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Mole's Progressive Democrat

The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Originally intended for New York City progressives, its readership is now national. For anyone who wants to be alerted by email whenever this newsletter is updated (usually weekly), please send your email address and let me know what state you live in (so I can keep track of my readership).

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Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States

I am a research biologist in NYC. Married with two kids living in Brooklyn.

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  • Saturday, September 13, 2008

    NEW YORK FOCUS: Blogs, Progressive Candidates, Peace Vigils, Groups and Events

    NEW YORK ACT BLUE SITE: Sweeping New York

    The big news for me this last week is my friend, Devin Cohen, who you have seen me plugging for some time, won his election as Brooklyn Civil Court Judge. You can read more about the very rough election and what this victory means on Daily Gotham.

    Please help out registering voters in Pennsylvania.

    New York Volunteers Registering Voters in Pennsylvania: My fellow Indenpendent Neighborhood Democrats board member, Tom, has been doing wonderful work organizing voter registration events in Pennsylvania. His last effort sounds particularly successful. We all were inspired by Obama's speech at the Convention, (note...the republican convention really seems a bust, doesn't it?). If you want to help bring the dream to a reality, you can join his next effort on September 13th. Here is Tom's latest message:

    Dear Friends,

    Two weeks ago I asked you to, "Get on the Bus" to Pennsylvania for Barack Obama. Guess what? So many of you responded, Trans-Bridge Bus Lines, which services Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, had to give us a second bus.

    Here's what you did this past Saturday in the Easton area:

    You knocked on 2,166 doors
    You spoke to 732 people
    You registered 114 new voters

    In 62 days Americans will decide what kind of country and what kind of world we want for ourselves and our children. I want each of you to look to the left, look to the right, grab whoever you see. Tell them to wake up. Tell them it's time. Sixty-two days. If they ask you what time it is, tell them the time is NOW. Tell them:

    It's time to do something for working people.
    It's time to do something for our kids.
    It's time do something for teachers and cops and firemen.

    Tell them the time is NOW because we have…

    Only 62 days to say yes to health care coverage for all Americans.
    Only 62 days to say no to a widening gap between the rich and the rest of us.
    Only 62 days to say yes to ending occupation in Iraq responsibly.
    Only 62 days to say no to a world at war for 100 years.
    Only 62 days to change America.

    And that's not a lot of time, so grab the person next to you and "Get on the Bus."

    We depart from Port Authority Bus Terminal (South Terminal, 8th Ave. btwn 40th & 41st St.), Saturday morning, September13th, aboard Trans-Bridge Bus Lines. Please arrive at the gate no later than 8:30 am to guarantee yourself a seat. The bus to Easton should depart from Gate 4 or 6. Please arrive early to purchase your ticket on the South Terminal main floor and make your way downstairs to the gate. Bus tickets are $37.95 round trip. Buses return at 4:05 and 6:10 pm. The ride is about 1 hour 40 minutes.

    Thank you to everyone for your time and commitment. Please RSVP so I can provide a headcount to Obama's team in the Lehigh Valley.

    Very best wishes,

    Tom Predhome
    (917) 723-3442


    Tom is leading the way and I am hoping some of you out there can help out.


    I also urge my fellow New Yorkers to take some time and help our friends in North Carolina elect Kay Hagen to the US Senate right from your home. This is the kind of project that won big in 2006. Let's repeat the same success in 2008.


    Here are some articles worth reading:

    9/11 Seven Years Later

    Republicans defile NYC dead

    Coming up in 2009, Josh Skaller for City Council.

    Norm Siegel for Public Advocate in 2009

    And three competing city council candidates (all of whom I know personally): Jo Anne Simon (my current female district leader), Ken Diamondstone (a friend, but no campaign website yet?), and Ken Baer for City Council.

    My friend, Devin Cohen, wins a judicial election. This race proved, to paraphrase Devin, that you don't have to go negative to win, that you don't need to spend and spend and spend and spend (only spend and spend) to win. I would say that it showed that a Karl Rove style smear campaign will lose in a Democratic primary.

    Lessons from the NYC primary elections.

    Primary election results.

    Marty Markowitz, the angry clown who would be mayor, has a record of being anti-union. If Marty, who has probably lost the gay and lesbian vote because of his support of Noach Dear for judge, loses the union vote, he has no shot at all at a future political career.


    NEW YORK BLOGGING:
    The Albany Project gives excellent coverage of New York State politics.

    The Daily Gotham covers both New York City (with a slight emphasis on Brooklyn) and New York State politics.

    Reform NY is the blog of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law

    On NY Turf is run by someone I know. Long overdue that I add his blog here. Contains political info, good map resources for NYC and discussions of development issues.


    Let me highlight some excellent candidates running in New York State.

    Let me introduce Don Barber, running for State Senate (SD-51) and endorsed by Democracy for America. You can read about Don on Daily Gotham.

    Let me remind you of another candidate running for State Senate, Jim Gennaro, who I introduced before as working towards an intelligent biodiesel program for NYC's heating needs. Gennaro is kicking ass in fundraising, easily outraising the Republican incumbent. I think we can make this one competitive!

    Norm Siegel for Public Advocate
    For those of you who live in NYC, let me introduce you to Norman Siegel, one of America's top Civil Rights Lawyers, is running for New York Public Advocate. Here's a Youtube video of him:




    Josh Skaller for City Council. A progressive who is coming in second in fundraising, Josh is considered a serious contender by several pragmatic allies I have talked to. Josh may well become the frontrunner if he keeps it up. Josh is a good friend of ours, a solid progressive, and about as honest as you can get. Josh will be one of my top priorities in 2009!


    Here are a handful of Democratic Clubs worth checking out:

    The Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats is a community-based Democratic club. CBID has fought for reform and progressive causes since 1968. As a Brooklyn-based Club, we have been instrumental in the election of many candidates for public office. Much of this success was a result of our question-and-answer forums with prospective candidates as well as our extensive on-the-street contact with our constituents.

    Staunchly opposed to political corruption, we are proud of our independence and our commitment to progressive reform in city, state and national politics. We are a vehicle for citizen empowerment and making government more accountable to our neighborhoods.

    We meet monthly, usually the fourth Thursday evening of the month in the basement of the Park Slope United Methodist Church, on the corner of 6th ave and 8th street, at 7:30pm. All are welcome.

    New Kings Democrats (”NKD”) is a new, grassroots organization in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York whose primary mission is to recruit and prepare individuals to run for Kings County Democratic Committee. NKD hopes to achieve the goal of an inclusionary and participatory democracy by making it easy for individuals to run for local, elected office. NKD will serve as a training ground for individuals seeking higher office, and hopes to build and nurture a new group of Brooklyn Democratic leaders.


    DEMOCRACY FOR NYC MEETINGS:
    First Wednesday of every month

    Staten Island, Muddy Cup, 388 Van Duzer Street with hosts Al Dykes and Tracey Denton at 7pm

    Upper West Side, The Parlour, 250 West 86th(btwn Broadway & West End), with host Merle McEldowney,7pm

    West Village, Kettle of Fish, 59 Christopher St. (near 7thAve.) with host Abhishek Mistry, 7pm

    Astoria, Queens, at Sanford Diner, 30-13 Broadway, with hosts Costa Constantinides and Jeremiah Frei-Pearson. Note: this Linkup will begin at 7:30.

    Sunnyside, Queens, at The Grind, 39-24 Queens Blvd. in the back room, with host Dan Jacoby. Note: this Linkup will begin at 7:30.

    Bayside, Queens, The First Edition, 41-08 Bell Blvd, right near the LIRR stop, with host Steve Behar of Democrats for New Politics, 7pm

    Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Wycoff Bennett Homestead, 1669East 22nd Street, 7pm with host Annette Mont


    Here is a list of weekly Peace Vigils around NY State:

    Schenectady: Counter-recruitment leafleting of high school
    "Truth in Recruitment"
    On the second and forth Monday of every month 1:50pm to 2:20pm, counter-recruitment literature is handed-out to the students at Schenectady High School.

    Location:
    Schenectady High School
    1445 The Plaza
    Schenectady, NY 12308

    Contact: Elizabeth at 518 374-2949 for confirmation or further directions.

    Sponsored by: Schenectady Neighbors for Peace, a branch of Peace Action

    Phillipstown for Democracy Demonstration against the War in Iraq
    Every Saturday at the intersection of Route 9 and 9D from 12-2. For information contact Connie Hogart at conart1_at_optonline.netv

    Cobleskill: Vigil for peace
    Weekly vigil for peace, every Saturday 11:00am to 12:00pm.
    Location:
    Main and Union Streets
    Cobleskill, NY 12043
    Contact: 518-287-1771

    Sponsored by: Peacemakers of Schoharie County

    Marbletown: Peace vigil
    A peace vigil held every Saturday from at least 11:00am to noon, held by an assortment of local people.
    Location:
    Southernmost intersection of Route 213 & Route 209 (the one with the stop light)
    Marbletown/Stone Ridge, NY 12484

    In the event that the community has another pre-arranged event scheduled for this intersection on a given Saturday, the vigil will move on that day to the front of the Stone Ridge Town Hall, south on route 209.

    Contact: 845 687-9591

    Saratoga Springs: Peace vigil
    A peace vigil every Saturday 11:00am to 12:00pm. in front of the Post Office.

    From the organizer: "Please keep the crosswalks clear and be the peace you want in the world. Many among us will be making signs with positive messages reflecting our hopes or our concerns for the future. Our goal is to: Support the United Nations in promoting peace; Encourage people to consider effective alternatives to war; Empower people to express their views to their elected officials."
    Location:
    outside the Post Office
    Broadway and Church Street
    Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

    Contact: Jim at 518-583-7501.

    Sponsored by: Saratoga Peace Alliance (SPA)

    Saugerties: Vigil for Peace
    A weekly peace vigil every Saturday 11:00am to 12:00pm. All are welcome.

    From the organizers: "End the War. Bring the Troops Home Now. Fund Education, Healthcare, and Housing... Not War. Join us for an hour, or a few minutes. Bring a neighbor. Let our voices be heard."
    Location:
    Corner of Market and Main Streets
    Saugerties, NY 12477
    Contact: 845 246-3449.
    Sponsored by: Saugerties Committee for Peace and Social Justice

    Wappingers Falls: Weekly peace vigil
    A long standing peace vigil happening every Saturday 11:00am to 12:00pm. Pete Seeger attends when he can [cool!!], and the group usually ends singing a song.
    Location:
    On the grassy knoll
    Intersection of Routes 9 & 9D
    (near the South Hills Mall)
    Wappingers Falls, NY 12601
    Contact: 845 838-1277.

    New Paltz: Women in Black peace vigil
    A peace vigil occurring every Saturday 12:30pm to 1:30pm.
    From the organizers:
    "Women in Black has been standing for an end to war and violence in all its forms for over 5 years. We wear black in resistance and mourning for all the senseless killing. We are silent because words cannot express the tragedy of war. Please join us. Men are welcome."
    Location:
    In front of the Elting Library
    Corner of Main St and North Front Street
    New Paltz, NY 12561
    Sponsored by: Women in Black of New Paltz

    Woodstock: Women in Black peace vigil
    A silent vigil for peace every Sunday 1:00pm to 2:00pm, throughout the year.
    The group seeks "non-violent solutions to world problems, and stands for peace and social justice.

    It is suggest that participants wear black clothing if possible. Signs are available.

    Men are welcome, as well.

    Location:
    Woodstock Village Green
    Rt. 212 / Tinker St / Mill Hill Rd
    Woodstock, NY 12498

    Contact: Jane at 845 679-7502.

    Sponsored by: Woodstock Women in Black

    Delmar: Weekly peace vigil
    Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace hold these weekly vigils every Monday 5:00pm to 6:00pm.

    From the organizers:: "Please join us in taking a stand against the war! Even if you can only stop by for a few minutes, your presence helps make a difference. Those of us who regularly attend the vigil enjoy sharing news and community with each other, and the encouraging honks and support from many drivers. Among other purposes, this weekly vigil serves as a regular reminder to hundreds of people in our community (those driving or walking by) of our viewpoints, issues and information - something they rarely see in the media. Bring a sign or borrow one of our extras. Join us!"

    Location:
    Four Corners
    Delaware Ave at Kenwood Ave
    Delmar, NY 12054

    Sponsored by: Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace.

    Troy: Peace vigil
    A vigil for peace, held on the first Monday of the month 5:00pm to 6:00pm.

    Located on Hoosick St, one of the busiest corridors in the Capital District.

    Location:
    110 Hoosick St (at 10th St)
    Troy, NY 12180

    Contact: 518 272-1318.

    Sponsored by: Troy Neighbors for Peace

    Guilderland: Weekly peace vigil
    A weekly Monday vigil 5:00pm to 6:00pm, with participants holding signs and making a peaceful presence known.

    Attendees are asked to bring their own signs.

    From the organizers: "A dedicated group of people have been meeting every Monday during rush hour at the corners of Route 20 (Western Avenue) and Route 155. The positive response from commuters has been tremendous! Several new members have joined as a result of passing by our vigil."

    Location:
    Routes 155 and 20, northeast corner
    (New Karner Rd and Western Ave)
    Guilderland, NY 12084

    Contact: 518 464-6788.

    Sponsored by: Guilderland Neighbors For Peace


    DRINKING LIBERALLY MEETINGS IN NY STATE:

    Clifton Park, New York
    * First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
    * Old Dublin Inn, 130 Meyer Rd (Google maps is wrong, please contact me for directions.)
    * Hosted by Chris Selkirk, cliftonpark (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Ithaca, New York
    * Every Wednesday, 6:30 pm onward
    * Felicia's Atomic Lounge, 508 W State St
    * Hosted by Joseph Cannon Murtagh, ithaca (at) drinkingliberally.org


    New York City, New York:

    The Original Drinking Liberally
    * Every Thursday, 7:30 pm onward
    * Rudy's, 627 9th Ave (between 44th and 45th)
    * In the backyard, weather permitting
    * Hosted by Justin Krebs, Matthew O'Neill and Katrina Baker, nyc (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

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

    Park Slope
    * Second 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

    Queens
    * Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
    * Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102 (group of young liberals taking up one lane)
    * Hosted by Donald Graff, queens (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Upper East Side
    * Last Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
    * Doc Watson's, 1490 2nd Ave (at 77th)
    * Hosted by Matthew Bachiochi, ues (at) drinkingliberally.org

    West Bronx
    * First and third Friday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
    * An Beal Bocht, 445 W 238th St (between Waldo and Greystone)
    * 1 to 238th, turn left, straight on 238th, just past the top of the stairs
    * Hosted by Jamin Sewell and Scott Kennedy, westbronx (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Rochester, New York
    * Every Thursday, 8:00-10:00 pm
    * Monty's Korner, 355 East Ave
    * Hosted by Tom Tucker and Tracy Logan, rochester (at) drinkingliberally.org

    And then we have: Shooting Liberally
    Tuesday, Feb 19
    From your friends at Drinking Liberally comes the debut of SHOOTING LIBERALLY...

    For the First Amendment enthusiast ready to move on to the Second. A social evening at the gun range including training & weapon rental.

    For more info and to reserve your spot, contact: Stanley Sherman - maskarts (at) worldnet.att.net

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