Progressive Democrat Issue 117: THOUGHTS

Somewhat truncated newsletter this week. Simply put, this week has been crazy! Work has been hectic. A Daily Kos connection has put me onto a possible real estate investment in Oregon. A potential (and, as far as I know, as yet un-discussed) NYC mayoral candidate has indicated a possible announcement of candidacy with a group I help organize. The FBI (yes...FBI) has contacted me because they were interested in something I wrote about Brooklyn politics and want to consult with me on it. And on Culture Kitchen I got to be the first stop on Teresa Heinz Kerry's blog publicity tour for her conference on women's health and the environment.

So, I am not doing as much local stuff. Sorry!

I was going to have an action alert regarding the Congressional Black Caucus' alliance with Fox News to hold a Presidential forum, but the issue is now moot. The alliance is now meaningless. First John Edwards said he would refuse to have anything to do with the forum if Fox is in the deal. He also was the first to refuse to have anything to do with a forum the Nevada Democratic Party contemplated having with Fox. This time around Barack Obama (a member of the CBC!) and, a little later, Hillary Clinton, both followed Edwards' lead. That would make any such forum kind of useless, if the three front runners refuse to attend.

Makes you wonder. Why is Fox so darned eager to hold a forum for the Democratic primary? I am glad that our candidates are doing the right thing! Bravo Edwards, Obama and Clinton!

Last week someone complained that my coverage of Wisconsin issues was "weak." Well, I hope most of my readers find my newsletter worth reading. But I can't cover every state in detail every time. And if you want more coverage of your particular area, remember, I am very busy and covering a large area. So I always welcome guest articles, meaning you can get word out about things in your area if you like. I, of course, reserve the right to refuse any article or to provide my own opinion in response, and I do not endorse one Democrat over another. But if you want to see more coverage in your area, then please write something and submit it. And, of course, this week where I have had no time to focus on ANY local stuff, his complaint will be proven right. Ah, well. I am but one person.

I also got some good feedback from Co-op America about recycled paper. Co-op America is an organization I have had a relationship with for more than a decade, first purchasing from their catalog back when they had one, and now I support them through a loan. I am glad that they have come across my newsletter and I will follow up their comment in the next issue if I can.

Oh, yeah and Henry Rollins' EXCELLENT show is back on the International Film Channel. People, WATCH IT!

Now, here is this week's newsletter.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

BILL RICHARDSON RESPONDS TO MOVEON.ORG

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE, NOT THE PAST

IOWA DEMOCRATS NAIL BROWBACK'S FLIP-FLOPPING

DC MARCH FOR VOTING RIGHTS

VIRGINIA/DC AREA GROUPS AND EVENTS

NYC GROUPS AND EVENTS

NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

CALIFORNIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

MIDWEST GROUPS AND EVENTS