Progressive Democrat Issue 116: THOUGHTS

I have been mulling the Democratic Congress's approach to ending the Iraq war. Of course what I WANT them to do is to just lay down the law to Bush and set a solid time table or else cut off the money.

But they are smarter. They may not be getting us out right away, but it is doubtful that they could. Even if they cut off the money, it would be impossible to keep up the pressure when our soldiers start running out of supplies. It would be a disaster.

Instead they are forcing the topic repeatedly into the media, into the debate. They are siding both with the troops AND with withdrawal. Bush will be forced to accept withdrawal as a goal or veto funding for the troops. If Bush vetoes it, he will be open to the accusation of not supporting the troops.

And over time, the debate will continue. The Democrats will continue to try and set a timetable for withdrawal. And Bush will keep resisting. And the Republicans in Congress will face a choice: abandon the McCain/Bush/Lieberman quagmire or face losing the next election.

Suddenly, the Democrats have gotten the upper hand in the debate.

If they drop it, then they have lost. But if they keep pushing, keep bringing it up, keep opposing Bush...slowly the Republicans in Congress will be forced to set a time table. And the Democrats will have led the way.

Jerrold Nadler put it best: we want the headlines to read, "Democrats say enough is enough...Bush threatens veto." THAT is exactly what happens. We have now set the tone of debate. Let's hope we keep the initiative.

Here is this week's newsletter.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

KARL ROVE'S HIT LIST...and our list of opportunities

BARAK OBAMA RESPONDS TO DEMOCRACY FOR NYC

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS: Recycled Paper

A LITTLE HUMOR

INDIANA FOCUS: Targeting Ann Coulter's Hate Speech

WISCONSIN FOCUS: Targeting Ann Coulter's Hate Speech

MIDWEST PROGRESSIVE GROUPS

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Targeting Ann Coulter's Hate Speech

CALIFORNIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

VIRGINIA FOCUS: Targeting Ann Coulter's Hate Speech

VIRGINIA/DC GROUPS AND EVENTS

NY STATE FOCUS: The Albany Project

NYC GROUPS AND EVENTS

NEW JERSEY FOCUS: School Board Elections

NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

Progressive Democrat Issue 116: ELECTION 2008: We Now Know Karl Rove's Strategy...Let's get busy!

Karl Rove was forced to show his hand last week, revealing his list for targeting vulnerable Democrats for smear tactics. We now know what the Republicans plan. Here is his list:

Lampson (TX-22)
Mahoney (FL-16)
McNerney (CA-11)
Space (OH-18)
Hill (IN-09)
Carney (PA-10)
Murphy (PA-08)
Boyda (KS-02)
Sestak (PA-07)
Ellsworth (IN-08)
Shuler (NC-11)
Rodriguez (TX-23)
Kagen (WI-08)
Marshall (GA-08)
Donnelly (IN-02)
Barrow (GA-12)
Altmire (PA-04)
Hall (NY-19)
Gillibrand (NY-20)
Herseth (SD-AL)

I think they are dreaming with some of these. Personally I think Herseth is now established and won't be dislodged--she got 70% of the vote in 2006. Mahoney will be heavily targeted, but he is conservative enough to appeal to his very Republican district. Ellsworth is HIGHLY unlikely to be beaten. He was a local sheriff and he is conservative for a Democrat, so will appeal in his Republican district. Sestak is a retired admiral and his district is Democratic leaning. Shuler is a retired football star and probably is safe. I think their list is too optimistic. But they might win a couple of these. But Lampson, McNerney and Space are particularly vulnerable and will need lots of help. In fact, I think many of the more progressive Democrats will be vulnerable.

And here is a list of Republican seats Rove thinks are vulnerable (astericies are seats he anticipates a retirement, leaving an open seat:

Gerlach (PA), Bachmann (MN), Hayes (NC), Wilson (NM), Musgrave (CO), Roskam (IL), Shays (CT), Mean Jean Schmidt (OH), Drake (VA), Cubin* (WY), Doolittle (CA), Porter (NV), Walsh (NY), Pryce** (OH), Kuhl** (NY), Ferguson (NJ), Knollenberg* (MI), Young* (AK), Galleghy* (CA), McKeon* (CA), Lewis* (CA), Miller** (CA), Hunter* (CA), Castle* (DE), Young* (FL), Kirk (IL), Hastert* (IL), Lewis (KY), Jindal* (LA), Bartlett* (MD), Ehlers (MI), Walberg (MI), Myrick* (NC), Regula* (OH), Dent (PA) and Davis* (VA).

I think many of these are outside our chances. But some are definitely possible.

And for the record, here is my list of Hot House seats for 2008 that I made back in February. I need to update it, but I think I did pretty well. If you want to take advantage of Karl Rove's little lists, please donate through my Act Blue Site and get a jump on Karl.

And, for those with a strong stomach, go here for some footage of some very strange goings on featuring Rove.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 116: BARACK OBAMA'S RESPONSE TO DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA

Democracy for America is interviewing each of the Presidential candidates. Let me present to you, without comment, Barack Obama's response to DFA:



This is the first of these I have come across. I will present others when I see them (if I remember!). Do not take this as an endorsement of any particular candidate at this time.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 116: ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS: Recycled Paper

When I was a kid my family recycled. We were very unusual in doing this and had to go to great lengths to get our recyclables to a place we could drop them off. By the time I was in grad school, it was much more common to recycle and even some Republican-leaning friends of mine were recycling.

Then city after city started making separation of recyclables mandatory. Los Angeles, Santa Cruz and NYC are the last three American cities I lived in and all three have laws requiring recycling. This is real progress that is often overlooked.

But there is another and probably even more important side to the equation: a market for recycled products. If there is no market, then recycling does little good.

Metal recycling is always worthwhile because there is a large market for them. The market for recycled glass is much smaller because bottlers find it easier and cheaper to make bottles de novo. In between are the different kinds of paper and plastics.

But one disturbing trend is a DECLINE in the market for recycled paper. This comes from the Union of Concerned Scientists:

Is Recycled Paper in Trouble?
March 2007

The growing presence of recycled paper has led many people to believe that all paper is now made from recycled materials. This unfortunate misconception has actually decreased demand for recycled paper, causing manufacturers to produce less. As a result, more than 90 percent of printing and writing paper still comes from virgin tree fiber.

The benefits of producing paper from recycled fibers are many: fewer trees cut down, less water and energy consumed, less pollution generated. And now that studies have shown today’s recycled paper products are comparable to conventional products in quality, performance, and cost, the case for buying recycled is stronger than ever. To help expand this market while meeting your needs and budget, ask these questions when shopping for paper products:

What is the percentage of recycled content?

Recycled paper contains varying percentages of post-consumer waste (paper that has been used and recycled by the consumer); the remaining recycled content derives from miscellaneous paper mill scraps. While any recycled paper is generally better than non-recycled, paper with a higher percentage of post-consumer content is the best choice. If a percentage is not listed, contact the manufacturer.

Where did the paper originate?

If you cannot buy a paper product that is 100 percent recycled, look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification label. This paper comes from forests managed in an environmentally responsible manner.

What about “tree-free” alternatives?

Paper doesn’t have to come from wood pulp; fibers from hemp, kenaf, flax, cotton, banana stalks, and other plant-based materials can be used to produce paper with fewer chemicals and less energy. Tree-free paper is generally more expensive than its conventional counterpart, but is available from a variety of companies. As with conventional paper, look for a product with high post-consumer recycled content.

How was the paper processed?

Papers (even tree-free ones) are often bleached with chlorine or chlorine derivatives that form dioxin—a known carcinogen—and other compounds that pollute local air and water supplies. Look for products labeled either processed chlorine free (PCF) or totally chlorine free (TCF).

Related Links

Conservatree—List of Recycled and Tree-Free Papers

Recycled Paper Coalition—Recycled Paper Fact Sheet (pdf)

Forest Stewardship Council—FSC-Certified Paper

I would add that there is some GREAT stuff about forestry and recycling in Jared Diamond's book Collapse.

Joy and I use lots of recycled paper products. We don't have a consistent source of recycled printer paper we use so I can't recommend one (though if you have a suggestion, I would love to hear it!). But for napkins, tissues, toilet paper and paper towels we buy in bulk from Real Goods. Buying in bulk keeps the price reasonable though it takes up a large corner of our small NYC apartment and Real Goods paper products are among the most environmentally sound products. The quality is below the best (and most expensive) of non-recylced items but is about equal to average non-recycled products.

Purchase of recycled products instead of virgin-made products is one of the best ways you can decrease your carbon use and environmental impact, though sometimes you have to shop around to get good prices.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 116: SOME HUMOR

This comes from WeDemocrats.org:

The old priest lay dying in the hospital. For years he had faithfully served the people of the nation's capital.

He motioned for his nurse to come near.

"Yes, Father?" said the nurse.

"I would really like to see George Bush and Dick Cheney before I die." whispered the priest.

"I'll see what I can do, Father" replied the nurse.

The nurse sent the request to the White House and waited for a response. Soon the word arrived. Bush and Cheney would be delighted to visit the priest. As they went to the hospital, W. commented to Cheney "I don't know why the old priest wants to see us, but it will certainly help our images." Cheney couldn't help but agree.

When they arrived at the priest's room, the priest took Bush's hand in his right hand and Cheney's hand in his left. There was silence and a look of serenity on the old priest's face.

Finally President Bush spoke. "Father, of all the people you could have chosen, why did you choose us to be with you as you near the end?"

The old priest slowly replied "I have always tried to pattern my life after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

"Amen" said Bush

"Amen" said Cheney.

The old priest continued..."He died between two lying thieves. I would like to do the same...

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 116: INDIANA FOCUS: Continuing the fight against Ann Coulter

As I highlighted last week, Ann Coulter is slowly being dropped by paper after paper because of her hate speech and advocacy of violence. 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." Wow...what kind of anti-Muslim nut case are we talking about here?

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. You can read more about what she advocates and says here. 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. Last month highlighting her anti-gay rhetoric led to practically all her advertisers (other than Amazon.com) to pull their ads off her website. Now we are asking newspapers that carry her column to stop giving her hate speech a platform.

Here is a list of Indiana papers that carry Ann Coulter's column 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 116: WISCONSIN FOCUS: Continuing the fight against Ann Coulter

As I highlighted last week, Ann Coulter is slowly being dropped by paper after paper because of her hate speech and advocacy of violence. 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." Wow...what kind of anti-Muslim nut case are we talking about here?

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. You can read more about what she advocates and says here. 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. Last month highlighting her anti-gay rhetoric led to practically all her advertisers (other than Amazon.com) to pull their ads off her website. Now we are asking newspapers that carry her column to stop giving her hate speech a platform.

Here is a list of Wisconsin papers that carry Ann Coulter's column 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 116: 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


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

Progressive Democrat Issue 116: CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Continuing the fight against Ann Coulter

As I highlighted last week, Ann Coulter is slowly being dropped by paper after paper because of her hate speech and advocacy of violence. 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." Wow...what kind of anti-Muslim nut case are we talking about here?

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. You can read more about what she advocates and says here. 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. Last month highlighting her anti-gay rhetoric led to practically all her advertisers (other than Amazon.com) to pull their ads off her website. Now we are asking newspapers that carry her column to stop giving her hate speech a platform.

Here is a list of California papers that carry Ann Coulter's column 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 116: 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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Progressive Democrat Issue 116: VIRGINIA FOCUS: Continuing the fight against Ann Coulter

As I highlighted last week, Ann Coulter is slowly being dropped by paper after paper because of her hate speech and advocacy of violence. 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." Wow...what kind of anti-Muslim nut case are we talking about here?

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. You can read more about what she advocates and says here. 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. Last month highlighting her anti-gay rhetoric led to practically all her advertisers (other than Amazon.com) to pull their ads off her website. Now we are asking newspapers that carry her column to stop giving her hate speech a platform.

Here is the one Virginia paper that carries Ann Coulter's 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 116: VIRGINIA/DC AREA GROUPS AND EVENTS

VOTING RIGHTS MARCH IN DC:

Where: Gather at Freedom Plaza and March to the Capitol
When: DC Emancipation Day, April 16
2:30 PM — Gather at Freedom Plaza — VIEW MAP
3:00 PM — March down Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
4:00 PM — Rally at the Capitol Reflecting Pool — VIEW MAP
What: Voting Rights March —
The Largest Demonstration Ever for DC Voting Rights
Who: Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Chairman Vincent Gray, Del. Eleanor
Holmes Norton, Congressman Tom Davis, Secretary Jack Kemp
Why: NOW is the time to make a difference!
More info here.


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


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


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

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

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


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

Washington DC Democratic Party

Albemarle County Democratic Committee, Albemarle County, VA

Arlington County Democrats, Arlington VA. Contact Name: Elizabeth Weitzman mewsician1@msn.com (703) 528-8588

Arlington Young Democrats, Arlington VA. Contact Name: Jaime Mulligan publicity@arlingtonyoungdems.org 571-334-7626

Democratic Party of Fluvanna County, Virginia, Bremo Bluff, Virginia VA

Hanover Democrats, Ashland VA

Loudoun County Democratic Committee, Leesburg, VA. Contact Name: Steve Deak chairman@lcdems.com

Norfolk Democratic Party Meetup, Norfolk VA. Contact Name: Alma D. Kesling akesling@yahoo.com 757 333-8694

Rappahannock County Democrats, Rappahannock VA.

Stafford County Democrats, Fredericksburg VA:

Virginia Beach Democrats, VA

Virginia Young Democrats, Richmond, VA. Contact Name: Justin Wilson justin@justin.net


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

Alexandria, Virginia
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
* Shenandoah Brewing Company, 652 S Pickett St (Look for us upstairs)
* "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world" - Margaret Mead
* Hosted by David Swim and Quinn Jones, alexandria (at) drinkingliberally.org

Danville, Virginia
* Every other Wednesday, 7:00 pm onward
* The Purple Onion, 215 Main St
* Hosted by Meryl Ibis, danville (at) drinkingliberally.org

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

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

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

And two Washington, DC groups:

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


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


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Progressive Democrat Issue 116: NY STATE FOCUS: The Albany Project

I believe I have highlighted these guys before, but for all New Yorkers, The Albany Project should be top of our list of groups to pay attention to. The NY State government is notorious for being, as many put it, one of the most dysfunctional state governments in the nation. Now I know some prefectly good state legislators who get a bit defensive about this, but the truth is NY State has its problems. And the switch of Governor is not enough to solve all our problems.

To get some idea of the depth of the dysfunction in our state government, read this Daily Gotham article.

The Albany Project seeks to reform our state government and BOY do we need that! They have a very simple statement of purpose:

The Albany Project seeks to return New York State Government to its rightful owners - the people.

Can't get much more progressive than that.

The Albany Project has a daily blogradio program, and a blog. And they have already had an impact on state level politics. I urge you to check them out and support them!


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Progressive Democrat Issue 116: 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:

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 116: NEW JERSEY FOCUS: School Board

School board elections are among the most important...and most ignored elections there are. Democrats 2000 in New Jersey is focusing on the 2007 New Jersey School Board elections and I would like to highlight their candidates. I should note that if there are other Democrats running in these races I am happy to give them equal time since I am not endorsing one Democrat over another in this newsletter. But I am happy Democrats 2000 is doing this and I want to highlight their efforts. From Democrats 2000:

2007 School Board Candidates

On April 17 voters across the state will go to the polls to elect candidates running to serve on local and regional school boards.

According to the New Jersey School Board's Association:

School boards are unpaid, nonpartisan bodies responsible for ensuring accountability, effectiveness and efficiency in schools. They don't run the school district—that's the job of a superintendent. Rather, the school board works with the superintendent to set district goals. School boards annually evaluate their superintendents, oversee the school district budgets, approve curriculum, and represent the public in contract negotiations with labor unions.

School board members are part of a team that fosters community engagement, shapes education policy, and creates the framework for student achievement. Ultimately, the board serves as liaison between the community and the school district. The board communicates the needs of the schools to the public—but it also represents the community's wishes in shaping the future of the local school system.

For many young professionals, serving on their local school board is a first step into public service. Senator Bob Menendez, Congressman Bill Pascrell and Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein are just a few friends of Democrats 2000 that served at the school board level before beginning their ascent up the political ladder.

Democrats 2000 was established to help support the campaigns of young professionals running for public office, and, since 1992 our efforts have helped elect 55 candidates under the age of 40 at the local, county and state level.

We are proud that thanks to the support and generosity of our members, we can, for the first time, also focus resources on the campaigns of these outstanding young candidates that have taken on the challenge of launching a political campaign in pursuit of their desire to improve the educational opportunities for the children in their communities.

We hope that you will join us in supporting these candidates by making a contribution either directly to their campaigns or to Democrats 2000.


Andre Sayegh
Paterson Board of Education

Andre Sayegh, 32, is seeking reelection to the Paterson School Board. Andre was first elected to the board in 2004 and currently serves as the Board’s President. During his tenure on the Board, Andre has been instrumental in the District’s efforts to adopt a new curriculum to better meet the educational needs of the students served by Paterson’s schools. Upon reelection Andre looks forward to continuing to work with his colleagues on the Board, as well as the Administration, to fully implement this new curriculum and to take complete control of the school’s back from the State.

Contributions to Andre’s campaign can be made to Committee to Re-Elect Andre Sayeigh and sent to 215 Dundee Avenue, Paterson, NJ 07503

Francie Joseph-Keating
West Paterson Board of Education

After the birth of her first child, Francie Joseph-Keating, 37, made the choice to temporarily put my career as a practicing attorney on hold to devote my time and energy to the upbringing and education of my children. Since then, has played an active roll in both her children's education and her community. Francie looks forward to the support of Democrats 2000 and her election to the school board where she would like to work with their new Superintendent to continue to make the positive changes he has started.

Contributions to Francie's campaign can be made to Putting Kids First and sent to 80 Ridgeview Drive, West Paterson, NJ, 07424


Leanne Chamberlin
Hamilton Township Board of Education

Leanne Chamberlin, 35, is seeking election to the Hamilton Township Board of Education. Leanne, a teacher and a parent, believes that the incumbents her and running mates are running against have become more focused on using their office to benefit friends and family and instead of improving the educational opportunities available to Hamilton 's children.

Given the truncated campaigns school board candidates face, Leanne believes that the support of Democrats 2000 and its members would give her a greater opportunity to spread her message to voters throughout the Township.

Contributions to Leanne's campaign can be made to Chamberlin, Kaszimer and Lord for School Board and sent to 1943 Arena Drive, Hamilton, NJ, 08610


Lou Venezia
Bloomfield Board of Education

As a Bloomfield firefighter, Lou Venezia, 29, is no stranger to public service. Lou is seeking public office for the first time because he believes that as a Member of the Bloomfield Board of Education he can do even more to improve the community in which he lives and works.

Lou believes that the support of Democrats 2000 will play a critical role in his election and looks forward to continuing to work with our members to elect even more young professionals to public office at every level.

Contributions to Lou's campaign can be made to Committee to Elect Lou Venezia, 14 Clark Place, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.

Richard Liguori
North Brunswick Board of Education

Richard Liguori, 34, is running for seat on the North Brunswick Board of Education. Richard is a product of the North Brunswick schools and currently serves as the Chairman of the township's Educational Foundation. Having attended North Brunswick's schools from kindergarten through high school, and moving on to obtain an undergraduate degree in Finance at Rutgers University, where he is currently pursuing an MBA, Richard's service to the Board will be a constant reminder of how much the Township's schools offer their children.

Together with his background in Finance, Richard believes that he will bring a unique perspective to the Board, especially during budget time, and is hopeful that voters will give him an opportunity to give back to his community.

Sam Yodice
West Paterson Board of Education

Sam Yodice, 25, currently runs a non-profit organization dedicated to serve the youth of West Paterson with organized sports programs as well as other activities. As a member of the school board Sam wants to advance into the educational aspect of our community and provide great opportunities through education and diversity.

As a young professional running for public office within his community Sam knows that it is not easy to put his name out there and open himself to the exposure being a candidate will bring him However he is comforted by the support of Democrats2000 and feels like he has a place to turn for advice, help and continued support.
Contributions to Sam's campaign can be made to Putting Our Kids First and sent to 6 Vernon Court, West Paterson, NJ 07424 .

Stuart Chaifetz
Cherry Hill Board of Education

Stuart Chaifetz, 39, is a first time candidate seeking election to the Board of Education in Cherry Hill . Stuart is running to preserve funding for special needs children by ensuring that cuts in high administration costs are considered before any dollars are taken out of the classroom.

Stuart is not running with a slate of candidates and believes that the support of grassroots organizations like Democrats 2000 will be the difference in this campaign.

Contributions to Stuart's campaign can be made to Chaifetz for the Board of Education and sent to 220 Dobson Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

Lenny Cusumano
Passaic Valley Regional School Board

Lenny Cusumano Jr., 26 is running for a seat on the Passaic Valley High School Board of Education which serves students from Little Falls, Totowa and West Paterson. Lenny looks forward to bringing his experience as a teacher to the school board to play an even bigger role in supporting the education of the students served by the Passaic Valley BOE. As a young educator, Lenny believes that it is critical that school systems become better prepared and equipped to keep up with the latest technological trends so that students are prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Contributions to Lenny's campaign can be made to Putting Kids First and sent to P.O. Box 2200, West Paterson, 07424

Christian Estevez
Plainfield Board of Education

Born and raised in Plainfield , Christian Estevez, 33 has a strong record of community service at the state and local levels. He's a former Democrats 2000 Executive Board member and also holds leadership positions with the Plainfield Area YMCA and the Latino Leadership Alliance.

As the father of a child who attends Plainfield 's public schools, Christian is committed to making Plainfield a better city in which to grow and learn. Christian serves as the Education and Training Coordinator for the New Jersey State AFL-CIO and as an Adjunct Professor at Rutgers University . He hopes that the experience he has acquired in these positions will allow him to more effectively serve on Plainfield 's Board of Education and reach his goals of building better schools while maintaining stable taxes.

Contributions to Christian's campaign can be made to Friends of Christian Estevez and sent to 1352 Murray Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, 07060

For more information or for easier ways to donate, please go here.

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Progressive Democrat Issue 116: 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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