The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Originally intended for New York City progressives, its readership is now national. For anyone who wants to be alerted by email whenever this newsletter is updated (usually weekly), please send your email address and let me know what state you live in (so I can keep track of my readership).
I have now been doing this newsletter for almost 4 years. When I look back at the first issues, I am amazed at how primitive they were. This issue I take a look back at that first issue. I also focus on marriage equality and the ongoing Georgia Senate race. I have dropped a few states I was focusing on because of a lack of consistent readership. I had planned to drop a few more, but if the readers are there, I will stick with it.
I started this newsletter at the end of 2004. Originally it was merely sent out by email as an attached word document. The first issue went out to about a dozen people. It fact it was pretty primitive! It was my goal to reach 100 readers within a month. Now I have been getting more than 200 readers per day. I am still only reaching a small group, but that group includes elected politicians, candidates, activists, community organizers and leaders of all sorts.
Here is my statement of purpose from my very first newsletter:
Election 2004 is over and either we lost it or it was stolen. So much enthusiasm and effort went into it and now that enthusiasm is turning to frustration and anger. My goal here is to channel that frustration and anger back into action. There is no reason why we can’t keep the organization we built over the last few years and use it to retake our country. In a sense I am trying to learn from our opponents. When Goldwater lost in 1964, the right wing of America was panicked. They were terrified that the left was taking over the nation. But they didn’t give up the way the left often does when faced with defeat. They did not question their message like we do. They channeled their efforts, focusing on building their network, focusing on local elections. Out of this grew, gradually and slowly, the entire right wing machine we are now faced with. The take over of the media began during the Nixon presidency, but wasn’t really accomplished until the late Clinton administration. Such patience, to push without really changing message much, despite repeated setbacks, for 30 years is something the left has not been capable of. It is time we start. That is the inspiration for what I am doing. It is up to us to keep organized, keep active and to recruit.
I believe that the strategy I outlined in that statement of purpose is exactly what we did in the last 4 years which won us a great victory in 2008.
One of the first things I highlighted in my newsletter was election reform. So far this has been slow. Our elections remain flawed and we still have right wing owned companies dominating the production ofevote machines. But progress has been made.
In my first newsletters I highlighted FairVote.org. From their website:
FairVote acts to transform our elections to achieve universal access to participation, a full spectrum of meaningful ballot choices and majority rule with fair representation for all. As a catalyst for change, we build support for innovative strategies to win a constitutionally protected right to vote, universal voter registration, a national popular vote for president, instant runoff voting and proportional representation.
As a reform catalyst, FairVote develops and promotes practical strategies to improve elections at the local, state and national levels. Our vision of an equally secure, meaningful and effective vote for all Americans is founded on the principles articulated in the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech: we are created equal, government is of, by and for the people and it is time to make real the promise of democracy.
Operating for many years as the Center for Voting and Democracy, FairVote was founded in 1992. It has a large volunteer network across the nation, with closely allied groups in states like California, Minnesota, North Carolina and Rhode Island.
I also recommended this:
But what is MOST important, is writing every elected politician and telling them you want election reform. Feel free to use my arguments above or use information from fairvote.org. Or use your own feelings and words.
Write Congress: use www.Congress.org to find your House and Senate representatives as well as your local officials. Write your representative, write your Senators, write your state senator and assembly rep, write the mayor and city council rep. Write them all! Channel your feelings about this election into these letters. BE PASSIONATE! Be clear. Be yourself. Make it clear to your elected officials that you do not feel that America is a Democracy anymore and that the election system needs to be reformed.
I also focused on media reform. Again, much of this remains to be done. This is from my second newsletter, with a few changes to update it:
What are we up against? Here is my assessment. FoxNews, which dominates the news media due to its popularity [2008 update...no longer! their stock is getting hammered as their viewership declines], is an intentionally ideological propaganda machine for the right wing. Don’t believe me? See Outfoxed (go to http://www.outfoxed.org/ ). FoxNews covers a big chunk of the market and those who watch FoxNews as their main news source have been shown to be more ignorant of what is going on than people who get their news from other sources. Essentially, people who get their news primarily from Fox believe the Republican party line rather than the facts (go to http://www.pipa.org/OnlineReports/Iraq/Media_10_02_03_Report.pdf to see this study).
More ideological than Fox is Sinclair Broadcasting. Fox is willing to compromise their ideology from time to time if to do so will help their profits. Sinclair will sacrifice their profits for their ideology. Sinclair is not a network. They are a corporation that owns local stations that include channels from all networks. In some cases, Sinclair controls the programming of those local stations. In other cases the local station is largely independent but can still be pressured by Sinclair.
Together, taking into account overlap between Fox and Sinclair, these two ideological propaganda machines control about half of the media, maybe slightly less. The rest of the media is controlled by companies that are not obviously ideological. But they are lazy and interested primarily in profits. Despite having no specific agenda, CNN, and MSNBC in particular, but even ABC and CBS feel they have to follow the lead of FoxNews because a.) they don’t want to be accused of a liberal bias, and b.) they want to follow the successful model of Fox. [2008 UPDATE: MSNBC, one of the first to embrace the Fox News right wing model is also one of the first to dump it. MSNBC, particularly with the addition of Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann to their lineup, have far better and more acurate coverage than they did even just a year ago.] This means that at worst they simply repeat what FoxNews or Bush says without question. At best they present the Fox/Bush side equally with the other side even if one is a lie and the other isn’t (e.g. the Swift Boat Liar campaign). Someone, I forget who, said “If Bush said the earth is flat and the Democrats said it was round, the media would report ‘Democrats disagree with President on the shape of the earth.’” Truth doesn’t matter.
I have two things I want to include in this week’s Media actions. First, get informed. Go to www.outfoxed.org, look over the PIPA report (http://www.pipa.org/OnlineReports/Iraq/Media_10_02_03_Report.pdf ), and start finding your alternative media for your own use. Here are some suggestions:
www.salon.com (subscribe if you don’t want their ads)
www.airamericaradio.com (go to their website to find your local station)
www.mediamatters.org (keep up on FoxNews lies and find out how to counter them)
http://www.tompaine.com/ (alternative media with Action alerts included)
www.dailykos.com (now well known, though not so well known when I first plugged it in 2004)
2008 additions:
Current TV (founded by Al Gore; check the website for the station in your area or for video online of their stuff)
The second thing I want to urge you to do is a continuation of the election reform issue I covered above. In addition to writing to your elected officials, bombard the media as well. Again, from www.Congress.org you can find a link to writing to local and national media. You can compose a letter to the media based on the same letter you wrote to your elected officials. The media HAS to hear our side. They hear the right wing’s view from Bush. But we are their customers. If they get enough letters telling our side, they do notice. So bombard them with your viewpoint and get your like-minded friends doing the same.
I will end this retrospective with my comments on local action from my first newsletter. Again, still applies!
For this week’s local focus, I am suggesting two things. First, focus on yourself. There are two books I recommend that will help energize you for future activism. First there is a fairly superficial but inspiring book from MoveOn.org called “50 Ways to Lover your Country.” If you want to get active, this book is a good source of ideas to start from. It covers everything from writing letters to the editor to running for office.
Second I recommend Paul Wellstone’s book, “Conscience of a Liberal: Reclaiming the Compassionate Agenda”. For those of you who don’t know about him, Wellstone was a VERY progressive Senator from Minnesota who died in a plane crash in 2002. His book shows how liberals can reclaim swing states while staying true to their progressive/populist agenda.
These two books will remind you why you got politically active in the first place and why you shouldn’t give up now.
My second recommended action is to start getting connected with your local progressive community. Below, under “Upcoming Meetings” I list local meetings or organizations that I urge you to look into and connect with. We each need to get involved with the local party and local clubs. Choose one (or two like my wife and me) and start showing up. Better yet, let’s get some of us together and show up to these meetings. If several of us join together, and recruit a few friends, then our influence on the local groups will be more focused and more effective. So if you want to coordinate, let me know which 2 or 3 groups are most convenient for you and I will try to hook you up with activists in your area.
It has been a long and frustrating 4 years since I started this newsletter. But I think it has been worth it.
Gay Marriage and YOU: Keith Olbermann's Excellent Statement
Don't have much to add to this except I am also a straight man from a family of straight folks who support Marriage Equality and just don't get this whole homophobic anti-gay marriage movement:
What I don't understand is how two consenting adults loving each other threatens anyone else? My marriage isn't threatened if gays can marry!
Time to stop Separate But Equal Bullshit of ALL kinds.
The Georgia Senate Race is STILL not decided and is will head into a runoff election. This race is not just another important pick up opportunity. It is a matter of honor both for Democrats and for Vietnam Vets.
This year Georgia has the opportunity not only to elect a fine Democrat, Jim Martin, to the Senate, but also to right a wrong committed by Republicans 6 years ago. Jim Martin is running against Republican Saxby Chambliss who ran a sleazy, nasty smear campaign against Vietnam War hero and disabled Veteran Max Cleland. Saxby Chambliss, in comparison to Max Cleland's war record, was given five student deferments and he received a medical deferment for a bad knees due to a football injury. So Chickenhawk Chambliss smeared a genuine war hero, Max Cleland to win a Senate seat.
Now Democrat Jim Martin, also Vietnam Veteran, is running to defeat Chickenhawk Chambliss. Here is the latest ad from Jim Martin's campaign:
In his almost six years in the U.S. Senate, Saxby Chambliss has built a reputation as a loyal defender of President Bush and his policies and as a champion of corporate interests.
The people of Georgia now have to decide whether that’s the senator they want for the next six years as well...
[Jim] Martin, a University of Georgia graduate who volunteered to serve his country in Vietnam, has pitched his campaign at his opponent’s weak spot by focusing on protecting the middle class. He advocates lower taxes on the middle class, stronger consumer protection laws and an end to corporate welfare. He has also criticized Chambliss’ vote on the Wall Street rescue package, a position that frankly smacks of political opportunism.
However, Martin has a long record of public service in the state Legislature, where he earned respect from Democrats and Republicans alike for his intelligence and willingness to buck party leaders if necessary. He was appointed by Gov. Roy Barnes, a fellow Democrat, to head the Department of Human Resources, and was asked to remain in that post when Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue took office.
He is what he seems like, a smart guy who wants to help his fellow Georgians and doesn’t care who gets the credit...
Overall...the best candidate is Martin. In what look to be six difficult years ahead, he would do well for the people of Georgia.
Jim Martin has also been endorsed by the Macon Telegraph.
Jim Martin is the best choice for Georgia. But it goes beyond this. To me, defeating Saxby Chambliss is a matter of honor as well because of how he "won" the Senate seat through smearing a good man and, quite likely, through fraud. A win for Jim Martin would not only replace a Bush Republican with someone who is more loyal to the people of Georgia than to the failed Bush policies, but also would restore the honor of Georgia.
Six years ago Republican Saxby Chambliss won the Georgia Senate race through a sleazy smear campaign against Vietnam War Hero and disabled Veteran Max Cleland. Chambliss ran one of the nastiest campaigns I have ever seen and the fact that he called the loyalty of a decorated war hero into question added to my disgust. Even fellow Republicans John McCain and Chuck Hagel were disgusted by Saxby Chambiss' sleaze campaign.
But it also appears Chambliss won at least partly due to election fraud. According to Republican cybersecurity expert Stephen Spoonamore, formerly an adviser to Sen. John McCain, investigated a computer patch that was installed PERSONALLY by Diebold CEO Bob Urosevich in just two counties, DeKalb and Fulton, both Democratic strongholds. From Raw Story:
A leading cyber-security expert and former adviser to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) says he has fresh evidence regarding election fraud on Diebold electronic voting machines during the 2002 Georgia gubernatorial and senatorial elections.
Stephen Spoonamore is the founder and until recently the CEO of Cybrinth LLC, an information technology policy and security firm that serves Fortune 100 companies. At a little noticed press conference in Columbus, Ohio Thursday, he discussed his investigation of a computer patch that was applied to Diebold Election Systems voting machines in Georgia right before that state's November 2002 election.
Let me just say here that I publicized some Democrats who called attention to this same computer patch back in 2002. No one listend back then. But maybe a major Republican IT expert can finally get some attention to this issue. More from the same article:
Spoonamore is one of the most prominent cyber-security experts in the country. He has appeared on CNN's Lou Dobbs and ABC's World News Tonight, and has security clearances from his work with the intelligence community and other government agencies, as well as the Department of Defense, and is one of the world’s leading authorities on hacking and cyber-espionage...
Spoonamore received the Diebold patch from a whistleblower close to the office of Cathy Cox, Georgia’s then-Secretary of State. In discussions with RAW STORY, the whistleblower -- who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation -- said that he became suspicious of Diebold's actions in Georgia for two reasons. The first red flag went up when the computer patch was installed in person by Diebold CEO Bob Urosevich, who flew in from Texas and applied it in just two counties, DeKalb and Fulton, both Democratic strongholds. The source states that Cox was not privy to these changes until after the election and that she became particularly concerned over the patch being installed in just those two counties.
The whistleblower said another flag went up when it became apparent that the patch installed by Urosevich had failed to fix a problem with the computer clock, which employees from Diebold and the Georgia Secretary of State’s office had been told the patch was designed specifically to address.
The article goes on to discuss probable Republican fraund in Ohio in 2004.
Saxby Chambliss: a dishonorable Bush Republican who even Republicans think cheated and lied his way into office.
Jim Martin: an honorble Veteran respected by both Democrats and Republicans. You can learn more about Jim Martin at his website.
The recent Homophobic Propositions around the nation have created quite a bit of anger among progressives. Much of that anger is justified. But some of it winds up being misdirected. There has been something of a split between gay activists and blacks on the left over the issue. It began with the mainstream media suggesting black voters were responsible for the passage of these Hate Amendments against marriage equality. This led to anger from gay activists against black voters. This has led to anger in return from blacks. There have been some excellent Daily Kos diaries written proving the basic assumptions of the "blame the blacks" theory wrong. This is basically a false premise and all that has followed is essentially the right playing us again, driving that good old wedge between elements of the left. Don't fall for it.
From a fellow Daily Gotham writer comes this excellent commentary on this brouhaha, injecting some much needed common sense:
There is, right now, a lowgrade flamewar going on in blogdom over the catastrophic success of Proposition 8 in California. Exit polls suggested that black voters supported the bigoted proposition, which eliminated the existing right of gay couples to marry, by a margin of roughly 70% to 30%.
Unsurprisingly, the reaction in the LGBTQ community is one of undisguised and bitter outrage. The result, obviously, and the support by blacks (and, one might add, of Hispanics, over-65s, and so on) for an amendment that takes away existing rights, would explain that. But there is, as always, more: gays feel that blacks, themselves the victims of discrimination, should of right bring more understanding to another persecuted minority, in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Bayard Rustin and the Civil Rights Movement. Here, too, it's important to point out that many blacks reject the lack of continuity postulated by others; among them was the late and much missed Coretta Scott King, who supported marriage equality as a matter of our common humanity.
Needless to say, caught grievously in the middle of the fight are African-American LGBTQs. Just one example: one of the parallel failings of both the black and the LGBTQ community is our respective ignorance of the suicide rates among black LGBTQ teenagers. In the black community, with its confiningly delineated gender stereotypes, that problem is ignored as non-existent; in the gay community, there's just not enough awareness that these kids are even out there. That's how little we know of each other.
Then, there is the equally grievous debate between some blacks and some gays - interestingly, that same debate doesn't take place between LGBTQs and straight women - over the continuity of the Civil Rights Movement. Gays maintain that Dr. Martin Luther King fought for us as well, and for all the oppressed minorities in this country where all men are created equal. Many blacks vehemently reject that notion, treating the civil rights struggle as a project dedicated uniquely to overcoming their own unique oppression stretching from slavery through Jim Crow through today's arrest statistics.
What's tragic about this fight is this: blacks and gays have so many more interests in common than we realize. Or you tell me which two groups of Americans would benefit more from universal healthcare. Oh, that's right, gay males coping with the Aids epidemic and blacks struggling at the lower end of the middle class.
At this point, some leadership would be helpful, black leadership and LGBTQ leadership. People need to start talking to one another. The anger and recriminations are going to dissipate at some point, and then, it will be time for that. Let's hope it's soon.
We got a great coalition going. We accomlpished a great deal. If we can keep it together, we can continue to do great things and support Obama. If we split apart, the right will come right back.
CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Blogs, Alternative Energy, Peace Events and Groups and Events
I will, for some time, be focusing on Marriage Equality. This is not my issue. I am not gay. I do know some gay people, but not so many that their issues tend to be mine. But the attempts in this nation to deny basic equality, to even RECOGNIZE basic equality to some 10% of Americans horrifies me. Prop 8 was terrible. It was passed out of irrational fear, fear that NO ONE need feel. The love between two people should NEVER be seen as a threat.
I will keep the statement by Keith Olbermann on Prop 8 on the top of my California Focus for sometime because I think it needs to be heard over and over again. It is a brilliant statement right from the heart. I don't have much to add to it except I am also a straight man from a family of straight folks who support Marriage Equality and just don't get this whole homophobic anti-gay marriage movement:
What I don't understand is how two consenting adults loving each other threatens anyone else? My marriage isn't threatened if gays can marry!
FIGHTING BACK:
Proposition 8 is among the worst results in California. It is, basically, a homophobic Hate Amendment that lets government define whether the love between two people is legitimate. There is now a backlash against those who led in the movement to pass this hateful amendment. Among the leaders of this year's movement to discriminate against gays was the Mormon Church. Once again right wing religious fanatics want to force THEIR religion on American society. This is one more example of the American Taliban trying to marginalize anyone they see as different.
For those who doubt the extremist aspects of the Mormon Church (though of course not all Mormons), read Jon Krakauer's book, Under the Banner of Heaven.
There is a backlash. It is the kind of left wing backlash that seldom gets much momentum, but when it does, it can have a powerful effect. Over at Daily Kos there is a list of businesses that endorsed Proposition 8. These are businesses that should be targeted for economic pressure. On the left suggestions like this often cause consternation. Truth is, boycotts DO WORK when enough people get pissed off enough to actually do them. The California grape boycott was a long term effort that finally worked. The anti-Apartheid boycotts were often vague and irregularly carried out...but in the end they were part of what worked. Here is the list of targets for actual economic pressure:
ACMS Ag West Distributing Co., Inc. Ronald Allison, M.D.- Allison Geriatrics Alpasina Insurance Services Pastor Marcelo Alvarado, Iglesia Misionnera HispanoAmericana American Build & Design, Inc. Automated Environments Best Tire and Automotive Rich Bott-Bott Radio Network Boy's Republic Donovan S. Browning, DDS Mary J. Buzzell, M.J.B. Floral Services Catherine Callen - Lampstand Studios, Divide CO Ron Carter- Carter Construction Company CC Layne & Sons Inc. Duncan Chamberlin-Duncan's Auto Sales Richard and Marie Clayton- Maric Services Community West Mortgage Cornerstone Custom Construction CRS, Inc. Culp Diversified Properties Curry Copy Center of Hemet Eldon Cyrus- Cyrus Tree Service Thomas B. Dafoe – Briden Wilson Farm, Arbuckle John DeCesare, President - inetMatrix Joyce Edge, Founder/President – Survivors of Assault Recovery EL VOCERO MAGAZINE Everything4Mom.com Jason & Andrea Ewell – Jason’s Glass Tint, San Clemente Fahillion Technology Consultants Fernandez and Fernandez First Experiences Preschool John Gaines, D.D.S. Mark E. Gething, Insurance - Amarillo TX GFBB Benefits and Insurance Peter Giannini, CPA John J. Gobbell, Jr., Real Estate Appraiser Richard A. & Susan J. Gregg, SueGreggCookbooks, Riverside Guy Strohmeiers Auto Center H M S Capital Hartman Construction of Home Services Dr. Jay W. Henderson, President - The Law Offices of Jay W. Henderson, Ltd. Higham, Richards & Vranes Inspired Stylus Writing and Copyediting GLen Inverso- MJ Baxter Drilling Company R. Christian Jesperson- Chiropractic Family Health Center Justin A. March Associates, Inc. Richard Kerr- Kerr Real Estate Advisors George M. Knapp, Investment Advisor: Knapp Financial James Knox, American Focus Land Resource Investments Lane Associates, Inc. Law Offices of Kimber B. Goddard Leon's Place Independent Living Lewis Appliance Repair and Installation Logos Tax Service David W. & Alice G. Magnusson: Haws, Record & Magnusson, Attorneys at Law Vlade Mamayev, CEO – Buildex Inc. Mammoth Auto Nora O. Marin - Little Angel's Daycare, Rancho Cordova Wayne M. Martin – Wayne Martin Associates, Oxnard Maximum Marketing Inc. Joseph McFarland, DDS Douglas McMullin, MD Anchi Miller – ATM International, Kirkland WA Ridley R. Molders – Molders Logistics, Santa Ana Todd Mowrey-Fit-To-Be-Tyed Fabricio Mundo- LinearB Enterprises NordalAppraisal.com Don Nordgren, Owner - Pacific Coast Auto Body, Paint & Frame, San Diego Dr. Phillip Ortiz, President/Owner - Direct to You Mobile Dentistry, Murrieta Michael A. Padgett – Law Office, Fontana Bradley L. Quick - Bradley L. Quick Insurance Agency Rick J. Radecki – Lion’s Roar Media, Victorville RCS Door Service/ Rodney Press. Peter M. Reimer - Peter Reimer Farms, Shafter Reimer's Wholesale Nursery Resources For Continuing Education, Inc. RF Sweet & Associates Real Estate Anthony Rios- First Security Home Loans Rockingham Asset Management Rod B. Johnson, CPA Denise M. Roland – Reliable Referrals LLC, La Crosse WI RPM Events, Inc. Joel Sanders – Sanders Heavy Towing, Williams Ross L. Sardo – RLS Inspections, Inc. Ventura Janice Schindler, President - Schindler & Schindler Inc. Fountain Valley Scott McDonald & Assoc. SCVHHS Sheppard & Associates Insurance Agency David Smalley, M.D. Patricia Smith – Classic Clean, Inc. Los Gatos Splash! Designworks Cynthia L. Stevens - Cynthia’s Cleaning Service Robert D. Stevenson, DDS Douglas Stevenson-Quietcool, inc. Stubblefield Family Chiropractic Scott Suchomel-Sibling Systems Superior Notary, LLC Teague Construction The Fire & Cop Shop The Law Office of H. Craig Miller The Wellness Advantage President Daniel y Susana Torres, Vision De Futuroag Tri-Valley Propac, Inc. Tropical Sands Vacations William U. Valencia, Tax Consultant: Valencia Tax Service Keith Walker, Writer-Publisher: Golden Door Press Warren Photography, Victorville Robert R. Weedon LCSW, Coherent Counseling Services West Coast Commercial Mortgage, Inc. White Diamond Jewelers Zane Schaeffer Construction
Also over at Daily Kos there is a diary listing Mormon businesses. These are not necessarily endorsers of the homophobic propositions that have been enacted in several states. But they are members of the religious organization that led to fight to marginalize approximately 10% of Americans. These businesses are good targets for establishing a dialogue regarding this proposition and urging them to condemn theHate Amendment. Some may well be right wing nut cases, like Diebold. THEY should be boycotted. Others should not but rather should be part of an effort to talk to people about why marriage equality is fair and a good thing for American society. So here is a list of companies to look into and TALK to about marriage equality.
* Affiliated Computer Services * AES Corp. * Avista Corp. * American Express * Black & Decker * Cadence Design * Corvis * Central Pacific Bank * 1-800-Contacts * Cygnus Inc. * Diebold * Dell Computer * Dionex * Downey Savings and Loan * EarthShell * Franklin Covey * Hillenbrand Industries * Headwaters, Inc. * Hollywood Entertainment * Host Marriott * Iomega * JP Realty * Key Corp. * Knight Transportation * K-Swiss, Inc. * La Quinta Properties, Inc. * Marriott International * Micrel Semiconductor * Micro General * Merit Medical Systems * Monaco Coach * Microsemi Corp. * Myriad Genetics * Novell * NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. * NuSkin * Oil States International * Oakley * priceline.com Inc. * Phelps Dodge Corp. * Ryder Systems * SkyWest Airlines * Swift Transportation * Cornerstone REIT * Tropical Sportswear * Williams Companies, Inc. * Zions Bancorp
If you boycott a company...TELL them you are boycotting. If you contact a company and receive a reply, even just a form letter, write back. Keep up the dialogue. Make a follow up phone call. TALK to people. It can make the difference, if not now, maybe 2, 5 or 10 years from now.
Undirected anger does nothing. Anger carefully directed can be a powerful tool in changing the world. If this list helps you focus your anger, then please make use of it.
And here is a list of STONEWALL DEMOCRATS and related organizations in California (probably NOT comprehensive):
Stonewall Alliance of Chico: The Stonewall Alliance Center offers a range of services to help connect people to their community. Volunteers staffing the Center provide information on activities and events and offer referrals for services. Our Education & Outreach give community members access to the Harlan Adams Memorial Library, Out Education classes, we deliver speaker’s panels to local colleges and presenters to area organizations and groups.
BLOGGING CALIFORNIA: Here are some blogs covering California Politics
Calitics is an open source news organization for California.
The California Progress Report is published by Frank D. Russo, a longtime observer of and participant in California politics.
LeftyBlogs California is the place to find out what's happening in the progressive blogosphere across California.
Some articles of note:
In an election of hope and unity, California sadly passed its Hate Proposition which allows government to regulate love between two consenting adults. Even in the midst of amazing progress, there is some regression.
San Francisco Community Power pilots innovative programs that improve our neighborhoods' environmental and economic conditions. We help small businesses and low-income families lower their expenses and reduce their ecological footprint. Our work provides policy makers with demonstrative ways to solve complex resource allocation issues.
California for Democracy: Here are some local Democracy for America groups (click on the link for more info)
Here are some local political meetings in California:
Desert Stonewall Democrats Monthly Meeting Palm Springs' Desert Stonewall Democrats Democratic Club Monthly Meeting NATIONAL STONEWALL DEMOCRATS MISSION: Pride in Our Country - Pride in Our Family - - Pride in Our Party
MONTHLY MEETINGS The second SATURDAY of each month, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Desert Pride Center 611 South Palm Canyon Palm Springs 760-327-2313
San Ramon Valley Democrats Meetings We are a group of dedicated Democrats living in the San Ramon Valley who have come together to support and promote the progressive social and political principles that always have been fundamental to the Democratic Party. The San Ramon Valley is comprised of Alamo, Blackhawk, Diablo, Danville, San Ramon, and southern Walnut Creek, and members of our club come from each of those communities. We meet once a month for an educational program at Mudd's Restaurant in San Ramon, alternating between lunch on the second Tuesday, and appetizers (no-host bar) on the evening of the fourth Thursday (6:30 PM). We register people to vote, walk precincts to arouse voters, raise money for candidates, and enjoy the opportunity to socialize with people of common interests. Go here for more info.
Our meetings are lively and our programs are focused on issues of concern to Democrats, locally, statewide, and nationally. Our speakers are chosen for their astute insight into the problems before us as citizens and as voters. We socialize before and after the formal meetings, and enter into animated discussions about the topic of the day. In the process we become fast friends.
Mudds Restaurant $22 per person (meal included)
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
Here's an interesting rundown of the polluters in Brooklyn from the Josh Skaller for City Council website. Con Edison - Hudson Ave Station, Gowanus Generating Station, Kings Plaza Total Energy Plant, American Sugar Refining Inc, Brooklyn Navy Yard Cogeneration Plant seem the worst polluters in Brooklyn. I think the fact that our air and water are being poisoned mostly by the energy generating stations in our neighborhoods shows how important conservation on our part and alternative energy solutions are to our own health and the quality of our neighborhoods. You can help by choosing to buy YOUR energy from all wind and small hydroelectric power through Con Ed. You will get your same Con Ed bill, and it costs only 2.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) more, which is partly offset by an elimination of the sales tax on the delivery portion of your utility bill. Joy and I have been doing it for at least three years now and we didn't really notice the slight increase. We saved far, far more money when we switched to compact fluorescent light bulbs, so the combination made us far less polluting and saved us money.
Massa, McMahon, Maffei prevail: NY State has three new Democratic Congressmen, and NYC has no remaining Republican Congressional Reps.
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
No Land Grab: News from the point of view of Brooklyn opposition to overdevelopment
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 in 2009:
Norm Siegel for Public Advocate For those of you who live in NYC, let me introduce you to Norman Siegel, one of America's top Civil Rights Lawyers, is running for New York Public Advocate. Here's a Youtube video of him:
And here is Youtube footage of Norm Siegel and the NYC Coalition To Preserve Term Limits Press Conference:
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 and has been endorsed by State Senator Eric Adams. 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 Organizations worth checking out:
NY Citizens for Clean Elections: We are committed to passage of Clean Money Clean Election legislation in NYS that provides a non-partisan approach for full public funding of campaigns for all qualified candidates who refuse private money and abide by spending limits. We want to ensure that all Americans, regardless of wealth, have an equal voice in the political system and that qualified candidates are not discouraged from running because they do not have access to the money needed for a competitive campaign.
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.
Stonewall Democrats of Western New York is the GLBT Democratic voice in WNY. Our mission is to advocate for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community within the Democratic Party and to encourage GLBT participation within the Democratic Party. Our membership includes representatives from State, County, and City government, and several Democratic committee members amongst the various County Committees in WNY.
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
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
GEORGIA FOCUS: Blogs, Jim Martin, Alternative Energy, Veterans For Peace, NAACP, Groups and Events
The Georgia Senate Race is STILL not decided and is will head into a runoff election. This race is not just another important pick up opportunity. It is a matter of honor both for Democrats and for Vietnam Vets.
This year Georgia has the opportunity not only to elect a fine Democrat, Jim Martin, to the Senate, but also to right a wrong committed by Republicans 6 years ago. Jim Martin is running against Republican Saxby Chambliss who ran a sleazy, nasty smear campaign against Vietnam War hero and disabled Veteran Max Cleland. Saxby Chambliss, in comparison to Max Cleland's war record, was given five student deferments and he received a medical deferment for a bad knees due to a football injury. So Chickenhawk Chambliss smeared a genuine war hero, Max Cleland to win a Senate seat.
Now Democrat Jim Martin, also Vietnam Veteran, is running to defeat Chickenhawk Chambliss. Here is the latest ad from Jim Martin's campaign:
In his almost six years in the U.S. Senate, Saxby Chambliss has built a reputation as a loyal defender of President Bush and his policies and as a champion of corporate interests.
The people of Georgia now have to decide whether that’s the senator they want for the next six years as well...
[Jim] Martin, a University of Georgia graduate who volunteered to serve his country in Vietnam, has pitched his campaign at his opponent’s weak spot by focusing on protecting the middle class. He advocates lower taxes on the middle class, stronger consumer protection laws and an end to corporate welfare. He has also criticized Chambliss’ vote on the Wall Street rescue package, a position that frankly smacks of political opportunism.
However, Martin has a long record of public service in the state Legislature, where he earned respect from Democrats and Republicans alike for his intelligence and willingness to buck party leaders if necessary. He was appointed by Gov. Roy Barnes, a fellow Democrat, to head the Department of Human Resources, and was asked to remain in that post when Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue took office.
He is what he seems like, a smart guy who wants to help his fellow Georgians and doesn’t care who gets the credit...
Overall...the best candidate is Martin. In what look to be six difficult years ahead, he would do well for the people of Georgia.
Jim Martin has also been endorsed by the Macon Telegraph.
Jim Martin is the best choice for Georgia. But it goes beyond this. To me, defeating Saxby Chambliss is a matter of honor as well because of how he "won" the Senate seat through smearing a good man and, quite likely, through fraud. A win for Jim Martin would not only replace a Bush Republican with someone who is more loyal to the people of Georgia than to the failed Bush policies, but also would restore the honor of Georgia.
Six years ago Republican Saxby Chambliss won the Georgia Senate race through a sleazy smear campaign against Vietnam War Hero and disabled Veteran Max Cleland. Chambliss ran one of the nastiest campaigns I have ever seen and the fact that he called the loyalty of a decorated war hero into question added to my disgust. Even fellow Republicans John McCain and Chuck Hagel were disgusted by Saxby Chambiss' sleaze campaign.
But it also appears Chambliss won at least partly due to election fraud. According to Republican cybersecurity expert Stephen Spoonamore, formerly an adviser to Sen. John McCain, investigated a computer patch that was installed PERSONALLY by Diebold CEO Bob Urosevich in just two counties, DeKalb and Fulton, both Democratic strongholds. From Raw Story:
A leading cyber-security expert and former adviser to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) says he has fresh evidence regarding election fraud on Diebold electronic voting machines during the 2002 Georgia gubernatorial and senatorial elections.
Stephen Spoonamore is the founder and until recently the CEO of Cybrinth LLC, an information technology policy and security firm that serves Fortune 100 companies. At a little noticed press conference in Columbus, Ohio Thursday, he discussed his investigation of a computer patch that was applied to Diebold Election Systems voting machines in Georgia right before that state's November 2002 election.
Let me just say here that I publicized some Democrats who called attention to this same computer patch back in 2002. No one listend back then. But maybe a major Republican IT expert can finally get some attention to this issue. More from the same article:
Spoonamore is one of the most prominent cyber-security experts in the country. He has appeared on CNN's Lou Dobbs and ABC's World News Tonight, and has security clearances from his work with the intelligence community and other government agencies, as well as the Department of Defense, and is one of the world’s leading authorities on hacking and cyber-espionage...
Spoonamore received the Diebold patch from a whistleblower close to the office of Cathy Cox, Georgia’s then-Secretary of State. In discussions with RAW STORY, the whistleblower -- who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation -- said that he became suspicious of Diebold's actions in Georgia for two reasons. The first red flag went up when the computer patch was installed in person by Diebold CEO Bob Urosevich, who flew in from Texas and applied it in just two counties, DeKalb and Fulton, both Democratic strongholds. The source states that Cox was not privy to these changes until after the election and that she became particularly concerned over the patch being installed in just those two counties.
The whistleblower said another flag went up when it became apparent that the patch installed by Urosevich had failed to fix a problem with the computer clock, which employees from Diebold and the Georgia Secretary of State’s office had been told the patch was designed specifically to address.
The article goes on to discuss probable Republican fraund in Ohio in 2004.
Saxby Chambliss: a dishonorable Bush Republican who even Republicans think cheated and lied his way into office.
Jim Martin: an honorble Veteran respected by both Democrats and Republicans. You can learn more about Jim Martin at his website.
Saving the Economy and Environment with Clean Energy! Solar, Wind, Energy Efficiency, and Energy Conservation all have the power to meet our current and projected energy demand more cheaply then fossil fuels (read: Fools), all while providing more local jobs then traditional coal, nuclear, or natural gas plants! Join here for more details. Or go here: www.cleanpower4georgians.com
Atlanta Beyond Oil We are interested in peak oil, global warming, relocalization, sustainable communities, alternative energy, permaculture, and more. We are beginning to network with other Metro Atlanta groups and to have events that educate people about our concerns. We offer support, information, and opportunities to contribute to the solution. We'd love to have you join us! Go here for more details.
The Atlanta Green Living Meetup Group We will meet to share ideas, listen to speakers, review new products, and organize in the community to promote the preservation of Atlanta's natural environment. The group focuses on easy, accessible options that everyone can take to reduce their footprint. Join here for more info.
2009 BIO International Convention May 18, 2009 - May 21, 2009
Atlanta, Georgia - The BIO International Convention is the largest biotechnology event in the world. The Convention helps BIO fulfill its mission to help grow the global biotech industry. The BIO International Convention features keynotes and sessions from key policymakers, scientists, CEOs, and celebrities. Past speakers include President George W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, Michael J. Fox, Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, among many others. The convention also includes hundreds of sessions covering biotech trends, policy issues and technological innovations, and the world's largest biotechnology exhibition - the BIO Exhibition. Go here for more information and registration.
Veterans for Peace, Atlanta has several vigils and rallies around Atlanta. Here is their weekly schedule. I urge you to join them if you can to show your support:
Tuesdays 12:45-1 pm Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Emory University , in front of Woodruff Library. For more information e-mail: thee.smith@emory. edu.
Thursdays 5:00-6:00pm Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at CNN, Marietta and Centennial Olympic Park. For more information e-mail John.Zientowski@ turner.com
Fridays 12:00-1:00 pm Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Colony Square , corner of Peachtree and 14th Street . For more information, e-mail bobbiepaul@rp.cbeyond.com
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Marietta Square ( Cobb Court House). For more information e-mail cobbpeace@comcast.net
Saturdays 12:00-1:00 Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Dekalb Farmers Market At 3000 Ponce de Leon Avenue , Decatur For more information, Fro more information e-mail John.Zientowski@ turner.com
Sundays 12:15-1:00 pm Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at the corner of MLK Drive and Washington Street (across from the state capitol). For more information, e-mail elogan@gsu.edu or peggyhendrix2000@yahoo.com.
12:00-12:30 pm Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at 910 Ponce De Leon Ave NE ,Open Door Community. For more information contact Lauren Cogswell at lauren_cogswell@yahoo.com, 404-874-9652
Next let me highlight some NAACP groups:
The Cobb County NAACP monthly meetings are the first Monday of the month at the branch office at 6:30 p.m.
General membership meets the fourth Tuesday of the month, mostly at the office location but varies based on programs. Members are encouraged to attend these meetings. Join a committee today. Elections of officers are held in even years.
For more info contact the branch office: 605 B. Roswell St Marietta, GA 30061 770.425.5757 info_at_cobbnaacp.org
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, is the oldest, largest and strongest civil rights organization in the United States. The principal objective of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens of the United States.
The NAACP is committed to achievement through non-violence and relies upon the press, the petition, the ballot and the courts, and is persistent in the use of legal and moral persuasion even in the face of overt and violent racial hostility.
Fayette County NAACP Branch General Membership Meeting: 2nd Saturday Each Month - 4:00 PM, Flat Rock AME Church
And if you want contact info for other NAACP branches in Georgia (mainly addresses), please go here.
Here are a couple of Democracy for America meetings in Georgia:
Decatur Meeting: First Wed. of every month, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM, Location: ChocoLate Coffee, 2094 North Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033 US Contact: Susan Keith susan_at_georgiafordemocracy.org
The North Fulton/East Cobb Democracy for America: Second Tuesday of every month, 7:00 PM, sign up here to find out where and more details.
Georgia Equality is the political advocacy voice of Georgia's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender citizens and their allies. Founded in Atlanta in 1995, it has grown into a true statewide organization and is known nationally as one of the leaders among state and local LGBT groups.
Here are more groups and events in Georgia:
Atlanta Area Democrats Meetup Group: Grassroots Democrats upset with the direction the Republicans are taking our country and our state - we're taking action! Sign up for more information.
Cobb County Young Democrats Monthly Happy Hours on the first Fridays of every month and monthly Business Meetings on the third Tuesdays of every month. Both are great opportunities to meet fellow Cobb County Young Democrats and learn about the 2008 heated races taking place in Cobb County.
Happy Hours: BLACKBIRD, 114 W Hancock St, Milledgeville, GA, 31061 US Contact: Christin Ivey, Christin_ivey@ecats.gcsu.edu,
Business Mettings: Little Azio Pizza and Pasta 1675 Cumberland Pkwy, Ivywalk Unit #415, Smyrna, GA, 30080 US Contact: Alexandra O'Callaghan, alli@georgiayds.org,
Cherokee County Democratic Party Meeting Third Monday of Every Month, 7 PM Hot Springs Community Center 100 Hickory Circle Holly Springs, GA More info here.
Atlanta Amnesty International Chapter 75: Meet others in your local area interested in Amnesty International USA, a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. Sign up to find out when and where.
Drinking Liberally is a grassroots social organizations for people who like to meet fellow liberals over a good beer. Here are the Drinking Liberally chapters in Georgia:
Atlanta, Georgia * Every Thursday, 8:00 pm onward * Thinking Man's Tavern, 537 W Howard Ave, Decatur * Hosted by Erin Abrahams, atlanta (at) drinkingliberally.org
Dunwoody * First and third Wednesday of each month (next meeting January 2), 7:00 pm onward * Ye Olde Dunwoody Tavern, 5488 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd (map) * Hosted by Hillary Meister, dunwoody (at) drinkingliberally.org
Augusta, Georgia * Second and fourth Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward * Helga's Lounge, 2015 Central Ave * Hosted by Margie Hobbins, augusta (at) drinkingliberally.org
Savannah, Georgia * First and third Thursday of each month, 7:30 pm onward * Crystal Beer Parlor, 301 W Jones St (corner of west jones and jefferson) * lots of parking * Hosted by John Mattingly, Victor Fishman and McKay Schwalbach, savannah (at) drinkingliberally.org
ARIZONA FOCUS: Blogs, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events
Here is an upcoming event I want to highlight:
The Caravan To Support The Struggle For Survival On The Front Lines Of Resistance at Big Mountain, Black Mesa, AZ. November 22-29, 2008
A caravan of work crews will be converging from across the country to support residents of the Big Mountain regions of Black Mesa who, on behalf of their peoples, their sacred ancestral lands, and future generations, continue to carry out their staunch resistance to the efforts of the US Government, which is acting in the interests of the Peabody Coal Company to devastate whole communities & ecosystems, and greatly de-stabilize our planet’s climate for the profit of an elite few.
By assisting with direct, on-land projects with the Sovereign communities of Big Mountain, Black Mesa you are helping families resist an illegal occupation and to stay on their lands, who serve as the very blockade to coal mining! More than 14,000 Dine’ people have been forcibly removed from their ancestral homelands due to spin created by the U.S government & Peabody Coal, under the guise of the so-called “Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute”. With the guidance of Black Mesa residents, the aim of this caravan is to honor the elders and to bring support to their communities before the approaching cold winter months. Read more for a list of projects, needs, and for further details.
BLOGGING ARIZONA:
AZNetroots: Bringing together Arizona Progressives to take back our country!
ALERT: The Permitting Process for Massive Coal Mining Expansion Plans, The Black Mesa Project, has been Re-opened and comments for Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) Was Issued the Day After Election!
I was fighting this 20 years ago. The fight continues. Keep up the pressure!
Both the Republican and Democratic parties have consistently expressed support for the development of so-called ‘clean coal’ technology to help solve the nation’s energy problem while claiming to be interested in fighting pollution, global warming, and human rights. While many environmental and scientific groups have questioned whether the burning of coal can ever be clean, for First Nations in the Four Corners area ‘clean coal’ is also a matter of ethnic cleansing and of their survival.
At this moment the decision makers in Washington D.C. are planning ways to expand their occupation of tribal lands to extract mineral & other resources. Peabody Coal, the world’s largest coal company, is currently pushing through plans to massively expand dirty coal strip-mining operations targeting the Dine’ (Navajo) & Hopi peoples sacred ancestral homelands of Black Mesa, AZ. Read More….
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN ARIZONA:
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.
The Tucson Solar Alliance is a non-profit community coalition dedicated to helping people access solar energy and related measures more easily on a practical and cost-effective basis.
The purpose of Sustainable Tucson is to facilitate an inclusive, dynamic community-building process that ensures economic prosperity, social vibrancy, and ecological health.
Meet other local individuals interested in exploring all forms of practical alternative energies.
Discuss ways to preserve the world's resources and protect the environment beginning in our local community!
Our initial meeting will be a think-tank toward: -Forming a charter encouraging growth and best utilization of membership resources. -Solicit academic, corporate, and political participation. -Seek grant funds. -Research new technologies. -Organize proof-of-concept projects. -Plan project workshops. -Further mission goals as realized.
This group welcomes those embracing the urge to respect our planet and to actively promote community programs that seek to provide practical solutions to residential energy needs, as well as promote the adoption of variant lifestyles that enrich the local and regional biocosm.
GROUPS AND EVENTS: Here are some Groups and Events in Arizona:
DFA of Phoenix Monthly Meeting Democracy for America meets the first Monday of the month at IHOP at the corner of 44th St. and Thomas Rd at 7PM Contact: Toby Stohl at 602.955-9050 for more information Website: www.dfalink.com/az-vote
TUCSON AREA DEMOCRATS: Democrats of Greater Tucson Marion Pickens 80743 E. 29th Street Tucson, AZ 85710 Phone : 520-296-5908 Email : DGT_at_pimademocrats.org
Northwest Democrats Marty Drozdoff 1352 W. San Nichols Drive Tucson 85704 Phone: 502 742 1019 Email: martyrepresentsyou_at_msn.com
Saguaro Eastside Democrats Sharon McCormick 9701 E. Sunburst Dr. Tucson, AZ 85748 Phone: 520-296-9395 Email: sharonamcc_at_msn.com Website: http://saguaroeastsidedemocrats.org
Southern Arizona GBLT Democrats Les Krambeal 4991 N. Placita Aguilera Tuscon 85745 Phone: 520-743 2046 or cell 520 548 4947 Email: leskrambeal_at_yahoo.com
Tanque Verde Democrats Henry Johnson, M.D. 3033 N. Spirit Dancer Trail Tucson, AZ 85749 Phone: 520-760-3012 E-Mail: hjohnsonMD_at_simplybits.net Website: www.tanqueverdedems.org
UofA Young Democrats James Jefferies 1063 East Adams St Tucson 85719 Phone: 520 490 5631 Email: jjj4_at_email.arizona.edu
African American Democratic Caucus of Arizona Harold Holmes 15604 N 7th Dr Phoenix, AZ 85023 Phone: 602-993-5040 Email: harhol_at_msn.com
Arizona Democratic Hispanic Caucus David Olvera 4875 North Hummingbird Lane Tucson 85750 Phone: 520 631 7626 Email: davido_at_comcast.net
Native American Democratic Caucus of Arizona Chris Clark Deschene P.O. Box 1854 Chinle 86503 Phone: 928 660 3332 Email: clarkdeschene_at_att.net
Jacqueline Thomas 3040 North 2nd Street, Unit 202 Phoenix 85012 Phone: 602 285 0157 Email: jackiefayeblues_at_cs.com
National Jewish Democratic Council – Arizona Chapter Jerry Gettinger 10018 E. Friess Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Phone: 480-510-1320 Email: jget_at_cox.net
Women in Blue Carole Pearsall 3466 East Charlston Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85032 Phone: 602-765 9135 Email: carole.pearsall_at_cox.net Website: www.arizonawomeninblue.com
Young Democrats of Arizona Cole Hickman 1732 South McKemy St. Tempe 85251 Phone: 415 847 9174 Email: President_at_ydaz.org Website: www.ydaz.org
Stan Williams – Executive Director Phone: 602 796 2472 or 602 234 6809 Email: stanwilliams_at_ydaz.org
Steve McClure, Co-Chair 4155 E. La Cienega Drive Tucson, AZ 85712 Phone: 520 806 2701 Email: smcclureazdem@cox.net
Arizona Democratic Veterans’ Caucus Jeff Latas 1402 E. Placita Meseta Dorada Oro Valley 85755 Phone: (520) 404-9133 Email: jeff_at_latasgroup.com
Arizona GBLT Democrats Justin Unga 2910 N. Central Avenue Phoenix 85012 Phone: 602 828 3920 Email: junga_at_azdem.org
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)
Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats is an organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Democrats and supporters. This group serves to inform and educate persons within the GLBT community regarding elected officials, candidates, and issues of interest to that community. They also provide information and education to elected officials, candidates, and others regarding GLBT issues.
Contact: Maurice Grossman (323-2293)
Meetings: The last Monday of the month, 6:30pm, at varying locations.
Email: sasdtucson_at_yahoo.com
Monthly Meeting - District 17 Democrats - Pyle Center When: second Tuesday of every month, 6:30 PM Where: 655 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ
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
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
