Progressive Democrat Issue 144: THOUGHTS

From what I have heard about the most recent Republican Presidential Primary debate, it amazes me how abyssmal that the Republican candidates are. Of course, the current Republican resident of the White House is even worse than any of the current batch of candidates. So abyssmal candidates CAN lie, steal and cheat their way to the White House. But I can't help but feel that the Republican candidates are SO BAD, and the Democrats are so good that it is hard to imagine we will have a Republican president after Bush leaves office.

Giuliani, arguably the most reasonable and intelligent of the Republican candidates, has a slew of new scandals hitting him. Nothing unexpected to ANY New Yorker who was paying attention to when he was mayor of NYC, but still likely to sour people on him.

This week I start focusing a bit on the holidays and the shopping we all must be part of. I make some suggestions about where to be shopping for the holidays. Hope some of you go with those suggestions.

This coming week is another anniversary of the Bhopal disaster. This man-made disaster, which killed more than 20,000 people, has yet to be cleaned up and justice has yet to be achieved. This kind of disgusting behavior makes American capitalism unacceptable to large parts of the world. We can't let these disgusting events be the dominant view people around the world have of America and democracy.

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

BUSH SCREWS OUR FIRST RESPONDERS...AGAIN!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR LIBERALS

REPUBLICAN PARTY TO MUSLIM-AMERICANS: Screw You!

THANKING THE OREGON DEMOCRATIC PARTY

BHOPAL: 23 Years Later

NY STATE FOCUS: Winning the State Senate

BROOKLYN FOCUS: Shopping to Support Our Community


PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS: Groups and Events

TEXAS FOCUS: Solar Energy for Texas

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Groups and Events

NEW JERSEY FOCUS: Groups and Events

VIRGINIA FOCUS: Groups and Events

Bush to Slash Funding for First Responders

George Bush has always been far more willing to give money to Halliburton and Exxon/Mobil than he has to give it to fund our fire departments, police departments and healthcare system.

Well, here he goes again. In the good old Republican tradition of hurting Americans which we saw so blatantly in New Orleans after Katrina, Bush is proposing to cut federal funding to fire departments, police, etc. by half. From Salon.com:

The Bush administration intends to slash counterterrorism funding for police, firefighters and rescue departments across the country by more than half next year, according to budget documents obtained by The Associated Press...

The department [of Homeland Security] wanted to provide $3.2 billion to help states and cities protect against terrorist attacks in 2009, but the White House said it would ask Congress for less than half — $1.4 billion, according to a Nov. 26 document. The plan calls outright elimination of programs for port security, transit security, and local emergency management operations in the next budget year. This is President Bush's last budget, and the new administration would have to live with the funding decisions between Jan. 20 and Sept. 30, 2009.

What? Elimination of funding for port security? Well, I guess he doesn't like port security since Democrats prevented him from turning our port security to his buddies in Dubai. More from Salon:

The proposal to drastically cut homeland security grants is at odds with some of the administration's own policies. For example, the White House recently promised continued funding for state and regional intelligence "fusion centers" — information-sharing centers the administration deems critical to preventing another terrorist attack. Cutting the grants would limit money available for the centers.

The White House's plan to eliminate the port, transit and other grants, which are popular with state and local officials, would not go into effect until Sept. 30, 2008. Congress is unlikely to support the cuts and will ultimately decide the fate of the programs and the funding levels when it hashes out the department's 2009 budget next year...

"This budget proposal is dead on arrival," said Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. "This administration runs around the country scaring people and then when it comes to putting their money where their mouth is, they say 'sorry, the bank is closed.'"

...

Boxer was particularly incensed about the proposal to end money for port security — a big concern on the West Coast. "California's ports carry over 47 percent of all goods imported into the United States," she said. "A terrorist attack at any of California's ports could shut down our nation's port system and result in a mind-boggling loss for our nation's economy."

...

Bipartisan opposition to deep cuts emerged from New York, another state that would be hard hit.

"To zero out essential homeland security programs which have more to do with protecting Americans and fighting the war on terror than much of the money spent in Iraq shows how warped and out of touch this administration's priorities are," said Sen. Charles Schumer, a Democrat.

Well, the Democrats are giving us something to be thankful for. I am sure if the Republicans still had control of Congress they'd stand by Bush. Still, Republicans in NY, at least, are seemingly siding with Democrats this time around.

Holiday Shopping for Liberals

The Holiday season is upon us. Don't know about you, but I don't set foot in stores this time of year if I can avoid it. I prefer shopping online. Actually, most of my shopping is long gone...Barnes and Noble.com (through my own blog) and A Greater Gift are where I bought most gifts I'm giving this year.

But a reader of this newsletter has a business that should interest many of you: Alonovo.com. This is a business that allows you, the consumer, to find and shop at businesses that support YOUR values, whatever those values are. YOU set the criteria and Alonovo.com tells you what businesses match your values. This idea is a hit across the political spectrum, letting people feel good about being consumers.

Here is what Alonovo.com has to say about themselves:

Think of the power of a large database that collects information about how corporations behave and then integrates that data directly into the shopping experience. When you are about to purchase a TV, shoes, socks or an IPOD you can not only consider the price and the quality of the product, but can easily see what kind of behavior we are "buying into".

Our alonovo.com mission is to connect the concept of corporate behavior directly to the profit motive. When a corporation is evolving to balance people, planet and profit -everyone wins.

We are working to inform society in a very simple, visually appealing manner with regard to corporate behavior at their point of online purchase. And the reason is every time we make a purchase we are transferring power to a business. Is this power going to support ...

* Fair Labor or Sweatshops?
* Emission Reduction or Pollution?
* Recycling or Toxic Waste?
* Resource Conservation or Plunder the Earth?
* Political Neutrality or Undermine Democracy?
* Partner with Local Community or Destroy the Local Community Economy?

So by offering products from one of the leaders in the online shopping world (Amazon.com), trusted data from independent well-respected sources such as
KLD Research & Analytics, Inc., Social Accountability International and others, we provide a free experience that will gradually connect how a company behaves with their profit. And this is the importance of a large and growing alonovo.com community. If we are just a small group of people, we won't have much of an impact. However if you tell everyone you know about this service (and they tell everyone they know, and so on) we can be a large force that can make a tremendous impact in terms of how corporations conduct themselves.

When you purchase using alonovo.com, you are doing your part to send a clear message to businesses—we want blue skies, clean water, a fair and growing economy, intelligent use of our natural resources, safe and humane workplaces and sensible partnerships with local communities.

Beyond helping to shape social, environmental and political practices of businesses, you are also directly helping non-profit organizations that need funding for their critical work. We, the alonovo.com community contribute between 50% and 100% of what we earn (based upon your purchases through alonovo.com) to your cause of choice.

This is a community we can all be proud to belong to, regardless of political perspectives and ideology.

The alonovo community: the power of millions of informed, aware and caring people acting in concert. For a better world.

So, perhaps you want to do some of your holiday shopping through Alonovo.com...

Republicans to Muslims: Screw You!

Awhile back I wrote about an anti-Semtitic incident in Indiana where a Republican politician told a group of Jews that they didn't count because they only made up 2% of the Indiana population. I called this the Republican "2% solution." This is how the incident appeared to the Jewish group:

[In Feb. 2006], the Indianapolis JCRC’s Jewish Lobby Day was held. Around 40 Jews from around the State of Indiana came to Indianapolis to lobby our state senators and representatives on a number of issues.

The day ended with a private meeting with Speaker of the House Bosma meeting our group in the beautiful House chambers. We asked questions about full day kindergarten, about the clinics, and a young member of the delegation asked about providing sexuality education in public schools that is more than abstinence based. He responded to everything we asked. Sometimes we liked what he said and sometimes we didn’t. Speaker Bosma wondered why we hadn’t discussed the controversy surrounding the issue of prayer in House chambers. He told us his version of what happened and what he believes, and a passionate exchange took place. The end of this exchange left us, the Jewish delegation, in shock. Speaker Bosma, defending the prayer issue, asked, “How many Jews are there in Indiana? About 2%? There are at least 80% Christians in Indiana."

So, hey, if you are a minority the government can ignore you, right? That's what Indiana Republican Bosma seems to think.

Mitt Romney is now applying to Muslims the same philosophy that the Indiana Republican applied to Jews. This comes from Salon.com's Blog Report:

Of all the presidential candidates, Mitt Romney should be the very last one to publicly endorse discrimination on the basis of religion. He’s a member of a religious minority, he’s been the target of discrimination, and he’s spent the better part of 2007 imploring Americans to judge public officials on their ideas and character. To show prejudice on the basis of faith, Romney has said many times, is “un-American.” And yet, there was Romney in Las Vegas recently, insisting that he would discriminate against a religious minority if he’s elected president: “[B]ased on the numbers of American Muslims [as a percentage] in our population, I cannot see that a cabinet position would be justified."

Hypocricy, thy Party affiliation is Republican.

Of course Romney is joining John McCain in his attack on Muslim-Americans. John McCain specifically said he thinks America is a Christian nation and that the President should push Judeo-Christian values. From Think Progress:

“I admire the Islam. There’s a lot of good principles in it,” Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said. “But I just have to say in all candor that since this nation was founded primarily on Christian principles, personally, I prefer someone who I know who has a solid grounding in my faith.” He added, “I think the number one issue people should make [in the] selection of the President of the United States is, ‘Will this person carry on in the Judeo Christian principled tradition that has made this nation the greatest experiment in the history of mankind?’”

I should add that this kind of religious litmus test is specifically forbidden by the Constitution. But hey, when you are a religious fanatic like Mitt Romney, the law of the land apparently doesn't apply to you. This is SPECIFICALLY what the Constitution has to say on the matter:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

That is what is in the First Amendment to the Constitution, written by James Madison. Of course this was based on a previous statute in the Virginia legislature written by Thomas Jefferson. In this Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, it specifically states:

...that our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions, any more than our opinions in physics or geometry; that therefore the proscribing any citizen as unworthy the public confidence by laying upon him an incapacity of being called to offices of trust and emolument, unless he profess or renounce this or that religious opinion, is depriving him injuriously of those privileges and advantages to which in common with his fellow-citizens he has a natural right...

It goes on to add:

That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.

Yet Romney and McCain seem to think they know more about the foundation of American liberty than Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. What is even more embarassing is that these two politicians don't even seem aware that our nation has specifically stated that it is NOT a Christian nation, as outlined in the Treaty of Tripoli, written by US diplomat Joel Barlow in 1796, unanimously approved by the US Senate in 1797 and signed by President John Adams, another founding father. Here is what the Treaty of Tripoli has to say:

Art. 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

The entire US Senate of 1797 and founding father John Adams approved the statement:

"As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen"

And yet Mitt Romney and John McCain think they know better what our nation was founded on.

I submit that Mitt Romney and John McCain know NOTHING of the liberal foundations of our nation and our government and their rejection of full rights for Muslim-Americans is as un-American as you can get.

Thanking the Oregon Democratic Party

Back in 2000 and 2001, when it became increasingly clear that Bush's entry into the White House was accompanied by much fraud and that he could not be called our elected president, so much as our SELECTED president, sadly most of the Democratic Party structure allowed the bloodless coup take place with more confusion than anger. Nationally, it was really only the Congressional Black Caucus that tried to object. They couldn't even get a single Senator helping them out.

On the state level only one state Democratic Party advocated that the Party refuse to accept the stolen election: the Oregon Democratic Party. Every year around this time I try to thank the Oregon Democrats for their guts and foresight. I am asking you to do the same this year.

All other state parties decided to accept the stolen election and allow Bush to take power without a protest. We now know what a horrible mistake THAT was, being the first of many ongoing attacks on our Constitution and our democracy and allowing the insane invasion of Iraq which we now know Bush already had planned when he stole the election.

I wrote a letter back then to my own New York State Democratic Party, urging them to stand with the Oregon state party in opposing the acceptance of the stolen election. I received a condescending reply in essence saying, "there, there...we have better things to do with our time than stand up for American democracy." In retrospect there wasn't much that the New York Democratic Party accomplished in that sad period, so one wonders what they really WERE busy doing back in 2000 and 2001 that prevented them from standing up for democracy. But they shamefully remained silent...much like the rest of the official party structure.

I was impressed by the guts of the Oregon Democratic Party. Would that the rest of the nation had taken more notice of what they did back then. But they were left to stand alone and since then I have tried to show my appreciation for their brave stand by copnsistently donating to the Oregon State Democratic Party. This month I once again donated to the Oregon Democrat, once again thanking them for being a more democratic Democratic party than my own New York State party. With election 2008 coming up, with a Senate race in Oregon that could be yet another Democratic victory, I am asking you to join me in donating to the Oregon Democratic Party to thank them for having the guts to stand up to Bush before anyone else in the party structure would. I have an Act Blue Site where you can donate to the Oregon Democratic Party as well as to the 2008 Senate run and to the OR-2 Congressional race which could shape up to be competitive in time.

Bhopal: An Ongoing Tragedy, 23 years later

More than a year ago I wrote about the suicide of someone named Sunil Kumar Verma. Sunil was born in Bhopal, India, in 1972. On Dec. 2nd and 3rd, 1984, the negligence of Union Carbide (now part of Dow Chemicals) killed Sunil's parents and five siblings, and left him with ongoing psychological problems. Those psychological problems dogged him for twenty two years, and a year ago today, Sunil hung himself. Meanwhile, those who were responsible for the death of his family have gotten off largely scott free. This one is for Sunil.

What negligence am I talking about? It was an event that killed some 20,000 people and left over 100,000 affected. Yes...KILLLED 20,000 people and affected MORE than 100,000. Let that sink in. Then realize that corporate America, responsible for this disaster, has done almost nothing to clean up the mess and take responsibility for those deaths. Here is a description of what happened from the International Capaign for Justice in Bhopal:

On the night of Dec. 2nd and 3rd, 1984, a Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India, began leaking 27 tons of the deadly gas methyl isocyanate. None of the six safety systems designed to contain such a leak were operational, allowing the gas to spread throughout the city of Bhopal.[1] Half a million people were exposed to the gas and 20,000 have died to date as a result of their exposure. More than 120,000 people still suffer from ailments caused by the accident and the subsequent pollution at the plant site. These ailments include blindness, extreme difficulty in breathing, and gynecological disorders. The site has never been properly cleaned up and it continues to poison the residents of Bhopal. In 1999, local groundwater and wellwater testing near the site of the accident revealed mercury at levels between 20,000 and 6 million times those expected. Cancer and brain-damage- and birth-defect-causing chemicals were found in the water; trichloroethene, a chemical that has been shown to impair fetal development, was found at levels 50 times higher than EPA safety limits.[2]Testing published in a 2002 report revealed poisons such as 1,3,5 trichlorobenzene, dichloromethane, chloroform, lead and mercury in the breast milk of nursing women.[3] In 2001, Michigan-based chemical corporation Dow Chemical purchased Union Carbide, thereby acquiring its assets and liabilities. However Dow Chemical has steadfastly refused to clean up the site, provide safe drinking water, compensate the victims, or disclose the composition of the gas leak, information that doctors could use to properly treat the victims.

Dow Chemical has refused to take responsibility for the environmental liability that Union Cabide left behind. I am sure they were eager to take all the assets, though. Is it any wonder that much of the world looks on American capitalism, which really does remain one of the best systems around (though the compitition isn't usually that great) with considerable suspicion and even hatred. It is this very suspicion and hatred, which WE are responisbile for, that feeds resurgent socialism and radical Islam worldwide.

There has never been justice for the people of Bhopal. How can we say capitalism benefits people whose lives have been ruined for 23 years by the criminal negligence of an America company that has never even cleaned up its mess. Again from the International Capaign for Justice in Bhopal:

In 1991, the local government in Bhopal charged Warren Anderson, Union Carbide’s CEO at the time of the disaster, with manslaughter. If tried in India and convicted, he faces a maximum of ten years in prison. However Mr. Anderson has never stood trial before an Indian court; he has, instead, evaded an international arrest warrant and a summons to appear before a US court. For years Mr. Anderson’s whereabouts were unknown, and it wasn’t until August of 2002 that Greenpeace found him, living a life of luxury in the Hamptons. Neither the American nor the Indian government seem interested in disturbing him with an extradition, despite the recent scandals over corporate crime. This is unfortunate: Mr. Anderson’s decisions didn’t just wipe out retirement plans, they killed people.

The Union Carbide Corporation itself was charged with culpable homicide, a criminal charge whose penalty has no upper limit. These charges have never been resolved, as Union Carbide, like its former CEO, has refused to appear before an Indian court.

Union Carbide also remains liable for the environmental devastation its operations have caused. Environmental damages were never addressed in the 1989 settlement, and the contamination that Union Carbide left behind continues to spread. These liabilities became the property of the Dow Corporation, following its 2001 purchase of Union Carbide. The deal was completed much to the chagrin of a number of Dow stockholders, who filed suit in a desperate attempt to stop it. These stockholders were surely aware that a corporation assumes both the assets and the liabilities of any company it purchases, according to established corporate law. Indeed, Dow was quick to pay off an outstanding claim against Union Carbide soon after it acquired the company, setting aside $2.2 billion to pay off former Union Carbide asbestos workers in Texas. However Dow has consistently and stringently maintained that it isn’t liable for the Bhopal accident.

Thus the victims in Bhopal have been left in the lurch, told to fend for themselves as corporate executives elude justice and big corporations elude the blame. Dow’s unwillingness to fulfill its legal and moral obligations in Bhopal represents only the latest chapter in this horrifying humanitarian disaster.

Is this really capitalism? How can we claim any kind of moral superiority over radical Islam or socialist leaders like Hugo Chavez when this kind of ecological terrorism is tolerated, even encouraged, by our capitalist system? Whatever happend to the good old fashioned American value of taking responsibility? Oh, yeah. This is Bush America where personal responsibility has been forgotten, pissed away in a stoned stupor onto the fender of a police car.

Help the people of Bhopal. And take action against Dow Chemicals (scroll down all the way to the bottom for actions). You can also act through Amnesty International to demand Dow Chemical takes real responsibility. Finally, find out more about Dow Chemicals, including contact info and other campaigns against Dow, from Co-op America (a group I have supported for years with a loan).

NY STATE FOCUS: Winning the State Senate...Jimmy Dahroug Will Win

For those not familiar with NY State politics, our state legislature is among the most dysfunctional in the country. There is a rule that allows many key decisions to be made by only three men: the Assembly Speaker (currently the rather entrenched and lazy Sheldon Silver), the head of the State Senate (currently the very obstructionist and anti-progressive Republican, Joe Bruno, perhaps best known for using state funds to build monuments named after himself) and the governor (now Eliot Spitzer). Democrat Eliot Spitzer and Lazy Democrat Sheldon Silver have been trying to enact actual legislation, which often passes the Assembly. This is an improvement over the Pataki regime when BOTH then governor Pataki AND Joe Bruno would block real legislation. But Joe Bruno is still there trying to keep things blocked up in Albany, like a constipated patient. The Republicans hold only a two seat majority in the State Senate. Two seats. This week I met Jimmy Dahroug and came away convinced he can win in 2008.

It is rare that I make it to political events in Manhattan, but so many people were urging me to meet Jimmy Dahroug, candidate for State Senate in Suffolk County, last night at a Manhattan fundraiser with Jim Dean of Democracy for America as a special guest. I am glad I went even though it meant being late for my son's bedtime, an event I don't like missing. In the end I barely met Jim Dean and only briefly got to talk with Jimmy Dahroug, but did get to hear both speak and got to meet several other candidates running for City Council in 2009: Josh Skaller (DFNYC organizer and president of Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, running for Bill DeBlasio's seat...what, Josh, no website yet?), Costa Constantinides (on the steering committee of the Democratic Lawyers Council working on voting rights and running in Astoria...and with the name to match the district) and Steve Behar (running in district 19 in Queens). By the way...rumor has it some New York insiders think Josh Skaller is mole333. Hmmm...well even though I make no secret about my identity, I will leave that rumor hanging just for the fun of it. Also present was Ken Diamondstone, who, rumor has it, may well be aiming for a rematch with Marty Connor for the State Senate. I think I may be leaving out one or two candidates I got to talk to...apologies!

Jim Dean set the two main themes of the evening. The first theme is the one that too many of our more entrenched fellow Democrats don't like hearing: Take Ownership of the Process. Jim's brother, Howard Dean (now head of the DNC) put the same idea slightly differently: YOU have the power. Howard's version is catchier, but I actually like Jim's version better. It is, in fact, more aggressive. Today's progressives aren't just asking for a slice of the pie...the are aiming to take the knife and be in charge of how that pie is cut. And, having watched politics around the country for a number of years now, I really think it is indeed time for voters and activists to take ownership of the process in a very real way and that is what Democracy for America is all about. But the point of this is not to dwell on taking a bigger share of the power. Really what taking ownership means (as any homeowner will tell you) is taking a bigger share of the RESPONSIBILITY for the process. And again, THAT is what DFA is all about. If we don't take ownership of the process, with all the responsibility that entails, then corruption and dysfunction will be the norm...as we can see in both Brooklyn (yeah...I'm talking to YOU Vito Lopez and Dominc Recchia, the Brooklyn hacks that are praying we do NOT take ownership of the process away from them) and Albany, possibly one of the MOST dysfunctional state governments in the country.

Which brings me to Jim Dean's second theme: it's time to clean up the garbage in Albany. Eliot Spitzer's election was a step in the right direction, but Joe Bruno's do nothing State Senate stands in the way of real reform. Joe Bruno, the Republican King of Albany Dysfunction (to be fair, he has his co-King Shelly Silver, a Democrat) holds onto his ability to obstruct real governing by a mere 2 seat margin.

Two Republican State Senate seats stand between New Yorkers and a functional state government. Two Republican State Senate seats stand beteen New Yorkers and real reform of our system. Many of Eliot Spitzer's most popular and progressive programs, including better healthcare and reform of the Rockefeller drug laws, and reform of Albany, are routinely passed by the Assembly but blocked by Joe Bruno.

Two seats.

Which brings us to Jimmy Dahroug. Jimmy Dahroug in many ways fits a theme for my political involvement. As with another friend of mine, Steve Harrison, running against Bush Republican Vito Fossella, Jimmy Dahroug ran last time around on a shoestring budget, with no support from the main Democratic Party and running an almost exclusively grassroots campaign. And, like Steve Harrison, Jimmy came close enough to winning with so few resources that the mainstream Democrats are taking notice. In 2006 Jimmy Dahroug's race was one of the two closest State Senate races in the state...which means if we want to win those two seats that keep Joe Bruno able to block real governing of New York Jimmy's race is one of the ones we have to win. The NY-13 Congressional Seat and the SD-3 State Senate seats are likely to be two heavily targeted races in 2008, if all goes well.

People used to say (before they realized what a dumb SOB he was) that George Bush was the kind of guy they'd like to have a beer with. Never understood why they thought Bush was anything but a spoiled, snot-nosed fool, but the concept is sound. Candidates who make voters feel relaxed and comfortable are the ones most likely to win. Money sure helps, of course, but actually connecting with the voters in a personal, gut-level way is key. Well, if George Bush really was the kind of guy people thought they wanted to have a beer with, Jimmy Dahroug initially struck me as the kind of guy you could sit around and share a beer bong with. He reminded me of the better fraternity guys I used to know (while Bush reminds me of the worst frat boys you can imagine). There was a youthful, down-to-earth enthusiasm about Jimmy that was endearing. Of course unlike most fraternity guys you might share a beer bong with, Jimmy then proceeded to give a very intelligent, inciteful speech. (For the record, we DID have a beer with Jimmy afterwards...no beer bong though. And I can attest that he IS a guy you can feel comfortable with having a beer).

Jimmy Dahroug emphasized the need to clean up Albany and the fact that his race is one of the two most likely pick up chances for New York Democrats. And he emphasized the obvious conclusion from this: his race is one of the ones we MOST have to focus on. If you want a Democratic majority in the State Senate, you pretty much HAVE to help out Jimmy. There ain't no two ways about it. If Jimmy doesn't win in 2008 it is very unlikely we can win the State Senate, and Joe Bruno can keep on blocking real reform.

Building on the theme of cleaning up the garbage in Albany, Jimmy Dahroug emphasized a point we all want to hear when it comes to Albany dysfunction: Three men in a room should NOT be allowed to decide. And here is where Jimmy strikes a more reform note even than some mainstream Democrats like Shelly Silver and Vito Lopez. Jimmy thinks three men in a room should not decide the fate of NY State NO MATTER WHO THOSE THREE MEN ARE. Even if all three were Democrats, though we would see some real improvement in Albany, it would STILL be a dysfunctional system. Real reform means getting rid of three men in a room, a system unique to New York as far as I am aware and one of the main obstacles to real governing.

Jimmy told a story of one point when he was making fundraising phone calls that he talked to a Democracy for NYC member who expressed disappointment in Democrats and was very negative to Dahroug's request for support. That DFNYC member had expected more of the Democrats when they took control of Congress in 2006 and Jimmy got an earful of the guy's disappointment. This struck a chord with Jimmy who realized that the one thing he did not want to hear after we take the State Senate is a wave of disappointment from Democratic voters that they expected more. He wants to not only take the State Senate, but to deliver the goods to the voters. And, by some strange coincidence that many political hacks in both parties don't quite get, that is precisely what the voters of both parties want from their electeds: delivery of the goods.

In 2008 the progressive grassroots will be focused very hard on the State Senate races. Many more mainstream organizations are thinking along the same lines and a woman from NY NARAL voiced strong personal support of Jimmy Dahroug last night...and hinted that NARAL was very interested in the race. As with so many other near misses in 2006, Jimmy Dahroug's rematch with Joe Bruno Republican Caesar Trunzo is likely to succeed in 2008 with full support of the mainstream Democrats and organizations like NARAL. We discovered in 2006 that when the mainstream party and the grassroots unite, we win big. It looks to me like a similar coalition of grassroots progressives and mainstream moderates are poised to bring Jimmy Dahroug to victory. Joe Bruno mark my words: the end to your obstructionism is at hand and Jimmy Dahroug will be one of those who delivers your notice.

Then will come 2009...the year we hope to get a better City Council with the election of people like Josh Skaller, Costa Constantinides and Steve Behar.

BROOKLYN FOCUS: Shopping for our Community

Tis the season to consume. Of course there are two ways to consume: shop at those awful soulless malls owned by people like Bruce Ratner who doesn't give a rat's ass about community, or shop at local businesses run by your neighbors and friends. I admit it. I have done my share of shopping at big chain stores. But when you get to know the owner and the store is part of your neighborhood, it just feels better shopping there.

Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn, the group that has been at the forefront of defending Central Brooklyn from overdevelopment, is highlighting the community based businesses that support them as a way to say "thank you" for that support. Here is the list:

I will highlight Al di La one of my favorite restaurants that is on the list. It is pricey but one of New York's best restaurants (Zagats gives it a 26 rating for food and lists them as costing an average of $45 per person with drinks):

Al Di La Trattoria (Park Slope)
Park Slope’s perpetually packed, widely-acclaimed Venetian institution.
248 Fifth Avenue (Near Carroll Street)
(718) 852-1572
www.aldilatrattoria.com

We don't get to go there very often...maybe once a year. But we ALWAYS enjoy it. When we wanted to celebrate Joy's pregnancy with Jacob, we went to Al di La. In fact, we may have decided on the name "Jacob" there.

And here is the full list.


Holiday Shopping:

Addy & Ferro (Fort Greene)
A fine clothing boutique (emerging, contemporary & vintage clothes).
672 Fulton Avenue (between South Elliot Place & South Portland Avenue)
(718) 246-2900
www.addyandferro.com

Ankhafly
A local Brooklyn designer providing urban ethnic fashion fusion for men and women.
www.ankhafly.com / info@ankhafly.com

Boing Boing (Park Slope)
"Maternity…Nursing…Infant…"
Maternity & baby care and clothing.
206 Sixth Avenue (between Berkeley Place & Union Street)
(718) 398-0251
[Really cute things for baby]

Cloth (Fort Greene)
A chic women's clothing boutique.
148 Fort Greene Place (between Hanson & Atlantic Avenue)
(718) 403-0223
www.clothclothing.com

Community Book Store of Park Slope (Park Slope)
Catering to the literary desires of Brooklyn’s residents.
143 Seventh Avenue (between Carroll & Garfield Street)
(718) 783-3075
www.cbjupiterbooks.com

Flirt (Park Slope & Carroll Gardens)
Women’s Clothing & Accessories at Two Locations
93 Fifth Avenue (between Prospect & Park Place)
(718) 783-0364
252 Smith Street (between Douglas & Degraw Street)
(718) 858-7931
www.flirt-brooklyn.com

Frosted Moon Emporium (Fort Greene)
A fine gifts store.
South Portland, between Lafayette and Fulton
(718) 858-3161

Harry Tarzian
World class art photographer.
(201) 400-8770
harry@harrytarzian.com

Homage (Cobble Hill)
Homage to skate and snow! A full service skateboard & snowboard shop offering lessons, rentals, winter bus trips, tuning, repairs, videos, clothing and sneakers.
151 Smith Street (at Bergen Street)
718-596-1511
www.homagebrooklyn.com

Memories Out of the Box (Prospect Heights)
Get your photos out of boxes and into albums; do-it-yourself, do it with their help or let them do it for you!
633 Vanderbilt Avenue (between St. Marks Avenue & Prospect Place)
(718) 398-1519
www.memoriesoutofthebox.biz /martie@memoriesoutofthebox.biz

MissWit Designs
MissWit designs original and custom t-shirts for any occasion. Funny and pretty tees, just for you! (Special Note, MissWit supplies the DDDB t-shirts)
www.misswit.net / deb@misswit.net

SaveOnScents.com (Red Hook)
Fragrance, bath & body supplies.
279 Columbia Street (between Carroll & Summit Street)
(718) 858-7422
www.saveonscents.com

Shakespeare's Sister (Cobble Hill)
Providing gifts a little more surprising, a bit more unexpected than what might be found at other gift stores.
270 Court St, between Butler & Douglas
718-694-0084
www.shakespearessister.com

Tarzian True Value Hardware (Park Slope)
Park Slope's nearly century-old purveyor of hardware and housewares.
193 Seventh Avenue (between Second & Third Street)
(718) 788-4120

Zuzu’s Petals (Park Slope)
Floral and garden needs. Two locations.
374 Fifth Avenue (between Fifth & Sixth Street)
(718) 638-0918
158A Berkeley Place (between Sixth & Seventh Avenue)
(718) 636-2022


Restaurants/Bars/Food:

7th Avenue Donuts Luncheonette (Park Slope)
Diner fare and fresh baked donuts.
324 Seventh Avenue (between Eighth and Ninth Street)
(718) 768-0748

Al Di La Trattoria (Park Slope)
Park Slope’s perpetually packed, widely-acclaimed Venetian institution.
248 Fifth Avenue (Near Carroll Street)
(718) 852-1572
www.aldilatrattoria.com

Antonio's Pizzeria (Park Slope)
Pizza since 1950.
318 Flatbush Avenue (between Park & Sterling Place)
(718) 398-2300
[Good pizza and friendly people...a real neighborhood place]

Bacchus Bistro (Boerum Hill/Cobble Hill)
French bistro.
409 Atlantic Avenue (between Bond & Nevins Street)
(718) 852-1572
www.bacchusbistro.com

Bergen Bagels (Park Slope/Prospect Heights)
Fresh, homemade bagels.
473 Bergen Street (between Flatbush & Sixth Avenue)
(718) 789-7600
www.bergenbagel.com

Blue Sky Bakery (Park Slope)
Fine baked goods and café drinks.
53 Fifth Avenue (between Bergen Street & St. Marks Avenue)
(718) 783-4123

Bob Law’s Seafood Café (Prospect Heights)
"More than just Fish & Chips…"
637 Vanderbilt Avenue (between St. Marks Avenue & Prospect Place)
(718) 789-4060
[Ate there on their Tastes of Harlem night...good homestyle cooking!]

Bogota Latin Bistro (Park Slope)
Pan-latin restaurant specializing in Central & South American cuisine with an emphasis on Colombian dishes.
141 Fifth Avenue (between St. John’s & Lincoln Place)
(718) 230-3805
www.bogotabistro.com
[wonderful empenadas!]

Chez Oskar (Fort Greene)
Funky French bistro.
211 DeKalb Avenue (at Adelphi Street)
(718) 852-6250
www.chezoskar.com

Cousin John's Café & Bakery (Park Slope)
Breakfast and dessert pastries, pies and cakes.
70 Seventh Avenue (between Lincoln and Berkeley Place)
(718) 622-7333
[Really good pies]

Curry Source (Boerum Hill)
Anglo-Indian cuisine.
88 Bergen Street (between Smith & Hoyt Street)
(718) 797-9719

Erica's Rugelach and Baking Company
Baked by the Best in Brooklyn! Inspired by her great aunt's recipes, Erica's all-natural, sweet buttery pastry treats have been praised by journalists and cookie lovers across the nation.
(718) 965-3657
www.ericasrugelach.com / EricasRugelach@aol.com

Franny’s (Prospect Heights)
Farm fresh brick oven pizza and pasta.
295 Flatbush Avenue (between Prospect Place & St. Mark’s Avenue)
718-230-0221
www.frannysbrooklyn.com

Freddy's Bar and Backroom (Prospect Heights)
Consistently chosen as one of NYC’s best bars, free music and events almost every night. And Freddy’s is a plaintiff on the federal eminent domain lawsuit.
485 Dean Street (between Fifth & Sixth Avenue)
(718) 622-7035
www.freddysbackroom.com

Le Gamin Café/Creperie (Prospect Heights)
French cuisine.
556 Vanderbilt Avenue (between Dean & Bergen Street)
(718) 789-5171
www.legamin.com

Le Grand Dakar (Clinton Hill)
African Senegalese cuisine with a global influence, live music as well.
285 Grand Avenue, between Lafayette Avenue and Clifton Place
718-398-8900
http://www.granddakar.com
[This is one I have to try...if I ever get to Clinton Hill]

Maggie Brown (Fort Greene/Clinton Hill)
Restaurant & Bar - International home cooking.
455 Myrtle Avenue (between Waverly & Washington Avenue)
(718) 643-7001
www.maggiebrownrestaurant.com

Maha's Middle Eastern Café (Park Slope/Prospect Heights)
Variety of Middle Eastern cuisine, prepared foods and sandwhiches
69 Sixth Avenue (between Bergen Street & Flatbush Avenue)
(718) 789-0510
[Good food and REALLY nice service]

Maria's Mexican Bistro (Park Slope)
Considered by many to be the best Mexican restaurant in Park Slope, Maria's serves everything from Mexico City street food to coastal specialties.
669 Union Street (between Fourth and Fifth Avenue)
(718) 638-2344

Night Of The Cookers (Fort Greene)
Restaurant & Bar (Continental cuisine), Live Entertainment, Jazz Brunch.
767 Fulton Street (between South Oxford & South Portland Street)
(718) 797-1197
www.nightofthecookers.com

Olea Mediterranean Taverna (Fort Greene)
Eclectic blend of various Mediterranean cuisines, from Spanish, to Greek, to Moroccan, to Turkish.
171 Lafayette Avenue (between Adelphi Street & Clermont Avenue)
(718) 643-7003
www.oleabrooklyn.com

Pane e Vino (Carroll Gardens)
Affordable Italian cuisine on Smith Street, live music as well.
174 Smith St. (Wyckoff & Warren)
718-501-1010

Pequeña (Fort Greene)
Mexican Restaurant.
86 South Portland Avenue (between Lafayette Avenue & Fulton Street)
(718) 643-0000
www.pequenarestaurant.com

Pillow Café Lounge (Fort Greene)
Assortment of sandwiches, pannis and salads.
505 Myrtle Avenue (between Ryerson Street & Grand Avenue)
(718) 246-2711
www.pillowcafenyc.com

Pino's La Forchetta Pizzeria (Park Slope)
Classic Park Slope pizza.
181 Seventh Avenue (between First & Second Street)
(718) 965-4020

Prospect Perk Café (Park Slope/Prospect Heights)
Coffee, tea, sandwiches, salads, soup and breakfast pastries.
183 Sterling Place (between Flatbush & Vanderbilt Avenue)
(718) 398-2760
www.prospectperk.com

Quercy (Cobble Hill)
French cuisine.
242 Court Street
(718) 243-2151

Red Mill Farms, Inc. (Williamsburg)
Producers of the Omega 3 Energy bar, macroons and other health bars.
290 South Fifth Street (between Havemeyer Street & Marcy Avenue)
www.macaroonking.com

Restaurant New Orleans (Fort Greene)
"Offering Fine Southern Creole Cuisine" (bring your own wine or beer).
747 Fulton Street (between South Elliot Place & South Portland Avenue)
(718) 596-6333

Sample (Cobble Hill)
Tapas/Small Plates at this eclectic restaurant.
152 Smith St. (corner of Bergen)
718-643-6622

Scopello (Fort Greene)
Ristorante Bar.
63 Lafayette Avenue (between South Elliot & Brooklyn Tech Place)
(718) 852-1100
www.scopello.net

Soda Bar (Prospect Heights)
Great drinks, great bar foods, great vibe, music and video. A great neighorhood place.
629 Vanderbilt Avenue (between St. Marks Avenue & Prospect Place)
(718) 230-8393

Thai 101 (Clinton Hill)
Thai restaurant.
455A Myrtle Avenue (between Waverly & Mary Pinkett Avenue)
(718) 855-4615

Tillies (Fort Greene)
Alittle bit of small town hospitality in the big city. Fine teas, coffees, French pastries and baked goods as well as bagels, sandwiches, quiche, organic smootthies, egg creams and more!
248 DeKalb Ave, corner of Vanderbilt
718-783-6140
www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com

Tini Wine Bar Café & Catering (Red Hook)
Fine foods, wine and beer, and catering services.
414 Van Brunt Street (between Van Dyke & Beard Street)
(718) 855-4206
www.bartinicafe.com

Tom’s Diner (Prospect Heights)
World famous old-fashioned diner.
782 Washington Avenue (between St. Johns & Sterling Place)
(718) 783-8576
www.tomsrestaurant.wordpress.com/about-toms-restaurant-in-brooklyn
[Yep...as in that song]

Total Wine Bar (Park Slope)
Fine wine, beer, cheese and more.
74 Fifth Avenue (between St. Marks Place & Warren Street/Prospect Place)
(718) 783-5166
www.totalwinebar.com

Trois Pommes Patisserie (Park Slope)
Specialty cakes, cupcakes, pies, tarts, cookies, ice cream, sorbet and other sweets.
260 Fifth Avenue (between Carroll Street & Garfield Place)
(718) 230-3119
www.troispommespatisserie.com


Health and Wellness:

Alexandra LaRosa, Certified Yoga Instructor
Private Yoga Lessons.
(718) 415-9133 or Alexandra.Larosa@gmail.com

Amy Gerard, Licensed Massage Therapist
Recommended by Park Slope Parents
Specializing in deep massage and pre and post-Natal massage.
(917) 971-2193 or agerardlmt@yahoo.com

Dr. Margaret Rose de Cruz (Park Slope)
Dr. Cruz is a Holistic Health practitioner, using Mind-Body Therapies. Massage Therapist, Chiropractor, Mental Health Counselor.
400A Prospect Avenue (between Seventh & Eighth Avenue)
(718) 499-7258

Ellie Herman Pilates Studios (Park Slope)
Changing the world -- one vertebrae at a time.
788A Union Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenue)
(718) 230-3707
www.ellie.net

Embora Wellness & Movement Studio (Clinton Hill)
Offering classes in Yoga, Pilates, Martial Arts and Holistic exercise, in group, private or semi-private training formats.
900 Fulton Street (corner of Washington Avenue)
(718) 857-4360
www.embora.com

Finetune Pilates Studio (Boerum Hill)
Offering personal coaching pilates instruction.
329 Atlantic Avenue (between Smith & Hoyt Street)
(718) 802-0928
www.finetunepilates.com/about_finetune.cfm

Liese Schneider,
Certified Holistic Health Counselor & Pilates Instructor
Personalized health counseling programs.
www.lieseschneider.com / liesehhc@gmail.com

Mona Fafarman (Park Slope and Manhattan)
Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
212-614-6716

Providence Day Spa (Boerum Hill)
Massage, facial & body treatments, pre-natal massage and body treatments, and acupuncture.
329 Atlantic Avenue (between Smith & Hoyt Street)
(718) 596-6774
www.providencedayspa.com

Stana-Lea Weisburd, LMT Licensed
Massage Therapy, Doula Services & More!
917.575.1227

Yogasana Center for Yoga (Park Slope)
Offering yoga practice in the Iyengar tradition.
90 Fifth Avenue (between St. Marks Place & Warren Street/Prospect Place)
(718) 789-7255
www.yogasanacenter.com


Services/Other:

Miracle Maids
Earth Friendly Cleaning Service
www.miraclemaidscleaning.com
(718) 369-9000

The Puppeteer's Cooperative
A group of artists and puppeteers working in cities around the nation to create giant puppet parades, pageants, and ceremonies of celebration and complaint, using simple materials and movements to build community cardboard extravaganzas.
www.gis.net/~puppetco / puppetco@gis.net

StyleLynne
Event Producer, and Wardrobe Supervisor, Lynne Curtis offers professional service for: Image Consultation, Closet Consultation, Personal Shopping, Home Décor, Event Planning, Special Gift Wrappings, Personal Gift Shopping, Corporate Gifts, and more.
877.STY.LYNNE
www.stylelynne.com / lynne@StyleLynne.com

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS: Groups and Events

Here are some important progressive events in Pennsylvania:

First there are some important phone banking events that can really help some good Democrats win:

Phone bank for Bensalem & County candidates
Organized by: Diane Marseglia and Steve Santarsiero for County Commissioner
Event Date: Monday, December 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th 2007
Event Time: 5:30 PM
Venue Name: Phone banking for Bensalem & County candidates
City: Trevose
State: PA
Zip Code: 19053
Phone Number: 267-255-5030
e-mail: cbs58@earthlink.net


Next, how about an impeachment forum:

A FORUM ON IMPEACHMENT
Organized by: Lower Bucks for Democracy
Sunday, December 2, 2007, 7:00 P.M.
Sponsored by The Coalition for Peace Action
(Lower and Central Bucks Chapters)
(info at 215.547.2656)

Bux-Mont Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship
Street Rd., just East of Rt. 611, Warrington

In this educational event we will hear from published authors who are students of U.S. history and the Constitution and deeply concerned citizens
their understandings of:

1. What does the Constitution say about impeachment?
2. When has impeachment been used in U.S. history, and what were the results?
3. Do any actions of President George W. Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney constitute the “high crimes and misdemeanors” referred to in the Constitution?
4. Why is the U.S. Congress not acting on the impeachment resolutions which have been introduced?
5. Are there reasons why Congress should not consider impeachment?

The speakers include:

Dave Lindorff investigative reporter, columnist for CounterPunch, and contributor to Businessweek, The Nation, Extra! and Salon.com magazine. He is a 2004 winner of a Project Censored award. Most recent book (with Barbara Olshansky) The Case for Impeachment: The Legal Argument for Removing Presid ent George W. Bush from Office

Rob Kall publisher of the progressive media site, www.opednews.com, president of Futurehealth, Inc., founder of the Storycon summit meeting on the art, science and application of story and a grassroots activist in Bucks County and CFPA member

and (by speaker phone) Elizabeth Holtzman as congresswoman, served on House Judiciary Committee during hearings on impeachment of Richard Nixon, author (with Cynthia Cooper) of The Impeachment of George W. Bush: A Practical Guide for Concerned Citizens

[NOTE: I have heard Liz Holtzman speak and she is WELL worth hearing out]

Phone Number: (215) 343-0406

http://www.buxmontuu.org/


Next, here are some Drinking Liberally chapters in Pennsylvania:

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
* Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The Orchards Restaurant, 1580 Orchard Dr
* Ask for the Drinking Liberally group and you'll find us.
* Hosted by Alice Elia, chambersburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
* Second Thursday of each month (next meeting December 13), 6:00 pm onward
* O'Rorke's Eatery & Spirits, 44 Steinwehr Avenue (second floor)
* New Location
* additional parking in National Park Service Visitor Center lot behind restaurant
* Hosted by Eileen H. Potemra, gettysburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

Lancaster, Pennsylvania
* Every Tuesday, 7:30 pm onward
* Lancaster Brewing Company, 302 N Plum St (corner of Walnut and Plum)
* Hosted by Jeff Fulmer, Monz Wenner and Cher Rineer, lancaster (at) drinkingliberally.org

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Center City
* Every Tuesday, 6:00-9:00 pm
* Tangier, 1801 Lombard St (at 18th St)
* Hosted by Brendan Skwire, philadelphia (at) drinkingliberally.org

Mount Airy
* Every Thursday, 6:30-9:00 pm
* Mermaid Inn, 7673 Germantown Ave
* Hosted by Adam Zion, mtairy (at) drinkingliberally.org


Reading, Pennsylvania
* Second and fourth Thursday of each month, 6pm onward
* Canal Street Restaurant & Pub, 535 Canal St (a few blocks past RACC along the riverfront)
* NEW LOCATION!!! Great local beer from Legacy Brewing Co. & a large selection of wines by the glass.
* NO Thanksgiving meeting, obviously. Enjoy your holiday and all those awkward political conversations with ornery family members!
* Hosted by Kim Stahler and Dan Sauder, reading (at) drinkingliberally.org

State College, Pennsylvania
* First and third Tuesday of each month, 5:30 pm onward
* Hi-Way Pizza, 428 Westerly Pky
* Hosted by Nancy Crane, statecollege (at) drinkingliberally.org

West Chester, Pennsylvania
* First Thursday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
* Ryan's Pub, 124 W Gay St (On Gay St. between Church & Darlington)
* We are still on the once a month format and we have changed the venue to Ryan's. We'll be meeting up on the 2nd floor near the bar.
* Remember, no need to feed the meters in town after 5pm- save that cash for drinks!
* Hosted by Jonathan Long, Daniel Tyman and Jamie Manos, westchester (at) drinkingliberally.org

York, Pennsylvania
* Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The First Capital Dispensing Company, 57 N Pershing Ave (We usually secure a large table or two in the back room.)
* Hosted by Phyllis Wise, Roland Rode and Craig Thomas, york (at) drinkingliberally.org

TEXAS ACTION: Solar Power for Texas

Repeating this from a little while ago because it is really important:

In line with my recent focus on alternative energy, I'd like to draw your attention to an organization in Texas pushing for solar power: the Texas Solar Energy Society. Their mission statement "is to increase the awareness of the potential of solar and other renewable energy applications and to promote the wise use of these sustainable and non-polluting resources." They have lots of information on alternative energy including how you can help build renewable energy infrastructure by purchasing green energy (my wife and I do this here in NY State...it only costs us about 50 cents extra a month). Given the fact that we have less than 10 years (maybe only 5 years) to act to mitigate global warming, I really think local and state level organizations like these are critical to changing energy policy in America.

The Texas Solar Energy Society has chapters in:

El Paso

Houston

San Antonio

North Texas

And Central Texas.

Check them out, help them out and go green in Texas.

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Groups and Events

California is another state where I have lots of readers. So I want to remind people of the resources they have for getting involved and affecting their community.


Here are some events:

Democratic Central Committee of Marin Holiday Party December 5th
All Democrats Are Invited to Celebrate
The Democratic Central Committee of Marin will host the Annual Holiday Party at the Best Western Inn in Corte Madera. The festivities begin at 5:30 PM on Wednesday December 5th. Beverages and party fare will be served. Admission is $10.00 at the door.

Camp Wellstone Progressive Training Long Beach
Dec. 7-9 Friday 2pm-Sunday 3pm: Candidate Track - This track covers the fundamentals of campaigns, including fundraising, field organizing, campaign plan and budget writing, volunteer recruitment, GOTV, and media relations. * Campaign Management Track - The management track covers campaign fundamentals from the perspective of those who make it happen. Participants learn the skills that are essential to putting their candidate or team in the best position to win. * Citizen Activism Track - This track presents ideas and tactics needed to strengthen issue-based organizing. It develops the capacity of grassroots leaders to build a base, advocate within legislative bodies and build sustainable organizations. This track is recommended for individuals who are interested in moving a particular issue agenda forward. wellstone.org/camp/events_detail.aspx?itemID=11175&catID=3752


Orange County Young Democrats
Dec. 13 Thursday 7pm, Santa Ana: Orange County Young Democrats at Democratic Party of Orange County headquarters located at 200 N. Main Street, Mezzanine Level, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Our meeting will be followed by Drinking Liberally at Memphis. We are encouraging all of our members to bring a friend to the meeting. ocyd.net

December 13, 2007: IT'S THE GREAT BIRTHDAY BASH, CHARLIE BROWN!
Start: Dec 13 2007 - 6:30pm
End: Dec 13 2007 - 9:00pm

From small town farms in Iowa, to defending our country around the world, to championing our values in CD 4, Charlie has always stood for honor. Please Join Jan Brown, the campaign team, special guests, friends, and supporters as we honor Charlie on his 58th Birthday.

Enjoy Music, Appetizers, Cake, and a selection of Beverages
Featuring The Jazz Stylings of Lorraine Gervais

TO RSVP, CLICK HERE (your name will appear on a special birthday card being presented to Charlie at the Party)

Students: $12.13--Honors the Day and Month of Charlie's Birth.
Individuals: $20.08 --The year WE will elect Charlie to Congress
$26.00 -- Honors ! Charlie's 26 year Air Force Career
$58.00 -- In Honor of Charlie's 58th Birthday

Roseville Opera House
411 Lincoln Street
Roseville, CA 95678


December 13, 2007: SCC Democratic Club event featuring Jerry McNerney
Start: Dec 13 2007 - 7:00pm
End: Dec 13 2007 - 9:00pm

$60/person dinner
RSVP December 9 at the latest!
djohansen2002@yahoo.com

Mariani’s Restaurant
2500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara



Here are organizations for Californians:

California for Democracy:
Here are some local Democracy for America groups (click on the link for more info)

DFA Marin

Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley

Democratic Club of Coarsegold

DFA - Central Coast

DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties

DFA-CFD of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties

Democracy for Monterey County

DFA-Orange County

East Bay for Democracy

Sacramento for Democracy

San Diego for Democracy

(San Fernando) Valley Grassroots for Democracy

San Francisco for Democracy

San Mateo County Democracy for America

Santa Barbara Progressive Coalition

Sonoma County DFA


Democratic Club of LA HABRA: Since La Habra is one of my current top spots for readership, here is a Democratic Club I tracked down just for you:

Democrats of North Orange County
Bill Daly, President
714-990-6767
Bruce Sandercock, Vice-President
714-871-5244
P. O. Box 6597
Fullerton, CA 92834
Monthly meeting: First Thursday, Sizzler Restaurant,
1401 N. Harbor, Fullerton; 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. meeting


And Since San Jose was one of my top readershop spots for a few weeks, here is info on a local San Jose Democratic Club:

Santa Clara County (San Jose) Democratic Party November Meetup

We meet at 7:30pm on the second Tuesday of each month at the Dem Party Office, 2102 Almaden Road, Suite 114, San Jose, 95125. Feel free to bring snacks to share.

Brought to you by the Santa Clara County Democratic Party (http://www.sccdp.org).... Please join us to learn ways to help elect Democrats in Santa Clara County and beyond.

~~Together, America Can Do Better!~~

On Almaden ROAD (not Expwy), between Curtner and Canoas Garden. It's OK to park in the big lot, despite posted warnings.

Internet directions usually suggest taking Almaden Expressway, which is sometimes backed up. A lower stress route is to take Bird Avenue west from 280 and follow it all the way until it dead-ends at Malone. Left on Malone, Right on Almaden Road and 2102 is on the first corner on your left.

We meet in Suite 114, first door on your left as you enter the glass doors marked Main Entrance.


Drinking Liberally:

For those who like a more social, and beer focused, environment, there's Drinking Liberally. Here are the Drinking Liberally groups in California:

Let me highlight San Jose...because for some reason San Jose is where most of my California readership is located!

San Jose
* Second Thursday of each month, 6:30 and on
* Trials Pub in downtown San Jose, 265 N 1st St (main cross streets: W St James and W Julian)
* September is our first meeting with our new host! I'm looking for a co-host, so let me know if you are interested
* Hosted by Mia White, sanjose (at) drinkingliberally.org


And here are the other California groups:

Downtown Los Angeles
* Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm
* The Edison, 108 West 2nd St
* We'll be in the area past the bar, known as the "Generator Lounge" (the entrance to the bar is through the alley off of 2nd street)
* Hosted by Vincent Jones, Cecilia Cabello, Becca Doten, Roxi Reeves and Jim Kennedy, downtownla (at) drinkingliberally.org

Hollywood
* Second Wednesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 PM
* Molly Malone's Irish Pub, 575 South Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles 90036 (near corner of 6th avenue)
* http://www.mollymalonesla.com/
* Hosted by Vincent Jones, Jim Kennedy and Mary Jack, 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'll start out in the wine bar, then move out to the front patio.
* Hosted by Asa Hopkins, pasadena (at) drinkingliberally.org

San Fernando Valley
* First and third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The White Harte Pub, 22456 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills (Two blocks west of Shoup Ave.)
* Hosted by Andy Beaton and Jon Hytowitz, sfv (at) drinkingliberally.org

Westside
* Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* Cock and Bull Pub, 2947 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica
* Hosted by Vincent Jones, Mary Jack, Robert Coyner, Gisele Perez, Jeremy Bloom, Tami Reiss, Marc Saltzberg and Jim Kennedy, westsidela (at) drinkingliberally.org

Monterey, California
* First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 pm onward
* Ol' Factory Cafe, 1725 Contra Costa St (In Sand City, off of Del Monte Blvd)
* http://www.olfactorycafe.com/
* Please note that The Ol' Factory Cafe currently only takes cash and local checks.
* Hosted by Annie Ho, monterey (at) drinkingliberally.org

Santa Ana
* Every Thursday, 8:30 pm onward
* Memphis Bar, 201 N Broadway (Artists Village)
* Hosted by Mike Lawson, orangecounty (at) drinkingliberally.org

Rancho Santa Margarita
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Canyon Fireside Grille, 22312 El Paseo
* Hosted by Gary Kephart, rsm (at) drinkingliberally.org

Huntington Beach
* First and third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co. - Out Back On The Patio, 19461 Main St
* Next Meeting will be on Thursday November 15th
* Hosted by Scott McKown and Louise Stewardson, huntingtonbeach (at) drinkingliberally.org

Sacramento, California
* Second Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* BJs Restaurant and Brewery, 3531 N Freeway Blvd (Natomas)
* Come check out our new venue and meet some new people!
* Hosted by Leslie Simmons, sacramento (at) drinkingliberally.org

San Diego, California
* Every other Tuesday, 7:30 pm onward
* Nunu's Cocktail Lounge, 3537 5th Ave (Between Brookes and Ivy Ln)
* We will also be meeting periodically at Firehouse in Pacific Beach for special editions of Drinking Liberally. 722 Grand Avenue Pacific Beach, CA 92109
* Hosted by Jesse Rubin and Jason Miller, sandiego (at) drinkingliberally.org

San Francisco
* Every Monday, 7:00-9:00 pm
* Nickie's, 466 Haight Street (between Fillmore & Webster) (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 - 9:00 PM
* Luka's Taproom & Lounge, 2221 Broadway
* Join us for the Eating Liberally Oakland Brunch at Luka's
* Hosted by Cyril Allen and Philip Combs, oakland (at) drinkingliberally.org

Napa
* First and third Monday of each month, 5:00-6:30 pm
* Compadre's, 505 Lincoln Ave
* Hosted by Mick Winter and Lauren Coodley, napa (at) drinkingliberally.org


San Luis Obispo, California
* First and third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The Graduate, 990 Industrial Way
* Hosted by Lorrie Toles and Sergio Monge, slo (at) drinkingliberally.org

Santa Barbara, California
* 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

Santa Clarita, California
* Second Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Mulligans, 25848 Tournament Rd (Near Cal Arts)
* Hosted by Michael Cruz, Bill Bailey and Minerva Williams, santaclarita (at) drinkingliberally.org

Santa Cruz, California
* First Tuesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
* Cafe Pergolesi, 418 Cedar St (In the orange room to the right and back)
* Hosted by Brandon Smith and Natalie Rojas, santacruz (at) drinkingliberally.org

Stockton, California
* Third Friday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Stockton Grand Hotel, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd (Front of Bar)
* Grand Hotel tel. 209-957-9090
* Joel's Cell: 209-351-3397
* Hosted by Joel Carignan, stockton (at) drinkingliberally.org

Ventura, California
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:00 pm
* JJ Brewsky's, now and forever, 2344 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo (in the heart of Old Town Camarillo)
* Join us every second and fourth Wednesdays at 8:00 PM for a pint and some politics!
* Heather, Marie, Mark and Brian
* Hosted by Heather Schmidt, Marie Davis, Mark Eggertsen and Brian Mack, ventura (at) drinkingliberally.org

NEW JERSEY FOCUS: Events and Groups

New Jersey remains one of the places outside NYC where I have the most readers. So perhaps it is time to remind people of the local opportunities you have to be involved with your local community. My wife and I have made many friends and met many elected officials (and told them our opinions!) through joining local groups and attending local meetings like this. It is probably the most effective way you have available to you to change things.

New Jersey Presidential Caucus
Organized by: NJ for Democracy

NJ for Democracy is joining with other progressive organizations in New Jersey to present a Presidential Caucus on Friday, Dec. 7, from 5-10pm in Roselle Park, NJ (located in the 7th Congressional District).

Sponsors include:
- NJ for Democracy (DFA)
- NJ's Democratic Future
- Blue Jersey
- Garden State Equality
- NJ Stonewall Democrats
- NJ Jewish Democratic Caucus
- Democratic State Committee Progressive Caucus
- Blue Wave

Event includes:
- 2-hour open-house-style (5-7pm) with info tables for each candidate
- 7pm program start, with 5-7 min. presentations by candidate reps (45 min. total)
- 8 pm-close: Iowa-style caucus, with groups retreating to corners to caucus, winnowing down as the evening progresses

$10 "poll tax" comes with Appetizers and Cash Bar to make this the can't-miss event of the season!

Event Date: Friday, December 7, 2007
Event Time: 5:00 PM

Venue Name: Costa's
City: Roselle Park
State: NJ
Zip Code: 07204
Phone Number: (908) 245-2611


DFA at the Holidays!
Saturday, December 08 2007, 15:00 - 18:00
Come join DFA members from around the state for an end-of-the-year celebration and a look ahead to where we'll be going in 2008.

At 1pm - everyone is welcome at Morris County Democratic HQ - 11 Washington St., Morristown, for a planning meeting - bring your ideas for where DFA should be headed in 2008!

Then, the real fun starts at 3p at the Famished Frog in downtown Morristown - across the street from Morris County Democratic HQ. All are welcome!
More Details and RSVP Here!

December 10th: Brownfields Redevelopment Workshop
8 AM - 5 PM., Trenton Marriott. $40 registration for non-profits.

Call Andrew Seth, 202-454-3922 or email aseth@tfgnet.com for details.


Every Saturday Morning: Blue Jersey Radio
Saturdays 10:30 - 11:00

Listen Live every Saturday morning from 10:30a-11:00a - or download the podcast anytime to listen to the latest hot topics, gossip and opinion on New Jersey politics with hosts Jeff Gardner and Jay Lassiter.

Click here to listen!


New Jersey for Democracy:

Here are the local Democracy for America groups in New Jersey:

North Jersey -

Bergen County
Ethical Culture Society
687 Larch Ave
Teaneck, NJ 07666
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/bergen

Essex County
Cryan's Beef & Ale House
24 First Street
South Orange, NJ 07079
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/essex

Hudson County
The Hard Grove Cafe
319 Grove St.
Jersey City, NJ 07302
201-451-1853
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/hudson
(First Wednesday of the Month, 7:30pm)

Morris County
Morris County Democratic Headquarters
11 Washington St
Morristown, NJ 07960
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/morris

Passaic County
Puzo's Restaurant (Upstairs)
4 Garfield Ave.
Hawthorne, NJ 07506
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/passaic
(First Thursday of the Month)

Union County
Rockin Joe Cafe
20 Prospect Street
Westfield, NJ 07090
908-232-1660
RSVP at Union Meetup

Warren County
MS Health Software Corp
605 Grand Ave.
Hackettstown, NJ
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/nwnj

Central Jersey -

Hunterdon County
Friendly Grounds Coffee
36 Mine St.
Flemington, NJ
908-788-8983
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/hunterdon

Mercer County
Carl A Fields Center
86 Olden Street
(Corner of Olden St and Prospect Ave on Princeton Univ campus)
Princeton, NJ
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/mercercounty
(please check DFA-Link for schedule)

Middlesex County
Panera Bread
1551 Route 1 South
Edison, NJ 08837
(732) 516-1611
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/middlesexNJ

Monmouth County
Racioppi's Kitchen
107 Oakland St. (at the train station at Bridge Ave.)
Red Bank, NJ
(917) 863-2408
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/monmouth

Somerset County
Somerset County Complex
40 North Bridge St. (off of High)
Somerville, NJ
RSVP at Somerset Meetup
(Second or Third Tuesday of the Month)

South Jersey -

Camden County
Haddon Township Library
15 MacArthur Blvd
Westmont, NJ 08108
856-854-2752
RSVP at Progressive Democracy South Jersey
4th Tues. of month

Gloucester County
RSVP at Democracy for Gloucester County
(Please check DFA-Link for date & location)

Ocean County
Joshua Huddy Brew Pub and Grill
1250 Hooper Ave.
Toms River
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/oceancounty
(First Tuesday of the Month)


Drinking Liberally:

For the more social and fun-oriented (and booze oriented), there's Drinking Liberally. Here are the New Jersey Drinking Liberally Chapters:

Hillsborough, New Jersey
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
* Petrock's Bar and Grill, 419 Amwell Rd (at Amwell and 206)
* Hosted by Matthew Dawson, hillsborough (at) drinkingliberally.org

Montclair, New Jersey
* Second Thursday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Just Jake's, 30 Park Street (b/t Bloomfield & Claremont)
* We meet in the REAR DINING ROOM. Turn left after entering, go past the juke box, bar and W.C.
* Ample parking in municipal lot next to Just Jake's (free after 7 pm)
* ** Mtclair DL ON THE ROAD, TUES, NOV 13, from 8PM at PAUL'S BAR & BOWLING, 377 CROOKS AVE, PATERSON, NJ (973) 278-1982 http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=10780514 **THIS IS AN ADDITIONAL MEETING, WE STILL HAVE OUR USUAL 2nd THURSDAY
* Hosted by Kevin Kelly and Dan Evans Farkas, montclair (at) drinkingliberally.org

Morristown
* Third Thursday of each month, 8:00 pm onwards
* Hennessey's Tavern, 140 Morris St (Corner of Elm & Morris, next to the train station)
* There's plenty of public parking behind train station or on Elm Street.
* Come on by & raise a pint with other fun loving local progressive's! Hope to see you there...
* Hosted by Jim Long, Chip Robinson, David Cochran and Linda Humphries, morristown (at) drinkingliberally.org


Dover
* First Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The Hop, 14 N Morris St
* Hosted by Jim Long, Chip Robinson, Dave Cochran and Linda Humphries, dovernj (at) drinkingliberally.org

New Brunswick, New Jersey
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Doll's Place, 101 Paterson St (corner of Paterson & Joyce Kilmer)
* Hosted by Bob Scardapane and Chris Swasey, newbrunswick (at) drinkingliberally.org

Pennsauken, New Jersey
* First and third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Kings Row Sports Bar and Billiards, 6030 S Crescent Blvd (Route 130 N)
* Hosted by Art Williams and Denise Williams, pennsauken (at) drinkingliberally.org

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

VIRGINIA FOCUS: Impeachment, Groups and Events

Virginia is still one of the states where I have the most readers. So perhaps it is time to remind people of the local opportunities you have to be involved with your local community. My wife and I have made many friends and met many elected officials (and told them our opinions!) through joining local groups and attending local meetings like this. It is probably the most effective way you have available to you to change things. (Note: there is also the Virginia Organizing Project whose events I have been highlighting weekly)

First, how about a weekly impeachment related events:

Honk to Impeach Bush and Cheney to End the War Every Friday at noon in front of Rep. Bobby Scott's office building at the corner of E. Clay Street and N. 2nd Street-
Address:
501 N. 2nd Street
Richmond, VA 23219-1321
Come by and HONK LOUDLY!!!
http://www.myspace.com/rva4peace


Now some other groups and events:

Democracy for Virginia:
Here are the local Democracy for America chapters in Virginia. Click on the link for more info:

* Arlington for Democracy (may be dormant...you can go here to contact the organizers and get more up to date info)

* Roanoke DFA

* Tidewater for Democracy

* Virginia Grassroots Coalition (may be dormant...you can contact them here for more info: info@vagrassroots.org)


Drinking Liberally:
For the more social and fun-oriented (and booze oriented), there's Drinking Liberally. Here are the Virginia Drinking Liberally Chapters:

Alexandria/Springfield, Virginia
* Second Thursday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* King Street Blues, 5810 Kingstowne Center Drive, Alexandria (Corner of Kingstowne Blvd and Van Dorn Street)
* Hosted by Brian Murray and Mike Sizemore, alexandria (at) drinkingliberally.org

Arlington, Virginia
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
* Capitol City Brewing Company, 2700 S Quincy St
* We're usually in the back room at Cap City; check with the host station if you don't see us there!
* "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world" - Margaret Mead
* Hosted by David Swim, Quinn Jones, Michelle Elliott and Bev Wright, arlington (at) drinkingliberally.org

Charlottesville, Virginia
* Every Thursday, 6:00 pm onward
* South Street Brewery, 106 W South St
* Hosted by Chris Dumler and Clare Wuerker, charlottesville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Lorton, Virginia
* First and third Friday of each month, 6pm to 8 or 9
* Glory Days Grill, 9459 Lorton Market St
* First hour of the gathering is part of happy hour
* Hosted by Alan Salisbury and Chris Ambrose, lorton (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 Tom Mitchell and Vivian Paige, norfolk (at) drinkingliberally.org

Richmond, Virginia
* Every other Wednesday, 7:00 pm onward
* Chiocca's Downstairs, 425 N Belmont Ave (Museum District - corner of Kensington & Belmont)
* Come join us for brews & news!
* Hosted by Morgan Bailey and John Manall, richmond (at) drinkingliberally.org

Virginia Beach, Virginia
* First Friday of each month, 7:00 PM
* Studio For The Healing Arts, 1611 Colley Ave # D, Norfolk, VA, Norfolk (One block from the Naro theater)
* Zeitgeist the Movie, DVD Door Prize
* http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Virginia9-11Truth/ http://vbdems.org
* One block from the Naro theater in Ghent
* Hosted by Chris Jaramillo and Eileen Levandoski, vabeach (at) drinkingliberally.org