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Mole's Progressive Democrat

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

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Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States

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

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  • Thursday, October 14, 2010

    VIRGINIA FOCUS: Blogs, Food Co-ops, Energy and Agriculture, Groups and Events

    Tom Perriello endorsed by Veterans of Foreign Wars: (from the Danville Register & Bee)

    More than a dozen veterans from the Danville chapter of the VFW were on hand to deliver the endorsement at the Danville/Pittsylvania Veterans Memorial inDanville. The decision was based on Perriello’s strong support for veteran’s affairs, including expanding health care and economic benefits for them, according to the VFW.

    Perriello is campaigning for re-election in 5th District against state senator Robert Hurt, of Chatham and Jeff Clark, of Danville.

    The small event started off with a brief introduction from U.S. Navy veteran Kevin Cramton, of Danville, who emphasized Perriello’s accessibility.

    “To me, he’s for us,” Cramton said in an interview. “He could have hid up in Washington, but he’s been here talking to us.”


    Democrat Tom Perriello: "We Need to Fight for the Working and Middle Class"

    Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy



    Phone bank from your home to help re-elect Tom Perriello


    Rating Virginia's Lawmakers: Click here to see how Virginia's Congressmen rated on Americans for Democratic Action's Scorecard.


    NEWS FROM VIRGINIA:

    Virginia Benefits From Stimulus Bill

    Virginia Republicans Rip Each Other Over Bad Booze Plan

    Cuccinelli Fine With Fraud If It Backs His Political Views

    Caught on Video: Carpetbagger Griffith Talks About Manipulating Redistricting:



    Dirty Energy Puts the Hurt on Virginia Consumers

    The Democratic Party will make a fight over Republicas's Chinese slush fund...it has always seemed to me the Republican Party stands up more for the Chinese and Saudi governments than they do for working and middle class Americans

    Meanwhile: Veterans of Foreign Wars in Danville endorses Congressman Tom Perriello

    Republican Eric Cantor dodges another debate...I am noticing that across the country Republicans are refusing to face the public. They are hoping money (like the money from China and Saudi Arabia) will buy votes so they don't have to actually TALK to the American people.

    Sierra Club Flunks McDonnell on Chesapeake Bay

    Federal Judge Rules Republican/Teabagger Anti-Healthcare Lawsuit "Without Merit"...this has been ANOTHER way Republicans have been wasting taxpayer money: frivolous lawsuits against popular and important legislation. And speaking of healthcare reform: Health reform benefits kids, Danville church leaders say

    Congressional Candidates' Views on Clean Energy, Climate Change: VA-09


    BLOGGING VIRGINIA:

    Loudoun Progress: A community for Democrats, progressives and other open minded neighbors in Loudoun County, Virginia.

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

    The Virginia Public Access Project is a non profit group that demonstrates how technology can improve public understanding of money's role in Virginia politics. This is one of the best resources to use to find out who takes money from whom in Virginia politics.

    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.

    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!

    Virginia Coalition for Open Government: formed to promote expanded access to government records, meetings and other proceedings at the state and local level. Our efforts are focused solely on local/state information access. While we do some lobbying (within limits imposed by IRS rules), our primary work is educational. The Coalition was formed in 1996, after a year-long organizing effort. Our 23-member board of directors represents the state's access activists and friends of open government, including Virginia's librarians, genealogists, broadcasters, newspapers and the public at large. Also check out their blog for recent news.

    Ox Road South: Chap Peterson's website

    Blue Commonwealth is a community forum for the discussion of political issues of interest to Virginians.


    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
    o When? Every Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm
    o Where? Ruby Tuesday Restaurant, 5880 Leesburg Pike
    o Hosted by Bev Wright | Quinn Jones | Michelle Elliott

    * Charlottesville
    o When? Every Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm
    o Where? South Street Brewery, 106 W South St
    o Hosted by Chris Dumler

    *Fredericksburg
    o When? Every Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm
    o Where? Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd.
    o Hosted by Amy LaMarca | William Salinger

    * Harrisonburg
    o When? Second Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm
    o Where? Clementine Cafe, 153 South Main Street
    o Hosted by Daniel Chavez | Rachel Fulk

    *Lorton
    o When? First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm
    o Where? Glory Days Grill, 9459 Lorton Market St (To the right or outside)
    o Hosted by Alan Salisbury | Chris Ambrose

    * Norfolk
    o When? First and Third Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm
    o Where? The New Belmont, 2117 Colonial Ave (upstairs at the bar, or outside if the weather is nice)
    o Hosted by Patrick Hester | Clint Dalton

    *Roanoke
    o When? First Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm
    o Where? Flanary's Irish Pub, Jefferson Street (Downtown)
    o When? of each month, 6:30 pm
    o Hosted by Hank Bostwick | Tom McKinnon

    *Staunton
    o When? First Tuesday of each month, 6:00 pm
    o Where? Irish Alley Restaurant & Pub, 19 West Johnson St
    o Hosted by Riley Murray | Mai-Linh Hong

    Virginia Beach
    * When? Fourth Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm
    * Where? "CROC's" 19th Street Bistro, 620 19th St & Cypress Ave, (One block from the VA Beach Convention Center)
    * Hosted by Chris Jaramillo | Josh Bolotsky


    VIRGINIA FOOD CO-OPS

    It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. So I will list some local food co-ops in Virginia:

    Eats Natural Foods Co-op
    708 North Main Street in Blacksburg (new location)
    Phone: (540) 552-2279
    info@eatsnaturalfoods.com
    http://www.eatsnaturalfoods.com/

    (email doesn't work? If anyone has any info on this co-op, let me know)

    Crozet Natural Foods
    PO Box 634
    Crozet, Virginia 22932
    Phone: (434) 823-5583
    keptfreeinhim@yahoo.com

    Healthy Foods Co-op
    110 W Washington Street
    Lexington, Virginia 24450
    Phone: (540) 463-6954
    FAX: (540) 463-7213
    hfoods@rockbridge.net
    http://healthyfoodscoop.org/

    (email doesn't work?)

    We are a community-based cooperative, dedicated to offering products, services and leadership which reflects our membership's commitment to healthy living, nutritional awareness and environmental responsibility.

    Healthy Foods Market is a cooperative business, meaning that we are owned and democratically controlled by our members. We are proud of our experienced and knowledgeable staff that can assist you with your regular purchases, as well as with special inquires and needs.

    They also have a cafe, something I wish my local food co-op would do.

    Fare Share Cooperative
    2132 W. Main Street
    Richmond, Virginia 23220
    Phone: (804) 355-5919

    Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op
    1319 Grandin Road SW
    Roanoke, Virginia 24015
    Phone: (540) 343-5652
    FAX: (540) 343-5711
    info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop
    http://www.roanokenaturalfoods.coop/

    Incorporated in 1975, Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op– or the Co-op as it is more commonly known – provides our community with nutritious food choices and earth-friendly products. Operating from cooperative principles, we support sustainable environmental practices, local organic farmers, local businesses, and our community.

    We are the largest cooperatively owned natural foods grocery store in Virginia, and though we're member owned, ownership is not required to shop. Our products are many, our selection diverse, and our promise unwavering – that you will find quality items for sale in our store with no artificial colorants, preservatives, or additives.

    In addition to providing families with high-quality organic and natural products, the Co-op supports local efforts to preserve the integrity and health of our natural resources and community.


    Alternative Energy and Sustainable Agriculture in Virginia:

    Some stats from Repower America:

    * The recently passed Virginia Energy Plan will aim to reduce Virginia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2025 through energy efficiency education and investment in state renewable energy projects.

    * A 39-megawatt wind farm recently gained approval in Highland County and is expected to power 15,000 homes with clean energy

    * Virginia's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) enourages public utilities to generate 12% of their electricity sales from renewable energy sources by 2022.


    Alternative energy and YOUR energy bill: YOU can be part of the solution for America by signing up to purchase your energy through a Green Power Provider. My wife and I have been doing this in NYC for years. All our energy usage is provided through wind energy generation on American farms. So we use clean energy AND help American farmers. It costs us three cents per kilowatt-hour more per month, but we feel great about it. Although our actual energy may come from anywhere, we are paying to purchase wind energy for the energy grid. Each state has different programs available, usually through yuor existing energy provider right on your existing energy bill. To find such options in Virginia, go here and pick your energy provider from the list. If you need help, you can email me and tell me who you get your bill from (don't give me any other info!) and I can tell you who to contact to go green through that energy provider. Or you can do the same thing using Renewable Energy Certificates through an organization that works with utility companies, though in this case it is a separate bill. One off the cheapest (.4-1 cent per kilowatt-hour), but still e-Green certified, ways to do this is through Good Energy. Or, for about half a cent per kilowatt-hour you can purchase renewable energy certificates through Carbonfund.org. ANY of these ways you do it, you are helping the environment, helping America, and helping cut carbon emissions.

    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, location switches between the Bayside Area Library and the Greak Neck area Library. Those interested should check the VBDC website for the location.

    The VBDC also hosts a Third Thursday Dinner at Kelly's Hilltop Tavern at 7:00 PM every third Thursday of the month.

    There's also a VBDC Breakfast every fourth Saturday of the month at Bubba's Deli & BBQ.

    Those interested in these, and other, events hosted by the VBDC should check out the upcoming events on the VBDC website

    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

    Equality Loudoun has been working since 2003 to make Loudoun County, Virginia a welcoming place for all its residents - gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight.

    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
    location in transition...email for more info
    Casual get-together of like minded Democratic Activist
    For more info contact: jac_at_j2power.com

    Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, Virginia Chapter: Keeping America Free, Secular and Jeffersonian. Church-state separation stands as one of the foundations of our nation. Because of it, Americans enjoy unparalleled religious liberty and nurture one of the most vital religious communities in the world. Separation guarantees the freedom to worship or not to worship as you choose. Northern Virginia Chapter and Southern Virginia Chapter.

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