Progressive Democrat Issue 114: THOUGHTS

Best wishes to Elizabeth Edwards. For those who are interested, I have written something on cancer to help people understand it now that it is in the news a bit more.

This week was pretty big. Many of us NYC bloggers got invited to a DCCC event honoring Nancy Pelosi. Not only was the invitation a pretty big thing and the event quite enjoyable, but it was also gratifying to hear that a powerful Congressman, Jerrold Nadler, reads us over at Daily Gotham. We work hard on our blogging, so it is nice to know people in power pay attention. You can read a bit about this evening of rubbing shoulders with big wigs here.

Finally, I just want to end with a quote from Current TV's show "Supernews", which has a Dick Cheney "quote" that pretty much sums up the kind of BS Republicans are trying to feed us:

"Winning and ill-defined war against a vaguely defined enemy takes an indefinite period of time. Anyone who disagrees is just confusing the issue."

Now here's this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

ELECTION FRAUD IN FLORIDA...again

IOWA SLAMS McCAIN

MICHIGAN SLAMS McCAIN

NYC FOCUS

NYC GROUPS AND EVENTS

NEW JERSEY FOCUS

NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

VIRGINA, INDIANA AND MONTANA FOCUS: Red states no longer??

MIDWEST GROUPS AND EVENTS

VIRGINIA/DC GROUPS AND EVENTS

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Republican Corruption

CALIFORNIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Progressive Democrat Issue 114: FLORIDA ELECTION FRAUD: The Smoking Gun

We all saw with horror as yet another Florida election was mired in uncertainty and missing votes. A whopping 18,000 votes for Congress in the FL-13 Congressional race disappeared, mostly from Democratic districts. This is an almost unprecedented undervote that raises red flags that SOMETHING went seriously wrong with that election. This is further evidence that touchscreen voting machines are just too unreliable. And many elections experts agree that the results of the election were affected by this undervote and, had those votes been properly recorded, the Democratic candidate, Christine Jennings, would have won.

But...it looks like the Florida election board had full warning there was a problem and were even offered a patch but IGNORED IT. Then they tried covering it up.

According to a letter dated August 15th from the company that made the machines used in FL-13 to the Florida elections board, a problem had been identified that gave a slow response time on the computer, slower than what a voter would expect. You can see the letter here (online) or here (as a PDF). The letter claims that this would not affect the integrity of the vote (covering their asses) but it is likely that this kind of delay could lead to a voter being out of sync with the computer and would be exactly the kind of thing that could lead to an unrecorded vote. If the computer takes too long to respond, and the voter has moved on, then a vote will go unrecorded. It warrants further investigation to see if the delay is the cause of the undervote.

But...the key is that the company promised that they could fix the glitch with a patch by the November election. The Sarasota Election Board NEVER ASKED FOR THE PATCH, so it was never sent and the problem was never fixed. But it gets worse...

The company also sent posters that were meant to be placed at each polling place to warn voters of the problem. The Sarasota election board NEVER POSTED THE POSTERS even though the company recommended it.

Furthermore, according to the Christine Jennings campaign, this letter was withheld by the office of Kathy Dent, the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections, in violation of discovery requests made by Christine Jenning's legal team. The letter only came to the attention of Christine Jennings legal team after it was posted on an activist group's election reform website.

Gross incompetence or outright fraud? Whichever the original failure to act on the advice of the company was, the cover up is fraud. Discovery requests were issued, and the letter was withheld. Once again, something stinks in Florida.

Christine Jennings is asking for help so she can keep up her legal challenge. It is pretty clear that the election was mishandled and the problems that resulted changed the results. People didn't like it when John Kerry was perceived as giving up too early after a suspicious election. Well, Christine Jennings refuses to give up, but she needs support. You can donate to her legal challenge here. If we want clean elections, this is the exact kind of fight we need to stubbornly persist with. So please help and please spread the word.


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Progressive Democrat Issue 114: IOWA DEMOCRATIC PARTY SLAMS JOHN McCAIN

This is from the Iowa Democratic Party:

McCain's Double Talk Express Runs Out of Gas
Thursday, March 15, 2007

Des Moines, IA - Despite going from "maverick" to establishment candidate and from "straight talk" to double talk since first running in 2000, John McCain has dusted off an old campaign gimmick. McCain is hopping aboard the so-called "straight-talk express" in Des Moines today, asking voters to forget his willingness to discard long-held beliefs in the interest of political expediency.


McCain didn't compete in Iowa in 2000 because of his opposition to ethanol, but he is in Iowa today making his second appearance this year. McCain "'knew that being against ethanol subsidies and with his support of campaign finance reform, he was not going to do well in Iowa [in 2000],' said Michael Dennehy, McCain's friend and his former New Hampshire campaign director." By skipping the caucuses in 2000, McCain is "effectively ceding the state to George W. Bush," but in early 2006, Iowa RNC member Steve Roberts was chatted up by McCain aides, after which Roberts confirmed McCain's commitment to Iowa, saying, "I know they're going to play in Iowa. They said they were." [Union Leader, 10/23/03; National Journal, 2/4/06]

“John McCain’s straight talk seems quite crooked,” said Iowa Democratic Party Communications Director, Carrie Giddins. “McCain claims he changed his mind about ethanol after oil prices rose, but the math doesn’t add up. It is a winding path that McCain has taken to curry political favor with the people of Iowa.”

It should surprise no one that there was "some back-and-forth in the McCain campaign" about the bus and that it makes some of McCain's "newer advisers nervous." [The Caucus, nytimes.com, 3/7/07] Since he first ran in 2000, McCain has found himself courting Christian conservatives he once labeled "agents of intolerance," has shifted his position on ethanol for Iowa voters, and has fumbled as he tries to both distance himself from the Iraq war while remaining its biggest advocate. [Quad-City Times, 2/18/07; Des Moines Register, 12/19/99; politico.com, 2/12/07]

McCain Then:
McCain Said Ethanol Did "Nothing to Reduce Fuel Consumption, Increase Energy Independence, Improve Air Quality." In November 2006, while appearing on Meet the Press, Senator McCain was reminded of comments he made regarding ethanol three years earlier. In November 2003, McCain said, "Ethanol is a product that would not exist if Congress didn't create an artificial market for it. No one would be willing to buy it...Ethanol does nothing to reduce fuel consumption, nothing to increase our energy independence, nothing to improve our air quality." [Meet the Press, 11/12/06]

McCain Now:
Three Years Later McCain Said that He Supports Ethanol. In August 2006, during a speech in Iowa, McCain said, "I support ethanol and I think it is a vital, a vital alternative energy source not only because of our dependency on foreign oil but its greenhouse gas reduction effects." [Fortune, 11/13/06]

McCain Then:
McCain Opposed Ethanol Mandates in 2005 Energy Bill When Oil Was $60 Per Barrel. In June 2005, McCain voted against the Energy Bill stating that the ethanol provisions would result in higher gas prices for his constituents. According to Fortune "There's just one problem: in June 2005 when oil was $60 McCain's office put out a press release warning that the ethanol mandates in the 2005 energy bill would result in higher gasoline prices for his constituents." [Fortune, 11/13/06]

McCain Now:
McCain Said that He Changed His Mind After Oil Prices Hit $40 Per Barrel. In according to Fortune, "In Grinnell, McCain said he still opposes subsidies but indicated his attitude softened after oil prices crossed $40 a barrel." [Fortune, 11/13/06]


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Progressive Democrat Issue 114: MICHIGAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY SLAMS JOHN McCAIN

The Michigan Democratic Party is ALSO finding McCain far from straight talking and they compile a whole slew of flip-flops (or are they lies) told by John McCain:

McCain Abandons Campaign Finance Reform for Big Money in Michigan


Doubletalk express arrives in Grand Rapids, Detroit for big fundraisers

LANSING- Today Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer pointed out the hypocrisy of Republican Senator John McCain’s (R-Arizona) Presidential campaign as McCain holds fundraisers in Grand Rapids and Detroit. McCain’s fundraising trip comes just weeks after the Washington Post exposed McCain’s abandonment of campaign finance reform, McCain’s top issue in the 2000 presidential election and his latest term in the Senate.

“McCain has abandoned his principles for his win-at-any-cost Presidential campaign,” Brewer said. “McCain’s arrival in Michigan to raise money from big Republican donors is in direct contradiction to his campaign finance reform crusade. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Grand Rapids fundraiser is being held on the DeVos family yacht.”

The Washington Post’s February 11, 2007 expose demonstrates McCain’s flip-flop on campaign finance reform:

McCain Then: "long supported" public financing and spending limits on campaigns.

McCain Now: McCain's campaign "is still studying whether to forgo the public financing and spending limits" and have said that he "will not be handicapped by restrictions his competitors will not face in 2008."

McCain Then: McCain "relentlessly argued that six- and seven-figure 'soft money' checks that corporations, wealthy individuals and unions were giving to political parties to influence elections were corrupting American politics."

McCain Now: "McCain the candidate has enlisted some of the same GOP fundraising giants who created and flourished in the soft-money system, including Bush's fundraising 'Pioneers' and 'Rangers,' who earned their designations by raising at least $100,000 or $200,000 for his campaigns.”

McCain Then: McCain "proposed legislation requiring so-called grass-roots groups that organize average citizens into lobbying forces to disclose their financial backers."

McCain Now: "But McCain the candidate switched positions and last month voted against that disclosure requirement after influential GOP groups such as Focus on the Family and National Right to Life strongly opposed the idea. McCain also hired as his campaign manager one of the grass-roots-lobbying industry's key consultants, Bush strategist Terry Nelson."

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Progressive Democrat Issue 114: NYC FOCUS

If you wanted to buy some land to develop for your own profit, would you expect taxpayers to pay the entire bill for you? Well, if you are a law school buddy of Pataki, that is exactly the sweet deal you could get while Pataki was Governor...and the exact deal Bruce Ratner seems to have gotten with you and me footing the bill.

This comes via Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn.

According to the March 9th 2007 Daily News New York City is spending $100 million to buy the property on or near the 22-acre Atlantic Yards site for developer Forest City Ratner.

Of the $205 million proposed to support the project in the Mayor's preliminary budget, $100 million is slated for land acquisition costs and $105 million for roads, utilities and other infrastructure needs, according to EDC officials.

The state is chipping in an additional $100 million.

David Yassky was pretty angry upon hearing this:

"There's no justification to spend public money like this," said Councilman David Yassky (D-Brooklyn Heights). "Government money should be spent on transportation infrastructure, schools and traffic calming - not subsidies for a private company.

Now, what is especially galling about this is that Bruce Ratner agreed to pay $100 million for the land, according to the September 07, 2005 issue of Commercial Property News:

Plans for Brooklyn's Atlantic Yards development continue to trudge along after would-be developer Bruce Ratner...yesterday offered to double his offer to develop a glass-walled arena for the New Jersey Nets basketball team and a new rail yard. Ratner's $100 million bid, though still far short of rival bidder Extell Development Company's $150 million offer, plumps the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's budget by an extra $50 million.

Ratner's $100 million bid was finally accepted, part of the controversy where the low bid of a friend of then Governor Pataki was accepted over a higher bid. Now we learn that the city is planning to pay for the entirety of this land purchase?

Corruption runs deep in New York.

Contact your City Council member and the media to complain about this corruption surrounding Ratner and Pataki.


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Progressive Democrat Issue 114: 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. Focuses mainly on Prospect Heights neighborhood but with wider community interests as well. Joy and I plan on helping out. Meets second Saturday of each month for now, 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.


NEW TIME: 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 fourth Thursday of every month (NEW TIME) at 7:30 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 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 2nd Thursday of every month (recently changed) 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.


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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 114: NEW JERSEY FOCUS: Clean Elections

There has been a good victory for clean elections in New Jersey. This comes from the Public Campaign Action Fund.

New Jersey will have Clean Elections again in 2007!

The New Jersey Senate voted 27 - 3 this past Thursday to renew the state's Clean Elections pilot project for another year. It's been a tough fight to win this one, with many delays in the Senate, but we're happy to see Clean Elections win yet again. The bill, which easily passed in the state Assembly, will next go to Governor John Corzine (D), who is expected to sign it when it reaches his desk.

Every victory is another step towards winning Clean Elections nationwide -- but we can't do it alone. Tell your friends and family about Clean Elections and ask them to join our ranks.

This year is turning out to be an exciting year for all of us. With our victory in New Jersey, Maryland lawmakers close to voting on legislation that would bring Clean Elections to their state legislative races, and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Richard Durbin (D-IL) set to introduce a bipartisan Fair Elections bill in the Senate which would bring a Clean Elections-style system to Congress, more and more people are learning that elections can be about them -- the voters.

We couldn't have won in any state with out our grassroots base of people just like you. Click here to tell your friends and family about how they can help change the face of politics.

Under Clean Elections, candidates who collect a set number of small dollar qualifying contributions (in this case $10), agree to strict spending limits, and refuse further private money, receive public funds to run a competitive campaign. Once in office, these Clean Elections elected officials will be accountable only to the voters who elected them -- not big money campaign donors.

We're excited to see the support the New Jersey legislature has shown for Clean Elections and look forward to bringing even more victories to a community near you!

Thanks for being part of this work,

Jeannette Galanis
National Field Director

P.S. Help other states win Clean Elections with a donation today!

Excellent. I am glad progress is being made.


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Progressive Democrat Issue 114: NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

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


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Progressive Democrat Issue 114: VIRGINIA, INDIANA AND MONTANA FOCUS

Yes, this is unusual in that I am combining states here, something I don't usually do. But I want to highlight one of the MANY under-read Daily Kos diaries which looks at all three states as being very good places for gaining support for Democrats. These three are supposedly red states that have sure been acting somewhat blueish these days. This comes from Daily Kos. Interspersed are my comments:

Montana

Bush may have won here handily in the past two elections, but this state is not nearly as red as some people think it is. Both of the state's US senators are now Democrats, the governor is a Democrat, and Democrats control the state senate and are down only one vote in the state house. This state has a definite independent streak!

As a state that is used to being ignored by presidential candidates, a Democrat who takes the time to campaign there could earn points for showing up even if Montanans don't agree with his or her views. Let's not forget that Clinton campaigned in Montana in 1992 and he won there. Granted, this was made possible in large part by Perot, who got 26% of the vote. But even without Perot, I believe that if the Democratic presidential candidate campaigns there he/she can at least make it competitive. Granted, Montana is only worth 3 electoral votes, so depending on the political climate in the fall of 2008 it may not be worth it. But don't discount the small states...if Gore had won Montana in 2000 he'd have become president without Florida.

I have been focusing on Montana as a great place to bring together progressive and populist politics. Jon Tester really kicked ass as the poster stud for the moderate-progressive alliance. And I would add that in 2006 Wyoming, Dick Cheney's own base, was showing signs of following Montana's lead. If you want to help turn Montana and Wyoming (YES, EVEN WYOMING!) Bluish, go here for groups to support.

Indiana

I'm not going to lie: this is an uphill battle. The last Democratic presidential candidate to carry Indiana was Lyndon Johnson in 1964. But like neighboring Ohio, Indiana has been hit hard by the loss of industrial jobs, which many people attribute in part to the economic policies of Reagan and the Bushes. The unions are pretty strong in Indiana, and can mount a massive get-out-the-vote campaign if the polls are close enough to make the effort seem worth it. Indianans are culturally conservative, but 2006 showed "Reagan Democrats" in places like Indiana and Ohio beginning to wake up and realize that their jobs and economic prosperity are more important than whether same-sex couples are allowed to get married, enabling Democrats to knock off three Republican incumbents. If John Edwards is the nominee, his populist message just might resonate in Indiana, and if he or whoever the nominee ends up being puts Bayh on the ticket, we might actually have a shot.

This mainly focuses on Presidential politcs. But let's face it: we picked up THREE Congressional seats in Indiana in 2006!!! That is a huge shift in Dan Quayle's state. I don't know which Democratic presidential hopeful will be best suited for leveraging Indiana (arguements could be made for Edwards...and Clark) but turning Congressional seats blue and picking up seats on the state level are really possible. And if nothing else, we can certainly turn Indiana into a battle ground for its electoral votes. I also should note that I am already seeing Republican pundits predicting taking back the Indiana Congressional seats that we picked up. Truth is, I think the candidates who won are really ones who will appeal to their constituents and we don't have to worry much about losing those seats soon. But I also don't think we can ignore the danger. So, here are some GREAT groups, (including the Indiana Women's Caucus and Indiana Progressives) that are working to turn Indiana Bluish.

Virginia

This post wouldn't be complete without mentioning my new home state, the state that inspired the name of this blog. Virginia is changing, and it's becoming less red and more purple as the DC suburbs expand beyond Arlington and Alexandria to areas as far as 50 miles away. These areas start out Republican, but become more Democratic as they become more populous. I was pretty surprised that Webb won Loudon County in 2006, but his victory there affirms Ruy Teixeira's theory that as exurbs become more populous and begin to transition into emerging suburbs, they become more diverse and more Democratic. As the DC suburbs expand, Virginia is becoming less of a southern state and more of a mid-Atlantic state.

Interestingly, while Virginia has gone Republican in every presidential election beginning in 1968, it was only in the last 15 years that they made headway in state politics. 1999 was the first time since the Republican Party came into existence that it controlled both houses of the Virginia legislature. Virginia evolved toward the Republicans the same way other southern states did, and I don't have a lot of hope that we will win back the type of voters who abandoned the party in the 1980's. As the maps below clearly demonstrate, a Democratic victory in Virginia today does not look the same geographically as it did in 1964 when Lyndon Johnson won it.

(GO HERE FOR THE MAPS)

But Mark Warner demonstrated in 2001 that campaigning in rural areas that were not hit by the wave of growth in the 1990's can pay off, and Webb showed that Virginia can be winnable for Democrats when the DC suburbs turn out in high enough force.

Not just Warner. Jim Webb did just fine in 2006. Virginia is a mix of some pretty nasty, corrupt, racist Republicans and some conservative-leaning but basically excellent Democrats. I agree that Virginia can be won over and that is why I have been focusing on it since 2004. In 2008 we have another Senate race in Virginia. And I am already pushing to unseat the nasty Republican, Warner.


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

Progressive Democrat Issue 114: 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 want to highlight some events going on in Iowa of interest to progressives:

# Mar 31, 2007 Howard County Off-Year Caucus The Howard County Democrats will hold their 2007 Off-Year Caucus on Saturday, March 31, in Lime Springs, Ia. beginning at 9:30 am. It will be held at the new Community Center at 201 Center St. Representatives from all presidential campaigns have been invited. A spokesman from "Iowans for Sensible Priorities" and Dr. Selden Spencer, former 4TH Congressional District candidate will also speak. A brief Central Committee meeting will be combined with the caucus. Refreshments and rolls will be served.

Where:Community Center, 201 Center St, Lime Springs
When: Mar 31 starts at 9:30 am

# Aug 19, 2007 ABC News/Iowa Democratic Party Debate The Iowa Democratic Party will co-sponsor a forum for presidential candidates with ABC News and ABC5/WOI-TV. The forum will be held on Sunday, August 19, 2007 in Des Moines, Iowa and televised live on This Week with George Stephanopoulos.

Where: Des Moines

When: August 19, 2007
The Iowa Democratic Party will co-sponsor a forum for presidential candidates with ABC News and ABC5/WOI-TV. The forum will be held on Sunday, August 19, 2007 in Des Moines, Iowa and televised live on This Week with George Stephanopoulos.

Detailed information on the time, location and format of the forum will be forthcoming.


I naturally want to 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 qis 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:

[Note: seems like Drinking Liberally has been declining in Wisconsin...I mean the MADISON group has died? There aren't enough liberals who want to hang out and drink in MADISON?? I hope to see some revival of Drinking Liberally in Wisconsin...for now it is only Milwaukee...)

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:

Here are some events in Michigan that might interest progressives:

Tuesday, 3-13-07
State Senator Mike Prusi is hosting a "St. Urho's Day Reception" Fundraiser at the Governor's Room, Karoub Building, 121 W. Allegan, Lansing, MI. Paid for by and please make checks payable to: Friends of Mike Prusi, 75 North Shore Drive, Ishpeming, MI 49849.
TIME: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
DONATION: $150.00 per person (Please, no corporate checks)

Wednesday, 3-14-07
State Senator John J. Gleason is hosting his "Annual St. Patrick's Day 'Hooligans' Party" Fundraiser at the Governor's Room, Karoub Building, 121 W. Allegan, Lansing, MI. Serving Irish Stew and Soda Bread!
TIME: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
DONATION: $175.00 per person
CONTACT: Please RSVP to 517/882-2420 (Ext. 4)

State Rep. Lee Gonzales is hosting a Fundraiser at the Governor's Room, Karoub Building, 121 W. Allegan, Lansing, MI. Please make checks payable to: Lee Gonzales Team.
TIME: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
DONATION: $150.00 per person
CONTACT: Vicki, 517/402-5742 for additional information

Saturday, 3-17-07
John Edwards for President St.Patrick’s Day Breakfasts
Coco’s Coney Island 79 North Main Street, Mt. Clemens MI 48043 (586)493-9956
Coco’s Coney Island 940 Joslyn, Pontiac MI 48340 (248)745-3866
Dimo’s Restaurant 2030 West Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI (734) 662-7944
Zef’s Coney Island 1249 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI (Corner of Grand River & Washington Blvd. in the Book Building Lobby) (313)963-4113
Choose from any Breakfast Special at all 4 locations$30 per person
Make Checks Payable to: Edwards for President
For More Information or Directions Call (586)468-5512

Tuesday, 3-20-07
The Senate Democratic Caucus is hosting their annual "March Madness" Fundraiser at the Nut House Sports Grill, 420 E. Michigan, Lansing, MI. Paid for by and please make checks payable to: Senate Democratic Fund, P.O. Box 1111, Lansing, MI 48901.
TIME: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
DONATION: Sponsorships
$10,000 Champion (Name posted at event and 20 tickets)
$ 5,000 Final Four VIP's (Name posted at event and 10 tickets)
$ 2,500 Elite Eight Winners (Name posted at event and 5 tickets)
$ 1,000 Tournament Team (Name posted at event and 2 tickets)
$ 500 Supporter (1 ticket)

CONTACT: Lisa Williams, 517/763-8609
"Global warming - an inconvenient truth" presentation by Dr. Kathryn Savoie, one of Al Gore's personally trained ambassadors. Novi Souvlaki Restaurant, Novi Rd & 14 Mile Rd, Novi 48377, 7 PM. Free. This is a regular meeting of Democrats of West Oakland County. For info contact Chairman Jim Gualdoni, 248-624-7228, gualdoni23@aol.com.

Wednesday, 3-21-07
State Senator Raymond E. Basham is hosting a "Spring Luncheon" Fundraiser at the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association, 1933 Room, 332 Townsend, Lansing, MI.
TIME: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
DONATION: $150.00 per person
CONTACT: Please RSVP to 734/946-5202

State Senator Deb Cherry is hosting an "Evening Reception" Fundraiser at the Governor's Room, Karoub Building, 121 W. Allegan, Lansing, MI.
TIME: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
DONATION: $150.00 per person
CONTACT: 810/701-2492 or pjanderson64@hotmail.com for additional information.

State Senator Gretchen Whitmer is hosting a "Spring Fling Luncheon" Fundraiser at the Governor's Room, Karoub Building, 121 W. Allegan, Lansing, MI. Paid for by and please make checks payable to: Committee to Elect Gretchen Whitmer, P.O. Box 11063, Lansing, MI 48901.
TIME: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
DONATION: $150.00 per person (Please, no corporate checks)

Wednesday, 3-28-07
State Rep. Marie Donigan is hosting a "Lunch Reception" Fundraiser at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, 110 W. Michigan Avenue, 12th Floor Conference Room, Lansing, MI.
TIME: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
DONATION: $150.00 per person
CONTACT: Christine Riley, 248/819-1449


Now 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 114: VIRGINIA/DC AREA 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 114: CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Corrupt California Republicans

Seems Republicans are still as corrupt as ever, despite the defeat of corrupt Republican Pombo by Progressive superstar, Jerry McNerney. This is from the California Democratic Party:

Pop quiz: Which Southern California Republican Congressman was the happiest to see San Diego-based U.S. Attorney Carol Lam whacked by the Bush crony - Alberto Gonzales?

a) Gary Miller (R-Diamond Bar)
b) Ken Calvert (R-Corona)
c) Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands)
d) All of the above

The answer will be revealed later on, but first let's review.

A) Miller, the millionaire developer/part-time Congressman from Diamond Bar, has been living under the growing shadow of an FBI investigation into his potentially illegal real estate dealings. Of course, there are also the additional accusations facing Miller that he used his congressional staff for personal errands and that he pursued federal funding for projects beneficial to properties that he and his campaign contributors owned.

B) Then there's Calvert, another real estate investor who dabbles in his Congressional duties when it suits his business needs. In 2006, the FBI began investigating Calvert after the Los Angeles Times reported on Congressional earmarks benefiting redevelopment of land owned by a Calvert company. The paper reported that in one instance, after a $1.5 million earmark for fixing up the closed air base, Calvert and a partner sold the land for a nearly 100 percent profit a year after its purchase. Just last month it was reported that the Riverside County grand jury is investigating Calvert's land deals.

C) And then there is Jerry Lewis, the former Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. McClatchy Newspapers now reports that on the same day in May of '06 that it was reported the Justice Department was expanding the Duke Cunningham probe to look into Lewis' actions, "Kyle Sampson, then [Attorney General Alberto] Gonzales' chief of staff, sent an e-mail to deputy White House counsel William Kelley, asking Kelley to call to discuss 'the real problem we have right now with Carol Lam that leads me to conclude that we should have someone ready to be nominated on 11/18, the day her 4-year term expires.'" Wow, what a coincidence. The same day the Justice Department starts looking into another Republican's activities, you start laying the groundwork to dump your U.S. Attorney. Nice.

It has become painfully obvious that this ethically-challenged trio all stood to gain from Lam's immediate removal from her post.

So which of these three amigos would have been happiest to see Lam fired from her post by the Bush Administration? The answer is d) All of the above.

Last November the American people wholeheartedly rejected the Republican Culture of Corruption (Richard Pombo ring any bells?), but it seems clear that the voters' clarion call has fallen on deaf ears in the Bush Administration - while these Republican Congressman continue to act like they are above the law.

For more on Gary Miller from Citizens for Responsiblity and Ethics in Washington (CREW) CLICK HERE.

For more on Ken Calvert from Beyond DeLay, CLICK HERE.

And for more on Jerry Lewis from CREW CLICK HERE and from Beyond DeLay, CLICK HERE.


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

Progressive Democrat Issue 114: 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.

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