Progressive Democrat Issue 181

Ike is making landfall. Best of luck to all affected. Seems like a tough hurricane season. Ran into some people from New Orleans last week and asked them how things were. They were pretty worn out already. They had gotten out ahead of the hurricanes in something of a rush and had no idea when things would settle down.

Big couple of weeks. There were some big elections in NYC that I have been distracted by and now I am starting jury duty, which will take up my time for another couple of weeks. But I will continue to try to get out a newsletter even if my opening page is a bit sparse.

This week I am reflecting on the anniversaries of both Katrina and 9/11, and I am adding Colorado to my list of states covered.

I want to urge my readers to take some time and help our friends in North Carolina elect Kay Hagen to the US Senate right from your home. This is the kind of project that won big in 2006. Let's repeat the same success in 2008. Winning North Carolina is important in four ways. There is a close House race (Larry Kissell), a close and ever-tightening Senate race (Kay Hagen), a close governor's race (Bev Perdue), and there is a shot at Obama winning the state. Some effort now could have huge results in November.

Another way you can help is virtual phone banking for Jill Derby for Congress in Nevada:

You call the voter and read the easy-to-follow phone script, record the responses of the voter and click ENTER. The information is automatically recorded in the
campaign’s database. If you reach an answering machine or voice mail, you can leave a short message for the voter. Make as many calls as you can and if you finish them all, you can sign up for more.

Questions? Want to organize your friends as a team to call for Jill? Call Derby for Congress Field Director Julie Wedge at 775-770-2008.

Nevada and North Carolina are critical swing states, so both efforts are important.

I leave you with a button I heard about while getting out the vote in the NYC primary:

Jesus Christ was a Community Organizer
Pontius Pilate was a Governor

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

9/11...Seven Years Later

Bush...McCain...Katrina

Problem Palin

A Gift for Palin

NEW YORK FOCUS

COLORADO FOCUS (New)

VIRGINIA FOCUS

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS

OHIO FOCUS

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS

CALIFORNIA FOCUS

IOWA FOCUS

MINNESOTA FOCUS

WISCONSIN FOCUS

OREGON FOCUS

MICHIGAN FOCUS

ILLINOIS FOCUS

GEORGIA FOCUS

NEW JERSEY FOCUS

MISSISSIPPI FOCUS

WASHINGTON FOCUS

FLORIDA FOCUS

ARIZONA FOCUS

TEXAS FOCUS

ALASKA FOCUS

9/11...Seven Years Later

Where is Osama bin Laden SEVEN YEARS after his 9/11 attack on my city? Same place he was seven years ago only stronger than ever.

Seven years.



Mr. Bush...what part of "Osama bin Laden determined to attack the US" didn't you understand?



And why haven't you stopped al-Qaeda and caught bin Laden? Seven years after Pearl Harbor we had decisively won the war and rebuilt and gotten our economy booming. Seven years after Pearl Harbor Hitler was dead and many of those responsible for atrocities brought to justice in an international court of law. Seven years after 9/11, where is Osama bin Laden?



Imagine leaving home in the morning, voting in a primary election for mayor, catching the subway to work and starting your day. Imagine hearing strange noises, but thinking nothing of them. Then imagine hearing that the WTC was no more and desperately trying to reuinte your family, now scattered across a city in crisis with no subways running. That was seven years ago today.

Seven years ago today, I was sitting in the same place, the NYU medical center (though a different part of the building). It was here in the NYU medical center that I heard the planes hit the WTC and wondered what those sounds were. It sounded like exactly like a semi-truck going too fast down the highway and hitting some bumps...that is what the 9/11 attacks sounded like. I looked up both times I heard that noise, looked out over the FDR highway and East River of NYC, saw nothing but the usual traffic, thought nothing more about it. It was only much later that I realized I had heard the planes hit.

My wife was under the WTC in the subway when the first plane hit. She knows this because the people who got on the next stop were in shock, in tears...they had just seen it happen. Not on TV, not hearing it second or third hand. They had just seen a jumbo jet slam into the WTC...live. My wife was among the first to know it happened because she heard about it from witnesses who were getting the hell out of there.

Seven years ago today, I was trapped on Manhattan, with no route back to my home in Brooklyn. My daughter was at school back in Brooklyn. My wife and I were stuck in Manhattan all day. The streets of Manhattan pretty much shut down. Wave after wave of emergency vehicles barrelled downtown along the FDR highway...but few other cars were on any of the streets. Wave after wave of tired, shocked people walkied doggedly uptown along all the other streets. No one knew where they were going, they were just getting away from the disaster, moving uptown, wondering where was safe...wondering how to get home. We all needed to get away but didn't know where to go. We had no idea when or where the next attack would come. We were trapped on what was clearly a giant terrorist target.

I remember my co-worker never made it in that day. She had said goodbye to her husband and, uncharicteristicly, gone back to sleep. She awoke to images on TV of a plane hitting the exact spot where her husband worked. I called her repeatedly that day.

"Have you heard from him yet?"

"No."

"Don't worry. Everyone is getting out. He'll make it."

That was the first call. By the end of the day it was...

"Have you heard from him yet?"

"No..."

Then lame silence because we both knew that anyone who could get out was out. She had long ago realized that her husband was dead. Though it was a year later that they recovered a piece of him large enough to confirm his death.

Imagine kissing your husband goodbye, falling back to sleep, then waking up to that? Imagine having dinner with someone the night before, then slowly realizing the next day that he worked right where that plane hit.

It was early evening when we finally made it home. When we started walking from the train station in Brooklyn to pick up our daughter. We were directly under the smoke plume in our neighborhood. Seven years ago today, the ashes of the WTC and those who died therein, fell on my skin on on my neighborhood. We realized at the time just what was hitting our skin and it was one of the strangest moments in our lives. Touching the ashes of all that...

Already America was starting to lash out at Muslims. But not in my neighborhood. My family chose that night to eat out at a Muslim owned restaurant in our neighborhood. It was full.

I am not sure if I was a New Yorker before 9/11. I was afterwards. You can't go through that with a whole city full of people without becoming part of that city.

I write about this every year...and every year the frustration grows. Bush had been warned that it would happen but did nothing. Clinton had told him over and over again to watch out for bin Laden, and Bush did nothing. Why is Bush, the incompetent idiot who ignored direct warnings of the attacks, still in the White House?

Every year the frustration grows. Why is bin Laden still free? Why is al-Qaeda stronger than ever (according to our own government's intelligence reports)? Why is terrorism getting worse worldwide (according to Bush's own State Department)? What are we doing in Iraq? Why are we picking fights with Iran?

Every year the frustration grows. Why are firefighters who fought for America on 9/11 still dying with inadequate healthcare from the government? Why didn't mayor Giuliani, governor Pataki or Bush find some way to give the firefighters the equipment they needed so they could safely serve America? Why didn't Giuliani give the firefighters the proper equipment in the first place? Why have the Republicans cut so much funding to our first responders?

Every year the frustration grows. Why are our troops fighting the wrong war in the wrong place at the wrong time? Why didn't Bush give our troops the equipment they needed from the start? Why did the Republicans cut benefits to Veterans even as they started this massive war?

Every year the frustration grows, but what is worse this year than ever is the realization that Bush and Osama bin Laden are playing disgustingly similar games using disgustingly similar lies.

Every anniversary of 9/11 I used to write a letter to the editor about my anger at Bush's failures, both his failing to heed the ample warnings of an impending attack back in 2001, and his failing to get al-Qaeda, the people responsible for the attack. I sent this letter all over the nation. In the past I have had these letters published in New Hampshire and in Time magazine. 9/11 is the chance for New Yorkers to remind America that Bush has failed in every way regarding the 9/11 attacks. Please join me this year in voicing our outrage as witnesses to 9/11.

Now I blog more than I write letters because I think more people read my blog than ever read those letters. But my feelings are the same every anniversary. Saddness and anger.

This is the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the Bush administration has never admitted their failure to heed the warnings and they are still failing to get the people responsible for the attacks.

Since 2005 my rage at the Bush administration for its failures regarding the 9/11 attacks is actually matched by a new rage. Before 9/11 we knew attacks were planned, but we didn't know when. With hurricane Katrina, the Bush administration had not only warnings of what would happen if a category 3 or higher hurricane hit near New Orleans, but they also had every weather channel in the nation tracking Katrina as it headed right for Louisiana and Mississippi. This time, Bush knew exactly when disaster was going to hit America. And he still failed to do anything.

THIS is what Bush and McCain were doing as Katrina victims died:



I was amazed at his lack of leadership after 9/11. He behaved like a deer in the headlights. But after Katrina hit, he was even worse, continuing to enjoy a vacation as thousands of Americans died and suffered. Again, WHILE AMERICANS WERE DYING, Bush and McCain literally partied.



Furthermore, Bush again is refusing to take responsibility for his failures to be prepared. Bush and the Republicans cut funding for repairing the New Orleans levees, an act that is directly responsible for most of the flooding of New Orleans. They need to admit their mistakes! Their failure to heed warnings and admit mistakes killed Americans on 9/11 and killed Americans in New Orleans.

And then they did the same thing with the levees and bridges in the Midwest. They have been WARNED of the critical condition of our levees and bridges, but ignored that warning, allowing bridges to collapse and floods to devastate the Midwest.

On this anniversary of 9/11 I am faced more than ever with the realization that the failures of Bush and the Republicans is destroying America. My memories of the 9/11 attacks mixed with the images of the citizens of New Orleans, left to starve and die by a callous government, and the knowledge that Bush could have prevented 9/11, prevented the starvation and horror in Katrina's aftermath, prevented the bridge collapses, prevented the worst of the Midwest floods...all bring me to a level of rage I have seldom felt. Mr. Bush: your incompetence is killing America and I hate you for it.

Seven years ago we were attacked. Seven years after Pearl Harbor, America had won what was arguably the most destructive war in human history. We had won decisively. FDR led us from the horror of the attack, through the retooling for war and into the heart of war. Truman led us to the final victory.

What has Bush done?



I leave the last word to a victim of 9/11 in this Daily Kos diary.

Bush...McCain...Katrina

I missed the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina since I was on vacation. But I did notice a considerable spike in readership for my last reminder of the McCain/Bush inaction when Katrina hit. So, as a belated commemoration of the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, I repost this diary:

This is what happened Monday, Aug. 29, 2005...the day Katrina hit, John McCain's 69th birthday...the day America realized that Republicans don't give a shit about Americas.

Hurricane Katrina:



I remember the radar images from the weather channel the night before landfall. I remember distincly watching it and thinking, "My god...that's going to be bad." I also remember thinking that the government had better be ready to get people out and to deal with the situation.

I was right...it was going to be really, really bad. I mean THIS bad:



While Mississippi and Louisiana were getting slammed by Hurricane Katrina and Americans were dying, THIS is what Bush and McCain were doing:



From CurrentTV comes this amazing footage from WITHIN Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans:



And what were George Bush and John McCain doing while New Orleans was being destroyed and Americans were dying:



Meanwhile, New Orleans was underwater:







And my friend from Mississippi tells me that Mississippi was hit even worse. Years later she was telling me her mother was still in shock from what happened in Mississippi...probably full blown post-traumatic stress syndrome, with minimal help from either insurance companies or the government.

These were the scenes in New Orleans for days after the hurricane: (graphic)







And Bush and McCain were doing this when Louisiana and Mississippi were struggling:



Meanwhile Al Gore, on his own initiative and at his own expense, was helping airlift some 270 Katrina evacuees:



And Barack Obama was equally active as a Senator trying to get aid to the victims and support the recover.

And Jimmy Carter has been a leader in rebuilding housing for low income residents of New Orleans through Habitat for Humanity:



Why do Republicans hate America? Oh yeah...it is part of their philosophy to drown America in a bathtub. This is how Republican guru Grover Norquist put it:

"Cutting the government in half in one generation is both an ambitious and reasonable goal," Norquist stated in May 2000. "If we work hard we will accomplish this and more by 2025. Then the conservative movement can set a new goal. I have a recommendation: To cut government in half again by 2050"

The death toll of Hurricane Katrina is a direct result of this Republican philosophy of drowning America in a bathtub. Many Americans drowned that day...and George Bush and John McCain at cake while those Americans died.

And the neglect by Republicans continued. Eleven Repbublicans in the House of Representatives, the Katrina 11, who had no problem giving Halliburton no bid contracts despite incompetence and corruption, voted against aid to Katrina victims. I have been fighting to defeat the Katrina 11 and turn their districts blue ever since. Joe Barton in particular is a nasty, anti-science scrooge of a Republican.

And the neglect by Republicans continued. Even two years after Katrina, my friend from Mississippi wrote this about the situation victims found themselves in:

Most of the people who DID receive money from the insurance companies received only a fraction of what it would cost to replace what they lost. There was the on going battle of wind vs water issue. That even Trent Lott had to deal with. He sued state farm and they settle out of court kind of quietly... However, when Bush visited the coast he promised Trent that he would rebuild his waterfront house. I think it would be interesting to look into what really happened in that case. No one I talked to was happy with the insurance settlements that they received. Now premiums are so high that many people can only afford the basic coverage. Insurance companies were boasting at how much money they gained last year, mainly because they didn't pay the proper amount of money to the people who lost their homes in the disaster. Also, many people have not had the money to fix or rebuild their house and today is the 2 year anniversary.

And George Bush and John McCain did nothing...except eat cake:

Problem Palin

Last week it was all Palin. Well, here is a little more.

First comes something from the Anchorage Daily News.

Governor is stonewalling the Troopergate investigation

Gov. Sarah Palin is taking the wrong approach to Troopergate. She should be practicing the open and transparent, ethical and accountable government she promised when running for governor and boasts about now that she's on the national stage.

Instead, Gov. Palin has begun stonewalling the Legislature's attempt to get the bottom of allegations that she, her family or staff violated ethical or state personnel rules...

The allegations are that she, her family or administration improperly pressured then-Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan to fire Gov. Palin's ex-brother-in-law, state trooper Mike Wooten, who had been in the middle of a custody dispute with Palin's sister...

Palin's lawyer has asked the Legislature to drop its investigation. He had the governor file an ethics complaint against herself, in a bid to turn the entire matter over to the state Personnel Board, which would hire an independent investigator.

This is not an open and transparent attempt to establish Gov. Palin's accountability. It is an attempt to drag out the investigation until after voters decide the fate of her vice-presidential bid.

This is typical of the disgusting corruption among Alaska Republicans.

Next let me quote from Badger Blues calling Palin an outright liar:

An incomplete list of things we know about Sarah Palin:

In both of her big campaign speeches, she repeatedly lied about opposing the bridge to nowhere.

As mayor, she tried to ban books from the public library, and then tried to fire the librarian who wouldn’t go along with her.

As mayor, she fired the police chief for not supporting her election campaign.

As governor, she tried to fire her ex-brother-in-law from his job as a state trooper. When it became public, she lied about it.

As governor, she fired the state’s chief of police when he wouldn’t go along with her plan to fire her ex-brother-in-law. When it became public, she lied about it.

Oh, and she opposes birth control, even for married couples, and she opposes abortion, even in the case of rape or incest. She doesn’t believe in global warming, and she wants to teach creationism in our schools.

Again, typical corrupt, lying republican.

You can find an extensive fact check of Palin's RNC speech over at Progressive Alaska.

Finally I will end with a quote from Open Left, which is asking "Who Chose Palin?"

Who chose Palin?

Well, it certainly wasn't John McCain.

McCain only met Palin once, six months ago. Unlike every other major party VP nominee in recent memory, Palin did not meet McCain for a final interview before her selection. A few weeks ago, she wasn't in the running at all. The scandals and unorthodoxies involving Palin -- she flip-flopped on the Bridge to Nowhere and even raised sales taxes on her small town to pay for an overpriced boondoggle -- show that the McCain campaign didn't vet her. The McCains and Palins looked visibly awkward together, not even speaking as they went their separate ways on a brief shopping trip in Ohio yesterday. McCain is on record as saying he wanted a running mate with whom he had a strong personal relationship -- and who was ready to be president.

This was clearly not his pick. So again: Who chose Palin?

When I first heard he chose Palin it really made me wonder just what he was thinking picking someone who was actively under investigation and who hails from the most corrupt state party in the country, the Alaska Republicans. He was just ASKING for corruption to be the big issue of the election, and remember it was Republican Corruption that won it for Democrats in 2006. Let's hope the issue wins it for us again.

Let me remind you of just how corrupt Republicans really are by directing you to a now outdated but still relevant list of Democrat vs. Republican corruption. We can of course add Palin herself to the list for the Troopergate investigation.

A Gift for Palin

This is making the rounds by email:

Great idea for those of us sickened by Sarah Palin!

Since Sarah Palin gave her speech accepting the Republican nomination for the vice presidency, Barack Obama's campaign has raised over $10 million dollars. Some of you may already be supporting the Obama campaign financially; others of you may still be a little honked off over the primaries. None of you, however, can be happy with Palin's selection, especially on her positions on women's issues.
So, if you feel you can't support the Obama campaign financially, may I suggest the following fiendishly brilliant alternative?

Make a donation to Planned Parenthood. In Sarah Palin's name.
And here's the good part: when you make a donation to PP in her name, they'll send her a card telling her that the donation has been made in her honor.

Here's the secure link to donate at Planned Parenthood's website:
https://secure.ga0.org/02/pp10000_inhonor

You'll need to fill in the address to let PP know where to send the "in Sarah Palin's honor" card.

I suggest you use the address for the McCain campaign headquarters:

McCain for President
1235 S. Clark Street
1st Floor
Arlington , VA 22202

Feel free to send this along to all your friends...

Well, why not? Planned Parenthood are good and it makes a point.

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

NEW YORK ACT BLUE SITE: Sweeping New York

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

Please help out registering voters in Pennsylvania.

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

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

Tell them the time is NOW because we have…

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

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

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

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

Very best wishes,

Tom Predhome
(917) 723-3442

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


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


Here are some articles worth reading:

9/11 Seven Years Later

Republicans defile NYC dead

Coming up in 2009, Josh Skaller for City Council.

Norm Siegel for Public Advocate in 2009

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

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

Lessons from the NYC primary elections.

Primary election results.

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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




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


Here are a handful of Democratic Clubs worth checking out:

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

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

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

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


DEMOCRACY FOR NYC MEETINGS:
First Wednesday of every month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sponsored by: Peacemakers of Schoharie County

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

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

Contact: 845 687-9591

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

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

Contact: Jim at 518-583-7501.

Sponsored by: Saratoga Peace Alliance (SPA)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Men are welcome, as well.

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

Contact: Jane at 845 679-7502.

Sponsored by: Woodstock Women in Black

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

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

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

Sponsored by: Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace.

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

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

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

Contact: 518 272-1318.

Sponsored by: Troy Neighbors for Peace

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

Attendees are asked to bring their own signs.

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

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

Contact: 518 464-6788.

Sponsored by: Guilderland Neighbors For Peace


DRINKING LIBERALLY MEETINGS IN NY STATE:

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

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


New York City, New York:

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

Drinking Liberally Steps Out
* Third Tuesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* XES Lounge, 157 W 24th St (@ 7th Avenue)
* In conjunction with the Stonewall Democrats of New York City www.sdnyc.org.
* Hosted by Matthew Carlin and Greg Rae, outnyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

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

Park Slope
* Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30-10:00 pm
* Commonwealth, 497 5th Ave (at 12th Street)
* Hosted by Anthony Accurso, Emilie Harkin and Emily Farris, parkslope (at) drinkingliberally.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COLORADO FOCUS: Organizing, Progressive Candidates, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

Colorado is the latest state I am adding to my list.

ORGANIZING IN COLORADO:

Democracy for Colorado is taking Think Precinct on the road in 2008
Do you want to increase Democratic voter turnout in your county?

Attend a Think Precinct Training already scheduled by your county Democrats, or help us organize one in your area.

We have created an energetic and engaging one-hour event that is based on
Think Precinct®, The Grassroots Organizing Guide for a Progressive America. Click here to download the Guide.

The Plan: Develop trained and active leadership in every Colorado precinct
The Goal: Democratic victories in 2008

Click here to see the trainings already scheduled.

To sign up for one of these free trainings or to inquire about setting up your own, contact:

* Democracy for Colorado
gro (at) democracyforcolorado (dot) com

* Robin Van Ausdall
Northeast Regional Field Coordinator
Cheyenne, Crowley, Elbert, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Larimer, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Otero, Phillips, Prowers, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld and Yuma counties
rvanausdall (at) coloradodems (dot) org

* Daryl Grant
Southwest Regional Field Coordinator
Alamosa, Archuleta, Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Dolores, Fremont, Gunnison, Hinsdale, LaPlata, Mineral, Montezuma, Ouray, Park, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan, San Miguel and Teller counties.
dclaygrant (at) coloradodems (dot) org

* Kim Phillips
Northwest Regional Field Coordinator
Clear Creek, Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Gilpin, Grand, Jackson, Lake, Mesa, Moffat, Montrose, Pitkin, Routt and Summit counties.
kphillips (at) coloradodems (dot) org

* Sal Pace
Southeast Regional Field Coordinator
Baca, Bent, Huerfano, Las Animas, Prowers and Pueblo counties.
sal_pace (at) hotmail (dot) com or paces (at) dnc (dot) org


Here is a candidate endorsed by the Indigenous Democratic Network (INDN List):

Senator Suzanne Williams
Candidate for Colorado State Senate, District 28
Enrolled Member of Comanche Nation

Senator Suzanne Williams is seeking re-election in Colorado’s State Senate District 28. She is a citizen of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma and the only enrolled tribal member in the Colorado state legislature.

Senator Williams’ 12 year tenure in Colorado’s State Legislature is marked by bills that benefit all Colorado citizens. In 2008, the legislation she sponsored promoted a second chance program for minors with felonies who did not commit or assist in committing the act, a dual enrollment program for Native American students in Colorado, and a bill that would establish a two-year pilot program to improve the efficiency of Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Moreover, Senator Williams has sponsored bills in previous sessions of Colorado legislature that included anti-graffiti (1987) and Child Care Professionals Loan Forgiveness Program (2001).

She has held many leadership positions in the state legislature. She was elected the Assistant Caucus Chair for the Senate Majority Caucus (2007), the Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee (present), the Legislative Chair for the Early Childhood Commission, and is a member of the Education Committee.

Her community involvement makes Senator Williams a valuable resource to her district on a local level. She has been a member of many diverse boards, including D.A.R.E Colorado, United Cerebral Palsy Association, Colorado Special Education Advisory Board, Aurora Sister Cities President, and Co-chair of the Early Childcare and Education Commission. Senator Williams’ accolades include being chosen by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce as “Aurora Woman of the Year” in 2007.


Here are some great candidates running for office in Colorado (all are endorsed by Progressive Majority):

Joe Neguse
Candidate for University of Colorado Regent - District 2 (Open Seat)



Joe Neguse is a first-time candidate running for the University of Colorado Board of Regents to represent Congressional District 2. Joe is a young, African American law student at the University of Colorado. He was appointed by the Boulder City Council as a Commissioner on the Boulder Housing Authority, and is a co-founder and former Board Chair of New Era, Colorado, an organization that engages young people around voter registration and mobilization. Congressional District 2 encompasses Boulder, the northern Denver suburbs and about four counties on the western slope. Joe's election will bring a more progressive, diverse voice to the board. Joe got top line at the Congressional Assembly and kept his primary opponent off the ballot. He has been endorsed by numerous elected officials at all levels of government, labor groups and prominent community members.

Click here to support and learn more about Joe.

AJ Clemmons
Candidate for University of Colorado Regent - District 6 (Open Seat)



AJ Clemmons is running for the first time for the CU Board of Regents in Congressional District 6. AJ is a Colorado native and has been an active board member for the Colorado Women's Agenda. She currently works for the city of Denver as a community liaison for the Denver Police Department, where she co-developed an award-winning program for successful citizen-police mediation. Congressional District 6 sits in southeast Denver and includes Arapahoe, southern Jefferson, Douglas, and Elbert counties. AJ's election to the CU Board of Regents, alongside a Democratic victory in Joe Neguse's regent race in district 2, would create a power shift on the CU Board of Regents. AJ's election to the Board of Regents would also further representation of people of color on the Board. Incumbent Paul Schaur recently dropped out of the Republican primary in part due to 527-group attack mail that was sent out against him. This clearly changed the dynamic in this race, as now AJ is running against Jim Geddes - an extremely conservative doctor.

Click here to support and learn more about AJ.

Dan Gibbs
Candidate for State Senate - District 16 (Incumbent)
Eagle, Summit & Lake counties



Dan Gibbs was appointed to Senate District 16 when Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald resigned her seat to run for congress. This is an important seat for the senate to protect. Senate District 16 is a large district which encompasses both sides of the continental divide and goes from Jefferson/Boulder counties to Summit County. Progressive Majority successfully fielded Dan in 2006 when he ran for the House of Representatives. Dan is a 32 year-old former congressional staffer and forest firefighter. He is a champion on environmental issues around both renewable energies and the bark beetle. Dan is running against a businessman, who is relatively unknown, but will push a very pro-business agenda. Despite his solid 2006 win and impressive legislative session, this race will be competitive.

Pam Berry
Candidate for El Paso County Commissioner - District 3 (Challenger)



Pam Berry is running for the El Paso County Commission in District 3, representing Western Colorado Springs. Pam is a Colorado Springs native who has spent the last 30 years working for the Colorado Springs, D-11 School District as an administrator and teacher. Pam grew up in a military family. She has been an active member of the African American community in Colorado Springs her entire life. Pam is a first-time candidate and a current member of AFSCME. Progressive Majority first recruited Pam to run for office at the 2007 Color Colorado Conference. Her opponent is incumbent Commissioner Sallie Clark. El Paso County is going through tough economic times and will need to make some cuts in the county budget. This commission needs progressive leaders like Pam making these decisions.

Click here to support and learn more about Pam.

Evie Hudak
Candidate for State Senate - District 19 (Open Seat)
Arvada, Westminster



Evie Hudak is running for Senate District 19. She is a retired educator who has spent the last 20 years working to build a stronger early education program in Colorado. She has twice been elected to the State Board of Education. District 19 is currently held by term-limited progressive Senator Sue Windels, who is running for Jefferson County Commissioner. Her opponent is Libby Szabo, a right-wing conservative. Evie is strong voice for children and will lead on educational issues. This is an important race for the State Senate and will generate quite a bit of attention and resources from both candidates and their supporters.

Click here to support and learn more about Evie.

Joe Whitcomb
Candidate for State Senate - District 23 (Challenger)
Broomfield, Frederick, Firestone



Joe Whitcomb is a first-time candidate running for State Senate District 23. Joe is a 38-year-old Iraq veteran and recent law school graduate who has served his community by working with the Denver Area Youth Services Center as a mentor for at-risk young men. Joe came to Progressive Majority nearly two years ago when he first considered running. Progressive Majority trained Joe on campaign fundamentals, primarily stump speech and messaging. He is running against ultra-conservative incumbent Shawn Mitchell, who has a history of extreme right-wing bills and votes in the Senate, although he represents a relatively moderate district. Joe is a passionate, committed candidate, and will be a leader on progressive issues.

Click here to support and learn more about Joe.

Joe Miklosi
Candidate for State Representative - District 9 (Open Seat)
Southeast Denver



Joe Miklosi, former Progressive Majority Colorado State Director, is running for State House District 9. The incumbent Democrat is a term-limited moderate who is running for higher office - State Senate. The district is located in Southeast Denver and is comprised of older, stable neighborhoods with a large Jewish population. Joe will bring passion, dedication and a progressive voice to all House District 9 residents. He secured the top line on the ballot through the caucus process, and is out walking and talking to primary voters every day.

Click here to support and learn more about Joe.

Dennis Apuan
Candidate for State Representative - District 17 (Open Seat)
Western El Paso County

Dennis Apuan is a first-time candidate running for House District 17 in Western El Paso County. A member of the Asian-Pacific Islander community, he has a strong background in community organizing and brings a base of grass-roots support. His top issues are economic justice, development of renewable energy sources and affordable healthcare. District 17 is a unique district in that it encompasses a large military base. There is a Republican primary, so Dennis won't know his opponent until mid-August. Dennis is a strong progressive and will be another voice for progressive issues in the Statehouse.

Camille Ryckman
Candidate for State Representative - District 22 (Challenger)
Lakewood, Littleton, Conifer



Camille Ryckman is running for State House in District 22. Camille is a native of Jefferson County and has been active in the community for years. As a teacher, volunteer, and mother of two, she has the experience and passion to be the next representative. A former teacher, Camille was active in her union and is currently involved with the PTA. House District 22 is an area where Progressive Majority-endorsed Kathy Hartman won in her 2006 County Commissioner race. Camille's primary opponent is a New Democrat who changed his party affiliation in the last few years. In the general election, she will face conservative incumbent Ken Summers.

Click here to support and learn more about Camille.

Dianne Primavera
Candidate for State Representative - District 33 (Incumbent)
Broomfield, Louisville, Erie, Superior, Westminster



Representative Dianne Primavera is running for re-election to the state House in District 33. Dianne is a progressive leader on healthcare issues and needs to return to the Capitol to finish the job she started. She received the Colorado Legislator Award from the CO Women's Chamber of Commerce and Denver Women's Commission. This year her opponent is Nick Kleibenstein, a graduate of the Leadership of the Rockies, a very conservative leadership training group in Colorado. Rep. Primavera represents a key county in the state and one where Progressive Majority has worked on both state and city races. Dianne is a passionate, dedicated and hard working progressive legislator.

Click here to support and learn more about Dianne.

Su Ryden
Candidate for State Representative - District 36 (Open Seat)
Araphoe County

Su Ryden is a first-time candidate running for House District 36 in Arapahoe County. Su is a business owner and community activist involved in the arts and historic preservation. House District 36 has had progressive representation for the last four years with Morgan Carroll, who is now running for Senate. Morgan is a strong progressive leader and Su's election will provide that continued progressive leadership. Su is a champion of economic opportunity, healthcare and transportation. She has been endorsed by several federal, state and local elected officials as well as by AFSCME, UTU, CEA and the AFL-CIO.

Diana Holland
Candidate for State Representative - District 37 (Challenger)
Littleton, Englewood



Diana Holland is running for State House District 37. Diana has served two terms on the Littleton School Board and is well-respected in the education community. She is a board member of the Southeast Englewood Water District. Her opponent is the extreme conservative Representative Spencer Swalm, who was nearly beaten by Angela Engel, a Progressive Majority candidate in 2006. With her high name recognition and two previous wins in the district, Diana has a strong base. She has created a training geared specifically for progressive School Board candidates. Once elected, Diana will be a strong leader on many issues, including education.

Click here to support and learn more about Diana.

Mollie Cullom
Candidate for State Representative - District 39 (Challenger)
Centennial



Mollie Cullom is running a third time for State House District 39. She is a school social worker and a former Broadway actress. Mollie first approached Progressive Majority for support and help with her campaign plan nearly three years ago, when she decided to run for the seat in 2006. In 2006, Mollie lost to right-wing incumbent David Balmer by a margin of just 500 votes. Mollie has an impressive campaign structure and volunteer base. She is a promising candidate who, once elected, will be a great advocate for progressives.

Click here to support and learn more about Mollie.

Sue Windels
Candidate for Jefferson County Commissioner - District 1 (Open Seat)



Term-limited state Senator Sue Windels is running for Jefferson County Commissioner. Sue has served as a strong progressive in the state Legislature since 1998 - one term in the state House before her 2000 election to the state Senate - representing northern Jefferson County. Sue is a retired teacher and long-time community volunteer. Her work includes service in the Peace Corps and as legislative chair for the state PTA board. Sue has previously won three elections to the state Legislature. In her run for County Commissioner, she will be competing in a district ten times the size of her Senate seat. Jefferson County (immediately west of Denver) will also be a major target for Democrats running statewide campaigns in 2008. Sue's election to the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners would bring a power shift to the Board of Commissioners in the fourth largest (and long-time bellwether) county in Colorado. Sue is running against current Jefferson County Treasurer Faye Griffith, who will have substantial Republican support.

Click here to support and learn more about Sue.

Jason Bane
Candidate for Jefferson County Commissioner - District 2 (Challenger)



Jason is running for Jefferson County Commissioner. Jason is a communications staff member for SEIU International. He is 30 years old and a third generation Jefferson County native. He is a member of the Rotary Club, serves on the boards of Denver SCORES, a nonprofit after-school program and the Jefferson County PTA. Jason's opponent is an incumbent who has recently come under attack for rumored involvement with another commissioner to use county funds to privately investigate county workers. Jason is a champion of economic justice, responsible growth and education. He has received the endorsement of Congressman Ed Perlmutter and many labor organizations. Jason is a strong progressive candidate whose leadership is needed on the Jefferson County Commission.

Peter Tregillus
Candidate for La Plata County Commissioner - District 1 (Challenger)



Elected! Too Close To Call This is a Hot Race This Candidate is part of the Racial Justice CampaignPeter Tregillus is running for La Plata County Commissioner in District 1. Peter is a long-time community activist and program developer for Southern Ute Community Action Programs. Over the last 35 years, Peter has worked to improve La Plata County, from serving on the Durango Planning Commission to directing an affordable housing program. Progressive Majority recruited Peter to run for office at a Road Show in 2005. A successful campaign would sweep the La Plata County Commission in 2008. With La Plata County facing major oil, gas and growth issues, this race will be extremely competitive.

Click here to support and learn more about Peter.

Wally White
Candidate for La Plata County Commissioner - District 3 (Incumbent)



Commissioner Wally White is running for re-election to the La Plata County Commission. Wally is a long-time community activist and a llama farmer. Over the last 20 years he has served the La Plata County communities on a number of local planning commissions and boards. La Plata County is a largely rural county in southwest Colorado that includes the city of Durango. Wally is a champion of planning, water and oil and gas regulations issues, all of which are top priority in this rural county. He has been endorsed by numerous community leaders. La Plata County has been a priority area for Progressive Majority, in 2006 we successfully fielded Joelle Riddle for La Plata County Commission. Wally's continued leadership is important in this corner of the state.

Debbie Pilch
Candidate for Weld County Commissioner - At Large (Challenger)



Debbie Pilch is running for Weld County Commissioner at-large. Debbie has served two terms on the Greeley City Council, and has been a progressive voice there for the last eight years. Before her election to City Council, Debbie served on the Greeley Airport Authority and on a number of other local planning and community service boards and commissions. Debbie approached Progressive Majority in January of 2008 for help with her campaign. Debbie's election to the Weld County Commission will help put us in a position to take the majority in future years on a board that is currently entirely Republican and in the pocket of big developers. Weld County is a largely rural county that starts about 30 minutes north of Denver and continues to the Wyoming border. There is widespread discontent throughout the county with the current commissioners, and Democratic Governor Bill Ritter also won Weld County in the 2006 gubernatorial election. Debbie's opponent is yet to be determined as there is a two-way Republican primary between Sean Conway (Sen. Wayne Allard's chief of staff) and Mike Freeman.

Click here to support and learn more about Debbie.

Tom Pettit
Candidate for Weld County Commissioner - District 3 (Challenger)



Tom Pettit is running for Weld County Commissioner in District 3, representing east-central Weld County. Tom is a fifth generation Weld County native with a long history of leadership in the county. He has served as Mayor Pro-Temp on the Kersey Town Board, and was elected at-large to the Weld County Council. Progressive Majority recruited Tom to run for Weld County Commission in 2007 after he attended a Progressive Majority Road Show and Camp Wellstone. Tom's election to the Weld County Commission would put us in the position to gain a majority in future years on the Commission, which is currently comprised entirely of development-oriented conservatives.

Click here to support and learn more about Tom.


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY:

Here are a couple of biodiesel cooperatives in Colorado. If you drive a diesel car or truck, please check them out.

Boulder Biodiesel Cooperative
Boulder, CO
Phone: 303-449-3277
Check out their website (site was down when I checked it but hopefully will be up again)

Roaring Fork Biodiesel Coop
Roaring Fork, CO
Check out their website

Here are some other alternative energy groups in Colorado:

Colorado Green Tech Group, Boulder
A gathering of people involved and/or interested in Green Tech including Energy generation, transportation, construction, and efficiency technologies.
We meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at (NEW TIME) 7:00PM (6:00 for networking).

Sign up here to find out where they meet.

Boulder Sustainable Energy Group
We welcome anyone looking for an interesting, informative, and social forum for the exchange of ideas that will help each of us reduce our 'personal' consumption of fossil fuels and emission of greenhouse gasses, and make greener consumer choices in general. Sign up here to find out when and where they meet.

Alternative Energy Resources in Colorado. A short summary of alternative energy resources for Colorado. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.

Colorado Alternative Energy: Alternative energy news for Colorado

Colorado Reewable Energy Society: The Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) is a nonprofit membership organization that works for the sensible adoption of cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies by Colorado businesses and consumers. Check out their website for local events and chapters.


Here are some other groups and events in Colorado:

Colorado Young Democrats Chapters: Find your local Young Democrats chapter and contact them to find out what you can do to organize your community.

Adams County Young Dems
Edward Casso, Representative
edwardcasso_at_hotmail.com
720.495.3861

Adams State University Undergraduate College Dems
Ryan Crick
ChefCO_at_gmail.com

Arapahoe County Young Dems
Derek Dye, President
derekodye_at_hotmail.com
303.921.1685

Boulder Young Dems
Sara Lu Hanley, President
saraluhanley_at_google.com
303.501.2575

Broomfield Young Dems
Samara Kapich, President
samarajbrown_at_yahoo.com
720.231.2072

College Democrats of Colorado
Jay Hazen, jay_at_coloradoyoungdems.com
303.884.7083
http://www.cocollegedems.com/

Colorado School of Mines College Dems
LB Williams, President
csmdemocrats_at_gmail.com

CSU Graduate School
Sunshine Swetnam, President
970.482.2025

Denver Young Dems
http://www.denveryoungdems.org/

Jefferson County Young Dems
Kyle Anderson, President
kylea1979_at_gmail.com
303.971.0370

School of Mines College Dems
LB Williams
MinesDemocrats_at_Gmail.com

Steamboat Springs Young Dems
Harris Reitman-Swiss, President
904.742.8061

University of Colorado at Boulder College Dems
Daniel Ramos
Daniel.Ramos_at_Colorado.edu

University of Denver College Dems
Jeff Graves
Jgraves2_at_du.edu

University of Denver Law School College Dems
Kelley Rider
KRider09_at_law.du.edu

Denver Democracy for America Meetup
Meet others to learn more about Democracy For America and discuss local strategies. Get the latest news at your Democracy for America Meetups! This Meetup is officially brought to you by Democracy for America. Join here to find out more.

The Denver Barack Obama Meetup
We want -and need - Barack Obama as the next President of the United States. With Colorado being a swing state, we have to work our hardest to be sure our 9 electoral votes go to the man from Illinois. Go here to find out more.


And for those who like to combine social and political activities, here are the Drinking Liberally groups in Colorado:

Avon
o Fourth Wednesday of each month, 5:30 pm
o Loaded Joe's, 82 East Beaver Creek Blvd Suite 104
o Hosted by Cheryl Bottomley

North Boulder
o First and Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm
o Murphy's Grill, 2731 Iris Ave (By the bar in back)
o Hosted by Richard Bateman | Marc Sobel

Downtown Boulder
o Second Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm
o Pearl Street Pub, 1108 Pearl St
o Hosted by Carrie Jackson

Cañon City
o First and Third Wednesday of each month, 5:30 pm
o McClellan's Grill & Brewing Company, 413 Main St
o Hosted by Alain Chamot | Brandy Johnson

Colorado Springs
o First and Third Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm
o he Coffee Exchange, 526 S Tejon St (In between McCabe's and Southside Johnny's)
o Hosted by Jeff and Amanda Courtright

North Colorado Springs
o Second Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm
o Old Chicago, 7115 Commerce Center Dr
o Hosted by Lucy Wolboldt | Jan Hejtmanek

Denver
o Every Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm
o Skylark Lounge, 140 S. Broadway
o Hosted by Kathy Brandon | John E. | Sarah Fong

South Metro Denver
o Second Thursday of each month, 8:00 pm
o Lansdowne Arms Bistro & Bar, 9352 Dorchester St (Near HR Tattered Cover)
o Hosted by Rick Munoz

Lakewood
o First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm
o Dino's, 10040 W Colfax Ave (SW Corner of Colfax and Kipling)
o Hosted by Bill Simpson

Durango
o Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00 pm
o Joel's, 119 W 8th St
o Hosted by Brandon Donohue

Fort Collins
o Second and Fourth Thursday of each month, 5:00 pm
o The Crown Pub, 144 S College Ave (between Oak and Mountain)
o Hosted by Anne Wilseck

Frisco
o Second Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm
o The Boatyard, 3rd and Main
o Hosted by Heather Christie | Karin Mitchell

Grand Junction
o First Wednesday of each month, 5:00 pm
o Kannah Creek Brewing Company, 1960 N 12th St

Greeley
o Second and Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm
o Island Grill, 809 9th Street ((look for our table in the resturant area))
o Hosted by Ed Craig | Judy Craig

Longmont
o First and Third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm
o RedZone, 540 S Main St
o Hosted by Andi Hill

VIRGINIA FOCUS: Blogs, Obama, Energy and Agriculture, Groups and Events

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

BLOGGING VIRGINIA:

The Virginia Organizing Project is a statewide, multi-issue citizens' organization committed to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities to address issues that affect the quality of their lives.

Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) is a not-for-profit organization concentrating in the areas of law that affect low-income families. Established in 1978 to advocate on behalf of low-income Virginians on poverty issues of statewide importance, VPLC is the only state-wide organization providing training to local legal aid program staff, private bar attorneys, and low-income clients, relating exclusively to the legal rights of Virginia's poor. VPLC also assists low-income Virginians and Legal Aid Programs with legislative and administrative proposals affecting the poor in Virginia as well as providing technical assistance, training and publications to Virginia's Legal Aid Programs in the following substantive areas: Consumer, Elder Rights, Family, Health Care, Housing & Public Benefits.

The Virginia Young Democrats blog has links to local Young Democrat groups and college clubs, and has information of interest to young voters in Virginia. This is Virginia's political future!

Raising Kaine: a community forum to discuss political issues of interest to Virginians.


Some stories of interest:

From Roanoke VA DFA Democrats:

Republican Strategist Calls Gimore a "Hypocrite"

(Washington Post) Republican strategist J. Kenneth Klinge called GOP Senate candidate Jim Gilmore "a hypocrite" over Gilmore's criticism of Democratic candidate Mark Warner for not yet agreeing to a statewide, televised debate.

Klinge, an ally of U.S. Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA), noted that Gilmore refused to debate his opponent for the Republican nomination, Del. Bob Marshall (R-Prince William), in the weeks leading up to the state GOP convention in June.

"I am sick and tired of seeing (Gilmore) act like something he isn't," said Klinge, who has been critical of Gilmore in the past. "On this subject, he is definitely a hypocrite."

Gilmore said it's not fair to compare his stance on debates with Warner, the Democratic nominee for Senate, to the one he held this spring. Gilmore noted that only 5,000 delegates selected the GOP nominee whereas several million people will vote in the general election.

Bad economic news has been hitting us all under the Bush Administration. Here are two examples in Virginia. Virginia's jobless rate the highest in 4 years and Richmond foreclosures jump 805 percent. Yes...fforeclosures jump 805 percent!!! Thank you Bush. Thank you McCain. And the Republicans tell us the recession is all in our heads!

Hampton Roads Veterans and Military Families Rally for Obama

Seems Republicans are so scared of losing Virginia, they are using scare tactics to try and limit voter registration efforts. Really pitiful! Let me be clear. Voter registration and identity theft are NOT related issues and the REpublican attempt to link them is even less credible than their trying to link Iraq and al Qaeda. You don't have to give anything to someone registering voters. You can either fill out the form and submit it yourself, OR you can leave it with the canvasser and get a receipt.

And speaking of Republican Racism, here's an article from an Arizona blog that is apropos: McCain and the Race Card - The Corporate Media's Role. And let's remember McCain opposed the Martin Luther King, jr. holiday. For those who want to read more about Republican racism, I've discussed it here (from before Obama won the primary), and it is covered in Drew Westin's book The Political Brain with some pretty nasty examples.

Navy Opposes VA Offshore Drilling. Period. End of Debate.

Healthcare for America NOW Kicks Off. Which reminds me of something I wrote before about how our current so-called "business model" for healthcare really, really doesn't work.


Here are some Obama groups in Virginia:

Virginia for Obama: Richmond

Arlingtonians for Obama: Arlington

Alexandria 4 Obama: Alexandria

Northern Virginia for Obama!: Fairfax

Greater Richmond for Obama: Richmond

Hampton Roads for Obama: Hampton Roads

Loudoun County for Obama: Loudoun

Tidewater Virginia for Obama: peninsula area

Roanokers for Obama: Roanoke

Charlottesville For Obama: Charlottesville


Alternative Energy and Sustainable Agriculture in Virginia:

Algae Key to Greenhouse Gases Solution? This is a topic I have been skeptical of, but have recently read up more on the topic and feel it is well worth looking into. This article comes from the Roanoke Democracy for America website. They also have a good rundown on Palin's problems.

Living Green DC/MD/VA:
LIVING GREEN DC/MD/VA works to send a message to the community and influence small changes in everyday actions that can have a big impact on our world. As a group we look for ways to make small changes in the way we live, enjoying the support and friendship of other like-minded people. This meetup can only grow if lots of members become Assistant Organizers and provide fun and creative ways to socialize, learn, spread the word, volunteer, network, do fun things. Suggestions are seeing films with environmental themes, dining where organic and locally purchased produce is promoted, visiting farmers markets and socializing afterwards, volunteering for Earth Day activities, meeting in cafes to discuss books and articles, etc.. Whether it's a movie screening or eating a meal with freinds at an environmentally friendly restaurant, you are sure to make an impact, so join the group and volunteer. Go here for more information.

Alternative Energy Resources in Virginia: a short summary of alternative energy resources for Virginia. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.

Virginia Sustainable Agriculture Organizations and Publications: Whether you're a beginning farmer, or an experienced agricultural producer interested in transitioning to more sustainable practices, you may want to start by learning more about the principles of sustainable agriculture and some of the "systems" approaches associated with it.


Now some other groups and events:

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 Charlottesville Democratic Breakfast
This gathering takes place on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30a.m. and is usually held at the JABA building on Hillsdale Drive. Pay what you can.

Virginia Beach Democratic Committee Monthly Meeting
Held the First Wednesday of every month, 7 PM, at the Virginia Beach Central Library.

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

Vienna Hispanic Democrats:
Meet with local Hispanic Democrats. To learn more, join here.

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