Progressive Democrat Issue 122: THOUGHTS

I do not use this newsletter to take sides in primaries. I think this is particularly important when it comes to the 2008 presidential primary. But sometimes there is something so glaring that it requires comment, either in favor or against a particular candidate. No praise nor criticism in this newsletter should be seen as an endorsement, and anytime I praise or criticize a candidate in a Democratic primary, I am open to presenting an opposing view for balance. So, with this in mind, I have to comment on something Hillary Clinton did NOT do.

Howard Dean in many ways brought the Democratic Party back to life. Although others share in the 2005 and 2006 success stories, Howard Dean in 2004 recreated the Democratic grassroots and since then has forged an alliance between progressives and moderates that has been winning big. He did this not by creating a rival force to the Democratic Party the way Nader did. He created a force WITHIN the party that led him to the head of the DNC. And under him the Democratic Party, with help from Rahm, Pelosi and Schumer, among others, has prospered.

Democracy for America was one piece of Howard Dean's revitalization of the Democratic Party. It brought back into the party thousands of activists who had lost faith with the system. It has focused people not only on national issues, but on LOCAl issues, events and campaigns, revitalizing the grassroots from bottom to top. DFA, along with groups like Progressive Majority and MoveOn.org, has given progressives ways of becoming a part of the political process without having to compromise their independence and ideals.

Three Presidential candidates have recognized the importance of Democracy for America and the new direction it represents. These three candidates are John Edwards, Barack Obama, and Bill Richardson. These three candidates recognize the importance of the grassroots and of more independent, more progressive movements within the Democratic Party. Even Bill Richardson, a moderate on many issues, recognizes the importance of the progressive, more independent grassroots.

These three candidates responded to questions from Democray for America and made video statements for the members of DFA. Here are their video statements:








All three make excellent points and are well worth our consideration for support. But there is a glaring absence here. Where is Hillary? Hillary Clinton is ignoring the very developments within the Democratic Party that has been such a success in 2005 and 2006, the developments that reopens the party to more independent-minded, more progressive activists. Why did Hillary shun Democracy for America?

In the end, Hillary may be our candidate and she, like Edwards, Richardson and Obama, would make a good President. But it bodes ill when one of our major candidates fails to recognize the fundamental shifts within our Party that led to such success in 2006.

I am not yet advocating for any one of our candidates. I would be happy with any of them, though Hillary's lack of appreciation of the progressive grassroots makes it hard for me to support her in the primary. In the spirit of progress in 2008, though, offer this Act Blue site which will help whoever our nominee is to win November 2008. Please donate! For those who want to support the grassroots rather than a candidate, I urge a donation to Democracy for America.

Now on to this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE IN AMERICA

VETERANS TARGET JOHN McCAIN

MEDIA ACTIVISM: Yet ANOTHER Right Wing Nutcase

NEW JERSEY FOCUS: Bush is coming to town

NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

BROOKLYN FOCUS: Some Upcoming Events

NYC FOCUS: Fight the Con Ed Rate Hike

NYC GROUPS AND EVENTS

MICHIGAN FOCUS: MI Republican links to hate group

IOWA FOCUS: News about your elected officials

MIDWEST GROUPS AND EVENTS

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: California Republicans Oppose Wildfire Management?

CALIFORNIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Progressive Democrat Issue 122: RELIGIOUS INTOERANCE IN AMERICA

These items come from Jews On First, whose motto is:

Jews responding to the Christian right -
because if Jews don't speak out, they'll think we don't mind

I first became aware of Jews on First when they broke the Delaware Pogrom story, an incident where Christian fundamentalists drove a Jewish and a Muslim family out of a Delaware town because they objected to overtly Christian prayer in a local public school.

The death of Jerry Falwell will not be mourned among those who believe strongly in the Constitution because his message of intolerance and hatred and his advocacy of unConstitutional mixing of church and state was about as unAmerican and immoral as you can get. This is the man who blamed 9/11 on American tolerance while the rest of use wree blaming it on religious extremism. It is unclear to me how Jerry Falwell differs all that much from the religious leaders in Iran.

Jerry Falwell's message of hatred, intolerance and unAmerican theocracy will continue to hurt America long after his death. Here are two items from Jews on First that illustrate how far right wing extremists have taken us from the liberal vision our Founding Fathers had for our nation.

Capitol Ministries: Making disciples for Jesus Christ in state legislatures:

Capitol Ministries aims to "reach every elected official in every nation of the world at every level of government with the uncompromised, saving message of Jesus Christ," according to its website. So far, the California-based group has, again according to its website, "singularly focused on establishing biblical ministries in State Capitols throughout our nation ... in order to make disciples of Jesus Christ within the political arena, at every level..."

So far, in addition to Pennsylvania, Capitol Ministries has established programs that include Bible study groups for elected officials (and separate study groups for their staffers) in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Programs in Montana and Missouri are set to begin and, the CM website says: "Our 2007 Ministry Leader Training Class, which commences in May, includes prospective Ministry Leaders for the following states: Maryland, Michigan, Illinois and Texas. If all goes according to plan, these four states will be online by the end of 2008."

The growing roster of states is worth noting because of Capitol Ministries' extremism.

The group's leader, Ralph Drollinger, is so extreme that the Los Angeles Daily News reported this month without qualification that he "has a long record of bashing Catholics, gays and mothers of young children who serve in the state Legislature..."

In his keynote address to the May 8th Harrisburg "Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast," Drollinger said it was important to challenge legislators to make decisions to "submit to Christ as Lord," according to Rabbi Paula Reimers of Congregation Beth Israel in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, who attended.

She also noted Drollinger's remark that it isn't necessary "to coerce one who has come to Christ as to how to vote."

There is more, but I can't stomach too much of the kind of fundamentalist extremism that Drollinger is spewing.

But another report from Jews on First outlines religious extremism and intolerance right in our Veterans Administration.

Jewish vet tells JewsOnFirst of repeated proselytizing by VA hospital chaplains.

David Akiba Miller is a disabled Navy veteran and an observant Jew. When he moved to Iowa City and went for care at the Veterans Administration Hospital there, he endured repeated efforts by fundamentalist Protestant chaplains to evangelize him in his hospital bed. Last week Mikey Weinstein, president of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, held a news conference with Miller in Iowa City and declared his support for the vet -- including a lawsuit, should that become necessary. Please click here to listen to our recorded interview with Miller and to read his statement and news coverage.

This kind of crap is not just disgusting, it is, in a very real sense, illegal and unAmerican. Is it any wonder that hate crimes are up in America? Is it any wonder that Jews are feeling nervous about the rising fundamentalist Christianization of America and the intolerance it brings with it? This is why I do not mourn the death of Jerry Falwell. He was a religious fundamentalist whose message of intolerance was a very real threat against myself and my fellow non-Christian, non-Protestant Americans. Our Founding Fathers would not be pleased with the direction America is going.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 122: VETERANS TARGET JOHN McCAIN

The latest ad from VoteVets.org targets John McCain for his terrible idea of escalating Bush's war in Iraq.



Remember, McCain received a D rating from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, a zero rating from The Retired Enlisted Association and in 2005 and 2006 he received 25% or lower from the Disabled American Veterans. John McCain wants to send our troops off to the Iraq Quagmire, but he doesn't support them when they come home.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 122: MEDIA ACTIVISM

Right wing media really is nuts. I mean absolutely crazy. I have been covering Ann Coulter a lot lately since she is particularly vulnerable and we have been successfully targeting her advertisers. But I want to take a break from that particular advocate of terrorism and mention another one, radio host Hal Turner. This is a guy I had not previously heard about but a diary on Daily Kos brought him to my attention. Here are some excerpts:

Turner has been criticized by the Southern Poverty Law Center for saying, "I advocate using extreme violence against illegal aliens. Clean your guns. Have plenty of ammunition. Find out where the largest gathering of illegal aliens will be near you. Go to the area well in advance, scope out several places to position yourself and then do what has to be done."

More can be found here.

So...that is advocacy of lynching and murder, plain and simple. Less blatantly terrorist but still disgusting is this excerpt:

I openly talked about how our federal government may need be be attacked and overthrown by force. . . . .

If the feds grant Amnesty to the 30 million illegal aliens already here and go through with the reported plan to allow those illegals to bring their wives, parents and children here too!

I spoke about America being literally on the verge of a Second Civil War and made clear the enemy we face is our own government. Talking hasn't worked. Voting hasn't worked. It may be time to pick up guns and go take care of business!

Here is an article from The Nation on this nut case. And here And you know what is worse than his terrorism advocacy is the fact that he is a mainstream REPUBLICAN POLITICIAN who ran for Congress, but lost, and people like Sean Hannity have been close to him. You can read more here.

People are suggsting that we report this kind of advocacy of terrorism here. This is something some debate: does this guy have the right to say these things on air or not? There is a first amendment issue and there is also the fact that there are legal precedents for advocacy of violence to be considered actionalbe if it leads to acts of violence, so it might be good for complaints to be on record in case people DO listen to this guy. Let's not forget that some of the worst violence perpetrated, whether in Nazi Germany or in Rwanda or in the collapsing Yugoslavia, was inspired by radio programs where the announcer ADVOCATED the violence but kept his own hands clean. These terrorist advocates have often been among those held most responsible by international courts.

Hal Turner represents someone at the early stages of this process. One HOPES no one listens to him. But what if they do? What if someone starts shooting Hispanics, inspired by Turner? I think having a legal record of complaints can be important for holding him accountable for his hate speech.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 122: NEW JERSEY FOCUS: Protest Bush in Edison

Bush is coming to Edison, New Jersey on May 30th:

New Jersey Republican State Committee Honors President George W. Bush

Republican State Chairman Tom Wilson, Senator Leonard Lance and Assemblyman Alex DeCroce and the New Jersey County Chairmen host a special reception with President George W. Bush.


When: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 3:45 PM
Where:
Middlesex County, NJ
Who: Ali Almour
609-989-7300
Ali.Almour@njgop.org

I guess "where" is some undisclosed location because Bush is a man who avoids the people. But there are calls for protests. For those who want to protest check out this Daily Kos Article. I will also try to update. Or contact me (mole333_at_gmail.com) and I will try and get you info on protests.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 122: NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

Here are some local events in New Jersey:

SUNDAY, May 20th
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
at the Home of
Ann & John McGoldrick, 25 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton
Contribution: $35.00/person
For further info, e-mail marvinreed@aol.com

Essex County Dems Hall of Fame Dinner
Naninas in the Park, 540 Mill Street
Belleville, NJ 07109
RSVP to Terry Tucker at 973-622-8300
Cherry Hill Democrats Cocktail Reception
Caffe Aldo Lamberti, 2011 Route 70 W
Gibbsboro, NJ 08026

East Rutherford Campaign Kick-Off
Polish Peoples Home, 196 Main Ave.
Wallington, NJ 07057
Contact: Dr. Sal Pizzuro
201-896-1755

Mayor Dan Reiman Honors Democrats 2000
33 Main Street
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Join Mayor Dan Reiman at J.J. Bittings in Woodbridge as he honors the next generation of Democratic Leaders.

Tickets are just $25 for Democrats 2000 members
E-mail: Democrats2000@aol.com for more information

Un Saluto alla Primavera
3442 S Broad Street
Trenton, NJ 08610
Mercer County Freeholder Pasquale "Pat" Colavita, Jr. invites you to join him for
Un Saluto alla Primavera
Hosted by the Hon. Eileen P. Thornton
Wednesday, May 23rd
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Rosa's Ristorante
3442 S. Broad St, Hamilton
$30 per person
Please RSVP to Eileen Thornton at (609) 586-2741 by May 21

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

www.7Milebeachdemocrats.com

For more information, please contact:
Terry Strobaugh, President
tstrobaugh@juno.com
Wanaque Campaign 2007 Kickoff Dinner
Wanaque Golden Age Club, 10 Villa Place
Wanaque, NJ 07465
Campaign Kickoff Dinner
for Karen Cisco & Dave DaSilva
2007 Borough Council Candidates

Thursday, May 24, 2007 -- 6:00PM
Wanaque Golden Age Club, 10 Villa Place, Wanaque, NJ 07465

For more information or to buy tickets please call Dave DaSilva at 973-907-2258

Campaign Cocktail Party
Asbury Ave
Eatontown, NJ 07724
"Relive the Magic of '06"
With Monmouth County Chairman Victor Scudiery and the Monmouth County Democrats and,
Mayor Edward McKenna and the Monmouth County Council of Democratic Leaders

At Palumbo's (election night 2006 Headquarters)
May 31st at 6pm
More information call us at 732-922-2700

Annual East Windsor Mayor's Brunch
110 Hickory Corner Road
Hightstown, NJ 08520
East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov
Annual Brunch
Sunday, June 3rd
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Hightstown Elk Lodge
110 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor
Tickets: $200.00/person
for further info, call 609-448-1307

Primary Election Day!
Cape May County
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Primary Election Day! Be sure to go out and vote!

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

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

2007 Governor's Gala
NJPAC, One Center Street
Newark, NJ 07102
Call 609-392-3367 for information, or RSVP online at:
www.njdems.org/govgala

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

2nd Thursday of every month.
7:00pm
Sam DiVico Senior Center
Romney Place
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

For more information, please contact:

Virginia Hesel
609-884-5848

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

For more information, please contact:

Bob Hartman
609-898-8167

Ocean County Young Dems Beach BBQ
Martell's Tiki Bar, 308 Boardwalk
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Call Brad Billhimer at 732-914-2000 for info'

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

www.7Milebeachdemocrats.com

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


Here is how you can find your local Dem clubs. Go to HERE and click on your county. You can also click on their Calendar to find out Democratic Party events throughout the state.

New Jersey for Democracy: Possibly even more important than finding your local Democratic club, I strongly urge you to find your closest Democracy for America group. This organization, started by Howard Dean, is the future of the progressive grassroots in America. If there isn't a group near you, start one. It is a great way to get started in the political process. Here in NYC we get to meet all sorts of politicians who want our endorsement.


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

New Brunswick, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month, 7:00 PM @ Doll's Place, 101 Paterson St. New Brunswick, NJ

Hoboken, New Jersey, Fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:00-10:00 pm, Mulligan's, 159 1st Street (between Bloomfield and Garden), Hosted by Leigh Wolinsky, David Alpert and Morgan Baden, hoboken (at) drinkingliberally.org

Princeton, Princeton, First Thursday Each Month 7:00 PM @ Sotto Ristorante and Lounge (formerly the Annex) 128 1/2 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ. princeton@drinkingliberally.org or http://princeton.drinkingliberally.org/

Montclair Every other Wednesday, 6:30 pm onward, Egan & Sons, 118 Walnut St. Hosted by Jon Hershberg, montclair (at) drinkingliberally.org

Morristown, Third Thursday of each month (next meeting April 20), 7:00 pm onward; The Famished Frog, 18 Washington St. Hosted by Jim Long, Tracy Kurland, Rob Gregory and Dave Cochran, morristown (at) drinkingliberally.org

Toms River, New Jersey
* First Tuesday of each month (next meeting October 3), 8:00 pm onward
* Joshua Huddy Brew Pub, 1250 Hooper Ave (across from Ocean County Mall) (map)
* Hosted by Robin Kinlin and Ian Valentine, tomsriver (at) drinkingliberally.org


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

Progressive Democrat Issue 122: BROOKLYN FOCUS

Here are some community-oriented events coming up in Brooklyn:

Now Playing: "Brooklyn Matters"

"Brooklyn Matters," Isabel Hill's riveting documentary exposé of the forces attempting to push the "Atlantic Yards" project forward regardless of the consequences, is coming to a screen near you:

May 20th, 9 p.m.
Barbés. 378 9th Street (@ 6th Avenue). Park Slope

May 21st, 8:30 p.m.
Cattyshack. 249 4th Avenue (@ Carroll Street). Park Slope
Sponsored by Lambda Independent Democrats

May 22nd, 7 p.m.
Phoenix House. 174 Prospect Place (between Carlton and Vanderbilt). Prospect Heights
Sponsored by Prospect Place Block Association (Flatbush to Underhill)

To view a trailer, host a screening, order the DVD and for more information on future screenings, please visit http://www.brooklynmatters.com.

I should add that this film was screened to great acclaim at the Center for Architecture in Manhattan, home to the New York City chapter of the American Institute of Architects and is talked of with great respect by Majora Carter, community activist founder of Sustainable South Bronx. The movie is not just of interest to people in the footprint of Ratner's corrupt project, but to everyone interested in urban development.


New York is Our Home--Rally for Affordable Housing May 23rd

On Wednesday, May 23rd, New Yorkers will rally in support of New York is Our Home, a broad coalition of advocacy groups and labor unions campaigning for the preservation and creation of affordable housing opportunities in New York City.

Meet up with a team representing Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn for the rally and march on May 23rd at 5 p.m., at the corner of First Avenue and 15th Street in Manhattan (in front of the Chase Bank on the west side of First Avenue). Wear your DDDB t-shirt and join with thousands of other demonstrators in forming a human chain around Stuyvesant Town.

For more information on the event, please visit www.newyorkisourhome.com.
For information on participating with the DDDB team, please call Charlotte at 718-813-8103.

I will add that it is very important to emphasize that affordable housing is critical for NYC's future. Affordable housing must be preserved AND built, though it has to be done in a way that also preserves and nurtures existing communities.


Singout Against Forest City Ratner's Atlantic Yards Plan--May 24th @ Freddy's

Featuring the Atomic Grind Show
Thursday, May 24, 9:30 p.m.
Freddy's Bar & Backroom
485 Dean Street (at 6th Avenue)
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Free Admission

In the three-and-a-half years since Forest City Ratner's "Atlantic Yards" project was first announced, the communities surrounding the proposed project site have stood fast against plans for a skyscraper-laden superblock development.

As they have with many past social struggles, musicians have been on the front lines. On May 24th, singers and songwriters who've written original works about the fight against the "Atlantic Yards" will stage a Singout against the project.

Hosted by Brooklyn art-rock faves the Atomic Grind Show, the Singout will feature rock, hip-hop, jazz, folk, reggae, world beat, blues and r&b – a mix as eclectic as Brooklyn itself.

Performers include:
Atomic Grind Show
Steve deSeve
Papa Dish
Jezra Kaye
Chris Owens
Roger Paz
John Pinamonti
RebelMart

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Progressive Democrat Issue 122: NYC FOCUS: Stop Con Ed From Raising Your Rates

This comes from Democracy for NYC and Daily Gotham:

Stop Con Ed from raising your rates

Start: Mon, 05/21/2007 - 5:00pm

Living as I do in last summer's "blackout zone," I'm probably more anti-Con Ed than most, but...

Following the blackout, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has ordered a "prudence hearing" to determine if Con Ed should have taken steps (such as building a better infrastructure) to prevent the blackout from happening. Despite having one of the most outmoded grids in the country, and charging the highest rates in the continental U.S., Con Ed claims they did nothing wrong.

Meanwhile, they want to raise your rates by 17%.

Fortunately, groups such as the ad hoc organization "Western Queens Power for the People" ("PFP", online at www.powerforthepeople.info) aren't letting Con Ed get away with it. And you can help. Click "Read More" to see how...

On Monday, May 21, Con Ed is holding their stockholders' meeting at their corporate headquarters, 4 Irving Place (near Union Square). PFP, along with other groups, will be picketing to demonstrate strong opposition to the largest rate hike in history at a time when Con Ed is making millions in profits (1st quarter profits were $256 million -- up 41% from last year!) and falling behind in modernizing their infrastructure.

It's time to make sure Con Ed pays the bills for a change. Join PFP on Monday, May 21, from 5-7 p.m.

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

Progressive Democrat Issue 122: 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:


3rd Annual Democracy for NYC Spring Bash with Rep. John Hall

Start: Wed, 05/30/2007 - 6:30pm

Please join Democracy for NYC for our third annual Spring Bash fundraiser - "A Celebration of People-Powered Politics" - to celebrate the start of the upcoming summer season. We will be joined by special guest speakers, Congressman and musical legend John Hall and Democracy for America Chairman Jim Dean. There will also be a special comedy performance by a "Laughing Liberally" political satirist.

Where: "Link", 120 East 15th Street (at Irving Place) in Manhattan.

When: Wednesday evening, May 30, 2007 from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM. Contribution levels range from $50.00 to $2,500.00 - all proceeds of the event will go to benefit Democracy for NYC.

There will be a cash bar available all evening and complimentary passed hors d'ouevres will be served from 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM.

Please RSVP to Miriam at events@dfnyc.org and help us spread the Progressive word and get more Progressive candidates elected over the next two years. Please save the date, spread the word and get ready to ring in the summer in style with Democracy for NYC. See you there!


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 =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 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, 7:30-10:00 pm, Commonwealth, 497 5th Ave (at 12th Street). Hosted by Anthony Accurso, Emilie Harkin and Emily Farris, 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 (This group might be defunct...please email the organizers. How could Williamsburg not have a Drinking Liberally group???)


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, Molly Pitcher's Ale House, 1641 Second Avenue @ 85th Street, back room with hosts Lewis Cohen and Tracey Denton

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: The Original Drinking Liberally, Thursday, 7:30 pm onward, Rudy's, 627 9th Avenue (between 44th & 45th Streets). In the backyard, weather permitting. Hosted by Justin Krebs, Matthew O'Neill and Katrina Baker, nyc (at) drinkingliberally.org


Harlem

* Second Wednesday of each month (next meeting May 9), 6:30 pm onward
* Soundz Lounge, 3155 Broadway (between 123rd and 124th) (map)
* Hosted by Yolanda (Shoshi) Shoshana, harlem (at) drinkingliberally.org

Drinking Liberally Steps Out
* Third Tuesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* XES Lounge, 157 W 24th St (@ 7th Avenue)
* In conjunction with the Stonewall Democrats of New York City www.sdnyc.org.
* Hosted by Matthew Carlin and Greg Rae, 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 (This group may no longer be meeting...please email the organizers. How could there not be a Drinking Liberally group in the East Village???)


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:

Thursday, June 28, 2007
Anthony Gaeta Club Annual Dinner
Location: The Staaten, 697 Forest Avenue
Time: 8:00 P.M.
Contact: John Sollazzo, 718-761-2299

Thursday, July 12, 2007
Young Democrats of Richmond County Annual Dinner
Location: Crown Palace, 235 New Dorp Lane
Time: 8:00 P.M.
Contact: info@siyoungdems. org

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 122: MICHIGAN FOCUS: Republican Youth Organization Listed as Hate Group

This comes from the Michigan Democratic Party:

MI Republican Youth Organization Listed As Hate Group

Cox, Land, Miller, Rogers, Anuzis and DeVos have ties to hate group

LANSING – Today Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer called on Attorney General Mike Cox, Secretary of State Terri Land, Rep. Candice Miller, Rep. Mike Rogers, Saul Anuzis and Dick DeVos to publicly condemn the Michigan State University Chapter of Young Americans for Freedom. The Southern Poverty Law Center, a prominent [NON-PARTISAN] civil rights organization, has now officially listed the MSU YAF as a “hate group” in its recently released 2006 intelligence project. Cox, Land, Miller, Rogers, Anuzis and DeVos all have ties to the hate group’s leader Kyle Bristow and appear in photographs with him on his personal website www.kylebristow.com. According Kyle Bristow’s resume, he worked on the DeVos for Governor Campaign, the Bouchard for U.S. Senate Campaign and the Rogers for Congress Campaign.

“Cox, Land, Miller, Rogers, Anuzis and DeVos should all explain their relationship to Kyle Bristow and the MSU YAF. Do they endorse Bristow’s bigoted views?” said Brewer. “Republicans need to condemn the YAF immediately for its hateful statements and actions. It is unacceptable that Republican leaders and elected officials are sitting on the sidelines as one of their youth groups spread hate and discrimination. Republican leadership needs to take action to end the bigotry of their youth groups.”

Heidi Beirich, Deputy Director of the Intelligence Project of the SPLC, told Pride Source and the Lansing State Journal that the YAF is listed as a hate group because of their “13 point agenda” that includes the elimination of minority student organizations, the creation of a white council, promoting anti-gay beliefs and hunting down and deporting illegal immigrants in the Lansing area. The MSU YAF is the first college organization to ever be classified by the SPLC as a hate group.

To view all the photographs of YAF leader Kyle Bristow with prominent Republican leaders and elected officials, visit: http://www.kylebristow.com/


I urge you to write your local media and tell them what you think.

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Progressive Democrat Issue 122: IOWA FOCUS: News Updates

Here are some press releases from the Iowa Democratic Party keeping you updated on what they are doing:

Braley Calls for Independent Ethics Commission in House
Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Braley and the freshmen Democrats are cosponsors of HR 1754, the House Ethics Commission Establishment Act of 2007.

The bill would establish an independent commission to enforce ethics rules in the House of Representatives. Membership in the 12-person commission would be bipartisan and comprised of 6 Democrats and 6 Republicans.

“One of the messages voters sent last November was that the time had come to change the way business was being done in Washington,” Braley said. “Establishing an independent commission to enforce House ethics rules is the best way to provide tough ethics oversight in the House—because the old system of self-policing is not working.

“The American people deserve to have the highest confidence that their Representatives are doing their jobs in a professional and ethical manner. That’s why I’m pushing for this new direction in House ethics.”

Summary of HR 1754, the House Ethics Commission Establishment Act

· Establishes a 12-member, bipartisan commission to enforce House ethics rules.

· Commission is comprised of 6 Democrats and 6 Republicans

· Democrats appoint Republican commission members; Republicans appoint Democratic Commission members.

· Commission members serve two-year terms; members may not serve more than 6 years.


House Passes Braley Amendment for National Guard and Reserve Families Amendment a “Critical First Step” for Soldiers’ Families
Thursday, May 17, 2007


(1) a peer-to-peer National Guard and Reserve spouses’ counseling program, and

(2) a program to collaborate with health and advocacy organizations to provide support services for the children of Guard and Reserve members.

Similar provisions were originally included in HR 1541, the Coming Together for Guard and Reserve Families Act, a bill Braley and Sen. Tom Harkin introduced in March.

“The passage of this amendment is a critical first step in providing much needed support services to the families and children of National Guard and Reserve troops,” Braley said. “These families have unmet mental health and support needs that must be addressed as soon as possible. Taking care of military families who have sacrificed so much for our nation’s benefit is a promise we must keep.

“By requiring the Pentagon to study how to bring peer-to-peer spouses’ counseling programs and children’s support services to National Guard and Reserve families, Congress is acknowledging that the time has come to ease the burdens of deployment shouldered by our military families.

“I hope that this amendment will spur more positive action for our Guard and Reserve families in the future. It’s something I will continue to fight for.”

Guard and Reserve troops are shouldering a large share of combat responsibility in Iraq and Afghanistan. Furthermore, many Guard and Reserve troops are experiencing extended deployments and repeated tours of duty. As a result, the stress on their families is severe. Adding to the problem, Guard and Reserve families often do not live near a military base and thus do not have access to the same support services as active-duty families.

The Braley Amendment for National Guard and Reserve Families was an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. Braley’s amendment passed the House last night by voice vote, and the amended bill went on to pass the House today 397-27.


REP. LOEBSACK VOTES TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS AND VETERANS, BETTER EQUIP OUR NATIONAL GUARD AND INCREASE OVERSIGHT ON THE WAR IN IRAQ
Thursday, May 17, 2007


"We have a moral responsibility to provide the best support, resources and care for those currently serving in our Armed Services and our veterans," said Congressman Loebsack. "I am committed to working with my colleagues to ensure that our men and women in uniform are served by their country with the same dedication and honor with which they have served our nation."

Our service members are our most valuable national security asset. They and their families sacrifice every day. Unfortunately, reports of armor shortages for those serving in combat zones and tour extensions have become all too common. Additionally, recent reports have also surfaced on the systemic failures at Walter Reed Army Medical Facility and the Veterans Administration.

This legislation sets out to better support our troops and military families by increasing military pay, providing more funding for body armor and Humvee protection, and adding more funds for military training. Veterans' and military healthcare issues are also addressed by prohibiting fee increases for veterans healthcare (TRICARE), establishing a Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative to provide the opportunity for emerging technologies and treatments and providing the resources and oversight necessary to ensure service members receive excellent care, rehabilitation services, and system-wide support.

The continued war in Iraq has transformed the mission of the National Guard, and now across the country National Guard units are ill prepared to respond to in-state emergencies including natural disasters like floods and tornados. Personnel, equipment, and training readiness for the National Guard have fallen dramatically since 2001. This critical situation is not acceptable, and puts Iowa and our National Guardsman at risk.

The National Guard must be given the resources and authorities necessary to meet all demands placed on them. Accordingly, this bill provides increased funding for National Guard training and equipment.

"Congress must fulfill its responsibility to carry out oversight of the United States combat operations," asserted Congressman Loebsack. "I am proud that I was able to work with my colleagues to ensure Congress receives regular updates on the status of American operations in Iraq."

For too long Congress failed to hold the administration accountable for the mismanagement of the war. Going forward, Congress will fulfill its responsibility to carry out its oversight roll. In part because of an amendment Congressman Loebsack offered with Congressman Cummings of Maryland, this legislation provides oversight and requires accountability of American military efforts and the Iraqi Government.

The Cummings-Loebsack Amendment requires Secretary Gates, General Petraeus, and Ambassador Crocker to report to Congress every six months until United States combat forces have been redeployed from Iraq starting in September 2007 on the status of the implementation of the Joint Campaign Plan and on the Iraqi Government's efforts to implement political reform.


If you have an opinion on these issues, please contact your local media and tell them what you think.

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Progressive Democrat Issue 122: MIDWEST PROGRESSIVE GROUPS (IA, IN, WI, MI)

Here are the organizations that can help empower YOU to get things done. I also should note that I need your help in keeping this up to date. Contact me if something here is out of date or if I have left something out. And if there is a particular event you as a reader think I should publicize, let me know. This is YOUR newsletter as much as it is mine and I take reader input very seriously.

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:

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:


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 122: CALIFORNIA FOCUS: California Republicans Oppose Proper Wildfire Management

This comes from the California Democratic Party:

Inland Empire Republicans Vote NO on $500 Million for Wildfire Assistance

Press Memo: May 11, 2007
by Roger Salazar

On Thursday, with wildfires currently raging in California, Georgia, and Florida, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on HR 2207, the Agriculture Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act. The bill would provide California the resources we need to fight wildfires that destroy thousands of homes and businesses, and cause billions in damages every year.

That is why it is staggering that California Republicans representing the Inland Empire in Congress voted NO on the bill yesterday.

Representatives Jerry Lewis, Ed Royce, Howard "Buck" McKeon, Gary Miller, and Ken Calvert all voted no on HR 2207. Apparently these Inland Empire Republicans are opposed to providing California with the resources needed to effectively and safely fight wildfires, even as they rage in our state. These members of Congress have turned a blind eye to the needs of vulnerable communities right in their own backyard.

What the Bill Does:

The measure appropriates a total of $500 million for wildfire management and suppression - $400 million for the Forest Service, part of the Agriculture Department, and $100 million for the Bureau of Land Management, part of the Interior Department. The administration requested no supplemental funding to fight wildfires.


As always I urge you to write your local media and speak out.

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Progressive Democrat Issue 122: CALIFORNIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Here are the organizations that can help empower YOU to get things done. I also should note that I need your help in keeping this up to date. Contact me if something here is out of date or if I have left something out. And if there is a particular event you as a reader think I should publicize, let me know. This is YOUR newsletter as much as it is mine and I take reader input very seriously.

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 122: VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Here are the organizations that can help empower YOU to get things done. I also should note that I need your help in keeping this up to date. Contact me if something here is out of date or if I have left something out. And if there is a particular event you as a reader think I should publicize, let me know. This is YOUR newsletter as much as it is mine and I take reader input very seriously.

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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