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Mole's Progressive Democrat

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

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

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  • Thursday, March 19, 2009

    FLORIDA FOCUS: Blogs, Equality, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

    BLOGGING FLORIDA: FLA Politics covers the Florida Netroots and Florida politics.

    The Florida Progressive Coalition coverse progressive politics in Florida.

    LeftyBlogs Florida is the place to find out what's happening in the progressive blogosphere across Florida.


    Here are some stories of interest:

    A sign of the times: We're dying from plague of vacant buildings, homes

    Florida state contracts go online: These kinds of things can be good for transparency in government. On related topics: Storm clouds are on the horizon for state's Sunshine law...and Special interests funnel $6 million to Florida lawmakers. We need more transparency in government, not more special interest money controlling lawmakers.

    Thousands of students could be shut out of Florida's community colleges

    Why Florida’s high courts should strike down laws banning gay adoption

    Haridopolos offers bill to make it cheaper for cigarette makers to appeal judgments: And just why is this needed? Why do cigarette makers need special treatment?

    What exactly is Fox News talking about?

    Cutting state pay makes a mockery of job-creation talk...meanwhile: State workers' union protests potential pay cuts at Florida capitol

    The Jeb Bush legacy: Florida among worst in U.S. for homeless kids...and: Florida mental health care gets a 'D'...and: Survey paints grim picture for South Florida's jobs outlook

    FL AG Bill McCollum's Use (Misuse?) of Public Safety Money

    Gay-Straight Alliance wins lawsuit and can meet at Yulee High...Tolerance and sanity wins a round!

    Soaring health insurance costs stun Seminole schools...maybe it's time for healthcare reform, don't you think? Can we all start agreeing on this? For some background on this issue, read my earlier discussion of the failure of the American healthcare system....and on a related note: Lax scrutiny allowed Medicare fraud to flourish

    Congrats to Anthony Niedwiecki (and Waymon Hudson)...Progressives had a good showing in Broward County's municipal elections.

    Developers' dream, Florida's nightmare

    Crist names Perry to Supreme Court over conservative opposition

    Uninspired Crist shows no vision. Crist isn't bad...for a Republican. But he is still a Republican and Republicans have shown a constant lack of vision for most of their modern history. From Harding to Bush, Republicans have had few new ideas and have had a problem with "the vision thing." Crist is better than most Republicans, but has that same blindness to "the vision thing" as Harding, Hoover, both Bushs, etc.

    Gainesville city-owned utility puts a premium on solar energy. I think you will be seeing much more of this kind of thing happening as people realize the benefits of local energy production.

    More Fraudulent Attempts to Dismantle Social Security

    Ending Pay-to-Play Politics In Counties


    Equality Events in Florida: The Dolphin Democrats have a calendar with many events throughout Florida. Go here to find out what is going on in your area.

    Florida Democratic Party Netroots Coalition

    The Netroots Coalition was created to help bring together bloggers and Netroots activists who support the Democratic Party. The mission of the organization is to contribute to the growth and influence of the Democratic Party, to establish and maintain a Democratic online community, and to promote the party and all party candidates for Democratic leadership throughout the state and nation. We also seek to assist and encourage Florida Democrats, including clubs, county, and grassroots organizations to get online and establish a communication network and promote online participation among Democrats. Go here to join.

    Florida Democratic Party Small County Coalition

    The SCC is made up of the counties in Florida that have less than 35,000 registered Democrats, which includes more than half of the counties in Florida. The mobilization and organization of small counties through the SCC is an important asset to Florida Democrats. As one of the finest examples of what cooperation within the Party can achieve, the SCC, Florida's largest Democratic voting block, gives Democrats from smaller counties a chance to deliver our message in underrepresented areas of Florida.

    Go here to get active in the coalition.

    Mark your calendars for the next Smal County Coalition Convention on June 20-22 in Nassau County. Learn more here: http://www.doug2008.net/scc2008.html


    Alternative Energy in Florida:

    Some statistics from Repower America:

    * NextEra Energy began construction on three solar energy facilities that will prevent the release of nearly 3.5 million tons of greenhouse gases – or the equivalent of removing 25,000 cars from the road per year!

    * Florida Power & Light claims to be the nation's No.1 utility for energy conservation. FPL's programs have helped the company avoid the need to build 12 medium-sized power plants since 1980.

    * Governor Crist’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change adopted a fifty-policy climate plan that, when fully implemented, will provide a net cost savings of more than $28 billion and reduce GHG emissions by 64% by 2025.



    Here is a biodiesel cooperative in Florida. If you drive a diesel truck or car, check them out.

    Brevard BioDiesel
    Brevard County

    Brevard Biodiesel seeks to promote the availability and use of clean-burning, renewable biodiesel fuel as a replacement for petroleum by raising public awareness of its environmental, economic, and national security benefits.

    Check out their website. They have some good environmental news reports on their site.


    Here are some other alternative energy groups in Florida:

    SolarCity Gainesville is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of solar and renewable energy in Gainesville and Alachua County. Go here for more info.

    Jacksonville's Sustainable Future:
    Jacksonville's Sustainable Future is a resource for those who are concerned about Global Climate Change and want to do something, as well as a resource for those who want to learn more.

    Our focus is on creating a better world for future generations.

    Join us to discuss citizen awareness projects, personal endeavors, and other plans for a better future for Jacksonville, Orange Park, the Beaches, St. Augustine, Fernandina, and the other areas that make up Greater Jacksonville. Go here for more info.

    We are working on a number of projects related to energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

    Please join us if you want to work towards a greener, cleaner, and healthier future for our community.

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

    Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Conference + Expo
    Apr 19, 2009 - Apr 22, 2009

    Orlando, Florida - The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi) presents the 15th annual AF&V Conference + Expo April 19-22, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. Alternative fuels, vehicles and advanced technologies for public and private fleet applications are the focal points of this fuel and technology neutral conference. As the largest conference and tradeshow of its kind, AF&V 2009 is the place to educate, demonstrate and sell. More info here.


    Here are some Florida groups and events:

    Florida Public Transportation Association

    The Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) is chartered to fulfill the following objectives:

    1. To provide a forum for public transit service providers and affiliated organizations to exchange experiences, studies and to engage in meaningful discussion of mutual problems, concerns and issues.
    2. To foster the improvement of public transportation in the state by promoting the beneficial use of research and factual study.
    3. To act as a collective voice in promoting the recognition, use, expansion and enhancement of public transportation in the state.
    4. To elicit cooperation efforts among member agencies, their employees, agents and customers, along with the general public to pursue and achieve common interests.
    5. To represent the interests of member agencies, individually or collectively, in forums appropriate for the prosecution, enforcement or defense of issues of interest to those members.
    6. To receive and apply funds for the achievement and furtherance of organizational purposes and objectives, including levying, assessing, charging and collecting dues from the membership of the Association.
    7. To acquire, hold and own land, facilities, equipment and furnishings and do all things necessary and incident to carrying out the organizational purposes and objectives.

    Miami-Dade Democratic Black Caucus Regularly Scheduled Meeting
    Second Saturday of every month at 10 AM
    Event Location: El-Portal City Hall 500 NE 87 Street, The Village of El-Portal.

    We welcome new membership, please join us, free continental breakfast served! Honorable Joyce A. Davis, President 305-754-0934

    Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Miami-Dade
    Fourth Wednesday of every month, 7:00PM
    Hoja Nueva Restaurant at the Westin Colonade
    Please attend the monthly meeting for the Miami Dade Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida. For more info: 305 632-0036

    Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club
    Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club Breakfast Meeting
    Event Location: “Versailles” restaurant located at 3555 SW 8 ST Miami, FL 33135 Fourth Saturday of each month, 9:00 a.m. (If this is the same Versailles Cuban restaurant that I know in California, the food is fantastic! Particularly the roast chicken and rost pork).

    The Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club invites you to its next breakfast meeting at “Versailles” restaurant located at 3555 SW 8 St
    Cost: $15 per person.

    For more info contact: Hector Caraballo (President, Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club) at hector_at_miamicubandems.org

    MIAMI-DADE YOUNG DEMS MONTHLY MEETING
    Fourth Tuesday of every month, 7pm
    Location:
    Gordon Biersch
    1201 Biscayne Ave. Miami, FL 33131
    For info: 786-425-1130

    Sumter County Democratic Club
    P.O. Box 1066 Wildwood, FL 34785
    General Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of every month Sumterville Community Center

    Tri-County Women's Democratic Club
    General Meeting at 9:30 a.m. on the 1st Monday of every month at the Sumter County Sheriff's Annex on Highway 466 @ Morse Boulevard.

    Charlotte County Democrats meeting
    The Charlotte County Democratic Club meets on the second Saturday of every month. Please join us at 9:30 AM for coffee and snacks. The meeting starts at 10 AM. Location is the upstairs meeting room at the Public Library on Aaron Street in Port Charlotte. Call 743-5560 for directions or more info.

    Peace Vigil West New Haven 5:00PM - 6:30PM
    First Wednesday of the month at the "Peace Corner" 1700 West New Haven (just west of the Melbourne Square Mall). Signs provided or bring your own. Please bring nonperishable food items for "Food Not Bombs". Food is distributed to local families in need.

    More info 321-720-3520 or vimpoco@cfl.rr.com
    Organization: Patriots For Peace


    And for those interested in a more fun way to be liberal, here are Florida's Drinking Liberal groups:

    Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
    * Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
    * Island Jack's Patio Bar and Grille, 5425 W Atlantic Blvd, Margate (just East of 441)
    * Hosted by Jacqueline Hope Derby and Dave Pfeffer, ftlauderdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Orlando, Florida
    * Every Wednesday, 6:00 pm onward
    * Johnny's Fillin' Station, 2706 S Ferncreek Ave (NE corner of Michigan and Fern Creek)
    * Hosted by Dan Hill, orlando (at) drinkingliberally.or

    Pensacola, Florida
    * Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
    * Intermission, 214 S Palafox St
    * Hosted by Terry Welch, pensacola (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Tallahassee, Florida
    * Third Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
    * Gill's Tavern, 2545 North Monroe Street
    * Hosted by Sharon Collins, tallahassee (at) drinkingliberally.org

    South Tampa UPDATED
    * Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm onward (used to only be first Thursday)
    * Rock-N-Sports, 1600 E 8th Ave, #E200 (Above Starbucks, Across from Muvico, Next to Adobe Guilas)
    * Hosted by Tim Heberlein, southtampa (at) drinkingliberally.org
    * http://livingliberally.org/drinking/chapters/FL/southtampa

    St. Petersburg
    * Last Thursday of each month, 8:30 pm onward
    * Limey's Pub, 1492 4th St N
    * Hosted by Connor Davis and Dave Lee, stpetersburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Brandon
    * Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
    * Giordano's, 11310 Causeway Blvd, Brandon FL 33511 (Outside patio) (NEW location)
    * Hosted by Joe Litton and Shirley Litton, brandon (at) drinkingliberally.org
    * http://livingliberally.org/drinking/chapters/FL/brandon

    Land O Lakes
    * Second Tuesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
    * Rapscallions, 4422 Land O Lakes Blvd (US-41)
    * Hosted by Brian Reach and Michael Greenman, landolakes (at) drinkingliberally.orgF

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