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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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  • Thursday, September 04, 2008

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

    NEW YORK ACT BLUE SITE: Sweeping New York...our goal is in sight.

    REMEMBER TO VOTE SEPTEMBER 9th in the Democratic Primary. See below (and above) for some suggestions on who to vote for. And if you want to help any of these candidates on primary day, please let me know.

    And after that, 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.


    Here are some articles worth reading:

    Why is Serph Maltese working with James Dobson?

    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.

    WFP, Straphangers team up against fare hikes

    Here is a Daily Kos article on the threat to New York State's water supply due to new techniques for drilling for Natural Gas. And on the same subject, State Senate Candidate Don Barber on Natural Gas drilling.

    Here's a rundown of the key state senate races from The Albany Project.


    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 also introduce you to my State Senator, Velmanette Montgomery. She is wonderful, proudly progressive, and up for re-election. Here is her website.

    Those who know me will be surprised by this one: Martin Connor, running for re-election in the SD-25 district. I have had my differences with Marty Connor in the past, but have never questioned his intelligence or his progressive values. Connor has been a consistent advocate of marriage equality and has been endorsed by Independent Neighborhood Democrats and Lambda Independent Democrats. His primary opponent is a far more conservative Democrat, who is tied to the most conservative aspects of Chuck Schumer's policies as well as to Bloomberg's disastrous education reforms. In this match up I side with Marty Connor.

    And 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!

    Jon Powers is the netroots, grassroots and mainstream party choice for the NY-26 Congressional seat. Fellow Daily Gotham writers who met him at Yearly Kos were very impressed with him. Jon Powers served in the Army's First Armored Division (the unit featured in the Iraq War documentary Gunner Palace) in Baghdad and came back as a solid opponent of the Bush/McCain Iraq quagmire. Here is a Daily Kos diary by Jon Powers outlining his philosophy of service. And here is a Daily Kos diary introducing Powers to the dKos community. You can support Jon Powers through my NY State Act Blue website.

    Steve Harrison is running for Congress in the NY-13 race. Steve Harrison is a leading advocate for withdrawal from Iraq and has been endorsed by American Heritage Democratic Organization, Kelvin Alexander (Co-Founderof 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement), Gary Lane (Chairman of IBEW Local 3), Gloria Steinem, Democracy for New York City, the Democratic Organization of Richmond County, John Strika (President of IUPAT Local 806), former Assemblyman Frank Barbaro, among others. Steve is the progressive in the race while his primary opponent is a "Democrat" who is also seeking the Conservative Party endorsement and has told the Conservative Party that he opposes gay marriage and is in favor of continued occupation of Iraq. Steve, by contrast, is in favor of marriage equality and withdrawal from Iraq. You can read more about him in his own words on Daily Gotham. You can donate to his campaign through my Act Blue site. If you live in the NY-13 district, please volunteer for Steve's campaign.

    Volunteer Phone Banks for Steve Harrison, Democrat for Congress

    Steve Harrison is a progressive Democrat running for Congress in NY's 13th Congressional District, formerly held by Republican Vito Fossella. (Fossella resigned after a drunk driving arrest which lead to the discovery of an extra-marital affair and child with another woman.)

    Democracy for NYC has endorsed Steve Harrison and DFNYCer David Hernandez is working with Harrison's campaign. The following volunteer phone banks have been set up in Staten Island and Brooklyn:

    Staten Island Phone Bank
    1738 Victory Blvd./ Manor Road
    12-9pm Mon- Sat.
    Contact Al Dykes or David Hernandez, 718 720 8683

    Brooklyn Phone Bank
    544 Bay Ridge Pkwy/ Bet. 5&6 Avenue
    Contact Greg Collett to rsvp and for specific hours, 718 745 2539


    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:



    And a friend of ours, Devin Cohen, is running for a Brooklyn judicial seat. You can read more about his race here. If you can spare some time to help Devin, please let me know and I can let him know. Also, let's all congratulate Devin and his wife for the birth of their son! All the reports I hear indicate that Devin is out in the district meeting everyone voter by voter, while his opponent is relying on buying the election.


    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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