Progressive Democrat Issue 115: THOUGHTS

Some updates. John and Teresa Heinz Kerry's book is now out and you can read my review on Culture Kitchen. My review was picked up by JohnKerry.com. Within a day the book reached the top of Amazon's non-fiction book list. You can buy the book through Barnes and Noble.

Which brings me to a slight change on my blog site. I have added Barnes and Noble as an advertiser. During the latest Ann Coulter brouhaha, Amazon.com was an advertiser who hung on with Ann and consistently missed the point when people pointed out the problem with advertising on the site of someone known for hate speech. Turns out Amazon.com donates a fair amount to Republicans while Barnes and Noble favors Democrats. I still have Amazon on my website and will still get a cut if you buy through my site, but I now am also an affiliate of Barnes and Noble, so if you click to Barnes and Noble through this website it helps support my blogging efforts.

Now on to this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

REPUBLICANS HATE THE TROOPS

MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS SLAM FLIP-FLOP GIULIANI

MEDIA ACTION: Taking on Ann Coulter's Hate Speech

PRESIDENTIAL FORUMS IN INDIAN COUNTRY

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Ann Coulter

CALIFORNIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

WISCONSIN FOCUS: Ann Coulter

INDIANA FOCUS: Ann Coulter

MIDWEST GROUPS AND EVENTS

VIRGINIA FOCUS: Ann Coulter

VIRGINIA/DC GROUPS AND EVENTS

NYC FOCUS: More Ratner Insanity

NYC GROUPS AND EVENTS

NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

Progressive Democrat Issue 115: REPUBLICAN TREATMENT OF OUR TROOPS

I have been writing about Republican hypocricy for some time. Their calls to "support the troops" when they willingly send our troops ill-equipped into a war based on lies while cutting Veteran's benefits and failing to provide adequate funding for the wounded is nothing short of disgusting. By comparison, as I have highlighted many times, Democrats are listening to our troops, pushing for restoration of Veterans' benefits and better treatment of the wounded...and, of course, pushing for an end to this quagmire with no purpose and no exit strategy.

The California Democratic Party has a particularly good round up of Republican nastiness towards our troops. If THIS is what Republicans call "supporting our troops," I suspect our troops would like a little less Republican "support."

In the wake of the Washington Post's horrifying report about the awful treatment Iraq War veterans are receiving thanks to Bush administration incompetence, Republicans in Washington have resorted to the worst kind of behavior. If they aren't denying culpability they are actually blaming veterans themselves for the terrible medical treatment. The entire scandal shows once again how little the GOP really cares about America's troops.

Bush Appointee "Shelved" Plan To Fix VA. The Associated Press reports that "a program to fix bureaucratic breakdowns between the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments was shelved soon after Bush VA Secretary Jim Nicholson took office, according to a former VA official." Nicholson is the former chairman of the Republican National Committee that Bush appointed to the key position. Paul Sullivan, a former VA project manager, also told a House panel looking into problems with veterans care that in August 2005 he warned officials there would be a surge in claims as veterans returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. "I made those warnings on several occasions," he said, but never received a response. "That's unacceptable and embarrassing, and the American people deserve answers," said Rep. Harry Mitchell, D-Arizona, who chairs the subcommittee. "I'm not convinced the Veterans Affairs Department is doing its part." During the hearing, Cynthia Bascetta, director of health care at GAO, testified that while some improvements have been made by the VA, GAO investigators could not offer assurances that problems of veterans falling through the cracks wouldn't happen again.

Top House Republican Blames Veterans For Bad Hospital Conditions. At a House Armed Services Committee hearing on veterans care last week, Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) attempted to stand out from the rest of Congress and argue that the conditions in Building 18 weren't that bad. Instead of criticizing the cockroach infestation, he said, "I was glad to know that those cockroaches were belly up. It suggested to me that at least someone was spraying for them." He also tried to blame the soldiers for the conditions, stating, "And, of course, if you leave food around in a motel room or a dorm room at a college, you're going to get some mice show up at some point in time."

Bush Administration Cited For Awful Treatment Of Vets. The New York Times reports that "veterans face serious inequities in compensation for disabilities depending on where they live and whether they were on active duty or were members of the National Guard or the Reserve." Those factors determine whether some soldiers wait nearly twice as long to get benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs as others, and collect less money, according to agency figures. "The V.A. is supposed to provide uniform and fair treatment to all," said Steve Robinson, the director of veteran affairs for Veterans for America. "Instead, the places and services giving the most are getting the least." Bush officials said they were "trying to ease the backlog and address disparities by hiring more claims workers, authorizing more overtime and adding claims development centers." Numerous government reports have highlighted the agency's backlog of disability claims and called for improvements in shifting resources.

Columnist - Walter Reed Scandal Another Display Of Iraq Incompetence By Bush. Dallas Morning News' syndicated columnist Carl Leubsdorf writes that "disclosures of substandard conditions for wounded veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center represent more than another case of Bush administration incompetence. They show how its mishandling of the management and financing of the Iraq war has created a series of devastating side effects that go far beyond questions about its military and diplomatic policies in the Middle East." Since President Bush sent U.S. troops to Iraq, his administration has constantly sought to minimize war costs, protect its tax cuts and avoid the government's looming long-term fiscal problems. Says Leubsdorf: "The result has been to shortchange the nation's veterans, provide insufficient equipment and training for active troops, weaken the ability to deal with threats outside Iraq and create a ticking fiscal time bomb that threatens to explode on its successor's watch."

Disgusting. What a bunch of hypocrites these Republicans are. Halliburton grows fat and bloated while our wounded soldiers are ill-treated. Disgusting.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 115: MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS ASK: Will the REAL Rudy Giuliani Please Stand Up?

The Michigan Democrats are finding out something those of us who live in NYC already knew: You can't trust Rudy Guiliani:

Will the Real Rudy Please Stand Up?

LANSING- Today Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer questioned whether Rudy Giuliani would talk about his positions on immigration, gun control, abortion and gay rights during his speech to the Macomb County Republican Party at their annual Lincoln Day Dinner tonight.

“Will the real Rudy be in attendance tonight in Sterling Heights? Will Giuliani tell them that there is no other politician as ‘pro-immigrant’ as he is?” asked Brewer. “Will he talk about his strong support of gun control? Will he mention his support of publicly funded abortions or his advocacy of gay rights? If he has the same amount of political courage as McCain and Romney, he will flip-flop faster than President Bush can say ‘Mission Accomplished.’”

To view Rudy Giuliani’s stances on abortion, immigration, gay rights and gun control in his own words, watch the following video put together by CPAC, a conservative political action committee:



To view Rudy Giuliani’s support of publicly funded abortions, watch the following video:

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 115: MEDIA ACTION: Taking Down Ann Coulter

Ann Coulter, terrorist advocate who makes a living through hate speech, continues to be the target of a backlash. Advertisers fled her website like rats from a sinking ship. Since then 9 newspapers have dropped her column because of the outcry over her recurring use of hate speech and outright advocacy of violence. Media matters has a campaign to reach out to 39 more papers that carry her column. I want to highlight those efforts both here and in the local action sections of this newsletter.

Here is a mere sampling of the kind of thing Ann Coulter says on a regular basis:

* "[P]rofiling Muslims is more like profiling the Klan."
* Liberals are "fak[ing] a belief in God."
* 9-11 widows are "cruel" and "put a lot of other women at risk for becoming widows."
* The New York Times staff should be "executed."

In addition she has publicly advocated:

* Bombing the NY Times building
* Poisoning a Supreme Court Justice
* Beating up American citizens with baseball bats

Interestingly, one of the first newspapers to drop her column due to her disgusting rhetoric was, long ago, the conservative National Review. They dropped her column after she responded to the 9/11 attacks by stating that America should "invade their [terrorists'] countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity."

You can see more about her here.

And if you want to urge other papers to follow the example of the National Review, you can find a list of papers still carrying her hate speech here.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 115: PRESIDENTIAL FORUMS IN INDIAN COUNTRY

In 2006, the Indigneous Democratic Network, set up by Kalyn Free of the Choctaw Nation, helped elect an unprecedented number of Native Americans across America. They continue to strengthen the voice of Native Americans in politics. They are working to set up forums for the Presidential Candidates on Reservations (called Prez on the Rez). Bill Richardson is the first candidate to commit to participte in these forums and the idea is supported by Howard Dean, head of the DNC. The first such forum is being planned for the Morongo Reservation in California.

We are excited to announce that we have selected the Morongo Band of Mission Indians in Cabazon, California to host Prez on the Rez on August 23, 2007.

“No major presidential campaign event has ever come to Indian Country,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “This represents a historic opportunity for this country's First Americans to take a direct role in the future of America by holding a national level forum for presidential candidates. We couldn't be more proud to make history for Indian Country by hosting this extraordinary event.”

The announcement, and the official launch of Prez on the Rez, was held in conjunction with the winter executive meeting of the National Congress of American Indians in Washington, DC. In a speech at that meeting, Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico became the first presidential candidate to commit to Prez on the Rez.

“The Morongo tribe has been a visionary leader with nationwide impact when it comes to supporting efforts to build political power in Indian Country, not just for their own tribe, but for Indians everywhere,” said Free. “American Indians are becoming a recognized and active force in the American political process. The Prez on the Rez forum represents an important next step in Indian Country's activism.”

Free said that the Morongo Band was chosen because of the caliber of the facilities and resources that the Morongo Tribe can offer; for its accessible location in southern California for both participants and national media; and California's decision to hold its primary in February, 2008.

The regional media is already excited about this historic event, with stories running in the Riverside Press-Enterprise and the Palm Springs Desert Sun. Click here to go to our Media page, where you can view all the latest press coverage that Prez on the Rez is generating.

By now you know how important Prez on the Rez is for our Indian Nations. Others are recognizing its significance as well. Governor Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, has expressed his excitement to be attending Prez on the Rez. Over the next few weeks, we will be following up with major announcements about our confirmed candidates, speakers, and other special guests. Stay tuned to www.prezontherez.org/ for all the latest news and information.

Many of you have already supported ILEF and Prez on the Rez, but as we ramp up our publicity and planning, we need your help more than ever. Please visit our website and support our work.

I urge your support for INDN and I also urge you to lobby your chosen presidential candidate (if you have one) to participate in these historic forums.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 115: CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Taking Down Ann Coulter

As I highlighted above, Ann Coulter is slowly being dropped by paper after paper because of her hate speech. Interestingly, one of the first newspapers to drop her column due to her disgusting rhetoric was, long ago, the conservative National Review. They dropped her column after she responded to the 9/11 attacks by stating that America should "invade their [terrorists'] countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity." Since then her hate speech has only gotten worse. She has compared Islam with the KKK and routinely advocates violence against liberals and insults homosexuals. She has the right to say what she wants. And newspapers have the right to carry it. But, we have the right to fight back as well.

Here is a list of California papers with contact info. PLEASE write them and urge them to follow the example of the National Review and drop Ann Coulter's column.

(Palmdale) Antelope Valley Press
Jana Treece
editor@avpress.com

Pasadena Star-News
Steve O'Sullivan
steve.osullivan@sgvn.com

(West Covina) San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Steve Scauzillo
letters.tribune@sgvn.com

Whittier Daily News
Linda Beckman
letters.tribune@sgvn.com

(Yreka) Siskiyou Daily News
Jean Smith
editor@siskiyoudaily.com

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 115: 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.

Progressive Democrat Issue 115: WISCONSIN FOCUS: Taking Down Ann Coulter

As I highlighted above, Ann Coulter is slowly being dropped by paper after paper because of her hate speech. Interestingly, one of the first newspapers to drop her column due to her disgusting rhetoric was, long ago, the conservative National Review. They dropped her column after she responded to the 9/11 attacks by stating that America should "invade their [terrorists'] countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity." Since then her hate speech has only gotten worse. She has compared Islam with the KKK and routinely advocates violence against liberals and insults homosexuals. She has the right to say what she wants. And newspapers have the right to carry it. But, we have the right to fight back as well.

Here is a list of Wisconsin papers with contact info. PLEASE write them and urge them to follow the example of the National Review and drop Ann Coulter's column.

Watertown Daily Times
John McFadden
news1@wdtimes.com

(West Bend) Daily News
Jill Badzinski
dailynews@conleynet.com

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 115: INDIANA FOCUS: Taking Down Ann Coulter

As I highlighted above, Ann Coulter is slowly being dropped by paper after paper because of her hate speech. Interestingly, one of the first newspapers to drop her column due to her disgusting rhetoric was, long ago, the conservative National Review. They dropped her column after she responded to the 9/11 attacks by stating that America should "invade their [terrorists'] countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity." Since then her hate speech has only gotten worse. She has compared Islam with the KKK and routinely advocates violence against liberals and insults homosexuals. She has the right to say what she wants. And newspapers have the right to carry it. But, we have the right to fight back as well.

Here is a list of Indiana papers with contact info. PLEASE write them and urge them to follow the example of the National Review and drop Ann Coulter's column.

(Gary) The Post-Tribune
Paulette Haddix
editor@post-trib.com

(Warsaw) Times-Union
Gary Gerard
news@timesuniononline.com

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 115: 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:

# 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


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Progressive Democrat Issue 115: VIRGINIA FOCUS: Taking Down Ann Coulter

As I highlighted above, Ann Coulter is slowly being dropped by paper after paper because of her hate speech. Interestingly, one of the first newspapers to drop her column due to her disgusting rhetoric was, long ago, the conservative National Review. They dropped her column after she responded to the 9/11 attacks by stating that America should "invade their [terrorists'] countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity." Since then her hate speech has only gotten worse. She has compared Islam with the KKK and routinely advocates violence against liberals and insults homosexuals. She has the right to say what she wants. And newspapers have the right to carry it. But, we have the right to fight back as well.

Here is the one Virginia paper that still carries her column, with contact info. PLEASE write them and urge them to follow the example of the National Review and drop Ann Coulter's column.

(Harrisonburg) Daily News-Record
Peter Yates
pyates@dnronline.com

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Progressive Democrat Issue 115: 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 115: NYC FOCUS: More Atlantic Yards Insanity

Did you know that you are buying the land for Bruce Ratner to build his Atlantic Yards' project? Yep. That is what Michael Bloomberg wants, as I have previously reported. Ratner promised to pay $100 million for the land to build his project (the low bid, but being Pataki's friend apparantly compensated for his low bid). Guess how much NYC taxpayers are being asked to pay for land acquisition for Ratner? Yep...$100 million. We are buying the land for him. Feel free to tell your City Council member what you think of that.

Oh...but wait. There is an added layer of bullshit about all this. It appears that Pataki and Bloomberg went full speed ahead with their support of Ratner, and the Empire State Development Corp. gave it glowing reviews...even though RATNER NEVER SUBMITTED A BUSINESS PLAN! That's right. The ESDC approved the project and Bloomberg is asking us to foot the bill but Ratner never submitted a business plan. Of course we only know this because Jim Brennan SUED to get access to the business plan. From Michael Bouldin over at Daily Gotham:

Lipris over at The Albany Project, quoting the barking rightwing wackjobs at the New York Sun, delivers this gem:

This is too rich. For quite some time now, many opponents of the Atlantic Yards Ratnerville project in Brooklyn, including Assemblyman James Brennan, have been trying to get a hold of the business plan one would assume the developers had submitted to the Empire State Development Corporation before the the ESDC would agree to dole out hundreds of millions in public money and other goodies to the controversial development. Brennan eventually sued ESDC last month to get his hands on the plan. There was one problem, however. The developers never submitted one and the ESDC therefore has no plan to produce. Really.

Two really simple and basic points:

One, Since FCR wants your money to build its monstrosity, the least, the absolute least they can do is tell you how they intend to spend it.

And two, this is the kind of crap that happens when you don't have a real legislature. Neither the State Assembly nor the State Senate have ever held hearings on a $4 billion development subsidized with public money and, as we're now finding out, for which the developer

Has.

Not.

Submitted.

A business plan.

If anyone can imagine a better example of a complete failure of oversight, please, I'd like to hear it.

For those who are sick and tired of this kind of crap, there is something you can do (other than write your City Council member and telling them to make Ratner pay his own bills). Listen to punk music! Yep. Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn is having a benefit concert. This comes from DDDB:

Against their better judgment, the Spunk Lads, those legends of the late-'70s London punk scene, will take the stage at Southpaw on April 4th for a reunion gig to benefit the Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn Legal Fund.

The Lads, who called it quits, seemingly for good, in 2005, were compelled to get back together for the good of their adopted home -- Brooklyn, NY.

"Ratner’s bollocks," said Lads’ singer Nick Knickers, in explaining the impetus behind the reunion concert. The Lads will be joined by three talented acts. All for just $15. Here are the details:

Wednesday, April 4th
The Spunk Lads.

11:00 -- The Spunk Lads
10:00 -- The Choke
9:00 -- Seanchai & The Unity Squad
8:00 -- Blackout Shoppers

Southpaw
125 Fifth Avenue. Brooklyn, NY
(718) 230-0236
$15 Admission -- proceeds go to DDDB's Legal Fund
Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts promptly at 8 p.m.

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Progressive Democrat Issue 115: 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:

The East Side Democratic Club invites you to a discussion of:
The First 100 Days of Democratic Power in Albany and Congress
Featuring:

U.S. Congresswoman CAROLYN B. MALONEY
State Senator LIZ KRUEGER
Presumptive Democratic Assembly Candidate MICAH KELLNER

Date and Time: Thursday, April 12, 2007; 7:30 p.m. sharp
Place: Brown Gardens Community Room
225 East 93rd Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)

Stay for conversation and cookies.

BRING A NEIGHBOR/FORWARD THIS INVITATION TO INTERESTED FRIENDS

For further information, Call 212-861-2014 or e-mail eastsidedc@yahoo.com


BROOKLYN GROUPS AND EVENTS:

Spunk Lads to Reunite for DDDB Fundraising Concert

Against their better judgment, the Spunk Lads, those legends of the late-'70s London punk scene, will take the stage at Southpaw on April 4th for a reunion gig to benefit the Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn Legal Fund.

The Lads, who called it quits, seemingly for good, in 2005, were compelled to get back together for the good of their adopted home -- Brooklyn, NY.

"Ratner’s bollocks," said Lads’ singer Nick Knickers, in explaining the impetus behind the reunion concert. The Lads will be joined by three talented acts all for just $15. Here are the details:

Wednesday, April 4th
The Spunk Lads.

11:00 -- The Spunk Lads
10:00 -- The Choke
9:00 -- Seanchai & The Unity Squad
8:00 -- Blackout Shoppers

Southpaw
125 Fifth Avenue. Brooklyn, NY
(718) 230-0236
$15 Admission -- proceeds go to DDDB's Legal Fund
Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts promptly at 8 p.m.


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.


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.


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QUEENS GROUPS AND EVENTS:

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

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

Bayside, Queens, The First Edition, 41-08 Bell Blvd, right near the LIRR stop, with host Steve Behar of Democrats for New Politics


Queens Jefferson Democratic Club: Our meetings are normally held the first Thursday of every month, @ 8:00 p.m. (the doors open @ 7:30 P.M.) except for July, August, and months in which a holiday falls on the First Thursday. Meetings are held at the Auburndale American Legion Hall, 198-09 33rd Ave Flushing, New York 11358 (just off Francis Lewis Blvd. near 33rd Avenue).

Queens County Young Democrats: for information CLICK HERE.

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

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

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


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


STATEN ISLAND GROUPS AND EVENTS:

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

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

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

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

For more Democratic Clubs in Staten Island, CLICK HERE.

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BRONX GROUPS AND EVENTS:

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


WEST BRONX DRINKING LIBERALLY: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. There is currently only one Bronx Drinking Liberally group:

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


Find your closest Bronx Democratic Club by CLICKING HERE.


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Progressive Democrat Issue 115: 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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