Progressive Democrat Issue 110: THOUGHTS

I have been for impeachment ever since it became clear to me that we were being "led" by a "president" who was corrupt, a criminal, lying to get us into wars, violating the Constitution, etc. But for various reasons I wasn't relly anxious to see impeachment attempted. It seemed too hard to achieve, too divisive when I wanted to see Democrats seen as the reasonable, uniting force in America, and I wanted to see Democrats get some things accomplished rather than be seen as obstructionist.

Several things have largely changed my mind. What crystalized it was meeting former Congresswoman from Brooklyn, Liz Holtzman, at my local Democratic Club last week. You see, Liz Holtzman was a member of the House of Representatives in the early '70's and was one of the people who constructed the Articles of Impeachment against Richard Nixon. She has written a book on the topic called "The Impeachment of George W. Bush" and her top arguement for impeachment is based on an exact precedent from 1974. In other words, Bush has committed one act for which there already is an article of impeachment constructed, written and voted on in Congress. All that needs to be done is for the current Congress to apply the 1974 precedent to our current President.

I am a pragmatist. I believe in getting things done and if something isn't going to work you don't put a lot of time into it. So, I have been reluctant to support impeachment even though I feel the grounds are certainly there. When people talk impeachment I am tentatively interested, but I have tended to want to focus more on exposing Republican corruption to dispel the myth of the "moral" party, build the Democrats as the reasonable, effecitve, fiscally responsible and reformist party, and win some seats in Congress. Impeachment seemed like an impossible dream that could become a very damaging nightmare.

Well, we won some seats in Congress. And that changed one major thing: Impeachment could now be debated by Congress if they wanted to. BUT...I still wasn't ready. I felt it was more important to show America that we could get something done. Let's be the economic populist party, the progressive party, and work on things like the minimum wage, election reform, health care, stem cell research, education, etc. Only after we get some real concrete things done can we start battling over Iraq and impeachment, or so I thought.

Well, we have already been getting things done. The Democrats are leading the most productive Congress I can imagine. We need to keep it up for a bit, but I think we already are proving our worth to America. I hope the momentum keeps up for awhile, but clearly Iraq should be on the table and we have accomplished a great deal just by forcing debate on it. America likes what the Democrats are doing so far.

And what about impeachment? We have the House majority, and we have started to show we are an effective party that keeps its campaign promises and can get things done. The Republicans are coming off as obstructionist and petty. Do we have the credibility to raise the issue of impeachment?

Yes...and no. I want to explain why I now say yes, and ask your help to turn the little bit of "no" into a yes.

During a Democratic Primary for Congress in my neighborhood, I backed a candidate named Chris Owens. This Congressional primary got very little attention on dKos, but was extremely hotly contested, turning out to be one of the most expensive and divisive primiaries in history. And, in many ways, it was illustrative of the deep divides within the Democratic party: racial/ethnic divides, class divides, and ideological divides. One of the reasons I liked Chris Owens over the other candidates was he was, in my mind, a preacher for progressives. He was an articulate voice for progressive Democrats and I felt we desperately needed that. Sadly Chris lost. The failure of the national grassroots to come to our aid and the backing of big money and big unions pushed him aside.

One of the things Chris was a strong progressive preacher for was impeachment. He said clearly and publically that although there are many possible grounds for impeachment, we have one absolutely solid one: illegal wiretapping. I really wanted someone who could articulately voice that belief to go to Congress even if I wasn't quite ready to see it happen. You have to have your preachers in place before you get your converts. But I found that this message didn't attract local wealthy "progressives" in my neighborhood. They didn't want to hear "impeachment" and another of the candidates appealled more to them as the moderate candidate. He openly denigrated the idea of impeachment as getting in the way of accomplishing anything. His supporters told me to my face we didn't want another impeachment circus like the impeachment of Clinton. This further convinced me that we weren't ready to talk impeachment.

Then I heard Liz Holtzman, who has been through it before. If ANYONE can be called an expert on impeaching a President, it's Congresswoman Holtzman. With my mind already sympathetic to impeachment, and already feeling like Democrats are finally in charge and showing they are the party responsive to the people, hearing Conrgesswoman Holtzman finally convinced me that now is indeed the time to be working towards impeachment.

First off, what about the Clinton impeachment comparison? Are we just sinking to their level of partisan politics? The aswer is clearly "no." The people who look to the Clinton impeachment and reject the whole idea of impeachment are looking to the wrong precedent. The basis of impeachment of George Bush would be based on the Nixon impeachment, as I will outline below. The impeachment of Nixon was based on a bipartisan investigation by Congress uncovering clear Constitutional violations. The ultimate articles of impeachment were passed with BIPARTISAN support and widespread popular support among voters. By contrast, the impeachment of Clinton was based on his lying about a blow job and was a partisan witch hunt by right wing extremists. The final vote was along partisan lines and had little popular support.

Our model will be the Nixon impeachment. As such, the fundamental issues will be at the foundation of our democracy. Nixon's crimes were direct violations of the Constitution. As such, it is critical to impeach because otherwise the precedent is set for presidents to break the law. So, if the basis of impeachment for Bush is similar to that of Nixon, it is imperative we impeach. I know, I am behind the curve on this one, but it really only recently came home to me how clear this is.

So, what is the basis for impeachment of Bush? Just like Chris Owens advocated, illegal wiretapping. There are other bases for impeachment: lying about Iraq to get us into a war, failures surrounding Katrina, etc. They are outlined in Holtzman's book, The Impeachment of George W. Bush. All of those reasons are important and SHOULD be investigated. But, illegal wire tapping should be the starting point and is the basis for impeachment with the strongest precedent. Why? Because we already have the article of impeachment written up and have proven that it can get bipartisan support.

George W. Bush pesonally authorized about 45 wiretaps without court approval. He has also publically admitted that he has done this.

This is precisely what is covered in Article 2 of the articles of impeachment of Richard Nixon adopted by a bipartisan vote in Congress. Bush is guilty of a crime that was part of the Nixon impeachment. No new case has to be built from scratch. The framework for impeachment based on illegal wiretapping already exists from 1974.

Here it is:

Article 2
Using the powers of the office of President of the United States, Richard M. Nixon, in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of President of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in disregard of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, has repeatedly engaged in conduct violating the constitutional rights of citizens, impairing the due and proper administration of justice and the conduct of lawful inquiries, or contravening the laws governing agencies of the executive branch and the purposed of these agencies.

This conduct has included one or more of the following:

1. He has, acting personally and through his subordinates and agents, endeavoured to obtain from the Internal Revenue Service, in violation of the constitutional rights of citizens, confidential information contained in income tax returns for purposed not authorized by law, and to cause, in violation of the constitutional rights of citizens, income tax audits or other income tax investigations to be intitiated or conducted in a discriminatory manner.

2. He misused the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secret Service, and other executive personnel, in violation or disregard of the constitutional rights of citizens, by directing or authorizing such agencies or personnel to conduct or continue electronic surveillance or other investigations for purposes unrelated to national security, the enforcement of laws, or any other lawful function of his office; he did direct, authorize, or permit the use of information obtained thereby for purposes unrelated to national security, the enforcement of laws, or any other lawful function of his office; and he did direct the concealment of certain records made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation of electronic surveillance.

3. He has, acting personally and through his subordinates and agents, in violation or disregard of the constitutional rights of citizens, authorized and permitted to be maintained a secret investigative unit within the office of the President, financed in part with money derived from campaign contributions, which unlawfully utilized the resources of the Central Intelligence Agency, engaged in covert and unlawful activities, and attempted to prejudice the constitutional right of an accused to a fair trial.

4. He has failed to take care that the laws were faithfully executed by failing to act when he knew or had reason to know that his close subordinates endeavoured to impede and frustrate lawful inquiries by duly constituted executive, judicial and legislative entities concerning the unlawful entry into the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, and the cover-up thereof, and concerning other unlawful activities including those relating to the confirmation of Richard Kleindienst as Attorney General of the United States, the electronic surveillance of private citizens, the break-in into the offices of Dr. Lewis Fielding, and the campaign financing practices of the Committee to Re-elect the President.

5. In disregard of the rule of law, he knowingly misused the executive power by interfering with agencies of the executive branch, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Criminal Division, and the Office of Watergate Special Prosecution Force, of the Department of Justice, and the Central Intelligence Agency, in violation of his duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

In all of this, Richard M. Nixon has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as President and subversive of constitutional government, to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.

Wherefore Richard M. Nixon, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office.


Adopted 28-10 by the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives.

The 28 who voted for Article 2 included 6 Republicans. It's all there ready for us to use. Bush signed his name to the illegal wiretaps and has publically admitted it.

Liz Holtzman also noted that Bush really didn't need to resort to illegal means if he really needed to wiretap. In response to Watergate, Congress in 1978 set up a judicial mechanism by which the President can more easily get permission to wiretap through a court. That court has, since 1978, received some 19,000 requests from Presidents to wiretap. Out of those 19,000 requests only 5 have been denied. Why couldn't Bush go through this existing, Constitutionally approved method of wiretapping? He chose to break the law instead. Why? What was he doing that he felt he had less than a 5/19,000 chance of the court approving?

So there it is. I know many out there came to these conclusions earlier than I did. Sometimes it just takes a concatenation of events to drive a point home. Since November 2006 brought us into a majority in Congress, since we have established our credentials of getting things done and keeping promises, and since realizing the extent to which the illegal wiretapping violation of the Constitution is based on solid precedent, I now believe the time has come to push for impeachment. Or, the way I am thinking of it, there is clear probable cause to initiate impeachment based on Article 2 of Nixon's impeachment. There is possible cause for other articles of impeachment, but they can be added later once an investigation uncovers more facts. But an investigation must be initiated.

Now, here's where I need your help. I love our Democratic majority Congress. They are kicking ass, in my opinion. But, as in the impeachment of Nixon, widespread public support (or at least interest) must be demonstrated. It also would be very helpful if at least one Republican showed an interest. The pressure has to come from the public. Write your Representative and write the media urging impeachment of George W. Bush based on Article 2 of the impeachment of Richard Nixon. If they don't hear it from you they may not hear it from anyone and the meme may remain in the background. I don't expect action to be taken right away. After all, Congress really is getting things done. But a build up of support starting now (or for some of you starting MONTHS ago...thats for your efforts!) will make it happen.

Here's this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

INCOMPETENCE REWARDED BY BUSH ADMINISTRATION


REPUBLICAN CORRUPTION IN NEVADA

BUSH AND THE MINIMUM WAGE (humor)

ALEX SINK: FLORIDA'S FUTURE GOVERNOR?

THE FUTURE OF NYC

NYC GROUPS AND EVENTS

NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

VIRGINIA FOCUS

DC FOCUS

VIRGINIA AND DC GROUPS AND EVENTS

IOWA FOCUS

MICHIGAN FOCUS


MIDWEST GROUPS AND EVENTS

CALIFORNIA FOCUS


CALIFORNIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Progressive Democrat Issue 110: REWARDING INCOMPETENCE

One of the most striking aspects of the Halliburton Republican Party under Bush is the way completely incompetent people are rewarded if they are cronies of Bush or another high ranking Republican. The most blatant and tragic example of this was Mike Brown who was in charge of FEMA during the Katrina disaster and whose incompetence led to the deaths of thousands of Americans. Brown (whose incompetence during Katrina was praised with a "Good job Brownie," by Bush) already had a history of failure when Bush appointed him head of FEMA. Brown had been forced to resign as Judges and Stewards Commissioner for the International Arabian Horse Association due to incompetence. Wonderful qualifications for running FEMA, right? But Brown was part of the crony network surrounding Bush, so he got a cushy job...and thousands of Americans paid the ultimate price.

Well, it seems those thousands of American lives didn't teach the Bush administration any lessons at all. Incompetence is still being rewarded. And it sometimes seems that the grosser the incompetence the bigger the reward. Chris Oynes was regional director of Minerals Management Service’s Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Region for the past 13 years. During that time he messed up enforcing the law and thus allowed oil companies to escape an estimated $10-60 BILLION in taxes. How much body armor for our troops would that buy? How many levees in New Orleans could have been repaired with that amount? How many schools could be repaired? I don't know. Why did he fail to charge oil companies the proper taxes? He claims, I kid you not, he "forgot."

Now, what if you cost your employer let's say a mere $10-60 thousand dollars due to a simple lapse in memory. Would you be promoted? Probably not.

Under the Bush Administration, Chris Oynes, despite these memory problems that are costing our country $10-60 billion, got a big fat promotion this month. Minerals Management Service Director, Johnnie Burton, chose Chris "I Forgot" Oynes as the new associate director of the agency’s Offshore Minerals Management Program.

You can read more about it here.

This is the exact kind of mismanagement that has defined the Bush Administration and which led to the tragedy of Katrina. Write the media and your Congress Critters to complain about the rewarding of incompetence in the Bush administration. Tell them you don't want any more Katrinas and you don't want any more corruption.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 110: REPUBLICAN CORRUPTION IN NEVADA

Missouri, Kentucky and Ohio have had Republican Governors who were the by-word for corruption. Ohio can be proud that in November 2006 they rejected the corruption of their state's Republican party. In New York State we just saw the end of a less blatant form of Republican corruption as Pataki left office.

Nevada seems to be the latest place where a Republican Governor is taking the path of corruption...and even the FBI is taking an interest. Nevada Republican Governor Jim Gibbons is being investigated corruption he engaged in while in Congress as a buddy of the corrupt Republicans Tom DeLay (indicted) and Bob Ney (in jail). In fact, Gibbons seems to have engaged in almost exactly the kind of corruption that brought down California Republican Congresman Randy Cunningham (in jail). From Salon.com:

The FBI is investigating whether Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons failed to properly report gifts or payments from a software company that was awarded secret military contracts when he was in Congress.

A federal law enforcement official confirmed the FBI probe Thursday. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, said the inquiry is focusing on what role Gibbons played in awarding contracts to eTreppid Technologies LLC...

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that new evidence had emerged in a lawsuit in Reno, including e-mails to Trepp discussing a payment or gifts to then-Rep. Gibbons. The e-mails also show Gibbons using his congressional office to help the company seek classified military and civilian contracts, the newspaper said.

"Please don't forget to bring the money you promised Jim and Dawn," Trepp's wife, Jale Trepp, said in a March 22, 2005, e-mail days before Trepp and his wife embarked on the Caribbean cruise with Jim Gibbons and his wife, Dawn, a former Nevada state assemblywoman.

According to the Journal, Trepp responded minutes later saying: "Don't you ever send this kind of message to me! Erase this message from your computer right now!"

Gibbons, who served on the House Intelligence and Armed Services committees, did not disclose the cruise and travel on Trepp's leased private jet, as required by House ethics rules. He later asked the House Ethics Committee for an exemption, but left office before any action was taken....

Trepp, a former chief trader for convicted junk-bond dealer Michael Milken, also has denied any wrongdoing. He did not immediately return calls Thursday to his office in Reno.

Is there room in Randy Cunningham's jail cell for another corrupt Halliburton Republican?

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 110: BUSH ON MINIMUM WAGE (humor)

From American Progress:

Progressive Democrat Issue 110: DEMOCRATIC PROFILE: The Future Governor of Florida?

I have found that in 2005 and 2006 I have finally developed an eye for good, community oriented candidates. Some win, some don't. Some I agree with whole heartedly and some I have some differences with. But these are candidates who seem competant and dedicated to their community, so I am willing to support them despite some differences of opinion.

Sometime during the 2006 campaign I came across the name of Alex Sink, then candidate for the post of Florida Chief Financial Officer. Endorsed by many Florida newspapers as well as Democracy for America's Tampa Bay affiliate, she was clearly an excellent candidate. Ms. Sink won the race and is now Florida's CFO.

Since I supported her candidacy, I wound up on her mailing list for updates on what she is doing for Florida. And I have been impressed. She seems very consumer-oriented and has focused a great deal on disaster preparedness, something that will concern homeowners and insurance companies alike. I have posted what I considered helpful information from her newsletter, for example here, here and here.

Now often when I write things for blogs like Culture Kitchen and Daily Gotham, I get a fair amount of disagreement from both left and right. Well, that is part of this business of blogging. When I posted stuff about Alex Sink, I was surprised at the almost overwhelingly positive response I got about her...from people who normally don't agree with me much.

And, many of those people started referring to her as "the future Governor of Florida." Even on Daily Kos I have heard her referred to in this way. Makes me wonder if I have stumbled on someone with quite a bright future. Future governor of Florida. And then...who knows. Governors do well running for President and here is a woman who appeals across a wide spectrum of people, left and right in a way that people like Hillary Clinton does not. Who knows?

Others have mentioned her in the context of a future Florida Senate candidates. Other diaries on Alex Sink on Daily Kos can be found here and here.

Now, personally I find Alex Sink a bit too corporate for my tastes, but we are talking Florida and when I look at the issues she covers in her newsletter, she is far more consumer oriented than most corporate types are. I am, simply put, impressed with her. And increasingly convinced that she is the kind of Democrat who can turn Florida bluer than ever. The endorsement of a local DFA affiliate also reassures me.

So, keep your eye on Florida's CFO. She seems a rising star with a wide appeal. We may be hearing a lot more about her in the future. And, for now, since I get her newsletter, when I see something of interest, I will pass it along.

Progressive Democrat Issue 110: NYC FOCUS: The Future of NYC

From the Drum Major Institute via Daily Gotham:

With new research on the disappearance of middle-class neighborhoods in urban areas and on increasing economic inequality, and the future of projects designed to keep the middle class in NYC like Starrett City and Stuyvesant Town uncertain, what better time than now to ask the question:

Is NYC still a middle-class town?

That's just the question that DMI and the School of Public Affairs at Baruch College will ask on April 2, when we bring New York City's leaders together to talk about the American Dream in the Big Apple.

It's a half day conference featuring presentations of new research, two exciting panel discussions, and plenty of time for all of us to explore the challenge of making NYC a place where it is possible to become, and remain, middle class.

Speakers include New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson, Representative Anthony Weiner, Finance Commissioner Martha Stark, UFT President Randi Weingarten, and John Mollenkopf of the CUNY Center for urban Research. Doug Muzzio, NYC politics and public affairs guru, will moderate one of the panels; I will moderate the other. Additional speakers will be confirmed over the next couple of weeks.

To RSVP, please call 646.660.6851 or email dmi@drummajorinstitute.org.

The conference will be held at the Baruch College Conference Center, Newman Vertical Campus, 55 Lexington Avenue at 24th Street, 14th floor.

Stay tuned for more details.

As someone who grew up in Brooklyn and watched my parents work their way up from poverty to attain a middle-class standard of living, I am personally very motivated to facilitate such an important conversation. New York City is my hometown, and I want to know that what my parents accomplished is possible for subsequent generations of New Yorkers (and especially my generation). After all, tackling poverty is just one half of the equation; there is no such thing as being "poor" or "not poor." To be not poor, you have to be able to survive here as a regular working class New Yorker, and if that isn't possible, we have a problem on our hands.

Look forward to talking with you on April 2.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 110: 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.

GENERAL INTEREST:


BROOKLYN GROUPS AND EVENTS:

NEW BROOKLYN POLITICAL CLUB: Shirley Chisholm Political Collective; founded by some of my good friends including Chris Owens, Bill Batson and Raul Rothblatt. Joy and I plan on checking this one out, so please join us. First meeting Saturday March 10th, 4-6PM, Duryea Presbytarian Church, Sterling Pl. and Underhill Ave., Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

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.


Brooklyn Democrats for Change: covering Bay Ridge, Fort Hamilton, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, and Bath Beach; Meets the 1st Thursday of the month at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Muller Conference Room, 7420 4th Avenue Bay Ridge.


Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats (CBID) (mostly covers Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, and Kensington). My wife, Joy, is now on the executive board and is the corresponding secretary 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.


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


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.


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


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.

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


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.


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

Progressive Democrat Issue 110: NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

First let me highlight a local events:

February 25, 2007
Jackson Democratic Club Annual Brunch
Eagle Ridge Golf Club, 2 Augusta Blvd
Lakewood, NJ 08701
RSVP to Mike Kafton at 732-905-7898

February 26, 2007
Attend Soldiers view of war

What: Soldiers view of war
When: Monday, February 26, 2007, 7:00 PM
Where: Keith Lammers
822 Belmont Ave
Collingswood NJ 08108


February 26, 2007
FEDERATION OF DEMOCRATIC WOMEN & FRIENDS
Willingboro Public Library
Willingboro, NJ 08046
Regular Burlington County monthly meeting to constuctively develop plans to help our Democratic candidates get elected thoughout the state, county and local municipalities. All Democrats are welcome.
Beatrice Holley
Vice-President
609-386-4651

March 04, 2007
Belmar & Lake Como St. Patrick's Day Parade
Main St.
Belmar, NJ 07719
Time: 12:30pm

Come watch as the Monmouth County Democrats March in the parade! Want to volunteer at this event?

March 07, 2007
Middle Township Democratic Club Meeting
DiVico Senior Center
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Join the Democrats of Middle Township for our monthly meeting the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm. Meetings are held at the Samuel DiVico Senior Center located at 23 Romney Place in Cape May Court House.

For more information, please contact Mary Durkin at 609-465-4170.

March 08, 2007
Cape May Co. Federation of Democratic Women Meeting
Sam DiVico Senior Center
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Join the Cape May County Federation of Democratic Women to discuss important local, state and federal issues. All are encouraged to join!

2nd Thursday of every month.
7:00pm
Sam DiVico Senior Center

For more information, please contact:

Virginia Hesel
609-884-5848

March 20, 2007
Wanaque Democratic Club Meeting
American Legion Hall, 1109 Ringwood Avenue
Haskell, NJ 07420
Please join us at our next regular meeting.
You will be able to meet your local Democratic leaders and discuss Borough issues that are important to you.

Refreshments will be served.

For more information email dave@wanaquedemocrats.com or call Sandy at 973-248-9788

March 21, 2007
Lower Township Democratic Club Meeting
324 Breakwater Rd.
Cape May, NJ 08204
Join the Democrats of Lower Township for their monthly dinner meeting at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 324 Breakwater Rd., Erma, NJ 08204. Meetings start at 5:30pm.

For more information, please contact:

Bob Hartman
609-898-8167

March 22, 2007
7MI Beach Democratic Club Meeting
Avalon Senior Center
Avalon, NJ 08202
Join Us for a meeting of the Democrats of Avalon and Stone Harbor. The meeting begins at 7:30pm and is located at the Avalon Senior Center.

www.7Milebeachdemocrats.com

For more information, please contact:
Terry Strobaugh, President
tstrobaugh@juno.com


Now let me give you some ideas how to find some local groups to be involved with:

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 110: VIRGINIA FOCUS

Virginia is one of the states with some important elections in 2007. In 2005 and 2006, we had some big wins in Virginia. Let's continue that trend.

I want to introduce a candidate for Virginia State Senate, 34th District in the general election November 6th, 2007. Chap Peterson was Fairfax City Councilman (1998-2002) and then as a State Delegate (2002-2006). Now he is running for State Senate. His stands on the issues tend to be conservative on taxes and budgets, but has good stands when it comes to mass transportation, alternative fuels, wetlands restoration (critical for both the environment and protecting our coastlines from storms), and health care.

I urge my Virginia readers to consider donating or volunteering. Focusing on local races in 2007 will prepare the ground for the big year, 2008.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 110: DC FOCUS

On ongoing issue of interest to my DC readers is, of course, the fact that citizens living in DC have less representation in the Federal Government than citizens of the 50 states. This is, in many ways, simply an anachronism left over from a time when the states making up the new United States didn't want any particular state to house the Federal Capital, so a new district, with no representation in the government, was formed. Maybe it made sense then. Today it disenfranchises more than half a million Americans who have no Congressional voting rights. In essence, DC, with a population slightly more than Wyoming, has no vote in Congress. Wyoming has 2 Senators and 1 Representative, yet fewer people than DC. This is clearly unfair.

One organization working on this issue is DC Vote. They are pushing for a legislative solution which will give citizens of DC a vote. The Constitutionality of a legislative solution remains to be determined, but DC Vote has legal opinions from conservative legal experts like Judge Kenneth Starr and Viet D. Dinh that support Congress' authority under the U.S. Constitution to give the District of Columbia voting representation in Congress through simple legislation. They claim that Congress does not need to amend the Constitution or make DC a state to bring American democracy to America’s capital.

To help bring DC voting rights in Congress, please visit DC Vote's Action Center.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 110: VIRGINIA AND DC 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


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

Progressive Democrat Issue 110: IOWA FOCUS: Des Moines Politics Luncheon Series and Dave Loebsack on Iraq

A new Politics Luncheon Series is starting in Des Moines:

DES MOINES, IA. -- The Drake-IowaPolitics.com Luncheon Series will kick off on Friday, March 9 on the Des Moines campus of Drake University.

The first guests, now confirmed, are Leon Mosley, the co-chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa, and Scott Brennan, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Iowa. They'll discuss Iowa and presidential politics with Chris Dorsey, the IowaPolitics.com Des Moines bureau chief.

The Drake-IowaPolitics.com Luncheon Series is open to the public, media and invited guests. This luncheon will be held in Levitt Hall in Old Main. Parking is available at the Olmsted Center Parking Lot. Doors open at 11:15 a.m.

The cost to attend is $20 and each reservation includes lunch. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. and the program will run from noon to 1 p.m. Guests must be seated by 11:45 a.m. Due to limited seating, pre-paid reservations are required. Reservations can be made by calling (515) 271-3747 or e-mail iowacaucuses@drake.edu.

The format includes:

** Welcome from a Drake official;;
** Introduction by IowaPolitics.com Des Moines Bureau Chief Chris Dorsey, who will act as moderator;
** 2-minute opening statement from the guests;
** Questions from moderator Dorsey to the guests;
** and additional written questions from non-media members of the audience flowing through and screened by moderator Dorsey.

The event will last about an hour and later be web cast at IowaPolitics.com.

The Drake-IowaPolitics.com Luncheon Series will provide a forum where major candidates, elected officials, major party leaders, campaign organizers, pollsters, pundits and other newsmakers can communicate directly with interested citizens as well as Drake students, faculty and staff. The series, launched less than a year before the crucial Iowa caucuses in January 2008, will help focus attention on major issues and Iowa's role in the presidential selection process -- both before and after the caucuses.

Drake University is a private institution recognized as one of the top master's universities in the nation, with more than 5,350 students from 45 states and 60 countries. Located in Iowa's capital city, the university is uniquely positioned to provide learning opportunities through partnerships with the city's and state's bounty of businesses, schools, government and cultural organizations. Drake's mission is to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. The Drake experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students, faculty, and staff and by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation.

For directions to Drake University refer to http://www.drake.edu/about/directions.php.

IowaPolitics.com, an independent, non-partisan online news service, maintains a free Web site at http://www.iowapolitics.com and a paid subscriber information service.

An online version of this release is available at http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=89400.

For more information contact: Julie Rutz at (515)226-8774 or rutz@IowaPolitics.com or Rachel Paine Caufield, Drake University Department of Politics and International Relations, (515)271-1924, Rachel.caufield@drake.edu

Turning from local Iowa politics to Congress, freshman Congressman Dave Loebsack just got back from a fact finding tour of Iraq. Here is his statement:

Loebsack back from Iraq
Friday, February 23, 2007

(Iowa City Press Citizen)WASHINGTON -- Freshman Rep. Dave Loebsack said conditions in Iraq "are more dire than I anticipated" and that he felt "physically endangered" during his first congressional trip to the Middle East.

Loebsack returned to Washington, D.C., on Thursday evening after a six-day trip that included stops in Baghdad, Iraq, Jordan and Brussels, Belgium.

"I always felt physically endangered, I felt threatened, even in the Green Zone with heavy security (the area where the U.S. Embassy is located)," Loebsack said in a telephone interview.

The troops "were great," he said, and no one asked about the nonbinding resolution passed by the House this month opposing President Bush's decision to deploy 21,500 additional combat troops to Iraq.

Loebsack, a critic of the Bush administration's Iraq policy, voted in favor of the measure.

He said the troops weren't interested in politics.

"'We're just here to do our job,' is what they told me," said the Mount Vernon Democrat, a member of the House Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Readiness.

Loebsack said seeing the situation in Iraq for himself reinforced his belief that it was proper for Congress to oppose the troop increase.

"Yeah, I do even more so, believe that it was the right thing to do," he said. "I don't see how escalation is going to accomplish what we want."

Loebsack said he thinks Congress would place benchmarks and conditions on future supplemental appropriations for the war.

Rep. Martin Meehan, D-Mass., chairman of the Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations led the delegation. The contingent also included Democrat Robert Andrews of New Jersey and Republican Reps. Todd Akin of Missouri, Michael Turner of Ohio and Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 110: MICHIGAN FOCUS: Chair of MI Young Republicans Indicted

Republican corruption, racism and abuse of women is a theme I focus on in my Target the Corrupt Republican blog. Sometimes, a Republican gets so awful it amazes me that anyone will stick with them. Abuse of by Republican Congressman Don Sherwood of Pennsylvania of his mistress of 5 years and wife beating by Republican Congressman John Sweeny of New York didn't prevent Republicans all the way up to Bush from supporting them.

Well, in Michigan the Chair of the Young Republicans has been indicted on some pretty serious charges.

From Raw Story:

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The chairman of a Michigan young Republicans group is accused of raping a 21-year-old woman while both were in Cleveland for a convention last July.

A grand jury in Cleveland returned a 17-count indictment Wednesday against 32-year-old Michael Flory, including charges of rape, kidnapping and aggravated burglary. Flory is chairman of the Michigan Federation of Young Republicans, an organization for members of the party between 18 and 40.

He attended the national group's convention last summer. He says the charges are baseless and he intends to plead not guilty. An arraignment is set for Feb. 22.

Well, this gentleman is innocent until proven guilty. But let's face facts. These are serious charges and if this guy were an inner city black man, the Republicans would be calling for his head on a pike without benefit of a trial. If these allegations are even partly true, this shows once again that those who claim to be members of the "moral party" are seldom as moral as they want everyone elese to be.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 110: 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:


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


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

Progressive Democrat Issue 110: CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Congressman McNerney

One of the best pick ups of 2006 was Jerry McNerney's defeat of Republican Congressman Pombo in the CA-11 House district. Here we got a corrupt Republican incumbent defeated by a man who resigned from West Point to protest the Vietnam War and became an engineer working to make wind power an economic reality. This was a race that no one thought we'd win, but the grassroots did wonders, making it an unexpected competitive race that we finally won. McNerney was endorsed by President Bill Clinton, Senator Barbara Boxer, General Wes Clark and Democracy for America...and even my own area's Democracy for NYC took a strong interest in his election. McNerney was inspired to run by his son Michael, who, in response to the 9/11 attacks joined the Air Force.

But it will be one of the top targets for Republicans to win back in 2008. We already know this will be one of the seats we have to defend the hardest. Visit McNerney's website to find out more or to volunteer. You can donate to his campaign (remember, early money is CRITICAL!) through my 2008 Act Blue Site (go to bottom of the page). If nothing else, learn about California's freshman Congressman and keep him in mind for later support.


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

Progressive Democrat Issue 110: CALIFORNIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

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.

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