would make a good President.

Barak Obama: Are we ready for a black President? I know I am. Obama inspires people and we need that. And he represents the REAL American Dream, not the all-white, homogeneous "dream" that Republicans push. As with Hillary, I don't agree with Obama 100%, but I don't have to.

John Edwards: I never quite got why people were so taken by Edwards, but two things make me revise my earlier, unimpressed view of him. First off, there is the very fact that he HAS inspired people. Again, we NEED inspiring candidates. With Obama and Edwards both running, I think that will get lots of people's attention. The other thing I like about Edwards is his focus on poverty. That is VERY important and of all the candidates, Edwards is the one who has the most focus on bread-and-butter, working class issues. That may be exactly what we need.

Wes Clark: Republican turned Democrat. I am always suspicious of Republicans who suddenly see the light and become Democrats...but I also welcome them. Locally a man named Eric Adams ran for State Senate. He was "accused" of being a recently converted Republican. Fine...he was still an excellent candidate I supported wholeheartedly: a former police captain, a civil rights advocate and a leader in the black community. Wes Clark doesn't inspire me...but he certainly represents moderate America and is a Democrat (now) who was also a general and leader in war. Again, he wouldn't be my choice in the primary, most likely, but he would make a good President.

Bill Richardson: I think it will be, sadly, harder to get our first Hispanic than our first black or woman President. But I also think that the dynamic of putting the whole Southwest into play with a Hispanic candidate has been completely unexplored. So far he just doesn't seem to be able to inspire enough. And is New Mexico a big enough power base to start with?

These are the ones I see most likely to both run and have a real shot at the nomination. I have supported both Al Gore and John Kerry in the past and would support them again for the same reasons I supported them in the past. Vilsack and Kucinich, all other considerations aside, have their names going against them. I believe we would have a woman or black President before we have someone with a name like Vilsack, Kucinich or, shall we say, Dukakis for President. Does Obama have the same disadvantage? Quite possibly, but his personality just might overcome that. I don't see Vilsack or Kucunich overcoming their name handicap. Biden has become a perpetual also ran. He also has so far lacked the ability to inspire adequately, though if he really stands up against the McCain/Bush suicidal troop surge he may well spark his own surge in people's estimation.

And there is the "governor" factor. Governors win general elections for President, no one else really does. Except, maybe, VPs (elected Bush and Gore). So, does that mean Richardson has more of a shot than I am predicting?

I know I am forgetting some, but I think the above will be the main early contenders. There is always the chance of a dark horse. Democrats do well with dark horses. No one believed Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton would be our nominees, let alone President. Again, that gives me a sense that Governor Richardson may have far more of a chance than any of us are allowing...I doubt it, buy I doubted Bill Clinton practically until the end!

And that is about all the speculation I plan on. I am more interested in building the Party's infrastructure, strengthening our hold on Congress in 2008, winning Secretaries of State and Attorneys General positions, and winning state legislatures than I am in the 2008 Presidential primary.

Progressive Democrat Issue 102: BUSH ADMINISTRATION CRONY CAPITALISM: Gale Norton Joins Shell Oil

Gale Norton: Shilling for Shell

This is how the Bush Administration works: if you spend some time helping destroy government regulations from within, you will be rewarded with a nice, cushy industry job which will allow you to help industry exploit the crony capitalism Bush engages in.

Gale Norton was a protégé of James Watt, the Reagan Interior Secretary who said publicly that we need to use up all our resources because the second coming is at hand. She had ties with the Chlorine Chemical Council, National Coal Council, Chemical Manufacturers Association, and the National Mining Association, all of whom relied on her to help escape environmental laws. As a lawyer, she argued that many industries had a "right to pollute." Coming with this "qualification," Norton was appointed by Bush as Sec. of the Interior. In this position she not only pushed as hard as possible for all industries to have a right to pollute as much as they wanted, but she also violated treaties with Native Americans to divert water they had treaty rights to.

Gale Norton resigned as Interior Secretary in 2006. Now, Gale Norton has been hired by Shell Oil.

Think about this: someone who Bush appointed as caretaker of America's environment is not hired by Shell Oil. This is TYPICAL of right wing America. It isn't about doing a good job, it's about greed and corruption. It isn't about government as a responsible shepherd, but rather misusing government to help cronies and benefit the richest CEOs. It isn't even about America, it is about corporate profits and looting the American economy. This is just one more example of the kind of crony capitalism that Bush favors which uses government to subvert the market economy and benefit buddies of high placed Republicans.

Progressive Democrat Issue 102: NYC FOCUS

Many of my NYC readers are aware of the Atlantic Yards fiasco and the recent developments. I have been pretty busy and distracted, but now I finally can find the time to sit down and put into words the disgust and forboding that I feel as our state government green lights one of the most un-American, corrupt and poorly conceived development plans in American history: the Bruce Ratner plan to profit from the exploitation of Brooklyn, with the help of tax money from NYC and NY State.

The state has approved Ratner's plan to develop the Atlantic Yards and surrounding areas of Brooklyn despite the fact that not one single concern of the community has been addressed. Sewage, traffic, schools, fire houses, jobs and affordable housing are all unanswered questions. But we are told to shut up, get out of the way, and let Ratner use tax money to make a giant profit.

Albany is broken and it is affecting Brooklyn. Albany is broken, and the approval of Ratner's get richer with government help scheme is a giant indication of how bad Albany has become.

Shelly Silver, the only Democrat (until Eliot Spitzer takes over) in Albany’s infamous “room” where three men purportedly meet, has sided with Republican Joe Bruno (under investigation by the FBI) and Republican George Pataki to basically violate the basic principles of private property by evicting private property owners from their private property to benefit Pataki’s law school buddy, Bruce Ratner.

Let me rephrase and reiterate that: the NY State government is seizing private property to benefit a crony of the Governor’s. This is not good old-fashioned American free-market capitalism. This is not good government. This is not even good economics. This the odd hybrid economy of state-sponsored crony capitalism that Bush has championed since he moved from Texas to DC. Pataki, Bruno and Silver are helping to undermine one of the basic principles of the American economy: private property. They are wallowing in a culture of corruption that we have seen permeate the Republican party and, with Shelly Silver, seems to affect NY State Democrats as well.

The main beneficiary of this use of the government’s power of eviction is not the community, but an individual, Bruce Ratner. In exchange for the muscle of government and taxpayer (our) money behind him, Ratner has promised jobs, affordable housing, and tax revenues for the city. Problem is none of this is legally binding and we are asked to take on faith that Ratner will be good for Brooklyn the same way we have been asked to take on faith that what was good for Enron or Halliburton is good for America. But since when did office space and an arena generate good, long-term, union jobs and why is Ratner, whose record of job creation is non-existent, being trusted with this project? Most of the promised affordable housing doesn’t even match what is considered affordable in Manhattan and there is no guarantee that that housing will remain affordable. And, once again, why is Ratner, who has no record at all of creating affordable housing, being trusted with this project? And the tax revenue promises have already been scaled back considerably (by $500 million) before the first spade of earth is turned.

And Brooklyn STILL has not been told how the traffic will be handled, how the already over-burdened schools and fire houses will cope, what will happen to the massive increase of sewage being forced into Brooklyn’s already overloaded sewage system, or how the security issues created by Ratner’s project will be addressed.

We already have massive traffic jams right where Ratner wants to add an arena and 17 skyscrapers. We already have chronic sewage backups throughout much of brooklyn every time there is a heavy rain, leading to a worsening state of the Gowanus canal and to the need for buildings like the one I live in to spend $300,000 to install pumps to keep the sewage from fountaining up in our bathrooms. We already have overcrowded schools. And we already have sharp increase in fires even as Bloomberg closes firehouses.

In short, we are asked by one of the most dysfunctional state governments in the nation to trust them that the traffic jams that are already bad won’t get considerably worse, we won’t get yet more sewage flooding our basements, our schools won’t be further overcrowded and our already thin fire coverage won’t be stretched to the breaking point. Not to mention the corrupt, underhanded way that the whole review process has been carried out.

To all our elected officials who told us that they would not support the Ratner project if eminent domain was used: what are you doing NOW that the eviction notices have been sent out?

To Eliot Spitzer and the other "reformers" who vow to clean up Albany, what do you propose to do with a project whose review process reflects, in the words of former Senior White House Advisor to President Clinton, Sean Patrick Maloney, "...the face of what’s wrong with a corrupt culture that mixes business and politics, profits and tax dollars."

We are being asked to take a lot on faith. But the scandals of Enron and Halliburton tell me one thing: the scandalous state-sponsored crony capitalism that Bush, Pataki, Bruno and Silver seem happy with hurts America, hurts our communities and helps no one but the richest Americans and their political lap dogs. We should NOT take on faith the promises and half-lies of Ratner, Pataki, Bruno and Silver.

Spitzer? Cuomo? Gotbaum? I am hearing silence from your corners as Pataki hands a chunk of Brooklyn over to his crony for exploitation without adequate guarantees to and input from the community and without adequate exploration of the effects it will have on Brooklyn’s infrastructure and quality of life.

Folks, there was never just one proposal for developing Atlantic Yards. There are four competing proposals. Why has only the plan put forth by Pataki's crony gotten attention and due consideration? America is all about capitalism and competition, not cronyism. So let’s put all four proposals back on the board and let BROOKLYN, not Albany, decide. And let’s respect private property in cases like this where the primary beneficiary of the project is a private individual, not a community.

Finally, there is an event in Manhattan that would be of interest to people concerned about NYC development, PARTICULARLY the Atlantic Yards development issues. On Thursday, January 4th, at 6:00 p.m., the Center for Architecture – home to the New York City chapter of the American Institute of Architects – will screen “Brooklyn Matters,” a documentary by Brooklyn filmmaker, urban planner and historian Isabel Hill. The timely and urgent film exposes how powerful interests are circumventing community participation and skirting legal protections to push the “Atlantic Yards” project forward at any cost.

Ms. Hill, a Brooklyn resident, and former planner in New York City’s Department of City Planning, directed the award-winning “Made in Brooklyn,” a documentary about the borough’s manufacturing industry.

From the American Institute of Architects website:

Brooklyn is distinctly different and yet such an important part of New York City. The names itself brings to mind tree-lined streets, finely carved rowhouses and beautiful churches and diverse communities, rich in cultural life and ethnic heritage. On the upswing, vibrant and rebuilding itself, Brooklyn faces a new challenge—an uncommon development, designed by world famous architect Frank Gehry, that threatens to redirect Brooklyn’s future and reshape its identity.

BROOKLYN MATTERS is an insightful documentary which reveals the fuller truth about the Atlantic Yards proposal and highlights how a few powerful men are circumventing community participation and planning principles to try to push their own interests forward.

Event is free, but RSVP HERE

What:
Brooklyn Matters, a documentary film by Isabel Hill.
Panel discussion to follow.

When:
Thursday, January 4th
Doors open at 6:00 pm
Film starts at 6:30.

Where:
Center for Architecture
536 LaGuardia Place (between West 3rd Street and Bleecker Street)
Greenwich Village
For mass transit access, take the A, B, C, D, E or F subway to West 4th Street

Progressive Democrat Issue 102: NYC GROUPS AND EVENTS

Local involvement is really what wins elections. Please get involved. I have made friends, met many of my elected officials who now (sometimes!) actually listen to me, and have really felt like I am making a difference. From time to time I will also post events going on, but mostly this is a list of organizations in your area. If I have missed any, please let me know.

BROOKLYN GROUPS AND EVENTS:

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! Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of every month at 7 PM at the Park Slope United Methodist Church, 6th Ave. & 8th Street in the basement (enter through the garden gate on 6th Ave).


Independent Neighborhood Democrats (IND): I usually work with this club. They cover the 52nd Assembly district, covering Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill. Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of every month at 7 PM (yes...same time as CBID above because they are sort of rival groups!) at their clubhouse 489 Court St. in Carroll Gardens.


New Democratic Majority in Brooklyn: Originally an outgrowth of the Dean campaign, NDM is one of the more active progressive organizations around. This is the Brooklyn branch of that organization and we are still building our membership. 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: Another outgrowth of the Dean Campaign, this is another excellent local progressive organization. Usually meets the first Wed. of every month at various locations. CLICK HERE to find your closest monthly meeting.

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 other 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.


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MANHATTAN GROUPS AND EVENTS:


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: Another outgrowth of the Dean Campaign, this is another excellent local progressive organization. Usually meets the first Wed. of every month at various locations. CLICK HERE to find your closest monthly meeting.

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

Upper East Side, location TBD, with hosts 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


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


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QUEENS GROUPS AND EVENTS:

Democracy for America Meetings: Another outgrowth of the Dean Campaign, this is another excellent local progressive organization. Usually meets the first Wed. of every month at various locations. CLICK HERE to find your closest monthly meeting.

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: Last Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward. Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102. Hosted by Donald Graff, queens (at) drinkingliberally.org

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


Click here to go back to THOUGHTS section and Table of Contents for this issue.


STATEN ISLAND GROUPS AND EVENTS:

THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO STATEN ISLAND DEMOCRACY FOR NYC CHAPTERS! You can start one by emailing linkup -at- dfnyc.org (replace -at- with @). These groups are great for keeping in touch and for candiates to introduce themselves and beg you for support.

Young Democrats of Staten Island: The future of the Democratic Party in Staten Island!

Staten Island African American Political Association: For more information, contact deb2badd –at- aol.com (replace –at- with @)

THERE ARE NO DRINKING LIBERALLY GROUPS IN STATEN ISLAND!!! You can start one by clicking here. It is a fun, social way to grow the grassroots and patronize a local watering hole as well.

For more Democratic Clubs in Staten Island, CLICK HERE.

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BRONX GROUPS AND EVENTS:

THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO BRONX DEMOCRACY FOR NYC CHAPTERS! You can start one by emailing linkup -at- dfnyc.org (replace -at- with @). These groups are great for keeping in touch and for candiates to introduce themselves and beg you for support.


WEST BRONX 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. There is currently only one Bronx Drinking Liberally group:

West Bronx: First and third Friday of each month, 7:30 pm onward at An Beal Bocht, 445 W 238th St (between Waldo and Greystone). Hosted by Jamin Sewell and Scott Kennedy, westbronx (at) drinkingliberally.org


Find your closest Bronx Democratic Club by CLICKING HERE.


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Progressive Democrat Issue 102: VIRGINIA FOCUS

Following up on a more local, Virginia version of the economic issues Democrats should focus on, here is an action alert from the Virginia Organizing Project.

Your help is needed to raise the minimum wage in Virginia!

It's time that the poorest working Virginians got a raise. Virginia's hourly minimum wage of $5.15 has not been changed since 1997. Because inflation has eroded the wage's value, minimum wage workers earn just a third of what the average American worker makes today, the largest such gap since 1949. Since 1997, the minimum wage has decreased in value by 17 percent!

Minimum wage earners work as hard as anybody else. Yet they find themselves hopelessly behind in meeting the escalating costs of daily living, even with food stamps, rental assistance, and other forms of aid. Rents have soared, and thousands of people are waiting in line for years to gain an affordable place to live. (There are a lot more details once you go to "Act Now.")

Action Needed:

Please contact your state Delegate and Senator and encourage them to support an increase in Virginia's minimum wage. Please visit http://vop.e-actionmax.com to contact your state Delegate and Senator and follow the instructions below.

1. Enter your e-mail address only (do not enter a password) and click on Login. If your e-mail address is already on our database, please follow step 2 below. If your e-mail address is not found on our database, you will be taken to the sign up page (please follow the instructions for signing up). Once signed up, click Continue to get to the E-Action Alert Page.

2. This will take you to your own personal page where you can correct or fill in your contact information (which is needed in order to send your message to the correct state Delegate and Senator). Be sure to create a password here. (The password will also protect your privacy!). Also on this page you will also be able to choose the types of issues you wish to receive alerts on.

Thanks for all your continued support!

Progressive Democrat Issue 102: VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Democracy for America: One of the best ways to get active! If you only do one thing that is political, join your local DFA group! FIND YOUR LOCAL DFA MEETUP AND GET INVOLVED! The statewide site seems to not be active, but it has MANY great links on the right hand side, including links to some local Virginia DFA groups. And for Washington, DC, your local DFA group can be found here.


Virginia Organizing Project:
The Virginia Organizing Project (VOP) is a statewide grassroots organization dedicated to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities to address issues that affect the quality of their lives. VOP especially encourages the participation of those who have traditionally had little or no voice in our society. By building relationships with individuals and groups throughout the state, VOP strives to get them to work together, democratically and non-violently, for change. Here's a calendar of events.


Virginia Young Democrats: The next generation of Democrats in Virginia! Their stated goals are:

# To support and elect Democratic candidates for public office
# To widen and increase the interest and knowledge of young people in government and the political process
# To train and develop young people for positions of leadership
# To increase the role of under-represented people in our Party, government, and society
# To serve those in need in our community

Join in or, if you are no longer young enough to be a "Young Democrat," give them a little support.


The Democratic Party: Here are links to some of your local Dem clubs. This is another very important way to be active. You can also find a calendar of events for Democratic Party activities in Virginia here.

Washington DC Democratic Party

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
* Every Tuesday, 8:30 pm onward
* Biltmore Grill, 16 Elliewood Ave
* Hosted by Michael Snook, Justin Villegas, TJ Bateman and Bridget Moriarty, charlottesville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Norfolk, Virginia
* Third Thursday of each month 5:00-7:00 pm
* The New Belmont, 2117 Colonial Ave (upstairs at the bar)
* Hosted by Megan Feeley and Steve Earnhart, norfolk (at) drinkingliberally.org

Virginia Beach, Virginia
* Second Tuesday of each month 6:00 pm onward
* Jewish Mother, 3108 Pacific Ave
* Hosted by Chris Jaramillo and Eileen Levandoski, vabeach (at) drinkingliberally.org

And two Washington, DC groups:

Capitol Hill
* Every Wednesday, 7:00-9:00 pm
* The 18th Amendment, 613 Pennsylvania Ave SE (~2 Blocks NW of Eastern Market Metro Stop)
* Hosted by Micha Rieser, dcwed (at) drinkingliberally.org


Dupont Circle
* Every Thursday, 6:30-8:30 pm
* Timberlake's, 1726 Connecticut Ave NW
* Metro: Dupont Circle (red line)
* Hosted by Kim Davis and Keith Ivey, dcthu (at) drinkingliberally.org


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Progressive Democrat Issue 102: NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

Let me first highlight an upcoming event:

Barbara McMorrow's swearing in as Monmouth County Freeholder January 04, 2007
Hall of Records, Main Street
Freehold Borough, NJ 07728
For more info, contact Monmouth Democrats: 732-922-2700

Come Watch Barbara McMorrow get sworn in as Monmouth County's first Democratic Freeholder in over twenty years! That is an event worth showing up for! Wish I could be there.


Here is how you can find your local Dem clubs. Go to HERE and click on your county. You can also click on their Calendar to find out Democratic Party events throughout the state.


New Jersey for Democracy: Possibly even more important than finding your local Democratic club, I strongly urge you to find your closest Democracy for America group. This organization, started by Howard Dean, is the future of the progressive grassroots in America. If there isn't a group near you, start one. It is a great way to get started in the political process. Here in NYC we get to meet all sorts of politicians who want our endorsement.


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

New Brunswick, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month, 7:00 PM @ Doll's Place, 101 Paterson St. New Brunswick, NJ

Hoboken, New Jersey, Fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:00-10:00 pm, Mulligan's, 159 1st Street (between Bloomfield and Garden), Hosted by Leigh Wolinsky, David Alpert and Morgan Baden, hoboken (at) drinkingliberally.org

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

Montclair Every other Wednesday, 6:30 pm onward, Egan & Sons, 118 Walnut St. Hosted by Jon Hershberg, montclair (at) drinkingliberally.org

Morristown, Third Thursday of each month (next meeting April 20), 7:00 pm onward; The Famished Frog, 18 Washington St. Hosted by Jim Long, Tracy Kurland, Rob Gregory and Dave Cochran, morristown (at) drinkingliberally.org

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


Click here to go back to THOUGHTS section and Table of Contents for this issue.

Progressive Democrat Issue 102: BLOGGING THE MIDWEST

Grassroots is all about making connections, discussing issues and making plans with like-minded activists. Here I want to suggest some resources for Midwest readers to connect, discuss and plan.

Here are discussion groups/blogs you can join to get connected locally: (with a blurb taken from each site describing itself)

Democracy for Wisconsin discussion group: We are a group committed to developing a grassroots network throughout the State of Wisconsin aligned with Democracy for America, the national organization founded by former presidential candidate Howard Dean. Our goal is to develop strong, sustained grassroots participation in American democracy. We work to increase citizen engagement with the political process through voting, communicating with elected officials, reforming and strengthening the Democratic Party, and promoting candidates who support progressive values of peace, social justice and economic opportunities for all Americans. We are also committed to working with Democracy for America to fight against the influence and agenda of the two pillars of Republican political control in America: the far right wing and their radical, divisive policies, and the corporate special interests that dominate and fund our political system.

Iowa Progress: We are a group of politically active young people who just can’t stop reading and writing about news, and we’re always growing. We aim to be the premier destination for an intelligent audience interested in the goings-on in one of the most politically important states in the country.

Iowa Voters: This site will report on Iowa voting. We will seek open and transparent elections by reporting and editorializing.

Open elections occur when roadblocks to voting are removed and when all candidates have equal opportunity to reach the voters.

Transparent elections occur when there is no doubt that the results reflect the will of the electorate, and when the losers agree that they have lost an honest election, fairly conducted and openly administered in a way that a high school graduate can comprehend.

MI-Dems: "Working together to build one Michigan" [My comment: looks intimidating to navagate at first, but it seems to be excellent in terms of information and content!]

Rayne Today: [have to plug this one...I believe I have crossed virtual paths with this person in several contexts]

Michigan Liberal: he four basic precepts of Michiganliberal.com, as defined by Matt:

1) The Democratic Party is the liberal political party of America.

2) The Republican Party of Michigan and the United States is currently controlled by a sinister coalition of amoral wealthy business interests and religious extremists.

3) If we are to have any chance at all at stopping the tide of neocon/theocon thuggery, we must take pride in and embrace our great liberal heritage.

4) A strong, bold, and united Democratic party is the only viable means to restoring human decency and honor to our state and national government. Further fragmentation of the left will only aid the radical right.

Progressive Democrat Issue 102: MIDWEST PROGRESSIVE GROUPS (IA, IN, WI, MI)

I apologize for lumping such diverse states together under "Midwest," but to date I don't have enough readers in any one Midwestern state to give any of them their own attention the way I do with Virginia, NYC and California. Get me more readers in YOUR state and I will happily put more effort into writing about that state. Until then, these are the four Midwestern region states that I get some readership from regularly.

IOWA GROUPS:

January 9th EVENT: 10 am - 4 pm, First Floor Rotunda of the State Capitol in Des Moines: Join Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at the State Capitol for CCI's Rally and Lobby Day and help Reclaim Democracy! Be there to tell legislators and other state leaders that we want action on local control, clean air and water, Voter-Owned Clean Elections and home owner protections. For more info, go here.


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.


Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement: ICCI has helped ordinary Iowans get to work on a variety of social, economic and environmental justice issues they care deeply about. Whether the issue is factory farms, housing or improving neighborhoods, ICCI is there organizing people to make a difference. Find out what you can do for Iowa here. For a calendar of events, go here. This organization is all about COMMUNITY.


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.


WISCONSIN FAIR TRADE COALITION: The Wisconsin Fair Trade Coalition is a statewide collaboration of labor, environmental, consumer, family farm and interfaith groups founded in 1994 during the fight over the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). They are united in a common belief that international trade and investment are not ends unto themselves, but instead must be viewed as a means for achieving other societal goals including economic justice, human rights, healthy communities and a sound environment. The economy exists to help people, not the other way around.

WFTC is the leading state advocacy vehicle to fight for trade policy that is not tilted in favor of multinational corporations and against the interests of Wisconsin ’s -- and the world's -- working people. If you want to join the coalition, sign up for the newsletter or find out more, contact them at 608.237.1659; Fax 608.442.1439;
Postal Address: 3129 Hermina Street , Madison WI 53714.


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, 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. This is exactly the kind of organization we need in Indiana to deliver a populist progressive message right to the voters.


Evolution Education Institute (EEI) is a national professional development program that had it's origins in the Michigan Scientific Evolution Education Initiative (MSEEI). The MSEEI was administered by the Michigan Science Teacher's Association and was funded by an Eisenhower Higher Education Competitive Grant through the Michigan Department of Education (MDOE) from 1999-2002. The mission of the MSEEI was to provide Michigan teachers and pre-service teacher education students with the necessary content, pedagogy and support system to effectively teach scientific evolution. The Evolution Education Institute expands upon the MSEEI model and brings it to a national audience. he mission of the Evolution Education Institute (EEI) is to promote the understanding of evolution and natural selection theory within the educational community and society at-large and to advocate for its inclusion in science curricula in a manner commensurate with its importance to modern scientific thought. This issue is particularly important to me (I'm a biologist myself!). So please, help out EEI.


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). I should note that means Indiana has more than some much larger states like Virginia. Makes Indiana sound like fun! 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


MICHIGAN GROUPS:

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


Michigan Young Democrats: The next generation of Democrats in Michigan. For information on how to get involved at the local level, please contact Jody Weissler at jweissler@mi-democrats or (517) 371-5410. To get involved with the MYD Executive Board, please contact our President Isaac Robinson at williamisaacrobinson@yahoo.com.


Drinking Liberally in Michigan: Promoting democracy one pint at a time! Drinking liberally is a social organization with chapters nationwide. There are three Michigan 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 Michigan groups:

Ann Arbor, Michigan
* First and third Thursday of each month 8pm
* Leopold Bros., 523 S Main St
* Hosted by John Redmond and Jenay Karlson, annarbor (at) drinkingliberally.org

Detroit, Michigan
* Every Tuesday, 7:00 pm onward
* Honest? John's, 488 Selden St (at 2nd (lighted, secure parking))
* Hosted by Pete Coseo, detroit (at) drinkingliberally.org

Oakland County, Michigan
* Every other Thursday 7:00 pm onward
* Bo's Brewery & Bistro, 51 N Saginaw St, Pontiac (Corner of Huron and Saginaw inside the Woodward Loop)
* We need co-hosts in Oakland County south, east and west for our Road Trips, please contact me for details.
* Hosted by Ron Wasczenski, oaklandcounty (at) drinkingliberally.org


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Progressive Democrat Issue 102: RUNNING FOR DELEGATE IN CA

Reprised from 2 weeks ago because this really is an important way to get involved!

Here is a great way to make the Democratic Party in California more progressive: be a delegate!

This comes from the California for Democracy Blog:

In January of 2005 something remarkable happened: people who were newly active in politics showed up in large numbers at Assembly District Committee meetings all over California... and elected each other to be delegates to the California Democratic Party.

As a result, for the past two years there have been literally hundreds of new progressive delegates working within the California Democratic Party... influencing the party platform... and the endorsement of candidates. Helping to create the newest - and largest - caucus within the state party: the Progressive Caucus.

Now it's time to do it again: the two year term for these delegates is up in January, and it's time to re-elect some of them... and add to their numbers!

Each assembly district (there are 80 in California) will elect 12 delegates. That's up to 960 delegates that we can help select.

These meetings (with a few possible exceptions) will be held on January 13th or 14th - depending upon which Assembly District you reside in. California for Democracy is encouraging its members to show up at their appropriate meetings... and run to be delegates - and/or vote for those who will.

Here are some steps to participate:

* If you don't already know it, determine the assembly district you're registered to vote in. Here's a tool to help do so... Enter your address in the form at the bottom of the page and it will list your elected officials, including your California State House (Assembly) member, indicating your District. (As distinguished from your Federal House member's district! Or your State Senate District!)

* Find the date and time of your district meeting on This Helpful Page. Some district meetings haven't been scheduled yet... so you may need to check back a bit later.

* To RUN to be a Delegate... The State Party will have a form available, both for download as well as to fill out online. The form will be up no later than Friday, December 8. The deadline to fill out the form and have it received by the Sacramento CDP office is 5PM on Tuesday, January 2, 2007. Per CDP By-Laws, you must file 12 days in advance, to be eligible to run for delegate position.

* To PARTICIPATE in the AD Election Meeting: Per CDP By-Laws, you must be a registered Democrat in the Assembly District by the time of the close of registration for the Nov 2006 election. The only exceptions are for persons who turned 18 or were naturalized as citizens after the close of registration - those persons can register on-site as Democrats and participate. A $5 registration fee will be collected from all voting participants, to help defray meeting costs. This registration fee will be waived for those participants who claim economic hardship.

We encourage you to work with other progressive organizations to turn out supporters at these events... and repeat - and build upon - the successful 2005 events.

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Progressive Democrat Issue 102: CALIFORNIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Next to New York, California has become where I have the most readers. So, I need to start focusing a little bit more on California to accomodate all of you! Of course California is pretty big, so mostly what I will do is list the resources you can use to find out what's going on in your area. If you know of a group, send me info!

California for Democracy: This is the California branch of Howard Dean's Democracy for America movement. There are local meetings all over the state (listed on the left hand side of the state website). I participate in my local group and this is one of the ways I get to meet lots of interesting politicians, all of whom are trying to get our support. If you only do one kind of political activism, it should be this! If you join, tell them I sent you...it can't hurt for them to know I'm helping them out! There are also events listed as well as blogs for discussion. This is the ultimate in progressive grassroots! If there isn't a group near you, start one by emailing: steering (at) californiafordemocracy.com


California Democratic Party: To find your local Democratic Party organization, GO HERE. For a Calendar of events GO HERE. To get active in the California Democratic Party by volunteering GO HERE.


DRINKING LIBERALLY: An informal, inclusive progressive social group. 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. This is one of the more fun ways to be involved as a liberal. There are MANY groups in California. If there isn't one in your area, get a few friends together and START ONE! Don't drink alcohol? Then start one in a coffee house, tea lounge or juice bar! The format is flexible. Here's a list of them as of Dec. 2006.


Hollywood
* Second Wednesday of each month 7:00-11:00 PM
* Molly Malone's Irish Pub, 575 South Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles 90036 (near corner of 6th avenue)
* Hosted by Vincent Jones, Cecilia Cabello, Christine Frogozo, Jim Kennedy and Joe Zefran, la (at) drinkingliberally.org

Pasadena
* Every Tuesday, 7:30-10:00 pm
* Madeleine's Wine Bistro, 1030 E Green St (between Wilson and Catalina)
* We try to meet on the patio when no other event is scheduled there. Otherwise, look for us in the wine bar.
* Hosted by Asa Hopkins, pasadena (at) drinkingliberally.org

Monterey
* First Thursday of each month 7:00 pm onward
* Peter B's Brewery, 2 Portola Plz
* Hosted by Annie Ho and Helen Davis, monterey (at) drinkingliberally.org

Orange County
* Every Thursday, 8:30 pm onward
* Memphis Bar, 201 N Broadway, Santa Ana (Artists Village)
* Hosted by Mike Lawson, orangecounty (at) drinkingliberally.org

Sacramento
* First Thursday of each month 7:00 pm onward
* Streets of London Pub, 1804 J St (Midtown)
* Hosted by Leslie Simmons, sacramento (at) drinkingliberally.org

San Diego
* Every other Tuesday 7:30 pm onward
* Nunu's Cocktail Lounge, 3537 5th Ave (Between Brookes and Ivy Ln)
* Hosted by Jesse Rubin and Jason Miller, sandiego (at) drinkingliberally.org

San Francisco
* Every Monday, 7:00-9:00 pm
* Doc's Clock, 2575 Mission St (between 21st and 22nd) (Look for our red, white and blue striped bottle!)
* Hosted by Susan Harrison, sf (at) drinkingliberally.org

Oakland
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month 6:00 - 8:00 PM
* Luka's Taproom & Lounge, 2221 Broadway
* Hosted by Cyril Allen and Philip Combs, oakland (at) drinkingliberally.org

Palo Alto
* Second Thursday of each month 7:00 pm onward
* Antonio's Nut House, 321 S California Ave (At the corner of Birch and California)
* Hosted by Tom Allen, Leilani Iwaishi and Esther Hardwick, paloalto (at) drinkingliberally.org

San Jose
* Every other Thursday 6:30 pm onward
* Trials Pub, 265 N 1st St
* We're usually in the wingbacks by the front door. The bartenders know who we are.
* Hosted by Andy Oliveria and Adam Gulkis, sanjose (at) drinkingliberally.org


Santa Barbara
* Every Wednesday, 8 pm - 10 pm
* Elsie's Bar, 117 W de la Guerra St (behind Paseo Nuveo Mall)
* Elsie's is 21+ and cash only
* Hosted by Daryl Chrisman and Bart Woolery, santabarbara (at) drinkingliberally.org

Stockton
* Third Friday of each month 7:00 pm onward
* Micheal's New York Pizza, 2300 W Alpine Ave #A
* Hosted by Teresa Frison, stockton (at) drinkingliberally.org



SOME REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: These are more specific to particular reagions

LOS ANGELES AREA:

Progressive Los Angeles Network (PLAN): The Progressive Los Angeles Network (PLAN) was formally launched in December 1999. PLAN was founded and built on the success of the 1998 Progressive L.A. Conference which was co-sponsored by a number of local and national institutions and organizations including Occidental College, The Nation Institute, Liberty Hill Foundation, LA Weekly and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. The Progressive LA Conference was an overwhelming success and gave participants a sense that the growth of a wide variety of progressive social movements had reached an important threshold. As a result, attendees and others within the progressive movement in Los Angeles expressed a desire to participate in further discussion about how to develop a common agenda that is community based, inclusive and brings together the wealth of experience and knowledge of organizers, activists, and researchers. To get involved, GO HERE.


ORANGE COUNTY AREA:

Orange County Peace Coalition: An organization that advocates the peaceful resolution of international conflicts and that this ideal become a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. To see a calendar of events, CLICK HERE. To get involved, CLICK HERE.


NORTHERN CALIFORNIA:

Grassrootswest was founded in 2004 as a way to unite Northbay Democrats, Greens, Independents, and even Republicans in getting George Bush out of office. After the stolen election of 2004 it became clear that there still was a need to bridge the divide between the various progressive organizations in the San Francisco North Bay. So their work of bypassing the corporate media, and building alliances of progressives continues to this day. Check them out.


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