Progressive Democrat Issue 156

The year is such a big one for politics. I am amazed how many people are extra involved. One friend describes it as "Democrat fever," and is finding that people are eagerly digging deeper than usual to win. And there are already payoffs.

One of the most important things to happen this last week was Kofi Annan has finally gotten the battling factions in Kenya to sign a peace agreement. I was watching a segment on Current TV about the situation in Kenya and it was really worrisome. Some thought it could turn into another Rwanda, though others felt Kenya would pull itself together before it sank that low. But the truth is, one of Africa's more stable nations nearly collapsed into a bloody civil war. Kofi Annan has for now eased the crisis and could deserve a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. The chaos in Kenya had a personal connection for me because some of my loans through Kiva were in the areas of Kenya where the fighting was taking place. As I write here, the situation there was really bad and many of the businesses I loaned to in Kenya may no longer exist.

As I mention in my New York State section, but you can read more detail about here, there was a HUGE win for Democrats in upstate New York. The New York State Senate has been under Republican control almost forever, and this has one one factor that has kept the state government from functioning even vaguely well. This last week New York Democrats won a special election for State Senate in a district that has not seen a Democrat elected for 100 years. Seriously. And the district is 2:1 registered Republicans to Democrats. But voters responded well to the Democrat running, Darrel Aubertine, is a local farmer with calloused hands from real work, while the Republican candidate was a lawyer and Assemblyman with no real contact with the average voter in the district...other than preventing them from fishing in the part of a local river that runs through his estate. It's easy to see why Darrel won. This puts Democrats one seat away from an effective control of the New York State Senate. Jimmy Dahroug and Jim Gennaro are two of our likely candidates who can pick up seats in the State Senate, and I have them covered on an Act Blue site for those who want to help.

I have an Illinois focus section covering another special election coming up fast. And this is one we all should be focused on because it is our chance to turn Dennis Hastert's seat blue. Hastert has resigned in disgrace, and it is now an open seat with a special election. The Democratic candidate is Bill Foster, a famous physicist. Right now I know of only one scientits in Congress, Rush Holt. I really think that getting another scientist in Congress is worth even more than turning Hastert's seat blue. I hope people from all over the country read my Illinois focus and help Bill Foster win.

Turning to Alaska, I once again am covering Republican Corruption in Alaska. Alaska continues to amaze me with the depth of the corruption of the Republican Party there. But we have a chance to replace those corrupt Republicans with good Democrats. One candidate you will hear me talking about soon is Diane Benson. I recently met her and let me tell you, we need to do all we can to send her to Congress. She is half Native American, has been homeless for part of her life, has worked as a truck driver and commercial fisherman, and has a son who lost both his legs serving in Iraq. She is amazing. She is also outraising the Republican incumbent. She does have two primary challengers, though, career politicians...and lawyers. Now don't get me wrong. I have nothing against lawyers and I do think having a majority of our politicians be lawyers isn't necessarily bad. But I also think that we need some regular folks in there. Farmers like Aubertine. Scientists like Foster. And working class teamsters and fishermen like Benson. You will hear more about Benson here in the near future, and for those in NYC you will have a chance to meet her if you want. She is coming March 18th. If you want to meet her email me and I will give you details. It will be a fundraiser, but really it will be worth it for you. People can also donate to help turn Alaska blue through another one of my Act Blue sites.

I also continue to feature some fabulous, progressive local candidates in Arizona and Wisconsin who deserve our support. I urge everyone who has a moment to look them over and donate if they can. And for readers in Arizona and Wisconsin, maybe you can find an hour or two to volunteer for them. These are the future of the Democratic Party if we help them get elected. Interstingly, Arizona has actually passed New York as the state where I have the most readers. Welcome Arizona readers! I am excited about what is going on locally in Arizona.

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

ARE YOU BETTER OFF THAN YOU WERE 8 YEARS AGO

RALPH McNADER: The Nader/McCain Alliance

MORE REPUBLICAN CORRUPTION IN ALASKA: Don Young, possibly the MOST Corrupt Republican still in office

ILLINOIS FOCUS: Urgent Special Election: Turn Hastert's Seat Blue!

ILLINOIS FOCUS: Groups and Events

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS: Steve Harrison, Peace Vigils, Groups and Events

ARIZONA FOCUS: Republican Corruption, Progressive Candidates, Groups and Events

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Peace Events, Groups and Events

VIRGINIA FOCUS: Energy Efficiency, Impeachment, Groups and Events

ALASKA FOCUS: Fisheries Debate, Groups and Events

NEW JERSEY FOCUS: Family Medical Leave, Jersey Blue Radio, Impeachment, Groups and Events

TEXAS FOCUS: Rick Noriega, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

FLORIDA FOCUS: Peace Vigils, Groups and Events

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS: Groups and Events

WISCONSIN FOCUS: Republican Lies, Progressive Candidates, Groups and Events

IOWA FOCUS: Fighting Big Business, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS: Drought, Peace Vigils, Groups and Events

Are you better off than you were 8 years ago?

Are you better off than you were 8 years ago?

Unless you are CEO of Exxon/Mobil, Shell Oil or Halliburton, the answer is almost certainly a resounding "no!"

America is worse off than 8 years ago. We have the worst deficit in American history. We are experiencing inflation and stagnation. Prices are through the roof. Oil is at an all time high. Wheat is at an all time high. Don't know about you, but where I live even things like tomato sauce and cheese are sharply more expensive than I have ever seen them. In my neighborhood stores and restaurants close every day, hit by a double whammy of high real estate prices and sagging business. Hate crimes are up. Incomes are down. Job growth has been flat. Bankruptcies and defaults are becoming epidemic. Our infrastructure is failing.

America is worse off than it was 8 years ago. It is dramatically worse off.

Meanwhile, oil companies are raking in record profits, even as every year poor and elderly Americans freeze during winter because they can't afford heating oil. CEOs are making record salaries, even as middle class Americans are laid off, seeing decreasing salaries and face defaulting on out of control mortgages. Taxes on the wealthiest 1% of Americans have been sharply reduced while our national deficit skyrockets and our government can't (or chooses not to?) afford to fix our levees and bridges.

We are worse off than we were 8 years ago. This is the Republican legacy. From 2000 to 2006 Republican policies dominated. Since then the brakes have been put on their excesses, but they have not been reversed. We have had nearly 8 years of Republican domination. And we are all worse off than we were by a lot.

What have Republicans done? They ignored warnings of terrorist attacks. So Americans died. They ignored warnings of bridge collapses and levees breaking, so Americans died. They have failed to stop al-Qaeda, so al-Qaeda is now stronger than ever. They blundered miserably in Iraq, so now we have a desert version of the Vietnam failure where our soldiers and citizens pay the price of government failure. Republicans even added to the pain faced by our soldiers by cutting veterans benefits and health care for our soldiers even as they sent more and more Americans into the Iraq quagmire. And yes...Osama bin Laden is still free. Republicans have engaged in the sleaziest era of greed and corruption since Harding. Yes, there are some corrupt Democrats as well (google mole333 and "Vito Lopez" and you will see my rants about Democratic corruption in my area). But if you look at the numbers, it is clear that the corruption on the Republican side is way beyond anything on the Dem side. From Alaska to Kentucky, from California to Ohio and Missouri, Republican corruption is rampant.

Irresponsibility, intolerance, greed, corruption and failure. This is the Republican legacy 8 years after they took over. They have become the epitome of poor government. They have become the epitome of behavior that every religion on earth tells you is wrong and that each of our mothers told us not to do. Irresponsibility, intolerance, greed, corruption and failure.

Will you be better off 8 years from now?

We are offered three choices in November. The choice among them is critical.

John McCain has told us he will continue the Bush policies. He will continue the deficit, the failed economy, the failed Iraq quagmire. He is promising more irresponsibility, intolerance, greed, corruption and failure. Is this what you want?

Hillary Clinton offers us a return to the Bill Clinton years. Now, I for one remember those years fondly. Inflation and uneployment remained at amazing lows. Contrast that with clear inflation and stagnation under Bush. During Bill Clinton's presidency, for the first time in American history, our debt SHRANK. He generated enough of a surplus that he could pay off some of our debt. And that was a further boon to the economy since less of America's income had to go to interest on the debt. We WERE far better off 8 years ago than now, and that does make another Clinton presidency tempting.

But the Clinton years, like the Bush years before and after, did have a certain excessively corporate feel and did seem to have too much sacrificed to partisanship. The Clintons triangulate too much for many people's taste. At its best this can produce effective compromises. At its worst it can, and has, produced capitulation to the Republican agenda...and we have already seen that the Republican agenda leads to irresponsibility, intolerance, greed, corruption and failure. We were better off 8 years ago, so a return to Clinton policies is tempting. But there is some uncertainty that it leaves too much room for a continued Iraq quagmire and insufficient restraint on the Republican/corporate greed that is ruining working class and middle class America.

Barack Obama is offering something new, he promises. Clinton looks back to the good years of the 1990's, but that is still 20th century thinking. Obama offers us 21st century thinking that can hopefully address 21st century problems of terrorism and global warming. What's more, he is brining together an amazing coalition of youth, minorities, independents, progressives and moderates that he might be able to give us something that neither the Clinton years nor he Bush years before or after offered: unity. A united United States. Clinton and McCain are only going to exacerbate the disunity. Can Obama build on the amazing coalition that has brought him such spectacular wins in South Carolina, Iowa, Idaho, Alaska, Nebraska, Virginia...the list goes on. Obama is offering us unity and optimism. After 8 years of pessimism and fear, and some 20 years of sharp disunity, this is very, very tempting.

Of course there are doubts that he can deliver. I think he can because he has delivered far more than people ever imagined. He went from being a poor speaker to a gifted orator. He learned how to raise money. He learned how to overcome racial barriers. He has become a winner. McCain is tied to the losing policies of Bush and Clinton has not proven herself to be the winner people thought she was. Obama exudes "winner" and people are responding. This inspiration can go a long way to restoring confidence and unity in America.

Three choices:

McCain offers continued despair and disunity. He explicitly offers to stay the Republican course of irresponsibility, intolerance, greed, corruption and failure.

Hillary Clinton offers a return to the Bill Clinton years, a time we really were better off.

Barack Obama offers to lead us into the new century with optimism and unity, and he so far seems capable of delivering.

One really, really bad choice. And two very tempting choices.

Are you better off than you were 8 years ago? Will you be better off in 8 years? We know the answer to the first question is "no." The choice you make in November will determine the answer to the second question.

Ralph McNader: Nader and McCain Sitting in a Tree...

Now I know some of my readers have been Nader supporters. But the evidence is mounting that Nader, once an environmental and consumer hero, has fallen to little more than a Republican dupe.

In 2000 Nader made a collossal mistake that cost Gore the election. Part of that mistake was what seemed an inexplicable statement that Gore and Bush were equivalent. I knew this was bullshit just like I knew it was bullshit when Gore, Cheney and Powell claimed Hussein was tied with al-Qaeda. And events since then have proven Nader was as "mistaken" as Bush, Cheney and Powell. The question always was: was Nader mistaken or lying? Either way, Nader only won 3% of the vote in 2000, not enough to do him any good, but enough, in key swing states, to help deliver the election to Bush.

I don't know about 2000, but by 2004 Nader was abandoning all pretence of values. Nader abandoned the Green Party, yet expected them to follow him blindly. They chose not to. In 2004 a large chunk of Nader's money and support came from Republicans. Among those Republican who went out on a limb for the self proclaimed messiah of the left was none other than John McCain, whose legal team did their best to get Nader on the ballot in Florida. As the Greens went their own way, Nader turned to Republicans, John McCain in particular, to save his campaign. The result? Nader got .3% of the vote...one tenth of what he got in 2000.

Now in 2008 Nader is running yet again. And his website attacks Barack Obama. His website attacks Hillary Clinton. His website DOES NOT talk about John McCain, his former (and current?) patron.

Joe Conasom at Salon.com exposes the McCain/Nader connection. Disgusting. That's all I can say. I grew up with Nader one of my heros. I was disgusted by his behavior in 2000. I was disgusted in his behavior in 2004. This article makes it all clear. Nader has become a genuine Republican stooge. Does he even realize this? Has he abandoned all his morals or has he lost his common sense? I don't know. But to me he is nothing.

Here are a few quotes from the article:

But the evidence suggests another possible motive for Nader to run this year -- namely, that he hopes to help his longtime ally John McCain, to whom he owes at least one big favor. Nader is already focusing his fire on the Democrats, with his Web site featuring dozens of press releases attacking Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, while none voice the slightest criticism of McCain. In his latest round of television appearances, Nader trained his fire directly on Obama...

Actually, Republicans have learned to do more than merely "welcome" Nader. Four years ago, Republican officials and activists in certain swing states helped gather signatures to gain ballot access for Nader, while several major Republican donors sent generous checks to his campaign. And no Republican spoke out more forthrightly on his behalf than McCain, who in 2004 urged the authorities in Florida to put Nader on the ballot there despite his failure to qualify -- and who sent his own lawyer down to the Sunshine State to fight for Nader in court.

McCain launched that intervention from his perch as chairman of the Reform Institute, a Washington think tank funded by corporate soft money and liberal foundations and staffed by McCain staffers and partisans. On the surface, at least, the Arizona senator was pursuing a principled defense of open ballot access, and he recalled how establishment Republicans had used legal technicalities to block him from the New York primary ballot in 2000. He sent Trevor Potter, a prominent attorney and former Federal Election Commission member who has long represented him, to assist the Nader forces in Tallahassee. It was an inspiring story of shared democratic values that crossed the ideological spectrum.

But as the New York Times reported on Sept. 17, 2004, there was a political back story behind McCain's assistance to Nader. According to the Times, "Mr. Potter said that the Nader campaign first sought Mr. McCain's backing in the case last week and that subsequently the Bush campaign also asked him to get involved." (Candidate Nader and his running mate, Peter Camejo, issued a statement thanking McCain and the Reform Institute that is for some reason no longer available on the Nader campaign Web site.)

Republican Corruption in Alaska: Don Young, Corrupt Every Which Way He Can

I recently I wrote a piece on the very, very nasty corruption among Republicans in Alaska. Specifically, I wrote about a scandal involving an oil services company, VECO, that involves bribery and buying of favors involving four Alaskan Republican State Legislators, one US Senator from Alaska (Ted Stevens) and the lone House Representative from Alaska (Don Young). The single Democrat, a state legislator, initially investigated was never subsequently accused of wrongdoing. In other words, the VECO scandal is exclusively a Republican scandal.

But when I wrote that piece, I hadn't realized I had only scratched the surface. Turns out, one recipient of VECO's alleged bribes, Rep. Don Young, may well be the poster boy for just about every kind of Republican corruption this nation has been seeing.

Here is a rundown of Don Young's sleaze from The Muckraker:

It's hard to keep track of all of Rep. Don Young's (R-AK) scandals. But we're here to help. Here's a snapshot of what we know about all the ways Young has managed to get into trouble.

Coconut Road
McClatchy reported last week that investigators have begun scrutinizing Young's now famous $10 million earmark for a Florida interchange. Whether the earmark was a quid pro quo for a big time contributor is only half the story. Young also appears to have changed the bill's language after it passed Congress in order to make sure that the money went where (or to who) he wished.

Dennis Troha
As we noted in our post on Young's remarkable fundraising record in the run-up to the 2005 transportation bill, Wisconsin businessman Dennis Troha is reportedly cooperating with investigators regarding his contributions to Young and other lawmakers. Troha allegedly gave his support in exchange for a measure that was inserted into the bill.

Veco
The FBI is also scrutinizing Young's dealings with Alaska oil services company Veco Corp. At issue is whether he accepted bribes in exchange for political favors over the course of his long friendship with former Veco CEO Bill Allen. In January, Young tried to make amends by returning $38,000 to Allen for the decade-worth of pig roast fundraisers the executive held in Young's honor each year in Anchorage. From 1996 to 2006, when Allen played host to the pork gala, Veco and its employees gave Young at least $157,000. Young was chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for six of those years.

It's unclear what Young might have arranged for Veco in exchange. But Veco has certainly done well as a federal contractor. The company's federal sector website touts having "successfully completed projects totaling over $25 billion," since 1992. Investigators are reportedly investigating Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) role in helping Veco get a $170 million contract. But which contracts might Young's help have proven instrumental? We'll keep you posted.

Jack Abramoff
Young also touches another investigation. The sole Alaska congressman kept close ties with Jack Abramoff and was known to hold fundraisers in Abrmoff's MCI skybox. Last year, Paul reported on a 1999 Abramoff-organized Congressional junket Young led to the Marshall Islands. At the time, Young was the chair of the House Resources Committee. The delegation, which included Reps. John Doolittle (R-CA), Ken Calvert (R-CA) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), visited the Kwajalein Atoll missile test site and attended a meeting of the parliament, during which a resolution was introduced to rename the test site after Ronald Reagan. Thanks to Paul's intrepid reporting, we hear Young allegedly addressed the assembly in Bermuda shorts. Young vehemently denies wearing the short pants which are still part of the Royal Navy uniform.

Mark Zachares, a native Alaskan and former senior aide on the House Transportation Committee -- during Young's tenure as chair -- pleaded guilty in July to hawking political favors in exchange for perks (like $60,000 in cash and a trip to Scotland) and a future job from Abramoff. Though Zachares carried out Abramoff's work under Young's noise, no concrete evidence has surfaced showing that Young was directly involved. But, Young's effort seven years ago to stop sweatshop reform in the Mariana Islands raises some suspicion. Zachares was a Mariana Islands official at the time and Abramoff was the islands' lobbyist and paid $11 million to make sure Congress didn't interfere with wages or immigration -- the two areas under Zachares' domain. Thanks to Young, the reforms were halted.

And Zachares wasn't the only aide of Young's to have a relationship with Abramoff. Young's staffer Duane Gibson left to go work for Abramoff.

That's four separate scandals Don Young is mired in. That is pretty damned disgusting if you ask me. But there might even be more. I find a site called DropDon.com that has a pretty comprehensive coverage of Don Young's corruption. Here is their summary with links to more:

WEB OF CORRUPTION
House Transportation Committee

Don Young used his power as Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to steer vast sums of public money to his family and campaign donors.

Click here to Read more »

Young’s Ties to [Convicted Felon] Abramoff

Mark Zachares’ corruption is the latest to surface in a long line of links between Young and Abramoff.

Click here to Read more »

Young’s Aide Zachares Gave [Convicted Felon]Abramoff Inside Information

For four years, Zachares engaged in a conspiracy to enrich the infamous Abramoff, a Republican Party insider whose corrupt acts entangled several members of Congress and other government officials.

Click here to Read more »

The [Convicted Felon] Abramoff Skybox

On February 2, 2000, Young called Abramoff’s assistant Jennifer Calvert to ask for use of Abramoff’s MCI skybox for two upcoming fundraisers.

Click here to Read more »

Mariana Islands

Over the years Young repeatedly acted to aid the government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a small group of Pacific Ocean islands under U.S. jurisdiction. Abramoff was paid $11 million to lobby for CNMI from 1994 to 2001.

Click here to Read more »

Marshall Islands

On January 4, 1999, Abramoff was hired to represent the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). Abramoff’s main mission was to stop legislation pending in Congress, which would have raised costs of clothing manufacture by the Tan family and other clothing manufacture interests there.

Click here to Read more »

Post Office Project

In September 2002, Young sought to intervene with the General Services Administration on behalf of Abramoff, who at that time was seeking preferential treatment for a group of his Tribal clients who were bidding on a proposal to develop the Old Post Office Complex site in Washington, DC.

Click here to Read more »

Young’s Ties to VECO

VECO CEO Bill Allen and VP Richard Smith pleaded guilty in May, 2007 to bribing Alaska lawmakers.

Click here to Read more »

Don Young’s Way

The proposed bridge across Knik Arm near Anchorage, otherwise known as Don Young’s Way, became a subject of national ridicule and driver of earmark reform in Congress. Young sponsored an earmark of more than $230 million dollars in the 2005 federal highway transportation bill for the bridge that is to be named after himself.

Click here to Read more »

AK or Arkansas?

Arkansas, with a population of about 2.8 million, reaped a total of about $2.38 billion in the five-year national transportation bill that Young helped pass in 2005 when he was chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Click here to Read more »

Coconut Road in Florida

The New York Times reported Young’s connection to a $10 million appropriation he earmarked for Coconut Road in Florida.

Click here to Read more »

Trucking legislation

Another example of Don Young taking official action that benefited some of his campaign donors is the passage of legislation that revised truck-hauling rules.The Anchorage Daily News reported that the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office opened an investigationinto a deal involving payments to Rep. Young and other Congressmen by indicted Wisconsin businessman Dennis Troha.

Click here to Read more »

Sources of campaign funds

Of Young’s five largest sources of funds in the most recent campaign cycle, two - Veco Corp. and Jht Holdings - are tainted by corruption scandals. Veco is the oil field service company whose executives Bill Allen and Richard Smith pled guilty to bribing Alaska legislators. Since 1989 Young has received more than $200,000 from VECO employees, his largest source of campaign funds.

Click here to Read more »

Ties to GOP leaders

Young voted with President Bush 86% of the time and the Republican Party line 94% of the time.

Click here to Read more »

Ties with [Indicted] Tom Delay

Young has taken money from Tom DeLay’s ARMPAC, voted to weaken House ethics rules when DeLay proposed doing so, voted to allow the GOP House Leader to continue to serve after an indictment, and voted with Tom DeLay 88% of the time.

Click here to Read more »

Not a pretty picture. In 2006 in state after state, Abramoff tied, corrupt Republicans were indicted, convicted and/or voted out of office by angry voters. If Alaska follows the trend of cleaning house that so many other states did, Don Young's days are seriously numbered.

You can help clean up Alaska by donating through my Alaska Act Blue Site.

ILLINOIS FOCUS: SPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION: IL-14

Dennis Hastert was the Congressman in the IL-14 district until he resigned in disgrace.

Now Bill Foster, an eminent scientist at Fermilab, is running to take his place. This race pits Foster, who is against the Bush/McCain Iraq quagmire and for affordable healthcare, against pro-Bush, pro-War right wing Republican Oberweis. The choice is clear. Bill Foster is the man.

Today Barack Obama has endorsed Bill Foster for Congress in the special March 8 election in IL-14. Here's an excerpt from the press release:

The campaign of scientist and businessman Bill Foster announced that Democratic presidential candidate and Illinois favorite son Barack Obama has cut a broadcast TV ad stating that Foster can "deliver change" in Congress.

"Barack Obama and I stand together for change. We want our troops home safely and responsibly, not in Iraq for 10 years or 100 years. We want to invest in American jobs, not send American jobs to China. We want health care that costs less, not an end to employers paying for health care for their workers," said Foster, a physicist who worked at Fermilab in Batavia for 20 years after starting a successful theater light company with his brother that has created hundreds of jobs in the Midwest.

The 30-second Obama endorsement spot is a positive ad that clearly establishes Foster as the change candidate in the special election to replace retired Congressman and former House Speaker Denny Hastert in Illinois' 14th Congressional District.

The Aurora Beacon News reported yesterday that a Foster poll has the March 8 special election in a "dead heat," with Foster leading 49-27% among Independents. The poll also showed that 41% of voters have a negative view of Foster's opponent, Jim Oberweis, after years of running campaigns for office that have featured negative, personal attacks on his fellow Republicans -- even using a fake headline to attack his opponents.

Here is a vedio of Bill Foster on Iraq:



Here is a video of Bill Foster on healthcare:



Bill Foster has been endorsed by (in addition to Barack Obama):

27 Nobel Prize winning scientists

Aurora Beacon News
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Sun-Times
Daily Herald
DeKalb Daily Chronicle
Elgin Courier News
Kane County Chronicle
Oswego Ledger-Sentinel

AFSCME State Council 31
Citizen Action/Illinois Policy Council
NARAL Pro-Choice America
Illinois Planned Parenthood Council
SEIU Illinois Council
United Hellenic Voters of America
Ronald J. Schultz Memorial Foundation

and many more.

Vote for Bill Foster on March 8. And if you can, give a small donation to turn Hastert's seat blue.

ILLINOIS FOCUS: Groups and Events

Women In Black peace vigils, Second Saturdays, 8am-9am in Elmhurst

We will be holding a WIB vigil to protest the occupation of Iraq on the 2nd Saturday of each month.

We meet from 8am-9am at the intersection of North Avenue (Rt. 64) and Rt. 83 in Elmhurst, Illinois.

Please join us on the northwest corner. We'll be wearing black!


Here are some Drinking Liberally groups in Illinois:

Chicago, Illinois
* Second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* Sheffield's, 3258 N Sheffield Ave (In the back room)
* Hosted by Greg Sasso and Jon Mclennand, chicago (at) drinkingliberally.org

DeKalb, Illinois
* Every other Tuesday, 8:30 pm onward
* O'Leary's Irish Pub, 260 E Lincoln Hwy (On the Corner of 3rd and Lincoln Hwy)
* Parking is available on 3rd St. in the public lot across the tracks.
* Hosted by Kevin Malone, dekalb (at) drinkingliberally.org

Evanston, Illinois
* Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm onward
* The Celtic Knot, 626 Church St (Half block east of Orrington)
* For the upcoming holiday season we're not planning on meeting the week of Thanksgiving or during the month of December
* Hosted by Mark Foisy, Rich Heath and Adelaide Rowe, evanston (at) drinkingliberally.org

Moline, Illinois
* First and third Friday of each month, 8:00pm onward
* Jack's Place, 425 15th St
* Stop on down and bring a friend!
* Hosted by Amy Holcomb and Rachel Griffiths, moline (at) drinkingliberally.org

Naperville, Illinois
* 2nd Sunday and 4th Tuesday of every month
* Quigley's Irish Pub, 43 E Jefferson Ave
* Hosted by Rich Wawronowicz and Tom Mikesell, naperville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Peoria, Illinois
* Second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm onward
* Kelleher's Irish Pub, 619 SW Water St
* Hosted by Bill Poorman, peoria (at) drinkingliberally.org

Springfield, Illinois
* Every Thursday, 6:30 pm onward
* Brewhaus, 617 E Washington St (Between 6th & 7th)
* We also meet for Drinking Coffee Liberally the 1st & 3rd Saturday mornings of the month at Trout Lilly Cafe
* Hosted by Vera Mount, springfieldil (at) drinkingliberally.org

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS: Peace Vigils, Groups and Events

NEW YORK IN THE BLOGS:

Endorsements in the NY-13 Congressional Race. I can add that the national AND local Progressive Democrats of America have endorsed Steve Harrison for Congress.

New York Democrats win a big State Senate seat...in a district with 2:1 Repub to Dem voter registration. The Dem was a local farmer. The Repub was a lawyer who excluded fishermen from the river that ran through his estate. Needless to say, the Democrat won BIG despite the Republican voter registration advantage.

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

Here are events and groups in NY State:

Special event for Steve Harrison for Congress:
March 4th, 6:30 PM

Help defeat Bush Republican Vito Fossella by helping Steve Harrison, the progressive grassroots candidate for Congress in the NY-13 district. MARCH 4: VOLUNTEER: the Harrison Campaign needs volunteers with cell phones for a special project, starting at 6:30 PM. If you're able to help, email Rosalie at rcalie2367_at_aol.com for location information.

5 YEARS TOO MANY! Peace Rally at Vito Fossella's Brooklyn office
Brooklyn, NY

March 19, 2008 12:00PM to 02:00PM

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IRAQ WAR
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! TAKE THE DAY OFF

Peace Rally at the office of Congressman Vito Fossella, the only Brooklyn congress person who has consistently voted for war funding without conditions, 8505 4th Avenue (4th Ave. between 83rd & 84th Sts.) Bay Ridge, Brooklyn on March 19, the FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IRAQ WAR between Noon and 2:00 P.M.

Speakers from Brooklyn for Peace, Peace Action Bay Ridge, the Bay Ridge Interfaith Peace Coalition and Military Families Speak Out.

Location: 8505 Fourth Avenue
Directions: R train to 86th Street in Brooklyn, 2nd to last stop

"5 years too many" Peace Rally
White Plains, NY
March 19, 2008 04:30PM to 07:00PM

White Plains Wednesday, March 19, 4:30-7:00 PM. Mamaroneck Av. between East Post Rd.and Maple Ave. We will line both sides of the street between Hillary Clinton's campaign headquarters and Nita Lowey's district office. We will have a Candlelight vigil,live entertainment,signing and delivery of petitions demanding end of war. Opportunity to make direct cellphone calls to your elected representatives. Please bring signs,(no sticks)and candles. We need 500 people to create the impact we envision. Please bring everyone you can.
Event Type: March 19th Actions

Location: 154 mamaroneck ave. white plains
Directions: Meet at the S.W. corner of Mamaroneck Ave and E.Post Rd

Honk to End the War
Carmel, NY
March 19, 2008 01:30PM to 03:00PM

1:30 pm on the steps of the County Courthouse in Carmel NY we will hold up signs encouraging drivers to "Honk to End the War". The location is directly downstairs from our Congressman's district office.

Location: corner of Rt. 52 and Rt. 301

End the occupation Peace Rally
Shirley, NY
March 19, 2008 04:00PM to 05:00PM

Stand in protest of the occupation in Iraq! Bring signs, bring your friends!

Location: William Floyd Parkway & Montauk Hwy.
Directions: Southwest corner of William Floyd Pkwy. at Montauk Hwy., Park in Pathmark shopping centre

Long Island Says: 5 Years Too Many! Bring the Troops Home Now!
Garden City, NY
March 19, 2008 05:00PM to 06:00PM

Not One More Death! Not One More Dollar!
BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW!

Join with other Long Islanders at a vigil to mourn 4000 U.S. and 1 million Iraqi casualties, to mark the 5th anniversary of the Iraq War, and to call for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops.

T-shirts for the event are available. For more information contact the LI Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives, 516-741-4360 or lipeace_at_verizon.net.,
www.longislandpeace.org

Location: Old Country and Glen Cove Roads
Directions: Gather on the northeast corner of Old Country and Glen Cove Roads, across from the main entrance to Roosevelt Field Mall

KNIT-IN AGAINST THE WAR
New York, NY
March 19, 2008 12:00PM to 02:00PM

We welcome everyone, women and men of all ages to join us as knitters or supporters. As we enter the 6th year of the war on Iraq we will knit for our wounded veterans and their families, and for Iraqi children and their families. Every stitch will be a symbol of our determination to end this war, restoring our nation's priorities to constructive action, responsibility and caring for all.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2008 at NOON
IN NYC: Times Square Recruiting Center, 43rd-44th Streets and Broadway

Location: 43-44th Streets & Broadway

Vigil to Commemorate start of 6th year of war against Iraq
Geneseo, NY
March 19, 2008 04:30PM to 06:30PM

Solemn vigil on Main St 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Commemoration of start of 6th year of war against Iraq inside St. Michael's Church. Co-sponsored with Geneseo Ecumenical Peace Coalition.

Location: 23 Main St, Geneseo, NY

River to River: Stand Up for Peace
New York, NY
March 22, 2008 12:00PM to 03:30PM

We will form a human chain from River to River along 14th St. Grab your friends and family and find a spot anywhere along 14th St. between Avenue A and 11th Avenue. Bring your signs as we make a strong statement for peace! We will line the south side of the street. We will gather between 11:30 and noon, stand shoulder to shoulder until 1:00. Both ends will march toward each other, converging at 5th Avenue for a march around Washington Square and back up University Place for a rally.

Location:
14th St. Manhattan
Directions:
Subways: L,A,C,E,1,2,3,F,N,R,4,5,6

Film Screening - Flow for the Love of Water
April 17, 2008

Screening of a new Sundance documentary
Flow for the Love of Water
The Linda at Quail and Central, Albany, NY
http://flowthefilm.com/

There will be panel discussion following the screening.

Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference
April 17th-18th

http://www.globalmarinerenewable.com

New York, New York
Millennium Broadway Hotel

The Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference will convene international and U.S.-based leaders and innovators to exchange the latest information on marine renewable energy. Speakers include experts from the IEA-OES, U.S. federal and state government leaders, and other recognized industry representatives on the cutting-edge of this growing business area.

Don't miss cutting-edge dialogue on:

- The performance results of marine renewable technology demonstrations
- Evolution of permitting (consent processes) and siting in various countries
- The most effective financing instruments and public subsidies
- Understanding and mitigating potential environmental risks and future studies

Explore and exchange knowledge on best practices from international experts, including our moderators and keynote speakers:

- Dr. Dan Arvizu, Director, U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Technology Laboratory
- Dr. Robert Thresher, Director, National Wind Technology Center, U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Robert LaBelle, Director, Department of Interior’s Mineral Management Service
- Roger Bedard, Ocean Energy Leader, Electric Power Research Institute
- Gouri Bhuyan, Chairman of the IEA-OES and Principle Advisor, Alternative Energy, Powertech Labs Inc.
- Ed Feo, Millbank and Tweed
- Michael O’Connell, Stoel Rivers, LLP
- Matt Simmons, Chairman, Simmons & Company International

Panelists on our Executive Overview panel include:

- George Hagerman, Virginia Tech
- Keith Martin, Chadbourne & Park
- Carolyn Elefant, OREC
- Bonnie Ram, Energetics Incorporated

Visit our website for more information: www.globalmarinerenewable.com
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact: CS@energetics.com

Mountaintop to Tap Exhibit Reception at the Queens Museum of Art
Friday, May 16
Mountaintop to Tap exhibit reception at the Queens Museum of Art in Flushing Meadows Park: http://www.queensmuseum.org/
The exhibit will be in the space with the Panorama.

Riverkeeper Honors Patty Smyth McEnroe and John McEnroe
Tuesday, May 13th
Cocktails 6:30 PM
Dinner 7:30 PM

This year Riverkeeper proudly honors Patty Smyth McEnroe and John McEnroe at our Annual Dinner on the Hudson at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers.

For more information, please contact Teresa Walsh at Riverkeeper
(914) 478-4501, ext. 243


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


DEMOCRACY FOR NYC MEETINGS:
First Wednesday of every month

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

Park Slope, Brooklyn, Ozzies, 249 Fifth Avenue with host Josh Skaller, 7pm

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


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

ARIZONA FOCUS: Progressive Candidates, Groups and Events

ARIZONA IN THE BLOGS: Republican Rick Renzi: Bush Republican with 35 counts of indictment against him. Yet ANOTHER corrupt Republican.

Arizona has become the number one state next to New York where I have readers. So I will try to put more effort into the Arizona page. First I offer a list of local candidates for office in Arizona. Following that are some groups and events that might interest my readers.

CANDIDATES:
Here are some candidates for office in Arizona I would like to introduce you to (all are endorsed by Progressive Majority):

Corey Woods
Candidate for Tempe City Council - At Large (Challenger)



Corey Woods is running for the non-partisan Tempe City Council. Corey ran unsuccessfully for this position in 2005 and has since become more involved in the community by serving on the City of Tempe's Transportation Commission, the Boards of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs, Communities in Schools, Kiwanis Club of Tempe, and Tempe Community Action Agency. This spring's election will include three city council seats and the mayor's seat, with two incumbents on the council running for reelection. Two of Corey's opponents are insurance agents who would represent the insurance lobby on the council. Corey, if elected, will be the first African American to serve on the council of Tempe.

Click here to support and learn more about Corey.

Don Jorgensen
Candidate for Arizona State Assembly - District 26 (Open Seat)
Northern Tuscon and Oro Valley



Don Jorgensen, Ph.D., is running for an open seat in the Arizona House of Representatives Legislative District 26. He is a small business owner who serves on the Board of the Compass Healthcare Foundation and the Tucson/Pima County Commission on Addiction, Prevention, and Treatment. He has also served on the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, the YMCA of Metropolitan Tucson and is the former President of Great Tucson Leadership. In 2006, farm team member Lena Saradnik picked up this seat for the Democrats when an ultraconservative Republican emerged from the primary. Three Republicans have filed to run at this time; two are far right-wingers and one is positioning himself as a moderate.

Click here to support and learn more about Don.

Marquisha Griffin
Candidate for Maricopa City Council - At Large (Challenger)



Marquisha Griffin is a 32-year-old candidate seeking a seat on the nonpartisan Maricopa City Council. If elected, she will be the only female and the only person of color on the city council. Three seats are open on the council - two incumbents are seeking re-election and six additional candidates have filed. Marquisha is currently serving her third term on the City of Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission. She volunteers at local charity events and city sponsored activities and is currently employed by the City of Mesa as a City Council Assistant to its council. The incumbent, Kelly Haddad, may be removed from the ballot for soliciting nominating petition signatures from city employees at city hall.

Click here to support and learn more about Marquisha.


GROUPS AND EVENTS:
Here are some Groups and Events in Arizona:

Sunday March 2: 5th Annual Muslim-Jewish Peace Walk - Tucson - Gather at the Islamic Center of Tucson, 901 E. First St. to begin walking at 1:00pm, to Ner Tamid (Water of Life Campus), 3269 N. Mountain Ave. for meal,. music, crafts and art at 3. 901 E. First St. to 3269 N. Mountain Ave. Tucson Free. (404-1988)

Thursday March 6: Solar Energy for Your Home - Learn how to incorporate solar energy in your life. Presented by Kevin Koch of Technicians for Sustainability. 7 - 8:30 pm. Community room in Bookmans on Grant, Tucson . Free. (740-0736)

PROTEST THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IRAQ WAR IN TUCSON, AZ!
March 19, 2008 04:00PM to 06:00PM
Hosted by Tucson Peace Action Coalition

BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW!
Gather: 4pm @ Armory Park: 220 S. 5th Ave. (1 blk S. of Broadway)
March through downtown.
Rally: 5pm @ the Federal State Bldg. (300 W. Congress St.)

Location: Armory Park: 220 S. 5th Ave. (1 block S. of Broadway)

Tribes as Competitive Employers: Pension Plans and Federal Labor Law Standards
Friday, March 28, 2008, 10:00 – 12:00 Noon
Amy Courson, Adjunct, Associate Strickland & Strickland
Rountree Hall 204
1145 N. Mountain Ave.
University of Arizona, Tucson

This spring, the IPLP Program has scheduled a strong line-up of distinguished visiting scholars, indigenous rights advocates, and lunchtime speakers.

Reception to follow.

Phoenix Indian Center Annual Fundraising Gala - Celebrating 60 years of Service

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 2008; 5:30 PM  Cocktail Hour & Silent Auction; 7:00 PM - Dinner & Entertainment

WHERE: PHOENIX CONVENTION CENTER; 100 North 3rd Street; Phoenix, AZ 85004

WHO: PHOENIX INDIAN CENTER
Our mission is to serve as the primary resource for Native Americans in the Valley of the Sun and to promote and foster Native American culture and contribution to our society as a whole. Programs offered by the Center include Native Workforce Services, Educational Services and Social Services. These vital programs serve individuals from more than 80 different tribes across the country.

WHAT: 25TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA & NATIVE AMERICAN ART AUCTION
The dollars raised through sponsorships, donations and the silent art auction are a crucial part of the Centers annual budget. This years event will once again feature amazing entertainment as well as some of the most beautiful and original Native American art available today. Auction items include a premium selection of one-of-a-kind paintings, sculpture, jewelry and both traditional and contemporary forms of art.

For additional information, or to RSVP to this event, please call Andrea Tyler Evans at 602-448-5959 or e-mail: gala@phxindcenter.org

You can view more about the event at www.phxindcenter.org.

Creating Spaces for Indigenous Languages in Everyday Life, Arizona
29th Annual American Indian Language Development Institute

June 4 - July 2, 2008
University of Arizona

The University of Arizona and Department of Language, Reading & Culture invite you to the 29th American Indian Language Development Institute (AILDI). AILDI 2008 will have a special focus on Native teachers in the classroom and language. Special topics will include NCLB & Native students, language immersion methods in the classroom, Native children's literature & writing and schooling in Native American communities. Our theme, /Creating Spaces for Indigenous Languages in Everyday Life /reflects this emphasis and will be highlighted with guest speakers, presentations, activities, projects, and fieldtrips.

AILDI provides a unique educational experience for teachers of Native children. The AILDI format offers Native and non-Native teachers the opportunity to become researchers, practitioners, bilingual/bicultural curriculum specialists, and especially effective language teachers. The common concern of language loss, revitalization and maintenance brings educators, parents, tribal leaders and community members to this university setting to study methods for teaching Native languages and cultures and to develop materials.

AILDI offers six graduate credits or undergraduate credit hours during four weeks of intensive study. Courses can be applied toward regular degree programs and teacher endorsements.

Please visit our website at http://www.u.arizona.edu/~aildi

12th Native American Youth Entrepreneur Camp
July 20-25, 2008
University of Arizona campus
Tucson, Arizona

Join us at the 12th Native American Youth Entrepreneur Camp July 20-25, 2008, on the campus of The University of Arizona in Tucson.

Learn to build private-sector enterprises in Indian Country. Visit Native-owned businesses. Enjoy extracurricular activities on and off the UA campus.

Like the real world, the camp is intensive and challenging, but rewarding and fun!

During the six-day camp, students will reside on campus, eat in the Student Memorial Union, and attend classes on the UA campus.

Register by July 1.

For more information, contact Monica Agar at cortes_at_u.arizona.edu or call (520) 626-0664.


The Phoenix Alternative Energy Meetup Group

All Alternative Energy Meetups are scheduled to meet at 1:30pm on the second Saturday of each month. We are searching for a permanent location. Event fee: $1.00 per person

Please join us for discussions and activities on various subjects related to energy use and alternatives to our current carbon-based system.

For more info, sign up here.


Weekly Women in Black Peace Vigil - Every Fri. Protest the occupations in Iraq and Palestine, and the use of war, violence, and terrorism everywhere. Everyone welcome, please wear black & maintain a peaceful presence. 5 - 6 pm. Corner of Euclid and Speedway, Tucson. Free. (407-1432)

Monthly Meeting - District 17 Democrats - Pyle Center
When: second Tuesday of every month, 6:30 PM
Where: 655 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ

Northeast Phoenix Women in Blue
Monthly at 6:30 PM on the second Monday of each month at The Market Place, 777 Thunderbird, Phoenix

District 20 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the second Monday of each month at the Ahwatukee Fire House

For more info go here: http://ld20.maricopademocrats.org/

Distroct 10 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of each month at the Denny's at I17 & Dunlap

Greater Phoenix - IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY
Meet nearby Activists working together towards the goal of the Impeach Bush (and Cheney)! Come to an Impeach Meetup to join their appeal to Congress to impeach George W. Bush and Dick Cheney for high crimes and misdemeanors. For more info, sign up here.


And for those who are interested in combining social events and politics, here are the Drinking Liberaly events in Arizona:

Flagstaff, Arizona
* Second Thursday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm
* Bigfoot Bar-B-Q, 120 N Leroux St (basement of Old Town Shops)
* Hosted by Andy Stevenson and George Castleberry, flagstaff (at) drinkingliberally.org

Phoenix
* Every other Thursday, 5:30-9:00 pm
* Rosie McCaffrey's Irish Pub, 906 E Camelback Rd (9th St & Cameback on the North Side)
* http://www.rosiemccaffreys.com/index.htm
* Hosted by Stuart Dollar, phoenix (at) drinkingliberally.org

Scottsdale
* First Saturday of each month, 5:30 to 8:30
* Epicurean Wine Bar, 7101 E Thunderbird Rd (Southwest corner of Scottsdale Rd & T'bird)
* On T'bird at the west end of the retail area. It's tucked away and not hugely visible from the road.
* Starting in February, we will be meeting the first Saturday of each month.
* Please join us for a quick drink or the entire evening as we unite in promoting democracy one pint at a time! Cheers!!!
* Hosted by Vicki Billing, Susan Fletcher and Maureen Young, scottsdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

Tucson, Arizona
* Every Thursday, 6:00 pm onward
* The Shanty, 401 E 9th St (Fourth Ave. at the underpass)
* Please visit our chapter's web site for schedules, book club info, and more: http://arizona.typepad.com/drinkingliberally
* Hosted by Michael Bryan, Tasha Nelson and Shasta McManus, tucson (at) drinkingliberally.org

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Peace Events and Groups and Events

CALIFORNIA IN THE BLOGS: First Woman Democrat to Lead the State Assembly.

Here are some alternative energy events around California:

Grid-tied Photovoltaics
3/17/2008 - 3/21/2008
Location: Aram Solar- Manteca, CA
Cost: $850 ($800 SEI Membe
Organization: Solar Energy International
Phone: 970-963-8855
Website: http://solarenergy.org/workshops/gridtiedpvd.html

Description:
Join Solar Energy International (SEI) and Aram Solar for a 5- day workshop on grid-tied photovoltaics. Get your hands-on and learn to design and install a complete solar electric system. This workshop is for the beginner who wants to use PV on their home or business and for those seeking employment in the solar industry. It will take place March 17th- 21st at Aram Solar in Manteca, CA. The state of California offers some great renewable energy tax credits for installing solar hot water and photovoltaic systems on homes and businesses, and the time is ripe to learn how to design and install these systems. Register by visiting SEI`s website, www.solarenergy.org or call Matthew Harris at 970-527-7657 or email him at matthew@solarenergy.org.

May 15-16, 2008 - California Climate Action Registry Sixth Annual Conference
San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina
San Diego, California

The California Climate Action Registry and Point Carbon invite you to join us in May for the 6th annual conference, Navigating the Carbon World. This two day event provides innovative insight into navigating climate programs across the globe. Participants will gain new perspectives to help chart their company's carbon-friendly course into the future.

This year for the first time, we are partnering with Point Carbon, a leading provider of independent news, analysis and consulting services for the global carbon market. Together we provide conference attendees with a unique perspective into understanding today’s carbon world.

Special EARLY BIRD RATES have just been extended through February 15th! This conference will sell out again, so REGISTER ONLINE TODAY to take advantage of these rates, available for a limited time.

For more information and registration, please go to:
www.climateregistry.org/EVENTS/Conference/

Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Pacific Grove, CA
2008 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings
"Scaling Up: Building Tomorrow's Solutions"

August 17–22, 2008 • Asilomar Conference Center • Pacific Grove, California

Conference Co-Chairs:

Michael Baechler, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Rich Brown, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

The 2008 ACEEE Summer Study is the 14th biennial ACEEE conference on Energy Efficiency in Buildings and will be held August 17–22, 2008. A diverse group of energy efficiency professionals from around the world will gather at this pre-eminent meeting to discuss the technological basis for, and practical implementation of, reducing energy use in buildings. Presentations and discussions will relate to the theme, "Scaling Up: Building Tomorrow's Solutions." What started out at the Summer Study nearly three decades ago as a fringe activity is now mainstream: energy efficiency in buildings. Energy efficiency now represents our best hope to avoid the worst consequences of global warming and energy resource depletion. But to achieve this potential, the energy efficiency "engine" has to be greatly expanded. New programs, technologies, and financing sources need to be developed. A new generation of energy efficiency practitioners, researchers, and policymakers needs to be trained and deployed to solve the problems we face. Do you have ideas about how to make this happen? Come share your ideas and engage in dialogue about these issues at the 2008 Summer Study. Exchange ideas with some of the leading thinkers, visionaries, and luminaries in the field while experiencing the magnificent natural setting that is Asilomar.

The Early Bird Registration Fee for the full conference is $720; the Regular Registration Fee is $820 (both fees include a set of conference proceedings). The one-day fee is $350. All speakers must pay the registration fee.

The conference will be conducted in a casual atmosphere conducive to developing working relationships. Dress is also casual; jeans and shorts are appropriate attire.

For more information, go here.


Here are some Peace Events around California:

Direct Action at the Chevron Refinery in Richmond
Richmond, CA
March 15, 2008 12:00PM to 04:00PM

Take Direct Action to stop war profiteering and Environmental Injustice and Racism at the Chevron refinery in Richmond!

11 am rally
Chevron Refinery
W. Cutting & S. Garrard Blvds, Richmond

1 pm action
Chevron Refinery, 841 Chevron Way, Richmond

Info: 510-984-2566

Location:
W. Cutting & S. Garrard Blvds

March 16 Peace Walk
Santa Monica, CA
March 16, 2008 05:00PM to 07:00PM

On March 16th, we will be co-sponsoring a peace walk with AFSC and other groups. We will meet at 5 pm at Reed Park in Santa Monica (7th and Wilshire) and will walk to Arlington West VFP Memorial on the beach just north of the Santa Monica Pier.

Those who wish to carpool from Topanga will meet at 4:15pm, at Pine Tree Circle, in front of Water Lily Cafe, 120 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga 90290

Location: 7th and Wilshire
Directions: Reed Park

5 years is enough for Iraq War
Modesto, CA
March 19, 2008 05:00PM to 06:00PM

we will have a peace vigil from 5 to6.

Location: McHenry and Neeham
Directions: Also known as 5 Points.

Vigil to Mark 5th Anniversary of War
Carlsbad, CA
March 15, 2008 01:00PM to 03:00PM
Join us as we mark this 5th anniversary
of the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Corner of Carlsbad Blvd. & Cannon Rd. near Pacific Ocean
March 15, 2007
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Please help us keep the focus on this message: U.S. Out of Iraq Now. Bring Our Troops Home Now

Location: Carlsbad Blvd. & Cannon Rd
Directions: Cannon Park, near power plant

Candle Light Vigil for Peace
Costa Mesa, CA
March 19, 2008 12:00PM to 02:00PM

We will be meeting every Wednesday in Lent, beginning Feb 13 culminating March 19th. Members and Friends of Fairview Community Church will be praying for peace and lighting candles as a witness to peace. Please join us as we observe the anniversary of the war, and pray for an end to this war in Iraq and violence everywhere. We'll be on the corner of Fair and Fairview in Costa Mesa.

Location: 2525 Fairview Road
Directions: Off the 55 S exit Fair/Del Mar, turn Right on Fair, church on corner of Fair and Fairview. From 405 exit Fairview, head South to corner of Fairview and Fair.

Good Friday Witness
Livermore, CA
March 21, 2008 07:00AM to 12:15PM

Good Friday Witness, Vasco & Patterson Pass Road, Livermore Nuclear Weapons Labs.
Prayer service and nonviolent civil disobedience action. Embracing the Beloved Community-- peace, justice, hope and equality; Rejecting the violence of empire-- torture, terror, lies and the bomb, Father Louie Vitale preaching. Fr. Vitale will just be returning from 5 months in Federal Prison after his arrest at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, headquarters of the U.S. Army Intelligence and the training place for "interrogators" at such places as Guatanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib.
Walk to the gate of the lab for civil disobedience. Community gathering nearby follows the action.

Ecumenical Peace Institute & Livermore Conversion Project. http://www.epicalc.org/ (510) 655-1162

Location: Vasco & Pattereson Pass Road
Directions: take 580 east from San Francisco Bay. Exit Vasco south. Turn left onto Patterson Pass Road.

Pacifica Peace People Anti-War Vigil
Pacifica, CA
March 19, 2008 06:00PM to 07:00PM

Pacifica Peace People will hold a vigil to protest the war and show our support for bringing the troops home as soon as possible. Bring signs and warm clothing.

Location: 500 Linda Mar Boulevard
Directions: From 280, go south on Highway 1. Turn left on Linda Mar Boulevard. Park in Safeway lot. Vigil will be in front of the Denny's.

United Congregational Church Candlelight Peace Vigil
Irvine, CA
March 19, 2008 06:30PM to 08:00PM

Members and friends of Irvine United Congregational Church are invited to help us honor the American & Iraqi victims of five years of US occupation and to stand together for peace. All are welcome and encouraged to join us. Please bring candles, holders and signs.

Location: 308 W. Yale Loop
Directions: NE corner of Alton Pkwy. & Culver Dr. by the baseball fields

Surge For Peace
Walnut Creek, CA
March 15, 2008 11:00AM to 02:00PM

We will gather at the Walnut Creek BART station, Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. and march through downtown Walnut Creek ending up at Civic Park for a peace rally. The march will feature live music, street theater and noise. Some signs provided or make your own. 20-25 endorsing organizations will have tables at the park. Many churches will march together as a group. Speakers at the rally to be announced later.

Location: California Bl. and Ygnacio Valley Rd.
Directions: Take BART to Walnut Creek station


Here are some progressive groups and events in California:

Fight Hunger in San Francisco - Volunteer at the San Francisco Food Bank
When: Saturday, March 29th 2008, at 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Where: San Francisco Food Bank
900 Pennsylvania Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94107

Host: San Francisco Young Democrats and Democrats Work
Contact: info@democratswork.org
Info: Join Democrats Work and the San Francisco Young Democrats at the San Francisco Food Bank on Saturday, March 29th from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Our work will mean that thousands of pounds of food will be distributed at meal and pantry programs throughout the city.

Be sure to wear your Democrats Work t-shirts! Free t-shirts for the first 10 folks to RSVP.

Camarillo Democratic Party Annual Pizza Night Fundraiser
6 p.m. March 7 (preceding our GENERAL MEETING at 7 p.m.)

$15 for pizza, salad, dessert & beverages
Join us, hang out with your fellow members & have some fun!

Info and reservations: Joan Rust, 484-6601, joan@rusts.net

MONTHLY DEMONSTRATION: Seniors Against War Seal Beach
Last Saturday of every month from 10 to Noon
Contact: email: to2runners @ verizon.net
Details: Senior Patriots Against the War in Seal Beach

End the war-Bring the troops back home-Take care of them when they do come home.

Senior Patriots Against the War is tightly focused on the above agenda only. We ask that other demonstrators joining us not bring signs regarding other causes which may dilute our message.

Protest at Seal Beach Blvd
At the entrance to Leisure World right next to Boeing plant and not too far from the Naval Weapons Stations, Seal Beach exit off the 405. Parking is at the Seal Beach Market. People need to bring their own signs.

For more info: Tom Pontac at: to2runners@verizon.net
or Jackie Bunnell at jackie.bunnell@verizon.net

WEEKLY PEACE VIGIL IN HUNTINGTON BEACH: Every Sunday, 7 PM

It's hard for most people to imagine a world at peace. We are a very small group of people who believe that this is indeed possible and that peace will happen once enough people believe that it can. So we stand at the pier every Sunday night with a sign that says: "Visualize World Peace. It's up to you". We also believe in non-violence both physically and in our thoughts. We will discuss peace and non-violence with anyone who is rational and smile quietly at those who aren't. We hold this vigil in a spirit of dignity and respect for all as we try to build bridges with those who don't share our philosophy.

Please bring a candle or just help us hold up our banner (no signs please; we have our banner!)

Contact: mtheriault@socal.rr.com


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


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

Santa Clara County (San Jose) Democratic Party 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:

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

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

VIRGINIA FOCUS: Impeachment, Groups and Events

VIRGINIA ON THE BLOGS: Virginia GOP Votes Against Energy Efficiency. Seems the Greedy Oil Party opposes efficiency!

VIRGINIA ACT BLUE SITE: Help turn Virginia even more blue.

Let's start with 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:

The Manassas Spring Forward Democratic March Meeting

It's BUDGET TIME! Yes, our state and local governments are looking over the decreasing funds and deciding how to utilize what's left. What do you think? Where should the money be spent? Is our money being managed wisely? What cuts would you recommend? Are you willing to pay more taxes? Will the Economic Stimulus help?

Do you think we are already in a recession?

Thursday, Mar 6, 2008, 5:00 PM
Manassas, VA
Want to know where this meeting is? Sign up for this Meetup.

The Northern Virginia Democratic Party March Meeting

Meet other local Democrats! Gather to discuss the important issues that face us today. Discuss what we can do to bring better values to our government, instead of the misplaced priorities of the Bush Administration.

Saturday, Mar 8, 2008, 3:00 PM
Falls Church, VA
Want to know where this meeting is? Sign up for this Meetup.

Arlington Democrats Meetup Group

Meet other local Dems! Sponsored by the Arlington Democratic Committee, about 60 attendees meet to discuss local/national politics, listen to guest speakers and receive news on getting involved. Email jamesemcb_at_yahoo.com to join the ACDC listserv or sign up at www.arlingtonyoungdems.org.


Monthly Interfaith Pray for Peace Gathering
Final Thursday of evern month, 7:15pm

Location: Sojourners UCC Church, 1017 Elliott Ave, Charlottesville
Sponser: Interfaith Cooperation Circle of Central Virginia-URI; Gesher Center; Unity Church

Description:
On the final Thursday of every month, the Interfaith Pray for Peace Gathering welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs to an inspired and inspiring flow of prayers, meditations and songs for peace.

Contact Name: Heena Reiter
Contact email: gesher_at_mindspring.com
Contact Phone: 434-970-7836

Fauquier Democrats Monthly Meeting
Third Tuesday of Each Month, 7:30 pm

Warren Green Building
10 Hotel Street
Old Town, Warrenton

Blue Mondays With the Stafford County Democrats
Every Monday evening at 5 PM
King Street Blues Restaurant
Casual get-together of like minded Democratic Activist
For more info contact: jac_at_j2power.com

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